Lost Man's Lane: A Second Episode in the Life of Amelia Butterworth

"Lost Man's Lane: A Second Episode in the Life of Amelia Butterworth" by Anna Katharine Green is a gripping detective novel from the 1800s that centers around Amelia Butterworth, a clever amateur detective, who finds herself unraveling a string of strange disappearances in a sleepy village. Mentored by the experienced detective Mr. Gryce, she feels compelled to investigate these unsettling vanishings that cast a dark shadow over the local residents. This story begins with Amelia, fresh from solving a past case, being pulled back into the world of crime-solving. As Mr. Gryce explains the puzzling disappearances of men in that otherwise peaceful village, her interest is ignited. Her character is shown as strong-willed and determined as she plans a visit to the Knollys sisters, her late friend's children, who reside in a home haunted by the mystery. The opening chapters create a suspenseful mood, suggesting hidden secrets and growing tensions within the Knollys family, setting the scene for Amelia's developing investigation.