The Staircase at the Heart's Delight: 1894

A crime fiction novel written in the late 19th century. It revolves around the mysterious drowning deaths of several wealthy men in New York City, prompting a deeper investigation into a potential conspiracy linked to a crooked pawnbroker and a wider cast of dubious characters. The story combines elements of mystery and suspense as it explores themes of morality and the dark sides of human nature. The plot is narrated by Mr. Gryce, a young detective who becomes obsessed with the string of unexplained drownings, particularly after a young man reveals his disturbing encounter with a pawnbroker who insinuates that he can arrange for the death of his wealthy father. Observing these interactions leads Gryce to take on a dangerous undercover role within a seedy establishment named ''The Heart's Delight,'' where he discovers a scheme involving trickery and treachery for financial gain. Ultimately, though Gryce is betrayed and nearly meets his demise, his keen insight allows him to untangle the mystery of the drownings and expose the sinister operations of the criminals involved. This gripping tale showcases Green’s deft storytelling ability and serves as an early example of the detective genre.