Mary Roberts Rinehart

Mary Roberts Rinehart, born on August twelfth, eighteen seventy-six, was a prolific American writer whose diverse talents spanned journalism, poetry, and screenwriting. Often referred to as the American Agatha Christie, Rinehart made her mark in the literary world with her innovative narrative techniques and engaging storytelling.

In nineteen oh eight, she published her first mystery novel, The Circular Staircase, which introduced the now-famous 'had I but known' narrative style. This groundbreaking approach captivated readers and set the stage for her future works. Rinehart's influence on the mystery genre is further underscored by her role in popularizing the phrase 'the butler did it' in her novel The Door, published in nineteen thirty, although the exact phrase does not appear in her writing.

Beyond her contributions to fiction, Rinehart was also a dedicated journalist who chronicled the experiences of frontline soldiers during World War I. She was among the first women to travel to the Belgian front lines, providing a unique perspective on the war and its impact on those who served.