"The Poisoned Pen" by Arthur B. Reeve is a detective novel that likely originated in the early 20th century. The story follows Craig Kennedy, a brilliant professor and detective, who is called to investigate a high-profile poisoning case involving a young actress named Vera Lytton. As he delves deeper into the mystery, Kennedy teams up with his companion, Walter Jameson, to uncover the intricate web of deceit and motives surrounding Lytton's tragic death, exploring themes of conspiracy and justice.

At the beginning of the novel, Kennedy and Jameson are hastily preparing to travel to the small town of Danbridge, which is currently embroiled in a scandal due to the poisoning of Vera Lytton. They discuss the shocking details of her case, including the involvement of various characters, such as the young doctor, Dr. Dixon, who is considered a suspect, and the potential conspiracy against him orchestrated by others.

As they gather information from local authorities and witnesses, Kennedy demonstrates his keen deductive skills while contemplating the implications of a mysterious note linked to Dr. Dixon that was found near the victim. The opening sets the stage for an intricate narrative full of twists, revealing the social dynamics and manipulative backgrounds that could lead to such a heinous crime.