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The After House
Mystery
Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1914
197 people are currently reading
566 people want to read
About the author
Mary Roberts Rinehart
549 books424 followersMysteries of the well-known American writer Mary Roberts Rinehart include
The Circular Staircase
(1908) and
The Door
(1930).
People often called this prolific author the American version of Agatha Christie. She is considered the source of the phrase "The butler did it," though the exact phrase doesn't appear in her works, and she invented the "Had-I-But-Known" school of mystery writing.
Rinehart wrote hundreds of short stories, poems, travelogues, and special articles. Many of her books and plays were adapted for movies, such as The Bat (1926), The Bat Whispers (1930), and The Bat (1959). Critics most appreciated her murder mysteries.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Ro...
People often called this prolific author the American version of Agatha Christie. She is considered the source of the phrase "The butler did it," though the exact phrase doesn't appear in her works, and she invented the "Had-I-But-Known" school of mystery writing.
Rinehart wrote hundreds of short stories, poems, travelogues, and special articles. Many of her books and plays were adapted for movies, such as The Bat (1926), The Bat Whispers (1930), and The Bat (1959). Critics most appreciated her murder mysteries.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Ro...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
August 25, 2011
A trite little 1914 work by "America's Agatha Christie," this manages to be both boring and offensive. It's a murder mystery - three people are hacked to death with an axe on a yacht sailing the Atlantic - and a love story. On all three fronts of race, class, and gender, abuses occur. The women aboard are not allowed to see the bodies, even though one of them asks to. Then they are herded to an enclosure on deck, for their own protection, and not allowed to leave it. One of the murder victims is a woman who, we eventually discover, was killed because she might have had loose morals. The upper class passengers maintain a social distance from the lower class - and from the narrator, who is a young doctor incognito, having come aboard as a common deckhand. And there's a black butler who has a bad attitude and is constantly being abused by the narrator, Ralph Leslie. His friend and fellow doctor advises Leslie, "If the nigger gets sick, give him some of my seasick remedy." At one point Leslie holds "the colored butler," George, "over the rail until he turned gray with fright." After this, George treats Ralph as an equal, "which was gratifying." (George is always turning gray - because he's black, get it? Caucasians turn a shade whiter with fright, black people turn gray.) George is "a frightened darky." At the end of the voyage, Leslie calls George "a mean, white-livered coward" and proclaims, "If I wash that deck, it will be with you as a mop." Then he punches George, knocking him down.
It's only speculation, but maybe the fact that Rinehart's "Filipino chef, who had worked for her for 25 years, fired a gun at her and then attempted to slash her with knives, until other servants rescued her" (wikipedia) is somehow related to her attitude toward lower castes.
It's only speculation, but maybe the fact that Rinehart's "Filipino chef, who had worked for her for 25 years, fired a gun at her and then attempted to slash her with knives, until other servants rescued her" (wikipedia) is somehow related to her attitude toward lower castes.
June 12, 2013
Most people don't realize that this book is based on a true event that happened in the 1890's aboard a lumber ship called the Herbert Fuller. Though Ms. Rinehart changed many of the details, her book brought a new attention to the case and lead, eventually, to the capture of the real criminal, releasing the mate who had been wrongly convicted of the ax murders.
The characters are a trifle cookie-cutter but the suspense of a group of people trapped aboard a boat with a particular vicious and likely insane killer cannot be beat!
The characters are a trifle cookie-cutter but the suspense of a group of people trapped aboard a boat with a particular vicious and likely insane killer cannot be beat!
April 9, 2024
Entertaining mystery listening 🎵🎎🎶
This kindle e-book novella is free from Amazon.
A sailing boat leaves Philadelphia. There are murders on board.
I would recommend this novella and author to readers of mystery novels. 2024
This kindle e-book novella is free from Amazon.
A sailing boat leaves Philadelphia. There are murders on board.
I would recommend this novella and author to readers of mystery novels. 2024
May 17, 2016
I've loved some of her other work,* but this was a definite miss. There is gruesome murder, but the clues given are too few to be considered a 'play fair' mystery. So it lands in the (not really scary**) thriller/horror genre. Fine. But then we get to the ridiculous second half. There is an unnecessary courtroom scene that only repeats the little info we already know; killing all suspense. Finally, the ending has new, laughable, contrived information suddenly wrapping everything neatly up.
*Try The Circular Staircase, instead.
