Mary Roberts Rinehart has often been called the mistress of mystery. In fact, the phrase "The butler did it" originated in one of her books. In 1905 Rinehart entered a field exclusive to men: detective fiction. Now, nearly a century after she began her ground-breaking career, her celebrated thrillers still remain un-put-down-able masterpieces.
Rinehart's The Man in Lower Ten, the first American detective novel to make the bestseller 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.
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"Man, the language makes this a hard plot to follow but it's worth reading. Half the time, I had no idea what was going on (also because if the difference in customs and etiquette, not just language) and I waited until the end of the book to have everything laid out for me, ha."
— Sarah (4 out of 5 stars)
" Very good story. I sort of figured out the ending but had to finish the book to be sure. "
— Douglas, 1/22/2014" It's old and aged but I still devoured it and liked it. It was a bagatelle and fun. "
— Joyce, 12/18/2013" On par with Agatha Christie! Definitely going to read more of her books. "
— Elaine, 12/11/2013" Very good mystery in the classic style. Loved the humor. "
— Sharri, 11/18/2013" Old-fashioned murder-on-a-train mystery. "
— Linda, 11/11/2013" Vintage mystery. Good fun, but too confusing. "
— Betty, 11/9/2013" Good but not great mystery. "
— Leslie, 2/21/2013" Wow! A murder mystery so convoluted that I wonder that the author was able to keep track of all her characters and their actions. I enjoyed it. "
— Judy, 10/21/2012" Lots of twists and turns. Fun to read. "
— Kathy, 9/27/2012" Well written and great mystery. "
— Jennifer, 4/20/2012" I found this story not that great, it was hard to follow and I was mostly just getting through it.. "
— Tobius, 12/21/2011" Great mystery! It kept me guessing until the end--so many suspects and motives! If I can write a mystery half as good someday, I'll call myself a writer. "
— Kessie, 3/17/2011" Very good story. I sort of figured out the ending but had to finish the book to be sure. "
— Douglas, 2/27/2011" Free download to my kindle. <br/> <br/>Go back to the 1910s, when women hid their smarts and men thought they were smart. Good little murder mystery with plenty of suspects that takes place on a train. "
— Carol, 2/21/2011" It's old and aged but I still devoured it and liked it. It was a bagatelle and fun. "
— Joyce, 1/21/2011" Wow! A murder mystery so convoluted that I wonder that the author was able to keep track of all her characters and their actions. I enjoyed it. <br/> <br/> "
— Judy, 4/12/2010Mary Roberts Rinehart (1876–1958) was a novelist and playwright best known for her mystery stories, which combined humor with ingenuity. The success of her novels The Circular Staircase and The Man in Lower Ten established her reputation as an important American mystery writer. At one time she was the highest paid writer in America. In addition to mysteries, she wrote comic tales, plays, romances, and travel books, some of which reflected her experiences as a correspondent during World War I. One critic called her autobiography, My Story, her finest book.
Rebecca Burns is a published narrator of children’s books and books for young adult. Her published credits include Pollyanna, The Jungle Book, The Wizard of Oz, and numerous other classic titles.