Lost Man’s Lane
Leads the investigation into the disappearances on Lost Man’s Lane.
Book I: The Knollys Family
The narrator and protagonist, a sharp-witted spinster who inserts herself into the Knollys family affairs.
A Visit from Mr. Gryce
Narrator and protagonist; reflects on her past detective work and her relationship with Mr. Gryce.
I Am Tempted
Listens to Gryce's account, initially resists his implied invitation, but is tempted upon learning X is home to Althea Knollys's children.
III: I Succumb
The narrator and protagonist, who decides to visit the Knollys family after feeling guilty about neglecting her dead friend's children.
A Ghostly Interior
Arrives at the Knollys mansion and observes Lucetta's odd behavior, trying to understand the source of her fear.
A Strange Household
The narrator, observant and curious, notes the sisters' odd behavior and the household's oppressive atmosphere.
VI: A Sombre Evening
Observes the sisters' strange behavior and is suspicious of the household's secrets.
The First Night
Narrator and protagonist; she is observant, suspicious, and resourceful, using her senses to detect deception.
On the Stairs
Overhears a plot to exclude her from the house and resolves to investigate the family's secrets.
A New Acquaintance
Receives a letter from Mr. Gryce via Mr. Trohm; observes Lucetta's terror and William's selfishness; maintains composure despite unease.
Secret Instructions
Receives secret instructions from Mr. Gryce and decides to ride into town to avoid suspicion.
Men, Women, and Ghosts
Arranges for a key to her door, engages with the locksmith about local superstitions, and rides with Mr. Simsbury, showing her determination and skepticism.
The Phantom Coach
Miss Butterworth is the narrator and protagonist, stranded at the hotel and determined to gather information about the phantom coach and the Knollys family.
XIII: Gossip
Engages in gossip with Mrs. Carter, defends Lucetta's potential courage, and reflects on her own unmarried state.
XIV: I Forget My Age, or, Rather, Remember It
Miss Butterworth rides with Mr. Trohm, trying to gain information about the Knollys family and the lane's mysteries.
Book II: The Flower Parlor
Investigates the Flower Parlor with Mr. Gryce, observing details and deducing connections.
XV: Lucetta Fulfils My Expectation of Her
Witnesses the farewell scene, maintains composure, and reflects on Lucetta's character.
XVI: Loreen
Amelia probes Loreen about the phantom coach and the family's secrets, and she theorizes that the sisters are hiding a prisoner—likely Silly Rufus—in the house.
The Flower Parlor
Sneaks into the Flower Parlor, discovers a disturbing book, marks the window, and later explores the locked drawing-room.
The Second Night
Maintains a stern watch through the night, falls asleep, and is locked in her room by an unseen hand. She questions Hannah about the key and matches, suspecting deceit.
A Knot of Crape
Narrator and investigator; remains vigilant despite the family's improved spirits, using her wits to explore the grounds and confirm her suspicions.
Questions
Reflects on her morning encounter with Mr. Trohm and the puzzling knot of crape, while maintaining her composure and discretion.
Mother Jane
Narrates the chapter; confronts William's suspicions about Mr. Trohm and attempts to persuade Mother Jane to work.
The Third Night
Narrator and observer; she devises a plan to witness the night's events and follows the funeral procession.
Book III: Forward and Back
Actively investigates and reflects on the Knollys family secrets.
Room 3, Hotel Carter
Narrator and protagonist; she secures Room 3 at the hotel to compose her account, determined to exonerate the Knollys sisters while exposing the family secret.
The Enigma of Numbers
Engages in a sharp debate with Mr. Gryce, revealing her own investigative discoveries about the knot of crape and William's room.
Trifles, but Not Trifling
Shares her theory about the burial and insists the remains are human, challenging Mr. Gryce's assumptions.
A Point Gained
Presents her deductions about the shoes and dress found in William's room, and connects the phantom coach to the crime.
The Text Witnesseth
Returns from town, feigns a quarrel with Mrs. Carter to gain access to the family Bible, and discovers a marked funeral passage in Corinthians.
An Intrusion
Resolves to remain quiet and sustain her role as visitor and friend; hastens to investigate Lucetta's cry.
XXIX: In the Cellar
Observes the scene silently, is asked by Lucetta to stand as their friend, and recalls her promise to their mother.
Investigation
Present at the exhumation, identifies the body as Althea Knollys, and struggles with the emotional ordeal.
Strategy
Learns the truth and devises a strategy to help Mr. Gryce by planting tacks in William's boots.
Relief
Narrates the chapter; feels relief and gladness that the investigation has failed, revealing her compassion beyond the detective instinct.
Book IV: The Birds of the Air
Continues her investigative role, probing into the family's past.
XXXIII: Lucetta
Rises early, takes a morning stroll, meets Mr. Trohm, and later reassures Lucetta about not gossiping.
Conditions
Observes the events, questions Mr. Gryce about the telegram, and expresses concern for Lucetta's health.
The Dove
Frustrated with her lack of progress, she takes initiative by interrogating Mother Jane and discovers the dove's role in the crime.
An Hour of Startling Experiences
Drives the investigation forward, manipulates William, and has a tense encounter with Mr. Trohm.
I Astonish Mr. Gryce and He Astonishes Me
Discovers the truth about the ring and the hidden man in the barn loft; confronts Mr. Gryce with her findings.
A Few Words
Struggles with conflicting emotions and the burden of keeping Mr. Ostrander's hiding place secret from Lucetta.
Under a Crimson Sky
Follows Loreen through a secret path to spy on Lucetta's confrontation; helps find the spring to open the trapdoor.
Explanations
Organizes the wedding preparations, writes letters, and receives Mr. Gryce's compliment.
