The Circular Staircase by Mary Roberts

How The Circular Staircase by Mary Roberts Rinehart Changed the Mystery Genre Forever

The Circular Staircase by Mary Roberts Rinehart

The Circular Staircase by Mary Roberts Rinehart is a classic mystery novel that has influenced many writers and readers for over a century. It tells the story of Rachel Innes, a spinster who rents a country house with her niece and nephew for the summer, only to find herself in the middle of a series of strange and deadly events. The novel is full of suspense, humor, romance, and twists that keep you guessing until the end.

In this article, I will explore how The Circular Staircase by Mary Roberts Rinehart revolutionized the mystery genre with its innovative plot, style, and characters. I will also share some fun facts and trivia about the author and the book. If you are a fan of mystery novels, or if you are looking for a new book to read, you will enjoy this article.

Introduction

Mary Roberts Rinehart was an American writer who was born in 1876 and died in 1958. She wrote over 50 novels and hundreds of short stories, poems, articles, and plays. She was one of the most popular and prolific writers of her time, earning the nickname “the American Agatha Christie”. She was also a pioneer of the mystery genre, creating some of the most original and memorable stories ever written.

One of her most famous novels is The Circular Staircase, which was published in 1908. It was her first bestseller and established her as a master of mystery. The novel was inspired by a visit to a Gothic castle in Virginia, where she imagined what would happen if someone was murdered there. She wrote the novel in six weeks, using a typewriter that she borrowed from her brother.

The Circular Staircase is considered to be one of the first examples of the “had I but known” school of mystery writing, which features a female narrator who often hints at the danger and surprises that are coming. This technique creates a sense of suspense and curiosity in the reader, who wants to know what the narrator knows and what will happen next. Rinehart used this technique in many of her later works, and it inspired dozens of other writers.

The novel is also known for its witty and humorous tone, which contrasts with the dark and mysterious atmosphere. The narrator, Rachel Innes, is a smart and sarcastic woman who often makes fun of herself and the situations she faces. She also has a romantic interest in Detective Jamieson, who is investigating the case. The novel has many funny moments and dialogues that lighten up the mood and make the reader laugh.

The novel is also full of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. The plot involves a hidden treasure, a secret passage, a mysterious ghost, a family feud, a bank robbery, and several murders. The novel has many clues and red herrings that lead the reader to different suspects and motives. The novel also has an unexpected ending that reveals the true identity of the killer and the reason behind all the crimes.

The Circular Staircase by Mary Roberts Rinehart is a masterpiece of mystery that has influenced many writers and readers for over a century. It is a novel that combines suspense, humor, romance, and innovation in a way that makes it unforgettable. It is a novel that you should read if you love mystery novels or if you want to discover one of the best books ever written.

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Why You Should Read The Circular Staircase by Mary Roberts Rinehart

If you are still not convinced that The Circular Staircase by Mary Roberts Rinehart is a book worth reading, here are some more reasons why you should give it a try:

• It is a classic that has stood the test of time. The novel was published in 1908, but it still feels fresh and relevant today. The novel has been adapted for the screen twice: as a silent film in 1915, and for the television series Climax! in 1956. Its best known adaptation was as the play The Bat, which became a major Broadway hit and inspired several other works.
• It is an easy read that will keep you entertained. The novel is written in simple English that anyone can understand and enjoy. The novel is also fast-paced and engaging, with short chapters that make you want to read more. The novel has about 200 pages, which means you can finish it in one or two sittings.
• It is a fun read that will make you laugh. The novel has a lot of humor that balances out the tension and mystery. The narrator, Rachel Innes, is a hilarious character who often makes witty remarks and jokes. The novel also has some funny situations and characters that add to the comedy. The novel will make you smile and chuckle as you read it.
• It is a thrilling read that will make you think. The novel has a lot of suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The novel has a complex and clever plot that will challenge your mind and imagination. The novel has many surprises and twists that will shock you and make you rethink everything. The novel will make you curious and intrigued as you read it.