**The power went out, so I was reading about an ax-murderer by the light of a small lantern & a flickering candle... during a thunder storm... and something blew against the house and made this scraping sound... and... book: still not scary.
*Try The Circular Staircase, instead.
**The power went out, so I was reading about an ax-murderer by the light of a small lantern & a flickering candle... during a thunder storm... and something blew against the house and made this scraping sound... and... book: still not scary.
October 10, 2015
Many thanks to Ryan over at Wordsmithonia for bringing The After House by Mary Roberts Rinehart to my attention. Despite my love for vintage mysteries, I have only read one other book by Rinehart (The Window at the White Cat) back before my blogging days--and that one made no great impression on me. But I could not resist this one after reading Ryan's excellent review.
Ralph Leslie, who has spent all his funds training to be a doctor, is just out of hospital and fresh out of cash. A bout of typhoid put him in the hospital and while he was recovering he watched a refit of Marshall Turner's schooner-turned-yacht. An intense longing for the sea takes hold of Leslie and as soon as he is discharged, he signs up as a steward for the yacht's first pleasure cruise. His job seems fairly easy, one could say smooth sailing, at first...until one sultry August night when his dream voyage becomes a nightmare of murder. One of the ship's officers disappears overboard. But the worst is yet to come. Before the night is over, three more will die at the hands of a murderer wielding an axe. With panic among the passengers and crew alike and a drunken owner in no condition to take charge, it is up to Leslie to remain calm enough to see the stricken boat back to shore and a murderer caught. IF he can stay alive long enough and that will prove to be no easy task.
I found Rinehart's writing, plotting, and use of atmosphere much more compelling in this outing than in my previous read. This is a very short book--but she uses the space well to build up a keen sense of the terror and shock those aboard the Ella must have felt when murder was let loose in their midst. My only quibble was with the court scenes--a lot of rehashing of the story we had already been through. But it did reveal a few minor points that were useful to the final conclusion. Overall, a very enjoyable read. I'm glad I gave Rinehart another try and will certainly read more as they come along. Three and a half stars.
Ralph Leslie, who has spent all his funds training to be a doctor, is just out of hospital and fresh out of cash. A bout of typhoid put him in the hospital and while he was recovering he watched a refit of Marshall Turner's schooner-turned-yacht. An intense longing for the sea takes hold of Leslie and as soon as he is discharged, he signs up as a steward for the yacht's first pleasure cruise. His job seems fairly easy, one could say smooth sailing, at first...until one sultry August night when his dream voyage becomes a nightmare of murder. One of the ship's officers disappears overboard. But the worst is yet to come. Before the night is over, three more will die at the hands of a murderer wielding an axe. With panic among the passengers and crew alike and a drunken owner in no condition to take charge, it is up to Leslie to remain calm enough to see the stricken boat back to shore and a murderer caught. IF he can stay alive long enough and that will prove to be no easy task.
I found Rinehart's writing, plotting, and use of atmosphere much more compelling in this outing than in my previous read. This is a very short book--but she uses the space well to build up a keen sense of the terror and shock those aboard the Ella must have felt when murder was let loose in their midst. My only quibble was with the court scenes--a lot of rehashing of the story we had already been through. But it did reveal a few minor points that were useful to the final conclusion. Overall, a very enjoyable read. I'm glad I gave Rinehart another try and will certainly read more as they come along. Three and a half stars.
Read
July 1, 2014I've read a lot of books by Mary Roberts Rinehart, and sadly, The After House just isn't all that good. A word of warning at the outset: this book was published in 1914 and there are a few racial/religious epithets in the story that most people wouldn't use today, so please keep in mind that their usage reflects their common acceptance of the time.
Ralph Leslie has simultaneously just finished medical school and developed a case of typhoid that lands him in the hospital. He's broke and a friend of his feels sorry for him, wangling him a space aboard the Ella, a luxury yacht that is about to set sail on a cruise. Still weak from his illness, he comes on as an "extra man," working with the crew, and in case the butler becomes ill (since he's a 'poor sailor,') Ralph is told that he should be ready to take his place. On sailing day, nineteen people leave port. By the time they return, four of the nineteen are dead at the hands of a murderer with a penchant for axe wielding, a suspect is being held on board, and everyone is frightened out of their wits. Ralph decides to do a little sleuthing when he's not helping to sail the ship back to port, but more than a few people are hiding things that make his job a little difficult. His biggest job, however, is trying to prevent anyone else from being killed.
