The Greene Murder Case · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Greene Murder Case by S. S. Van Dine.
Chapter 1
Dedication
The chapter is a brief dedication to Norbert L. Lederer, accompanied by a Greek epigram.
Chapter 2
Epigraph
The chapter opens with a quotation from Shakespeare's Hamlet, setting a tone of foul, strange, and unnatural murder.
Chapter 3
Characters of the Book
This chapter lists the principal characters involved in the narrative, including the detective Philo Vance, District Attorney John F.-X. Markham, the Greene family members, household staff, and various police and medical officials.
Chapter 4
The Greene Murder Case
The chapter introduces the Greene family and the initial investigation into a series of murders, with Philo Vance and John Markham becoming involved after Chester Greene seeks help.
Chapter 5
I: A Double Tragedy
The narrator introduces the Greene tragedy as one of the most unique and hidden murder mysteries of modern times, revealing that the inside story has never been told. He explains his role as Philo Vance's attorney and witness to the case. On the morning of November 9, Vance and the narrator visit District Attorney Markham. After a cross-examination of two gangsters, Vance learns of a shooting at the Greene mansion the previous night. Chester Greene, the elder son, is coming to see Markham about what police believe was a botched burglary attempt in which Julia Greene was killed and Ada Greene wounded. Vance expresses skepticism about the burglary theory and decides to stay for Chester's visit.
Chapter 6
The Investigation Opens
Chester Greene visits District Attorney Markham to request a personal investigation into the shooting of his two sisters, expressing a vague unease that contradicts the police's burglar theory. Sergeant Heath reports the initial findings: Julia Greene was killed instantly, Ada Greene wounded, and a missing revolver from Chester's desk raises suspicion. Philo Vance probes Chester's account, noting inconsistencies such as the lights being on in both rooms and the differing angles of the shots, suggesting a more deliberate motive.
Chapter 7
At the Greene Mansion
Vance, Markham, Heath, and the narrator visit the Greene mansion to investigate the murder. They meet Chester Greene, who describes the servants, and then interview the bedridden Mrs. Tobias Greene, who complains about her condition and her children. The group examines the second-floor layout, reenacts Chester's response to the shot, and notes that Julia always locked her door.
Chapter 8
IV: The Missing Revolver
Vance interviews the servants Sproot, Gertrude Mannheim, Hemming, and Barton, probing for insights into the shooting. Chester Greene reveals that his revolver is missing, and Vance emphasizes its significance despite Markham and Heath's skepticism. Sibella Greene is summoned for questioning.
Chapter 9
V: Homicidal Possibilities
The investigation continues at the Greene mansion as Vance, Markham, and Heath interview Sibella Greene. Sibella displays a cynical and flippant attitude toward the murders, openly admitting the family's deep dysfunction and suggesting that any member could be a suspect. She reveals that Chester's revolver is missing and confirms she saw it in his desk the previous week. Doctor Von Blon arrives to report that Ada Greene is recovering from her wound and may be questioned soon.
Chapter 10
VI: An Accusation
Vance, Markham, Heath, and Van Dine interview Ada Greene in her bedroom about the attack. Ada describes waking in the dark, feeling a threatening presence, and being shot after a hand touched her. Sibella interrupts with accusations, claiming Ada stole Chester's revolver and that Ada recognized her footsteps. Von Blon calms the situation, and Mrs. Tobias Greene's voice is heard from the adjoining room.
Chapter 11
Vance Argues the Case
Vance passionately argues with Markham that the double shooting at the Greene mansion is not a random burglary but a calculated crime rooted in the toxic, decaying atmosphere of the household. He points to numerous unexplained details—the lights being on, the interval between shots, the absence of forced entry, the strange behavior of the residents—and insists that only by understanding the family's deep-seated hatreds and abnormalities can the truth be found. Markham remains cautious, favoring routine police investigation, but Vance's ominous warnings foreshadow a second tragedy.
Chapter 12
VIII: The Second Tragedy
Early on Friday, November 12, Markham informs Vance that Chester Greene has been murdered, shot through the heart at close range in his bedroom around 11:30 p.m. Vance, who had been troubled by premonitions, joins the investigation. At the Greene mansion, Sergeant Heath reports that Sibella discovered the body after hearing the shot, and footprints in the snow again suggest an intruder. Rex Greene provides a vague account of hearing a shuffling noise and a door closing about twenty minutes before the shooting. The chapter ends with the group viewing Chester's body.
