The Black Cross
A young woman named Ruth Rose is found dead in her home, with a black cross marked on her forehead. The investigation reveals that she was poisoned with belladonna, and the killer left a mysterious note at the scene. As the detective delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of deceit and betrayal that leads to a surprising conclusion.
By Anna Katharine Green · First published 1907 · Genre: Mystery, Detective fiction, Crime Fiction · 2,110 words
First lines
A black cross had been set against Judge Hawkins' name; why, it is not for me to say. We were not accustomed to explain our motives or to give reasons for our deeds. The deeds were enough, and this black cross meant death; and when it had been shown us, all that we needed to know further was at what hour we should meet for the contemplated raid.
A word from the captain settled that; and when the next Friday came, a dozen men met at the place of rendezvous, ready for the ride which should bring them to the Judge's solitary mansion across the mountains.
What this Textopian page supports
The Black Cross is listed on Textopian as a short story by Anna Katharine Green, dated 1907 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Anna Katharine Green
- Date: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Mystery, Detective fiction, Crime Fiction, Suspense, Thriller
- Length: 2,110 words
- Structure: 1 section, 29 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Black Cross by Anna Katharine Green
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Black Cross?
- How does this short story by Anna Katharine Green fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Mystery first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Mystery — The central plot revolves around resolving a mysterious circumstance semi-related to a crime.
- Detective fiction — The story follows a detective character's investigative process.
- Crime Fiction — The book's plot involves crimes that need to be solved.
- Suspense — The plot contains high tension moments and cliffhangers.
Tags
mystery · thriller · detective · crime · suspense · whodunit · plot twist · cliffhanger · intrigue · suspenseful · gripping · thrilling