Once you get past the initial (and somewhat tedious) introduction of the players on the Ella, as well as the ongoing romance element (ick), there's a decent mystery here, although personally when I got to the solution, I had to cry foul. Although the author peppered her book with lots of little details and clues for the reader to sock away until guessing time comes, she didn't give the right clues to allow for any armchair detective to even come close to her solution. Unfair!
However, this book has an interesting history behind it. It was Mary Roberts Rinehart's own take on a similar, true murder case where a man had been found guilty and had been protesting his innocence for seventeen years; The After House was her version of the case where she offered a plausible, alternative suspect in an effort to get the case reopened.
I won't be adding The After House to my list of favorites written by Rinehart, but two of her novels, The Album and The Man in Lower Ten, are very much worth trying out if you're a vintage crime reader.
Ralph Leslie has simultaneously just finished medical school and developed a case of typhoid that lands him in the hospital. He's broke and a friend of his feels sorry for him, wangling him a space aboard the Ella, a luxury yacht that is about to set sail on a cruise. Still weak from his illness, he comes on as an "extra man," working with the crew, and in case the butler becomes ill (since he's a 'poor sailor,') Ralph is told that he should be ready to take his place. On sailing day, nineteen people leave port. By the time they return, four of the nineteen are dead at the hands of a murderer with a penchant for axe wielding, a suspect is being held on board, and everyone is frightened out of their wits. Ralph decides to do a little sleuthing when he's not helping to sail the ship back to port, but more than a few people are hiding things that make his job a little difficult. His biggest job, however, is trying to prevent anyone else from being killed.
Once you get past the initial (and somewhat tedious) introduction of the players on the Ella, as well as the ongoing romance element (ick), there's a decent mystery here, although personally when I got to the solution, I had to cry foul. Although the author peppered her book with lots of little details and clues for the reader to sock away until guessing time comes, she didn't give the right clues to allow for any armchair detective to even come close to her solution. Unfair!
However, this book has an interesting history behind it. It was Mary Roberts Rinehart's own take on a similar, true murder case where a man had been found guilty and had been protesting his innocence for seventeen years; The After House was her version of the case where she offered a plausible, alternative suspect in an effort to get the case reopened.
I won't be adding The After House to my list of favorites written by Rinehart, but two of her novels, The Album and The Man in Lower Ten, are very much worth trying out if you're a vintage crime reader.
June 2, 2011
This is a short mystery that recounts the events on board the Ella, a luxury yacht that was created by refurbishing a sailing vessel. The day it sets sail is a gorgeous sunny day and there is not a hint about what's to come. When the ship comes back to port, 31 day later, Leslie is the acting captain of the ship, and they are towing a canvas covered lifeboat holding the corpses of three people murdered with an axe.
Because this book is so short, I really can't go into any more detail about the plot without giving too much away. What I will say is that there is not a wasted word or scene in the 180 pages. The author brilliantly built up a sense of fear and paranoia on the ship, without laying it on too thick. The atmosphere on board the ship acts like another character, one that touches upon the lives of everyone on board. I think that is where the setting works beautifully. It's such a small area to work with, people are trapped without a real way to get off. That fear starts to work on them as suspicion falls on several different people, before the killer is finally identified. The setting, more than anything else, controls the progression of the story. It dictates the action, forces the hand of the killer in selecting his targets, and forces the characters and the reader to think about what's going on in a new light. You can't read this book as you would a murder mystery set on land. The circumstances are different, so you have to approach it differently. The logical thing to do in a house does not apply to a ship out to sea.
The love story, and you know there has to be one, is a hoot to read. There is so much back and forth between Leslie and Elsa Lee, the sister-in-law of the ships owner, Marshall Turner. One minute you think they are going to be going for the jugular, the next you are annoyed that they aren't picking up on their mutual signals as easily as you are. It was a fun dynamic to read and I loved the fact the author didn't seal the relationship until the last two pages, well after the events on the ship actually took place. It was told with a great sense of humor and wit, and I appreciate the way the author handled their relationship.
Now this was only my second book by Mary Roberts Rinehart, though I've already finished a third, but I'm really starting to appreciate her writing style. Her sense of humor and obvious pleasure in what she's doing comes through on every page. It's a joy to read any author that truly enjoys what it is they do. I will be reading a lot more of her in the future.