Chapter 13
IX: The Three Bullets
The chapter opens with Doctor Doremus examining Chester Greene's body and estimating the time of death. Vance and Markham interview Mrs. Tobias Greene, who shows callous indifference to her son's murder and instead complains about the disturbance. Sibella Greene then recounts her actions the night of the shooting, revealing she heard nothing before the shot. Vance questions Sproot about any unusual occurrences, but the butler remains evasive. Doctor Doremus retrieves the bullet from Chester's body, adding to the evidence.
Chapter 14
X: The Closing of a Door
Vance and Markham interview the servants, focusing on Mrs. Mannheim, whose evasiveness and emotional outburst suggest hidden knowledge about Tobias Greene's past. Vance probes the connection between old Mannheim and the Greene family, while Markham dismisses the relevance of ancient history. The chapter reveals the household's dysfunction through Hemming's religious fervor and Barton's gossip, and ends with Vance's growing conviction that the crimes may be rooted in long-buried secrets.
Chapter 15
A Painful Interview
Markham, Vance, and Heath interrogate Mrs. Tobias Greene, who expresses vindictive satisfaction at the murders of her children. They then question Rex Greene about the night of the shooting, but Rex becomes agitated and hostile when Heath accuses him of hiding the revolver. Doctor Von Blon calms Rex with luminal and discusses the revolver's history, while Vance probes Von Blon's memory of a camping trip with Chester Greene. The chapter ends with Vance reflecting on the intangible, spectral nature of the truth hidden in the Greene house.
Chapter 16
A Motor Ride
Two weeks after Chester Greene's murder, the case has stalled. Vance makes unofficial visits to the Greene mansion, observing the family and gathering psychological impressions. He joins a motor ride with Sibella, Ada, and Doctor Von Blon, during which Sibella remarks on a scenic bluff as a 'ripping spot for a murder.' The chapter emphasizes Vance's method of subtle observation and the growing tension within the household.
Chapter 17
XIII: The Third Tragedy
On November 28, Markham, Inspector Moran, Heath, Vance, and the narrator meet at the Stuyvesant Club to discuss the Greene murders. Vance argues that the lack of obvious clues is itself a significant clue, and predicts further tragedy. He suggests the killer is already within the household, tainted by the toxic environment created by old Tobias Greene's will. Heath proposes investigating the wills of Tobias and Mrs. Greene for motives. Two days later, Ada Greene visits Markham's office and reveals that Rex did hear the shot on the night of the first double shooting but was too terrified to admit it, and that he heard something else that frightened him. She pleads with Markham to question Rex away from the house.
Chapter 18
XIV: Footprints on the Carpet
Markham, Vance, and Heath bring Ada Greene to the Greene mansion after Rex's murder. They question Sproot and Doctor Von Blon, discovering that Rex was shot shortly after Markham's phone call. Footprints in the snow lead to the balcony, and the missing blue envelope suggests the murderer overheard the phone call and silenced Rex.
Chapter 19
XV: The Murderer in the House
Following Rex Greene's murder, Vance, Markham, and Heath interview Sibella Greene, who insists on staying despite the danger. Doctor Von Blon provides an alibi for Sibella, and a plan is made to install a police nurse. The nurse Miss Craven and the servants Hemming and Mrs. Mannheim are questioned. Mrs. Tobias Greene is hostile and unhelpful. Captain Jerym arrives to analyze footprints, confirming the galoshes match those from the earlier crime. Vance briefly goes upstairs, seemingly to verify a theory.
Chapter 20
The Lost Poisons
Vance explains his reasoning behind finding the galoshes in the linen-closet, arguing that the footprints were deliberately made by someone in the Greene household to mislead the police. He and Markham discuss the implications, concluding that the murderer must be a member of the household. Later, Doctor Von Blon reports that morphine and strychnine have been stolen from his medical case while he was at the Greene house, adding a new layer of suspicion.
Chapter 21
Two Wills
A conference at the Stuyvesant Club brings together Inspector Moran, Sergeant Heath, Markham, Vance, and the narrator to discuss the investigation into Rex Greene's murder. The theft of poisons from Doctor Von Blon is revealed, and Vance theorizes that the murders are driven by a fanatical, insane logic rather than mere monetary gain. Markham presents the terms of Tobias Greene's will, which forces the family to live on the estate for twenty-five years under threat of disinheritance, and the group debates strategies to prevent further tragedies, ultimately deciding on increased surveillance and medical precautions.
