Mary Roberts Rinehart (August 12, 1876 - September 22, 1958) was an American writer, often called the American Agatha Christie, although her first mystery novel was published 14 years before Christie's first novel in 1920. Rinehart is considered the source of the phrase "The butler did it" from her novel The Door (1930), although the novel does not use the exact phrase. Rinehart is also considered to have invented the "Had-I-But-Known" school of mystery writing, with the publication of The Circular Staircase (1908). (wikipedia.org) Mary Roberts graduated from the Pittsburgh Training School for Nurses in 1896. That same year she married physician Stanley M. Rinehart. She and her husband started a family, and she took up writing in 1903 as a result of difficulties created by financial losses. Her first story appeared in Munsey's Magazine in 1903. The Circular Staircase (1908), her first book and first mystery, was an immediate success, and the following year The Man in Lower Ten, which had been serialized earlier, reinforced her popular success. Thereafter she wrote steadily, averaging about a book a year. A long series of comic tales about the redoubtable "Tish" (Letitia Carberry) appeared as serials in the Saturday Evening Post over a number of years and as a series of novels beginning with The Amazing Adventures of Letitia Carberry (1911). Rinehart served as a war correspondent during World War I and later described her experiences in several books, notably Kings, Queens and Pawns (1915). She produced as well a number of romances and nine plays. Most of the plays were written in collaboration with Avery Hopwood; her greatest successes were Seven Days, produced in New York in 1909, and The Bat, derived from The Circular Staircase and produced in 1920. She remained best known, however, as a writer of mysteries, and the growing popularity of that genre after World War II led to frequent republication of her works. Her most memorable tales combined murder, love, ingenuity, and humour in a style that was distinctly her own. Her autobiography, My Story, appeared in 1931 and was revised in 1948. At Rinehart's death her books had sold more than 10 million copies. (britannica.com)

Welcome to the Essential Novelists book series, were we present to you the best works of remarkable authors. For this book, the literary critic August Nemo has chosen the two most important and meaningful novels of Mary Roberts Rinehart which are The Circular Staircase and The Bat. Rinehart wrote hundreds of short stories, poems, travelogues and articles. While many of her books were best sellers, critics were most appreciative of her murder mysteries. Many of her books and plays were adapted for movies, such as The Bat and The Circular Staircase - both published in this book. Novels selected for this book: - The Circular Staircase; - The Bat. This is one of many books in the series Essential Novelists. If you liked this book, look for the other titles in the series, we are sure you will like some of the authors.

Ghosts, Unexplained Disappearances, Murder? Welcome to Sunnyside! “People that trust themselves a dozen miles from the city, in strange houses, with servants they don't know, needn't be surprised if they wake up some morning and find their throats cut.” - Mary Roberts Rinehart, The Circular Staircase Rachel Innes is convinced by her niece and nephew to move outside the city, into a country house for the summer. The first couple of nights in Sunnyside however are troublesome and Rachel needs to figure what is happening. Can she do it? Xist Publishing is a digital-first publisher. Xist Publishing creates books for the touchscreen generation and is dedicated to helping everyone develop a lifetime love of reading, no matter what form it takes

A thriller known as "The Breaking Point" was written by means of Mary Roberts Rinehart, an American writer who became famous in the early 1900s for her paintings in mystery fiction. The tale is dependent like a classic whodunit, with components of thriller, suspense, and psychological drama. The story takes area in a small town and is centered on the extraordinary death of Judge Emery, a well-known judge within the region. As the community offers with the surprise of the murder, Rinehart cleverly introduces a group of characters, each with their very own secrets, strategies, and reasons. This creates a complicated net of suspicion and intrigue. Rinehart signature ability for growing exciting plots and complex characters’ shines through in this story. As the take a look at goes on, tensions upward push and anyone reaches their breaking factor, which exhibits mystery truths and the depths of human nature. The book "The Breaking Point" is a gripping take a look at the human thoughts below stress, dealing with issues like betrayal, morals, and the results of mendacity. Rinehart is a first rate storyteller because she will keep the reader wondering till the very give up. The unusual elements of her books make them even more exciting.

In 'The Man in Lower Ten,' Mary Roberts Rinehart crafts a riveting mystery that plunges readers into the world of crime and intrigue with a distinctly American flair. The novel is characterized by its sharp dialogue, meticulous attention to detail, and a touch of humor, all of which reflect the author's keen observational skills. The narrative unfolds through the perspective of a young lawyer embroiled in a perplexing murder case, revealing themes of deception, class disparity, and the complexities of human nature within the societal context of early 20th-century America, a time when gender roles and societal expectations were evolving dramatically. Mary Roberts Rinehart, often hailed as the 'American Agatha Christie,' was a pioneer in the genre of mystery fiction and was greatly influenced by her own experiences as a nurse during World War I, where she witnessed both the fragility and resilience of human life. Her background in investigative journalism provided her with the narrative craft necessary to build suspense and captivating plots. Rinehart's unique perspective as a woman of her time allowed her to infuse her characters with depth, reflecting the nuances of the era's social dynamics. 'The Man in Lower Ten' is not merely a mystery; it is an exploration of the human psyche and societal norms. I highly recommend this novel to those who appreciate intricately woven plots that keep the reader guessing until the last page. Rinehart's masterful storytelling invites readers into a compelling world, ensuring a memorable literary experience.

An infamous thief hides in the countryside—where cunning Cornelia Van Gorder picks up the trail—in a mystery from the #1 New York Times–bestselling author. For months, the city has lived in fear of the Bat. A master criminal hindered by neither scruple nor fear, he has stolen over one million dollars and left at least six men dead. The police are helpless, the newspapers know nothing—even the key figures of the city’s underworld have no clue as to the identity of the Bat. He is a living embodiment of death itself, and he is coming to the countryside. There, he will encounter the only person who can stop him: adventurous sixty-five-year-old spinster Cornelia Van Gorder. Last in a long line of New York society royalty, Cornelia has found old age to be a bore, and is hungry for a bit of adventure. She’s going to find it—in a lonely old country house where every shadow could be the Bat.

In "Sight Unseen," Mary Roberts Rinehart masterfully intertwines elements of mystery and suspense, focusing on psychological tension and complex character dynamics. The narrative unfolds as a gripping tale of an artist, whose perceptions of reality are increasingly clouded by the presence of an enigmatic figure in her life. Rinehart's distinctive literary style, characterized by clever dialogue and vivid descriptions, immerses readers in an urban setting that enhances the story's intrigue. Set against the backdrop of the early 20th century, the novel reflects the societal anxieties of its time, exploring themes of isolation and the ambivalence of perception. Mary Roberts Rinehart, often dubbed the "American Agatha Christie," was a prolific writer and pioneer of the mystery genre. Her experiences as a nurse during the war and her keen observations of human behavior deeply informed her storytelling. Rinehart's ability to tap into the zeitgeist of her era, combined with her personal fascination with the shadows of human nature, allowed her to craft a narrative that resonates with both tension and empathy. "Sight Unseen" is a captivating read for enthusiasts of classic literature and mystery alike. Rinehart'Äôs exploration of the unseen forces that shape our understanding of reality invites readers to ponder deeper motivations and unseen truths. This novel not only entertains but also challenges readers to reconsider their perceptions, making it a timeless addition to the literary canon.

Mary Roberts Rinehart (1876-1958) was a prolific author often called the "American Agatha Christie." According to Dorothy B. Hughes, crime critic and novelist, Rinehart "has been and continues to be" the most important American woman mystery writer.