The Leavenworth Case · Chapter
Book I: The Problem explained
The narrator is introduced to the murder of Mr.
What happens
The narrator is introduced to the murder of Mr. Leavenworth and begins investigating the case alongside Mr. Gryce, uncovering initial suspicions and the disappearance of the maid Hannah.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This chapter is the dramatic climax because it delivers the long-withheld psychological revelation of the murd…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Justice and Investigation
The chapter establishes the central mystery and the initial steps of the investigation into Mr. Leavenworth's murder.
- Secrecy and Truth
The disappearance of Hannah and the hidden circumstances of the murder highlight themes of secrecy and the search for truth.
Characters to notice
- The Narrator
The narrator is drawn into the investigation of Mr. Leavenworth's murder.
- Mr. Gryce
Mr. Gryce takes charge of the investigation and involves the narrator.
- Horatio Leavenworth
Mr. Leavenworth is found murdered, setting the story in motion.
- Hannah
Hannah, the maid, disappears shortly after the murder.
- Mary Leavenworth
Mary Leavenworth is present in the household and becomes a person of interest.
Key passages
“Mr. Leavenworth was found dead in his library.”
The body of Mr. Leavenworth was discovered in his library.
This event initiates the entire plot.
“Hannah, the maid, had vanished.”
The maid named Hannah had disappeared without a trace.
Hannah's disappearance raises immediate suspicion.
