That affair next door

In "That Affair Next Door," a gripping mystery unfolds in the affluent neighborhood of Gramercy Park. The story begins with Miss Amelia Butterworth, a sharp and observant woman, who notices unusual activity at the neighboring Van Burnam house, which is supposed to be empty. Late at night, she sees a young man and woman enter the house, but only the man leaves shortly after. The next day, Miss Butterworth's curiosity leads her to alert the authorities, and they discover the body of a young woman crushed under a cabinet in the parlor. The circumstances of her death are suspicious, and Miss Butterworth, with her keen sense of observation, begins to piece together the mystery. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that the young woman did not die by accident. Miss Butterworth's observations suggest foul play, as the woman's clothing is too neatly arranged for an accidental death, and the presence of a man with a key to the house raises questions. The arrival of the Van Burnam family, including the elder Mr. Silas Van Burnam and his son Franklin, adds complexity to the case. The family is shocked and distressed by the incident, and the involvement of the police and a detective named Mr. Gryce further intensifies the investigation. Miss Butterworth's involvement in the case is not just as a witness but as an amateur detective, using her insights to assist the official investigation. Her interactions with the Van Burnam family and the authorities reveal her as a formidable character, unafraid to speak her mind and pursue the truth. The narrative is a classic whodunit, with Miss Butterworth at the center, unraveling the mystery of the young woman's death and the secrets hidden within the Van Burnam household.