Showing results by author "Mary Roberts Rinehart" in All Categories

Rinehart's first American mystery published in 1908, reminding Agatha Christie fans of her first country-house English mystery, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, published 12 years later. This book has servants, a secret room, multigenerational goings-on, and more like Styles did.

The Circular Staircase was first serialized in 1907 and was then published in book form in 1908. It was wildly popular and established Rinehart as an important and influential American mystery author. Indeed, she became known as the American Agatha Christie.

Rinehart's The Man in Lower Ten, the first American detective novel to make the best seller list, follows the investigation of the murder of a man in a sleeping car on a train. In this fast-paced thriller, the investigating detective builds up a network of clues that absolutely incriminate three entirely different people---only one of whom can be guilty.

Dive into the thrilling world of Mary Roberts Rinehart, an esteemed American author renowned for her captivating mysteries. Originally published in 1908, The Circular Staircase serves as a perfect example of a classic whodunit, brimming with mysterious occurrences, spine-chilling apparitions, eerie nocturnal noises, and of course, an unsolved murder. Join narrator J. M. Smallheer as he brings this riveting narrative to life.

When a flood sweeps through, it brings more than just muddy waters into Mrs. Pitmans boarding house. It unveils a series of peculiar clues that suggest a sinister crime has occurred within her walls. The vivacious Jennie Brice, known to her friends as Jennifer Ladley, has vanished without a trace. Spurred by the enigmatic Mr. Holcombe, a man with an insatiable appetite for mysteries, Mrs. Pitman finds herself drawn into a thrilling search for the truth. What has happened to Jennie Brice? Join us as we delve into this intriguing enigma. (summary by Wina Hathaway)

Step into the world of mystery crafted by Mary Roberts Rinehart, the creator of the Had I but known genre. Follow Agnes Blakistons eerie journey as she navigates life in the old parsonage she rented per Miss Emilys suggestion. Haunting occurrences and a deeply buried secret of Miss Emilys make her question her decisions. Will she uncover the truth or fall victim to the mysterious happenings? Unravel the mystery by listening to this revealing narrative. (Summary by Annise)

Dive into the gripping account of an American authors journey to the heart of war-torn Europe in January 1915. Serving as a war correspondent in Belgium for The Saturday Evening Post, she shares her raw, unfiltered perspective of war. It is not just about colossal armies clashing in frenzied battles. It is the bewildered young soldier on a stretcher, the mother carrying her shell-wounded child, the majestic horses awaiting death in burning buildings, the best of a generation hungry, battered, knee-deep in icy waters. It is the old woman, lighting a candle before the Mater Dolorosa, offering up...

An essay on writing by Mary Roberts Rinehart. Rinehart, a contemporary of Agatha Christie, was a prolific writer in her time. This essay gives fascinating insight into her process and a glimpse into her thoughts on writing, which is, in fact, work.

At a bustling neighborhood social club, a medium is invited as the evenings highlight. The medium recounts a gruesome tale about a violent death that leaves the attendees on edge. Later, the uncanny prediction unfolds as two members are summoned to a nearby house where a mysterious murder has taken place. Intrigued and unnerved, the club members set out on a quest to uncover the truth. Mary Roberts Rinehart artfully combines mystery and social comedy in this gripping novella. (Summary by Zach Hoyt)

When English professor William A. Porter unexpectedly inherits a grand seaside mansion from his late Uncle Horace, his curiosity is piqued by the unexplained circumstances surrounding his uncles death. Along with his wife and niece, he decides to spend the summer in the propertys lodge, renting out the main house. As darkness falls, the quiet seaside neighborhood takes a sinister turn, with strange occurrences and eerie events becoming the norm. At the heart of these mysteries is an ominous red lamp, a subject of local folklore and believed to cast a malevolent spell. Can Professor Porter ...

The task seemed simple enough deliver bank notes to Pittsburgh and obtain a confirmation statement from John Gilmore. However, when McKnight backs out to visit Alison West in Richmond, his law partner, Lawrence Blakeley, is thrust into the mission. Everything seems to be going smoothly until a shocking revelation on the train ride home. Blakeley awakens to find his clothes and the bank notes have vanished from his sleeping carriage. The night takes a darker turn when a murder occurs in a nearby berth and the weapon is found under Blakeleys pillow, making him a prime suspect.

Dive into the intriguing tale of K, a mysterious tenant with no first name, who takes refuge in Sidneys home to flee his enigmatic past. Meanwhile, Sidney, a determined woman, declines Joes advances, choosing instead to pursue her aspiration of becoming a nurse. Despite her unwavering focus on her career, the allure of the dashing surgeon in charge of her ward proves hard to resist. Will she succumb to the charms of romance and the intrigue of Ks secret past? Join us in this captivating story narrated by Beth Thomas.

When Agnes Blakiston and her maid Maggie take possession of a rental house for the summer, their idea of a tranquil stay is almost immediately upended. First, there is the telephone. It rings late at night, just one ring, but there is never anyone on the line. They begin to notice things have moved during the night. A candle has burned low, and a shawl has disappeared. And then Maggie, spooked and suspicious, discovers a note. It's a confession to a murder. But who has written it and, equally confounding, who has been killed?

This collection, published in 1921, has 3 short stories about the adventures of Tish Carberry and her loyal and patient friends, Aggie and Lizzie. All the stories are told from Lizzie's point of view. The stories are loosely related. Tish Carberry is fearless and seeks to be useful to her world and do what is right.

The After House is a gripping mystery set aboard a schooner where a series of brutal murders take place. As tensions rise among the passengers and crew, a young doctor-turned-deckhand must uncover the killer before more lives are lost.

Cave on Thunder Cloud is a humorous adventure in which Tish Carberry and her two best friends embark on a camping trip—only to stumble upon a group of outlaws hiding out after a train robbery. A delightful mix of comedy, mishaps, and unexpected thrills.