Chapter 22
XVIII: In the Locked Library
Vance insists on entering Tobias Greene's locked library, which has been sealed for twelve years. Despite Mrs. Greene's fierce resistance, Markham bluffs with a fake search warrant to obtain the key. Inside, they find the missing galoshes and evidence that someone has recently entered the room. Meanwhile, the galoshes have vanished from the linen closet overnight, and Von Blon's stolen drugs remain missing.
Chapter 23
XIX: Sherry and Paralysis
Vance, Markham, and Heath return to Mrs. Greene's room to find her sleeping, then go downstairs. Ada Greene reveals she saw her mother walking near the library door late at night, holding a key, despite her supposed paralysis. Later, Vance questions Doctor Von Blon about Mrs. Greene's condition, referencing medical texts on hysteria and somnambulism, and suggests obtaining an expert report from Doctor Felix Oppenheimer. Von Blon agrees but Vance senses a deeper intrigue.
Chapter 24
XX: The Fourth Tragedy
Ada Greene is poisoned with morphine but survives thanks to a prearranged signal and the quick response of Doctor Drumm. The household is kept in the dark about the incident as the investigators hope to question Ada once she recovers. Meanwhile, Mrs. Tobias Greene dies later that night from strychnine poisoning, adding another layer of tragedy.
Chapter 25
XXI: A Depleted Household
Markham informs Vance and Van of Mrs. Greene's death by strychnine poisoning, discovered that morning. The household is further depleted as Hemming leaves and Sibella departs for Atlantic City, leaving only Ada, Sproot, and Mrs. Mannheim. Vance questions Hemming about Von Blon's late-night visit to Sibella, and Ada reveals she was poisoned via bouillon. Drumm and Doremus examine the body, and Heath arranges for Ada's protection.
Chapter 26
XXII: The Shadowy Figure
At a conference at the Stuyvesant Club, Chief Inspector O'Brien proposes that Mrs. Tobias Greene faked her paralysis, murdered her children, and committed suicide when her plan to poison Ada failed. Vance argues the theory is too tidy and that Mrs. Greene was not the suicidal type. Heath then reveals that an autopsy shows Mrs. Greene's leg muscles had wasted away, making it impossible for her to walk. This forces the group to reconsider who Ada saw in the hall wearing the Oriental shawl. Vance suggests Ada's identification was distorted by fear and that the real figure is the key to the case. The group decides to re-interview Ada to uncover new details.
Chapter 27
XXIII: The Missing Fact
Vance reveals that Sibella Greene and Arthur Von Blon were secretly married a year ago, a fact he considers the missing piece in his analysis of the Greene case. He then delivers a lecture on aesthetic composition, drawing an analogy between a well-arranged painting and the need for a coherent pattern in the investigation.
Chapter 28
A Mysterious Trip
Vance, after a sleepless night of intense concentration, reveals to Markham that he has traced the design of the Greene murders, though he hesitates to accept the horrifying truth. He requests specific books from Tobias Greene's library to verify his hypothesis, and questions Sproot about Sibella's phone call and the open window in Ada's room. Vance also interrogates Mrs. Mannheim, insisting on the truth, while expressing a philosophical critique of society's capacity for judgment.
Chapter 29
XXV: The Capture
Vance returns to New York after an eight-day trip and reveals he knows the identity of the murderer. He, Markham, and Heath rush to the Greene mansion, then pursue a car containing Sibella and Ada. They intercept the vehicle, and Ada, revealed as the killer, attacks Vance with a revolver but is subdued and handcuffed.
Chapter 30
XXVI: The Astounding Truth
Vance reveals that Ada Greene is the murderer, having been inspired by Hans Gross's criminology manual found in Tobias Greene's library. He explains that Ada's motive was a combination of hatred, jealousy, and a desire for freedom, stemming from her mistreatment as a Cinderella figure in the Greene household and her unrequited love for Doctor Von Blon. Vance also discloses that Ada's father, Adolph Mannheim, was a homicidal criminal, providing a hereditary basis for her actions. He details how Ada executed her crimes, including the poisoning of Mrs. Greene, and how she manipulated events to cast suspicion on others.
Chapter 31
Endnotes
The endnotes provide a series of annotations and references that elaborate on details from the main narrative, including citations of criminological and psychological texts, clarifications about characters and events, and additional context about the investigation and the Greene family history.
Chapter 32
List of Illustrations
This chapter provides a list of illustrations including floor plans of the second floor, Julia's bedroom, Ada's bedroom, Chester's bedroom, Rex's bedroom, and examples of criminal graphic symbols.
