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 After House, published in 1914, is a thriller that features a murder mystery on a luxurious yacht. The book is also notable as it was based off a real murder case from the 1890's.