The Old Stone House and Other Stories   By: Anna Katharine Green (1846-1935)

The Old Stone House and Other Stories by Anna Katharine Green is a captivating collection of short stories that effortlessly transports readers into a world of mystery, intrigue, and unexpected twists. Each tale is unfolded with a skillful hand, engrossing readers from the very first page until the last.

One of the standout stories in this collection is the titular "The Old Stone House." Set in a seemingly ordinary town, the story takes a sinister turn when a local resident mysteriously disappears. As the investigation unfolds, readers are drawn into a web of secrets and hidden motives that keeps them guessing until the surprising conclusion. Green masterfully builds tension and suspense, leading readers down unexpected paths and creating an atmosphere of unease that is difficult to shake off even after finishing the story.

Another memorable story is "The Gray Madam," which tells the tale of a haunted house and the paranormal occurrences plaguing its residents. Green expertly blends elements of supernatural with psychological chills, creating a story that will make readers question the thin line between the real and the imagined. With her vivid descriptions and vivid characters, Green brings the haunted house to life, making it an integral part of the story itself.

What makes this collection truly outstanding is Green's ability to create well-rounded, complex characters within the confines of short stories. From detectives to innocent bystanders, each protagonist comes alive through their thoughts, actions, and interactions with others. Alongside these dynamic characters, Green weaves intricate plots, leaving readers engrossed in their desire to uncover the truth and anticipate the unexpected turns the stories take.

Moreover, Green's writing style is lyrical and evocative, painting vivid imagery that transports readers into each setting. From the quaint town with its old stone house to the eerie, haunted mansion, Green's descriptions create a rich tapestry that adds depth and atmosphere to each story. She effortlessly captures the essence of the time period in which the stories are set, immersing readers in the world of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Overall, The Old Stone House and Other Stories is a compelling collection that showcases Anna Katharine Green's mastery of the mystery genre. With its well-crafted plots, memorable characters, and atmospheric settings, this book is sure to captivate fans of both classic and contemporary mysteries. Whether readers are seeking a thrilling read or a glimpse into a bygone era, Green's collection delivers in every aspect, leaving a lasting impression.

First Page:

I was riding along one autumn day through a certain wooded portion of New York State, when I came suddenly upon an old stone house in which the marks of age were in such startling contrast to its unfinished condition that I involuntarily stopped my horse and took a long survey of the lonesome structure. Embowered in a forest which had so grown in thickness and height since the erection of this building that the boughs of some of the tallest trees almost met across its decayed roof, it presented even at first view an appearance of picturesque solitude almost approaching to desolation. But when my eye had time to note that the moss was clinging to eaves from under which the scaffolding had never been taken, and that of the ten large windows in the blackened front of the house only two had ever been furnished with frames, the awe of some tragic mystery began to creep over me, and I sat and wondered at the sight till my increasing interest compelled me to alight and take a nearer view of the place... Continue reading book >>