Because this book is so short, I really can't go into any more detail about the plot without giving too much away. What I will say is that there is not a wasted word or scene in the 180 pages. The author brilliantly built up a sense of fear and paranoia on the ship, without laying it on too thick. The atmosphere on board the ship acts like another character, one that touches upon the lives of everyone on board. I think that is where the setting works beautifully. It's such a small area to work with, people are trapped without a real way to get off. That fear starts to work on them as suspicion falls on several different people, before the killer is finally identified. The setting, more than anything else, controls the progression of the story. It dictates the action, forces the hand of the killer in selecting his targets, and forces the characters and the reader to think about what's going on in a new light. You can't read this book as you would a murder mystery set on land. The circumstances are different, so you have to approach it differently. The logical thing to do in a house does not apply to a ship out to sea.
The love story, and you know there has to be one, is a hoot to read. There is so much back and forth between Leslie and Elsa Lee, the sister-in-law of the ships owner, Marshall Turner. One minute you think they are going to be going for the jugular, the next you are annoyed that they aren't picking up on their mutual signals as easily as you are. It was a fun dynamic to read and I loved the fact the author didn't seal the relationship until the last two pages, well after the events on the ship actually took place. It was told with a great sense of humor and wit, and I appreciate the way the author handled their relationship.
Now this was only my second book by Mary Roberts Rinehart, though I've already finished a third, but I'm really starting to appreciate her writing style. Her sense of humor and obvious pleasure in what she's doing comes through on every page. It's a joy to read any author that truly enjoys what it is they do. I will be reading a lot more of her in the future.
February 27, 2016
Really, really boring.
I'm not sure is she was trying to write a mystery story, a love story, or a horror story. I guess it doesn't matter, she missed on all three. The mystery lacked any clues and has a horribly contrived ending. The love story consisted solely on stolen looks and insults. The horror story is a even a bit scary.
There was also some swear words. So on any level it was a waste of time.
I'm not sure is she was trying to write a mystery story, a love story, or a horror story. I guess it doesn't matter, she missed on all three. The mystery lacked any clues and has a horribly contrived ending. The love story consisted solely on stolen looks and insults. The horror story is a even a bit scary.
There was also some swear words. So on any level it was a waste of time.
May 15, 2022
I was enjoying this until the ending, which disappointed me. Also rests heavily on the trope of people trying desperately to shield a friend or relative whom they are sure is guilty, which I can take in small doses but which seemed more improbable than usual here (really? you'll do anything to keep your relative from being arrested for axe-murder?).
April 27, 2022
Not grabbing me right now, but I am looking forward to Mary Roberts Rinehart writing about a marauding axe murderer.
July 6, 2021
I happened upon a late model copy of this book in a Little Free Library while on vacation in coastal North Carolina. Grabbed it as I would do anything by this author even though I had never heard of this one, originally published in 1911. I admit to having a bit of an obsession with Mary Roberts Rinehart and her body of work but here’s why: she never disappoints.
Right from the get-go, I was struck how she immediately pulls the reader into the storyline and keeps the reader with her on the adventure of the whodunit. This was a murder mystery that occurs on a ship---- a departure from her typical old house settings, but just as skillfully handled. Reading her novels for me is an immersion course in how to write a compelling tale and do it well. I am in awe, as ever, of her skill and mastery of the craft and the mystery genre. Really in awe.
Right from the get-go, I was struck how she immediately pulls the reader into the storyline and keeps the reader with her on the adventure of the whodunit. This was a murder mystery that occurs on a ship---- a departure from her typical old house settings, but just as skillfully handled. Reading her novels for me is an immersion course in how to write a compelling tale and do it well. I am in awe, as ever, of her skill and mastery of the craft and the mystery genre. Really in awe.
January 25, 2010
Disappointed in The Circular Staircase by the same author, I thought I would give Rinehart another try. The After House was more enjoyable, perhaps because the main character is more sympathetic---a young doctor, just out of medical school, who while waiting for his medical appointment and needing money goes to sea as a common deck hand. At sea, several murders in rapid succession put the doctor in charge of the dwindling crew and the investigation. This novel is fast-paced and exciting, though there's not enough information for the reader to play along and solve the mystery. Upholds Rinehart's reputation as a good storyteller.
April 16, 2020
DNF at 50 pages in. Bored and could care less about how much money the character makes, let alone about his wanting to travel the sea. I like sea stories but this was utterly full. Moving on!
August 12, 2024
Not engaging and I did not care for it.
