A Matter of Millions

Mr. Gryce #6

by Anna Katharine Green

Excerpt from book: CHAPTER VI. A SURPRISE. To the sound of a scream from the signorina's lips, young Degraw turned. Before him, in the doorway I have mentioned, he saw standing the slight, dark and unprepossessing figure of a man so evidently Italian in his appearance and bearing, that it did not need the hurried bound and startled exclamation of the Portuguese for him to recognize in this menacing intruder the Signor Montelli. "So, so, we are to wind up with a scene," thought he; and instinctively stepped between this stranger and the shrinking figure of the signorina. But the precaution seemed needless. At the first words uttered by the Portuguese, the Italian broke into a harsh laugh, and drawing the old crone after him, left the room and shut the door behind him. Mr. Degraw, surprised by this sudden departure, stood staring, while the signorina trembled so that she seemed in danger of falling. "It is very strange," quoth the former, "He did not seem to notice that the couch was empty and that you stood living and breathing before him. The Portuguese cannot be as true to you as you thought. She must have told him that you would wake—" " Oh ! oh ! hush !" broke from the young girl's lips, as the door opened again and the old woman stepped in. " I am so bewildered, I do not know what to make of all this." And leaving him, she advanced toward the crone, who met her with a look that added to his surprise and her perplexity. A short interchange of words followed, and then the old woman drew back and the signorina turned. But with what a different air and with what a different look. Young Degraw would hardly have known h...

Genres: Mystery

188 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1891

About the author

Anna Katharine Green (1846-1935) was an American poet and novelist. She was one of the first writers of detective fiction in America and distinguished herself by writing well plotted, legally accurate stories. Born in Brooklyn, New York, her early ambition was to write romantic verse, and she corresponded with Ralph Waldo Emerson. When her poetry failed to gain recognition, she produced her first and best known novel, The Leavenworth Case (1878). She became a bestselling author, eventually publishing about 40 books. She was in some ways a progressive woman for her time-succeeding in a genre dominated by male writers-but she did not approve of many of her feminist contemporaries, and she was opposed to women's suffrage. Her other works include A Strange Disappearance (1880), The Affair Next Door (1897), The Circular Study (1902), The Filigree Ball (1903), The Millionaire Baby (1905), The House in the Mist (1905), The Woman in the Alcove (1906), The House of the Whispering Pines (1910), Initials Only (1912), and The Mystery of the Hasty Arrow (1917).

Reviews

[Kayla Krantz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hooked by the idea of this book and only found out after listening to it that it’s actually a classic from the 1800’s. Writing style wise, this much is apparent, but I have to say that the action and suspense had me on the edge of my seat like something Ruth Ware would’ve written.

I didn’t see the ending coming, and that rarely happens for me in thrillers anymore. Even though it was a little wordy, I still very much enjoyed the story. Plus, the smooth narration made it an easy listen.

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

[Robyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Early Bird Book Deal | abbreviated review because I am very tired and this wasn't very good, obvious and stuffed to the gills with the tropes of its time, namely, that nobody will talk to each other, and that a gentleman would rather risk the murder of his beloved than speak an impolite word against another man. The plot synopsis listed everywhere is a spoiler, it describes plot points that are meant to remain a mystery until 47% of the way through the book.

[Myrna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good read in this series. Had to read it on my android phone as this book was not available for kindle ... available through google books.

[Deedra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audible:This book was good,as long as you could keep track of what was going on.Girls with the name Jenny Rogers are being 'found' and some die,some don't.It's a twisted tale. Narrated nicely by P.J. Morgan.I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.

[Sara Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The synopsis of several women, with the same name, being murdered grabbed my attention.

Once I started listening, I felt the writing seemed a little old school. So I decided to investigate. Turns out A Matter of Millions is from the Victorian Era. I love reading Victorian novels. Added to that, I found out Anna Katherine Green is pretty much the grandmother of the modern mystery, (if Agatha Christie is the mother of the modern mystery.) With Green, like Christie, you have to pay close attention to the story, and even after doing so, it ends with a plot twist you did not see coming, even for a seasoned mystery reader.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I cannot wait to share it with others, especially my friends who also love Victorian novels. I have never seen Anna Katherine Green's name come up.

P.J. Morgan does a nice job with the narration and kept me listening straight through to the end.

I received a copy of this book at my request, and I have voluntarily left this review.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A Matter of Millions" is another wonderful Mr. Gryce book by Anna Green. It could have been titled "What's in a Name". The story's main plot involves a dying man and his will. Having no relatives, the man wants to give his money to someone worthy and similar to the woman he loved and lost too soon. Much of the book is about various characters actions, reactions, and plans for this money - the millions in the title. There is also a love story throughout the book. My favorite part of the book is the denouement explaining previous mysterious actions of the characters. Mrs. Green withholds some information from the reader until the book's very end. Also, keep a dictionary handy while reading. The author chose some words unknown to this reader. The definitions of these words will add to your enjoyment of the book. Happy Reading! Joan