Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Discussion Forums - Mystery & Thrillers

Topic: Mary Roberts Rinehart

Club rule - Please, if you cannot be courteous and respectful, do not post in this forum.
  Unlock Forum posting with Annual Membership.
Generic Profile avatar
Subject: Mary Roberts Rinehart
Date Posted: 9/1/2018 12:09 PM ET
Member Since: 6/30/2008
Posts: 4,173
Back To Top
Mary Roberts Rinehart (August 12, 1876-September 22, 1958) was an American writer, often called the American Agatha Christie. She is considered the source of the phrase "The butler did it", although she did not actually use the phrase. She is considered to have invented the "Had-I-But-Known" school of mystery writing. She also created a costumed supercriminal called "the Bat," who was cited by Bob Kane as one of the inspirations for his "Batman."