Mary Roberts Rinehart was a prolific writer that is often referred to as the American Agatha Christie.  Rinehart's mystery novels are still treasured by millions of readers today and she is the source of the famous phrase "The butler did it."  Rinehart's most famous books include The Circular Staircase, The Bat, The Case of Jennie Brice, and The Door.

Tish: The Chronicle of Her Escapades and Excursions, published in 1916, is the first in the series that centers around a middle-aged spinster.