That Affair Next Door

by Anna Katharine Green

First published in 1897, That Affair Next Door is another fascinating study in human motivations intertwined with bits and pieces of circumstantial evidence that at first make very little sense. True to Green's style, she calls up and explains each motivation, each piece of evidence with mathematical precision until the mystery unravels and the perpetrator is punished in a most fitting fashion.

• ISBN10: 1304107051
• ISBN13: 9781304107053
• Publish Date: 5 June 2013 (first published 1 January 2010)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Imprint: Lulu.com
• Format: eBook (OEB)
• Language: English

Reviews

[annieb123]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

That Affair Next Door is the 8th book in the Mr. Gryce series by Anna Katharine Green. First published in 1897, this reformat and re-release from Poisoned Pen Press is part of the Library of Congress Crime Classics. It's 384 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats (other editions available in other formats). It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

Anna Katharine Green is often credited as the first American female to write a mystery novel (there is some doubt about this claim). She was indubitably a prolific and successful writer, especially considered as a female in the late 19th century in a field dominated by male writers.

There are several series published by different publishers re-introducing these long out of print classic mysteries. They all include well written introductions (in this case by Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress - which might be the coolest job title ever) full of interesting historical notes and resources for further background reading. Although listed as the 8th book in the Mr. Gryce series, this book is also the first one introducing Amelia Butterworth, one of Green's more enduring characters. To modern readers, the book does seem quite dated (Ms. Butterworth herself is quite a product of her time period and is quite antiquated in attitude and thoughts). It's written in first person point of view which can be difficult, but the author was technically adept and capable andenough that the book doesn't suffer for that. The language is very clean, the dialogue (if a bit anachronistic to modern ears) is well executed.

Three and a half stars. It's very nice to see these classics (however dated) being re-released for a new generation of fans. I found the introduction and historical notes very well written and informative.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.