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#centuryofmysterychallenge #maryrobertsrinehart

I read this book years ago and enjoyed it very much! It was published in 1908.

This novel has it all: skillful writing, a drum-tight plot, and snappy, witty dialogue. Circular Staircase is about Rachel Innes, a well-to-do woman. Her Pittsburgh manse is in need of an overhaul, so she decides to spend some time at the country home of a friend. A quaint rural outpost becomes a beguiling puzzle.

I wanted to read this one because it's a pre-Agatha Christie murder mystery, but I have to admit, the first half was very scattered and kind of boring. As with lots of these kinds of mysteries, I lost track of characters quickly, and the second half had a lot more action and an abrupt finale.

I would say read it for the history of the genre, plus it's free on kindle.

WTH, no time for this. It‘s not like this is some iconic piece of lit examining cultural norms and values. It was a toss off statement that had no relation to anything. Go figure, the bio blurb says she was an advocate for Native American rights. Sorry, bye bye. 👋🏾

A crime fiction classic that showed its age somewhat with the use of inappropriate language describing the African-American butler. It‘s not a whole lot, but nevertheless distracting for me. Also, a lot of the suspense was created by omission of facts by the good guys. Other than that, this was still an entertaining read.

What should I read next??? 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

How have I never read any of her books?? I love a good mystery, and I'm a big fan of Agatha Christie, and this woman had an amazing life. I stayed up kind of late last night to finish this one, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This image (from the web) is of a car by the company I think she's referencing when she talks about the car, I had to look it up :)

"Never to stop to look at the dogs one has run down." Mary Roberts Rinehart's women are never sentimental...

A classic mystery whodunnit story. The narrator is a great character who guides the reader through the story with a good deal of humor. Please make this a movie with Maggie Smith in the lead!