The Sword of Damocles

The Sword of Damocles is a novel by Anna Katharine Green, published in 1899. It tells the story of a young woman named Ruth Vivian who is accused of murdering her stepfather. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that there are many secrets and motives at play, and Ruth's innocence or guilt is not immediately apparent. The novel explores themes of family dynamics, loyalty, and the blurred lines between justice and vengeance. With its twists and turns, The Sword of Damocles is a classic example of the detective fiction genre and showcases Green's skill at crafting complex, suspenseful plots.

By Anna Katharine Green · First published 1902 · Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Crime · 46 chapters

Contents

• A WANDERER
• A DISCUSSION
• A MYSTERIOUS SUMMONS
• SEARCHINGS
• THE RUBICON
• A HAND CLASP
• MRS. SYLVESTER
• SHADOWS OF THE PAST
• PAULA
• THE BARRED DOOR
• MISS STUYVESANT
• MISS BELINDA MAKES CONDITIONS
• THE END OF MY LADY'S PICTURE
• MISS BELINDA HAS A QUESTION TO DECIDE
• AN ADVENTURE OR SOMETHING MORE
• THE SWORD OF DAMOCLES
• GRAVE AND GAY
• IN THE NIGHT WATCHES
• A DAY AT THE BANK
• THE DREGS IN THE CUP
• DEPARTURE
• HOPGOOD
• THE POEM
• THE JAPHA MANSION
• JACQUELINE
• A MAN'S JUSTICE AND A WOMAN'S MERCY
• THE LONE WATCHER
• SUNSHINE ON THE HILLS
• MIST IN THE VALLEY
• MISS BELINDA PRESENTS MR. SYLVESTER WITH A CHRISTMAS GIFT
• A QUESTION
• FULL TIDE
• TWO LETTERS
• PAULA MAKES HER CHOICE
• THE FALLING OF THE SWORD
• MORNING
• THE OPINION OF A CERTAIN NOTED DETECTIVE
• BLUE-BEARD'S CHAMBER
• FROM A. TO Z
• HALF-PAST SEVEN
• THE WORK OF AN HOUR
• PAULA RELATES A STORY SHE HAS HEARD
• DETERMINATION
• IN MR. STUYVESANT'S PARLORS
• "THE HOUR OF SIX IS SACRED."
• THE MAN CUMMINS

More by Anna Katharine Green

• A Difficult Problem (1900)
• The Staircase at the Heart's Delight (1894)
• The Woman in the Alcove (1902)
• The Filigree Ball (1908)
• The Leavenworth Case (1904)
• Dark Hollow (1898)
• Agatha Webb (1907)
• The Mill Mystery (1908)
• All works by Anna Katharine Green