I: I Take a Country House
The narrator and protagonist, a middle-aged spinster who rents Sunnyside and becomes involved in mysterious events.
II: A Link Cuff-Button
Narrator and protagonist; she investigates the strange occurrences and finds the cufflink.
III: Mr. John Bailey Appears
Hosts dinner, knits slippers, investigates the cufflink, and discovers the body.
Where Is Halsey?
Narrator; discovers the revolver and the missing cufflink; questions Halsey's whereabouts.
V: Gertrude's Engagement
Provides a carefully worded statement to the coroner, omitting details about Halsey and Jack. Later questions Gertrude's story and reflects on the mysteries.
VI: In the East Corridor
Rachel interviews Mr. Harton, views the body, and later confronts Mr. Jamieson about the clues. She accompanies him to the east corridor and discovers the clothes chute.
VII: A Sprained Ankle
Investigates the locked laundry room and discovers a mysterious bag at the lodge.
VIII: The Other Half of the Line
Questioned by Jamieson about the figure on the veranda and the missing cufflink; confronts Rosie about the stolen dishes.
IX: Just Like a Girl
Confronts Halsey about his involvement, reveals finding the revolver, and struggles to uncover the truth.
X: The Traders’ Bank
Rachel is skeptical of Jack Bailey's innocence and insists on proof before believing him.
XI: Halsey Makes a Capture
Strolls with Halsey and Gertrude, discusses the murder and bank failure with Jamieson, then reenacts the crime scene with Halsey and witnesses the intruder's escape.
XII: One Mystery for Another
Confronts Mrs. Watson, investigates the lodge, and discovers Louise Armstrong hiding there.
XIII: Louise
Receives Mrs. Fitzhugh's call about Louise, decides to protect Louise's secret, and later speaks with Louise about her refusal to marry Halsey.
An Eggnog and a Telegram
Narrator and protagonist; manages the household, cares for Louise, and investigates the engagement rumor.
XV: Liddy Gives the Alarm
Rachel comforts Halsey, investigates the nighttime noises, and discovers Louise is missing.
XVI: In the Early Morning
Discovers Louise missing, helps revive her, decides to move Alex into the east wing, and attends the inquest.
XVII: A Hint of Scandal
Attends the inquest, refuses to give up Sunnyside, and informs Louise Armstrong of her stepbrother's death.
XVIII: A Hole in the Wall
Rachel brings Mr. Jamieson to Sunnyside, investigates the hole in the trunk-room wall, and is distracted by a phone call from Anna Whitcomb.
XIX: Concerning Thomas
Discusses the inquest with Mr. Jamieson, receives Louise's warning, and leads the search for Thomas.
XX: Doctor Walker’s Warning
Rachel stands firm against Doctor Walker's warning, insisting she will remain at Sunnyside to clear the mystery.
Fourteen Elm Street
Reflects on the investigation, interviews the minister, and later accompanies Jamieson to Mrs. Tate's to investigate Lucien Wallace.
XXII: A Ladder Out of Place
Narrates the chapter, observes Gertrude's movements, interrogates Mary Anne about the ladder, and grows increasingly nervous.
XXIII: While the Stables Burned
Rachel takes charge during the fire, investigates the east entry, and fires a revolver at an intruder, showing her courage and resourcefulness.
XXIV: Flinders
Investigates the fire and shooting, questions Doctor Walker and Doctor Stewart, and worries about Gertrude's health.
XXV: A Visit from Louise
Rachel tries to calm the household after Eliza's fright and later receives Louise's urgent visit, attempting to maintain composure.
XXVI: Halsey's Disappearance
Frantically searches for Halsey, visits Louise Armstrong, and learns of Warner's overheard conversation.
XXVII: Who Is Nina Carrington?
Endures four days of suspense, confronts Doctor Walker, deduces Nina Carrington's identity, and visits Mrs. Tate.
XXVIII: A Tramp and the Toothache
Narrates her conflicting suspicions about Jack Bailey, Gertrude, and others; receives news about Halsey's watch and the tramp's story; feels weak and dizzy.
XXIX: A Scrap of Paper
Keeps to her bed, tormented by Gertrude's nighttime absence and the familiar voice of the stranger she encountered. She later meets with Mr. Jamieson and Riggs, piecing together clues.
XXX: When Churchyards Yawn
Participates in the nighttime exhumation, showing courage and curiosity despite her fear.
XXXI: Between Two Fireplaces
Rachel investigates the trunk-room and discovers a hidden space between the walls, theorizing about the conspiracy and the secret chamber.
XXXII: Anne Watson’s Story
Visits Mrs. Watson at the Charity Hospital and hears her deathbed confession.
At the Foot of the Stairs
Investigates the trunk-room, discovers the secret mantel door, becomes trapped in the hidden room, and confronts an intruder.
The Odds and Ends
Narrates the final revelations, reflects on the summer's events, and plans to rent a new house.
