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.

Unravel the mystery in Mary Roberts Rinehart’s thrilling novel, "The Circular Staircase." This captivating tale of suspense and intrigue takes readers on a journey through a haunted house filled with secrets waiting to be uncovered. As the plot unfolds, you'll be drawn into a web of unexpected twists and turns, where each revelation leads to more questions. Rinehart's masterful storytelling keeps you on the edge of your seat, blending elements of mystery and psychological tension seamlessly. But consider this provocative thought: What if the greatest mysteries lie not just in the events that unfold, but in the characters themselves? How well can we truly know those around us? In "The Circular Staircase," the tension mounts as the protagonist navigates a series of chilling events that threaten to unravel her sanity. Rinehart's ability to create atmosphere and suspense invites readers to experience the thrill of the unknown. Are you ready to explore the depths of mystery with "The Circular Staircase"? Join the adventure and uncover the secrets lurking within! As you delve into this gripping narrative, you'll find yourself questioning what lies beneath the surface and the hidden truths we often overlook. This is a story that captivates and compels you to keep turning the pages. Will you dare to uncover the mysteries that await? Secure your copy of "The Circular Staircase" today and immerse yourself in a world of suspense!

Three tales from a mystery master whose “literary distinction lies in the combination of love, humor and murder that she wove into her tales” (The New York Times). The Episode of the Wandering Knife: What’s a mother to do? When her daughter-in-law is slashed to death, the first thing is to hide the hunting knife that’s sure to implicate her innocent son. But it doesn’t stay hidden for long. It’s just turned up in a second victim, only to vanish once again. Whatever the cunning motive is for the ghastly crimes, the game of hide-and-seek with a deadly weapon is just beginning. The Man Who Hid His Breakfast: A woman’s been found strangled in her bed. The only other person in the house is her daughter, Emma. Given Emma’s motive for wanting to escape the clutches of her domineering mother, the case seems open and shut. Except Inspector Tom Brent insists Emma couldn’t possibly have done it. His career depends on proving it. And it all starts with a very peculiar breakfast. The Secret: Hilda Adams, the Homicide Bureau’s undercover “Miss Pinkerton,” is enlisted to investigate the odd behavior of Tony Rowland. The woman has suddenly broken off her engagement to a man she loves, crashed a car, and now keeps her elderly mother locked in her room. Does the Rowland family have reason to fear the neurotic woman? Or is Tony herself the one who’s afraid? If so, of what?

"If I should lie in a manger all night," she said, standing with her feet well apart and looking up at him, "would I become a boy?" The Bishop tugged at his beard. "A boy, little maid! Would you give up your blue eyes and your soft skin to be a roystering lad?" "My father wishes for a son," she had replied and the cloud that was over the Castle shadowed the Bishop's eyes. "It would not be well," he replied, "to tamper with the works of the Almighty. Pray rather for this miracle, that your father's heart be turned toward you and toward the lady, your mother." -from The Truce of God Mary Roberts Rinehart's popular fiction-about nurses who solve crimes and adventurous spinsters-made her one of the most popular novelists and short-story writers of the early 20th century, a feminist, comic Raymond Chandler. The Truce of God, written during the era of her more serious writing, is a medieval Christmas fairy tale about Lord Charles the Fair and his young daughter, Clotilde, who longs for something more than her gender is typically allowed in these dark times. Grimly charming, The Truce of God-here in a replica of the beautiful 1920 edition-is an excellent example of the engaging storytelling that first captivated Rinehart's readers. American author MARY ROBERTS RINEHART (1876-1958) wrote some of the earliest classics of pulp fiction, including The Man in Lower Ten (1906) and The Circular Staircase (1907). Among her many novels of comedy, mystery, and romance are The Case of Jennie Brice (1914), The Red Lamp (1925), and The Swimming Pool (1952).

This is a story of love, intrigue and adventure in a European court. In this story Mrs. Rinehart combines mystery, heart interest, and excitement of her past successes into a story that will be hailed as the most interesting of all her stories.