Sometimes called “America’s Agatha Christie,” Mignon G. Eberhart was the leading female crime writer in the United States in the 1930s, and one of the highest-paid crime novelists in the world, next to Christie herself. She also boasted a remarkably long and prolific career. Beginning in 1929, with the publication of her first novel, The Patient in Room 18, her career spanned more than five decades, and her last novel was published in 1988, not long before her 89th birthday.
Between 1935 and 1945, eight of her novels were adapted to film, including several of her stories featuring her only series detective, nurse Sarah Keate and her boyfriend, detective Lance O’Leary. Sarah Keate was notable for being one of the first such female sleuths, beating Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple to the page by a year.
Despite the popularity of her Sarah Keate character, however, most of Eberhart’s books were standalone mysteries, a rarity in the form, especially at the time when she was writing – including all but two of the ten books featured here.
Murder by an Aristocrat
Does the title of this one give away the ending? Not necessarily, as nurse Sarah Keate finds herself tangled in the lives of the Thatchers, a family as close to aristocracy as one can find in America. When her patient winds up murdered, it could be any member of his family who did it, but all of the Thatchers will stop at almost nothing to keep their secrets, even as Sarah sets out to try and uncover them.
The fifth novel featuring Eberhart’s popular Sarah Keate character, Murder by an Aristocrat was also one of the first to be adapted into a film in 1936.
Wolf in Man's Clothing
Originally published in 1942, Wolf in Man’s Clothing marked the second-to-last of Mignon Eberhart’s books featuring her popular Sarah Keate character, after which she would stick exclusively to writing standalone mysteries until her death. It’s also unique in that it’s one of the only Sarah Keate mysteries to not also involve her detective beau Lance O’Leary.
Instead, it is set in a gloomy mansion during World War II, where Keate and her friend and fellow nurse Drue Cable are investigating the mysterious shooting of Cable’s millionaire ex-husband.
Five Passengers From Lisbon
Shipwrecked between Lisbon and Buenos Aires, five passengers find themselves saved by a passing American hospital ship – but one among their number is a murderer, having plunged a knife into the captain’s back while on board the lifeboat.
Who is it, and how will the others survive the rest of the trip with a killer in their midst? To find out, you’ll have to read this riveting book that amply demonstrates Mignon Eberhart’s “master touch for murders with superior entertainment value” (Kirkus Reviews).
Postmark Murder
Though not her biological father, Conrad Stanley was nonetheless the only father that his ward Laura ever knew. So, when he dies, she’s the only heir who doesn’t seem to be enthusiastic about the fact.
Nonetheless, she quickly finds herself caught up in a deadly case of fraudulent identities—one where she may be the primary suspect and the next victim—in this “intelligently complicated” book that offers a “nice example of [the author’s] powers” to spin compelling mysteries populated by memorable characters with “genuine and believable motives for everything they do” (Girl-detective.net).
Hasty Wedding
Dorcas Whipple loves Ronald Drew, but she’s about to marry Jevan Locke, instead. After all, her family, including her invalid mother, don’t approve of Ronald, and they eventually convinced Dorcas to go along with their will.
There’s just one problem—on the night before the wedding, Ronald calls Dorcas to his side to ask once more for her hand in marriage, only to wind up shot dead the following day. Dorcas is the only suspect, but she knows that she didn’t do it… so, who did?
Another Woman's House
Alice Thorne has been convicted of killing a man in cold blood and sentenced to a lifetime in prison. Her husband, Richard Thorne, will likely never be with her again, yet he can’t divorce her without making it appear that he believes her guilt. Then there’s Myra, who has gradually fallen in love with Richard, a love his unfortunate status renders impossible.
All this comes to a head, however, when Alice’s conviction is unexpectedly overturned, and she returns to Thorne House. If she didn’t kill Jack Manders, then who did? And will Myra survive long enough to learn the truth?
Hunt with the Hounds
As the fog rolled across Hollow Hill near the small Virginia town of Bedford, a chilling murder took place. Five months later, Jed Bailey stood trial for the death of his wife. However, the testimony of one woman was destined to save him—and place her squarely in the killer’s crosshairs.
Unfortunately for her, this testimony also made her the next most likely suspect and sullied her reputation as the local papers speculated about a scandalous romance between herself and the married Jed. Now, Sue Poore must find the real killer or else run the risk of becoming the next victim.
House of Storm
Nonie has lost her father. She has nowhere to turn except to Royal Beadon, a plantation owner on a storm-tossed Caribbean island who is both her father’s closest friend and her prospective future husband. Nonie doesn’t love Royal, though, and she finds herself conflicted with feelings about Jim Shaw, the heir of a neighboring plantation.
All this comes to a head as a storm bears down on the island just as Jim’s aunt is found murdered. He’s the prime suspect, but did he do it, or is Nonie in more danger than she realizes?
Danger in the Dark
Dennis and Daphne grew up together, but they’re distant cousins, and Dennis has been in love with Daphne since they were children. When he convinces her to plan a life with him rather than marrying Ben Brewer, neither of them imagine that it will end with Brewer dead.
Dennis and Daphne look like the obvious culprits. Are they guilty, or are they in more trouble even than a potential rendezvous with the hangman’s noose in this unforgettable novel?
The Chiffon Scarf
Averill Blaine and Eden Shore have been circling one another ever since Eden stole Averill’s fiancé years ago. Now, Averill is headed back to the altar with a new love, and once again Eden has entered her life. This time, however, things will work out differently, even if that means murder.
With the mysterious death of Averill’s uncle, the two women begin a dangerous game of cat and mouse as they both maneuver around each other and toward matrimony—and heaven help anyone who stands in their way.
