Mademoiselle Cornelia Van Gorder Séries

"This is the story of how a middle-aged spinster lost her mind, deserted her domestic gods in the city, took a furnished house for the summer out of town, and found herself involved in one of those mysterious crimes that keep our newspapers and detective agencies happy and prosperous." So begins The Circular Staircase, a book that has been hailed as the best novel by the most important American woman mystery writer of our time. Rachel Innes was relieved when Gertrude and Halsey arrived to keep their dear old aunt company and allow her the courtesy of a decent night's sleep. Unfortunately, the explosive sound of a gunshot the next night shattered Rachel's hopes. And the body at the foot of the circular staircase ensured many sleepless nights to follow.

An elite older lady, along with her anxious Irish maid and niece, spends the summer in a country house that comes with its own set of mysterious servants. As strange events unfold within the mansion, they become entangled in a plot involving the recent death of the homeowner, a banker, and the subsequent failure of his bank. Suspicion arises around a charming young bank clerk, who captures the heart of the niece, adding to the tension and intrigue of their summer retreat.

An attorney with a briefcase full of vital evidence narrowly avoids assassination but finds himself accused of murder. Written by "the American Agatha Christie" and the first detective novel to crack national bestseller lists.