Book I: The Problem
The narrator is drawn into the investigation of Mr. Leavenworth's murder.
A Great Case
Arrives as Mr. Veeley's substitute, views the murder scene, and attends the inquest.
II: The Coroner’s Inquest
Observes the inquest and reflects on the surreal contrast between the lavish room and the grim proceedings.
III: Facts and Deductions
Observes Harwell's lies and emotional tells; makes notes on four key points of suspicion.
A Clue
Observes the inquest proceedings and notes the sensation caused by Mr. Gryce's discovery of the candle.
Expert Testimony
Attends the inquest, whispers with Mr. Gryce, and volunteers to fetch the young ladies when summoned.
VI: Sidelights
Describes his immediate and overwhelming attraction to Eleanore, his internal conflict between revulsion at crime and fascination with her, and his role in escorting Mary Leavenworth downstairs.
VII: Mary Leavenworth
Observes the proceedings, feels relief when Mary denies knowledge of the murder, and notes the tension between the cousins.
VIII: Circumstantial Evidence
Describes the proceedings and his own emotional turmoil, feeling a desire to flee the scene.
IX: A Discovery
Observes and interacts with Mary Leavenworth and Mr. Gryce; attempts to console Mary and questions Eleanore's possible concealment.
X: Mr. Gryce Receives New Impetus
Struggles with the evidence against Eleanore, torn between suspicion and faith in her innocence; accompanies Mary to her friend's house.
The Summons
Reads newspaper accounts, attends inquest, visits Mary, and receives Eleanore's summons.
XII: Eleanore
Visits Eleanore, confronts her about the accusations, and is ultimately convinced of her innocence after her dramatic display.
XIII: The Problem
Observes the confrontation between Mary and Eleanore, presses Eleanore for information, and resolves to uncover the real murderer.
Book II: Henry Clavering
Continues to observe and report on the unfolding events.
XIV: Mr. Gryce at Home
Resolves to investigate James Harwell and visits Mr. Gryce to discuss the case; agrees to approach Henry Clavering.
Ways Opening
Attends the funeral, converses with Harwell, follows Gryce's instructions to observe Clavering, visits Mary, and agrees to work on the manuscript in the study.
XVI: The Will of a Millionaire
Discusses the will with Mr. Gryce, agrees to help with the manuscript, and has a troubling conversation with Eleanore.
The Beginning of Great Surprises
Describes his frustration with lack of progress, observes Harwell and Mary, and confronts Mary about Eleanore's key and the accusation.
XVIII: On the Stairs
Receives Thomas's revelation about Clavering, witnesses Harwell's accusation, and receives a letter from Mary.
XIX: In My Office
Raymond is exhausted and unsettled, but engages with Clavering's legal query, later realizing he has been manipulated.
XX: “Trueman! Trueman! Trueman!”
Presses Mr. Harwell to explain his accusation against Henry Clavering, listens to the account of the prophetic dream.
XXI: A Prejudice
Interviews Mr. Harwell, pressing him about the letter and his dream, and learns of Leavenworth's anti-English prejudice.
Patchwork
Reconstructs the torn letter and develops a theory about Clavering and Eleanore's secret marriage; plans to travel to R— for investigation.
XXIII: The Story of a Charming Woman
Learns the story of Mr. Leavenworth's marriage from Mr. Veeley and later has an unexpected conversation with Eleanore Leavenworth at the Veeley home.
A Report Followed by Smoke
Presents a written summary of events proving the secret marriage; hires Q to investigate further.
XXV: Timothy Cook
Assists Mr. Gryce by placing photographs of Eleanore and Mary in the room; reacts with horror to Mr. Gryce's accusation of Mary.
Mr. Gryce Explains Himself
Struggles to accept Mr. Gryce's theory, pleads for more time, and ultimately agrees to travel to R⸺ to find Mrs. Belden.
Book III: Hannah
Continues to assist Mr. Gryce in the investigation, focusing on Hannah's whereabouts.
XXVII: Amy Belden
Arrives in R⸺ and uses Mr. Monell to gain access to Mrs. Belden's home under the pretense of needing lodging.
A Weird Experience
Inspects Mrs. Belden's room for clues, advises her on legal ethics, and secretly retrieves a hidden box from the barn.
The Missing Witness
Receives Q's note, waits anxiously, then breaks into Hannah's room and discovers her dead.
XXX: Burned Paper
Discovers Hannah's body, investigates the room with Q, and grapples with the implications for the case.
XXXI: Q
Confronts Mrs. Belden, discovers Hannah's death, and reads Mary's incriminating letter.
Unexpected Testimony
Interviews Mrs. Belden and discovers Hannah's letter.
Book IV: The Problem Solved
Observes and recounts the resolution of the case.
Mr. Gryce Resumes Control
Provides Mr. Gryce with a full account of events and hands over Hannah's confession; follows Mr. Gryce's lead in the investigation.
XXXV: Fine Work
Assists Mr. Gryce in examining evidence and reacts with distress to the implication of Mary.
Gathered Threads
Listens to Mr. Gryce's revelations and is present when Harwell confesses.
Culmination
Witnesses the confession and confrontation, and assists Harwell to his feet.
A Full Confession
Confesses to the murder of Mr. Leavenworth, detailing his motives and actions.
XXXIX: The Outcome of a Great Crime
Brings Eleanore the good news of Harwell's confession, facilitates the reconciliation, and accompanies Eleanore to inform Mr. Veeley.