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Fun Facts and Trivia About The Circular Staircase by Mary Roberts Rinehart

If you are interested in learning more about The Circular Staircase by Mary Roberts Rinehart, here are some fun facts and trivia that you might not know:

• The novel was originally serialized in a magazine called All-Story for five issues starting with the November 1907 issue. The novel was then published in book form by Bobbs-Merrill in 1908.
• The novel was dedicated to Rinehart’s brother, Stanley Roberts, who lent her his typewriter to write the novel. Rinehart also thanked her husband, Dr. Stanley Rinehart, who encouraged her to write and supported her career.
• The novel was based on a real house that Rinehart visited in Virginia, called Melrose Castle. The house was built in 1820 and had a circular staircase, a secret passage, and a ghost story. Rinehart was fascinated by the house and decided to use it as the setting for her novel.
• The novel was one of the first to feature a female protagonist and narrator in the mystery genre. Rinehart was one of the first women to write mystery novels and to create strong and independent female characters. She was also one of the first women to earn a living from writing.
• The novel was one of the first to use the “had I but known” technique, which is also known as the “Rinehart formula” or the “Rinehart school” of mystery writing. This technique involves a narrator who often foreshadows or hints at the danger and plot developments that are coming, creating a sense of suspense and curiosity in the reader. Rinehart used this technique in many of her later works, such as The Man in Lower Ten (1909), The Window at the White Cat (1910), and The Bat (1920).
• The novel was also one of the first to use humor as a contrast to the mystery and horror elements. Rinehart was known for her witty and humorous style, which made her novels more appealing and enjoyable to read. She also used humor as a way to cope with her own personal tragedies, such as losing three sons in World War I.

FAQs About The Circular Staircase by Mary Roberts Rinehart

Here are some frequently asked questions about The Circular Staircase by Mary Roberts Rinehart, along with their answers:

• Q: Who is the killer in The Circular Staircase by Mary Roberts Rinehart?
• A: The killer is Thomas, the old butler who worked for the Armstrong family. He killed Arnold Armstrong, his son Paul Armstrong Jr., his daughter-in-law Louise Armstrong, and his grandson Paul Armstrong III. He also tried to kill Rachel Innes, Halsey Innes, Gertrude Innes, Jack Bailey, Alex Winterhalter, Doctor Walker, Doctor Stewart, and Liddy Allen. He did all this because he wanted to get revenge on Paul Armstrong Sr., who had cheated him out of his share of a gold mine. He also wanted to get the hidden treasure that was buried under the circular staircase.
• Q: What is the hidden treasure in The Circular Staircase by Mary Roberts Rinehart?
• A: The hidden treasure is a large amount of gold and jewels that Paul Armstrong Sr. had stolen from a bank robbery. He had hidden it under the circular staircase in his country house, using a secret passage that only he knew about. He had also left a cryptic note with clues to find it.
• Q: What is the secret passage in The Circular Staircase by Mary Roberts Rinehart?
• A: The secret passage is a hidden door that leads from the den to the circular staircase. It can be opened by pressing a button on a bookshelf. It was used by Paul Armstrong Sr. to hide his treasure, by Thomas to commit his murders, and by Rachel Innes to escape from Thomas.
• Q: What is the ghost in The Circular Staircase by Mary Roberts Rinehart?
• A: The ghost is actually Paul Armstrong Jr., who had faked his death in South America and returned to his father’s house. He had been hiding in the secret passage and making noises to scare away potential intruders. He was also the one who wrote the note with clues to the treasure.

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Conclusion

The Circular Staircase by Mary Roberts Rinehart is a classic mystery novel that has influenced many writers and readers for over a century. It tells the story of Rachel Innes, a spinster who rents a country house with her niece and nephew for the summer, only to find herself in the middle of a series of strange and deadly events. The novel is full of suspense, humor, romance, and twists that keep you guessing until the end.

The novel is considered to be one of the first examples of the “had I but known” school of mystery writing, which features a female narrator who often hints at the danger and surprises that are coming. This technique creates a sense of suspense and curiosity in the reader, who wants to know what the narrator knows and what will happen next. Rinehart used this technique in many of her later works, and it inspired dozens of other writers.

The novel is also known for its witty and humorous tone, which contrasts with the dark and mysterious atmosphere. The narrator, Rachel Innes, is a smart and sarcastic woman who often makes fun of herself and the situations she faces. She also has a romantic interest in Detective Jamieson, who is investigating the case. The novel has many funny moments and dialogues that lighten up the mood and make the reader laugh.

The novel is also full of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. The plot involves a hidden treasure, a secret passage, a mysterious ghost, a family feud, a bank robbery, and several murders. The novel has many clues and red herrings that lead the reader to different suspects and motives. The novel also has an unexpected ending that reveals the true identity of the killer and the reason behind all the crimes.

The Circular Staircase by Mary Roberts Rinehart is a masterpiece of mystery that has revolutionized the genre with its innovative plot, style, and characters. It is a novel that combines suspense, humor, romance, and innovation in a way that makes it unforgettable. It is a novel that you should read if you love mystery novels or if you want to discover one of the best books ever written.

I hope you enjoyed this article about The Circular Staircase by Mary Roberts Rinehart.  Thank you for reading! 😊

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