Mary Roberts Rinehart was an American writer born on August 12, 1876, in Allegheny, Pennsylvania. Often referred to as the "American Agatha Christie," she is best known for her contributions to the mystery genre. Rinehart's first mystery novel, The Circular Staircase, published in 1908, introduced the "had I but known" narrative style, which became a hallmark of suspense writing. Over the course of her career, she became a prolific author, publishing a variety of works, including novels, plays, and short stories, many of which were centered around mystery and intrigue. Rinehart's works were widely popular during her lifetime, and she was a significant figure in the early development of the modern mystery novel. She married Dr. Stanley Rinehart in 1896, and the couple had four children: Stanley Jr., Alan, Frederick, and Elizabeth. Rinehart received numerous accolades for her work, including a Special Edgars Award for her contributions to the genre. She passed away on September 22, 1958, in New York City at the age of 82, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of mystery writing.