One of My Sons

"One of My Sons" by Anna Katharine Green is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins with a mysterious and dramatic event surrounding the death of Archibald Gillespie, a wealthy stockbroker. Central to the plot is a young lawyer, Arthur Outhwaite, who becomes unwittingly involved in the family’s turmoil when he helps the ailing grandfather of a frightened child. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of the family members, particularly focusing on themes of trust, betrayal, and the quest for truth in the wake of tragedy. The opening of the novel introduces us to Arthur Outhwaite, who is drawn into a chilling situation when a young girl implores him to assist her grandfather, who is gravely ill. Despite his initial reluctance, he enters the Gillespie home, only to witness the grandfather’s sudden demise. Confusion ensues as secrets and tensions within the Gillespie family surface, particularly concerning the mysterious circumstances of the father's death and the implications of a letter unearthed during the investigation. As Outhwaite becomes entangled in the family's affairs, he grapples with moral dilemmas surrounding his responsibilities to the dead man’s final request and the escalating drama among the frightened relatives. The narrative sets the stage for an engaging mystery that invites readers to ponder the true nature of familial bonds under strain. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Anna Katharine Green was an American poet and novelist. She was one of the first writers of detective fiction in America and distinguished herself by writing well plotted, legally accurate stories. Green has been called "the mother of the detective novel".