Temperamental People: Restored Classics to Go Edition
Jul 2026 · Otbebookpublishing
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388
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About this ebook
Mary Roberts Rinehart weaves a courtly tragedy of forbidden love, dynastic duty, and the hidden cost of silence. Told through the intimate recollections of Clotilde, a devoted lady-in-waiting, the story moves between a secluded Swiss refuge and the glittering cruelty of an old royal court, where a princess's awakening to love with the brave, reckless Rudi is shadowed by ceremony, surveillance, and political necessity. As the young princess is dressed, displayed, and maneuvered toward marriage, secret meetings and a private vow challenge the rigid order around her. But the forces of rank prove stronger than desire: pressure from family, the threat of a convent, and the demands of an heir drive her into a second, official marriage to the King, while Rudi's accident ends any hope of escape. Years later, the Queen lives under suspicion and restraint, her suffering guarded by attendants, confessors, and protocol. In a final shift to a more domestic drama, Bess faces a buried secret about Joan Bailey, an annuity, and a living child, exposing the painful consequences of deception, maternal sacrifice, and long-held guilt. This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design.
Mary Roberts Rinehart weaves a courtly tragedy of forbidden love, dynastic duty, and the hidden cost of silence. Told through the intimate recollections of Clotilde, a devoted lady-in-waiting, the story moves between a secluded Swiss refuge and the glittering cruelty of an old royal court, where ...
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About the author
Mary Roberts Rinehart (1876-1958) was an American writer whose prolific career spanned several genres, including mystery, adventure, and romance. Often hailed as the "American Agatha Christie," Rinehart's knack for suspense and intricate plotting earned her a prominent place in early 20th-century literature. Born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, she initially trained as a nurse before turning to writing after marrying Dr. Stanley Rinehart.Rinehart's breakthrough came with her 1908 novel "The Circular Staircase," which introduced readers to her signature "had I but known" narrative style—a precursor to the modern psychological thriller. Her creation of the "Tish" series, featuring an unconventional, adventurous spinster, challenged societal norms and offered early feminist undertones, resonating with contemporary readers who sought more progressive female characters.One of Rinehart's most significant contributions was her role in popularizing the "locked room" mystery, a subgenre that would heavily influence writers like John Dickson Carr and Ellery Queen. Her work also laid the groundwork for the "Had I But Known" school of mystery writing, characterized by foreshadowing and first-person narration.Rinehart's career wasn't without controversy. During World War I, she served as a war correspondent, providing vivid, sometimes contentious accounts of the front lines. Her reporting was groundbreaking, offering a female perspective in a male-dominated field.Despite facing personal challenges, including a battle with cancer, Rinehart remained a literary force until her death. Her legacy endures, not only through her extensive body of work but also through her influence on the mystery genre and her pioneering spirit in both literature and journalism.
Mary Roberts Rinehart (1876-1958) was an American writer whose prolific career spanned several genres, including mystery, adventure, and romance. Often hailed as the "American Agatha Christie," Rinehart's knack for suspense and intricate plotting earned her a prominent place in early 20th-century...
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