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.

The Case of Jennie Brice, published in 1904, centers the disappearance of the title character as Mrs. Pittman is convinced there has been a murder but the police refuse to investigate since there is no body.