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About the author: Mary Roberts Rinehart (1876 – 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). (from a Wikipedia article).
The Bell household:
- Elizabeth Jane Bell, protagonist and narrator
- Mary Martin, secretary
- Joseph Holmes, butler
- Robert White, chauffeur
- Norah Moriarty, cook
- Clara Jenkins, housemaid
- Abner Jones, gardener
- Sarah Gittings, nurse
The Somers household, of New York City:
- Howard Somers
- Katherine Somers, Howard's wife (Elizabeth's cousin)
- Judy Somers, their daughter (Elizabeth's niece)
- Wallie Somers, Howard's son by first marriage
- Jim Blake, Katherine's brother (Elizabeth's cousin)
- Dick Carter, Judy's boyfriend
Locale: not stated, but convenient to New York City
Synopsis: Our narrator Miss Elizabeth Jane Bell lives "alone" (with her staff of seven!), while her niece Katherine Somers is staying with her. One evening nurse Sarah Gittings goes out to walk the two dogs, and does not return. While awaiting Sarah, an intruder is seen in the house, but escapes. A search finds the dogs tied to a tree on the adjacent Larimer Lot, and later Sarah's body found in a "sewer" which is a tall circular brick standpipe.
Review:
We have a nice opening sequence where Elizabeth describes the characters, and an in-depth description of the house floor plan. There is a sketch map of the property (above) showing poor planning in locating the garage (how does one get their car into it?); a sketch map of the house would be valuable as well. Once all the descriptions are done, we get to the story.
It is not clear why a nurse is employed, as Elizabeth seems in perfect health.
July 20 2025: reading now, please come back soon. RM
You may also enjoy this review by Bev Hankins on My Reader's Block.
