The Filigree Ball

Name: The Filigree Ball
Author: Anna Katharine Green

The Filigree Ball is a mystery novel written by Anna Katharine Green and published in 1898. The story follows the protagonist, detective Ebenezer Gryce, as he investigates a murder that takes place at a high-society ball hosted by a wealthy socialite. As Gryce delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of deceit and betrayal among the guests, leading him to the killer. The novel is known for its clever plot twists and its exploration of themes such as class, gender, and social status.

By Anna Katharine Green · First published 1908 · Genre: Mystery, Detective Fiction, Crime Fiction · 27 chapters · 102,574 words

First lines

For a detective whose talents, had not been recognized at headquarters, I possessed an ambition which, fortunately for my standing with the lieutenant of the precinct, had not yet been expressed in words. Though I had small reason for expecting great things of myself, I had always cherished the hope that if a big case came my way I should be found able to do something with it something more, that is, than I had seen accomplished by the police of the District of Columbia since I had had the honor of being one of their number. Therefore, when I found myself plunged, almost without my own volition, into the Jeffrey-Moore affair, I believed that the opportunity had come whereby I might distinguish myself.

What this Textopian page supports

The Filigree Ball is listed on Textopian as a novel by Anna Katharine Green, dated 1908 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Anna Katharine Green
Date: 1908 CE
Language: English
Genres: Mystery, Detective Fiction, Crime Fiction, Suspense, Romance
Length: 102,574 words
Structure: 27 chapters, 1,842 paragraphs
Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

Good citation fit

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Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Mystery — The book is centered around a crime, in particular, an unexplained death, and the subsequent investigation.
Detective Fiction — The story follows detective agencies and their investigation of the crime, consistent with detective fiction.
Crime Fiction — The book's plot revolves around a crime, specifically a murder, and the subsequent pursuit of justice.
Suspense — Elements of suspense are present throughout the book with the inclusion of unexpected twists and turns.