The Circular Staircase

Set in a summer house, the narrative centers on dowager Rachel Innes, who confronts a series of bizarre crimes alongside her niece and nephew. As the mystery unfolds, Innes showcases her resourcefulness and determination, making her a compelling protagonist. This novel marked Mary Roberts Rinehart's rise to fame, becoming her first bestseller and solidifying her status as a popular writer of her time. Originally serialized in All-Story magazine in 1907, it was later published in book form in 1908.