October 12, 2021
Content warning:
Uses "Negro" and "mulatto" as descriptives and as nouns in reference to minor characters who are not portrayed in a positive light.
Uses "Negro" and "mulatto" as descriptives and as nouns in reference to minor characters who are not portrayed in a positive light.
August 19, 2017
I loved this rather gruesome whodunit. The murders take place on a small private ship so the cast of characters (and suspects) is small -- you have the upper-crust owners and guests, and you have a typically ragtag crew. I read a few other reviews that harshly criticize the overt racism and sexism that permeates the story. Yes, the N-word is freely used along with other offensive descriptions of the diverse crew and servants attending the party-goers. But the book was written in the early 1900s and it tells it like it was. This apparently ruined the story for many. Certainly it was not the most enlightened age but I question how enlightened these readers are if they are not aware of our country's long history of race relations. Regardless of the sometimes uncomfortable conversations between characters, I thought this was a great read.
did-not-finish
February 20, 2013I normally wouldn't leave a review for a book I didn't finish but I'm making an exception because I think future potential readers should know why to avoid this book.
I downloaded an audio copy from the library. The reader is appallingly bad. The story is told from the point of view of a male character but the reader is a woman. She makes no vocal changes to make the story appealing. There is no inflection or voice changes and the recording itself has a slightly scratchy, jumpy sound. I had the sense of an older teacher reading a book aloud to a class. And the class would be drowsy.
I downloaded an audio copy from the library. The reader is appallingly bad. The story is told from the point of view of a male character but the reader is a woman. She makes no vocal changes to make the story appealing. There is no inflection or voice changes and the recording itself has a slightly scratchy, jumpy sound. I had the sense of an older teacher reading a book aloud to a class. And the class would be drowsy.
October 18, 2016
One of Rinehart's weaker mysteries, largely on account of the resolution, which strains credulity far past the breaking point.
ETA: I learned from another review that this was based on a true story -- a triple murder that took place on the yacht "Herbert Fuller". The book was written to serve as Rinehart's argument that the man convicted of the murders was not the real killer. The New England Historical Society has an article about the case here.
ETA: I learned from another review that this was based on a true story -- a triple murder that took place on the yacht "Herbert Fuller". The book was written to serve as Rinehart's argument that the man convicted of the murders was not the real killer. The New England Historical Society has an article about the case here.
April 28, 2017
Ralph Leslie takes a job on a luxurious super-yacht after recovering from a terrible illness and instead of it being the dream vacation he’d hope, shortly after leaving port, people are being murdered.
Mary Roberts Rinehart is great at holding readers captive. Rebecca Burns does a good job at telling the story.
Mary Roberts Rinehart is great at holding readers captive. Rebecca Burns does a good job at telling the story.
September 4, 2011
It was a good read, but the ending was a bit of a disappointment. The real killer was found more by accident than by intention. The reader had very little chance of solving the crime accurately, because so few clues were in place to point at the real killer. But I still enjoyed the read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2015
The first half of this book had me riveted, with a solid four star rating -- however, the last few chapters were not as interesting, and I did not like the ending. Overall a good mystery, though, and well-worth reading.
September 29, 2017
Lovely classic
Readers must remember that this was written in 1914 and the language used is appropriate for the time. A good story and a puzzle.
Readers must remember that this was written in 1914 and the language used is appropriate for the time. A good story and a puzzle.
May 15, 2022
Racist. Boring. Disappointing.
June 17, 2023
I love buying and reading these types of books.
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/which-of-the...
https://numberoneboats.com/which-of-t...
https://theboatyacht.com/bavaria-30-c...
https://numberoneboats.com/bavaria-30...
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/which-of-the...
https://numberoneboats.com/which-of-t...
https://theboatyacht.com/bavaria-30-c...
https://numberoneboats.com/bavaria-30...
August 6, 2023
I find that when it comes to me and books, it doesn't matter who says what, or does what, or who acts a certain way, it matters that I am having a good time reading it. And I had a good time. The women are kept away from the dead bodies, good, I want to be on the side of ship that doesn't have dead bodies on it. We can't even see the bloody axe. Again, good I have no desire to see a bloody axe.
In our story we have Ralph Leslie, who has spent all the money he has attending college to become a doctor, now he is a doctor, one with seven dollars left. And he is just getting out of hospital after spending quite a bit of time there with a bout of typhoid. While he was recovering he spent a lot of time looking out the window watched a refit of Marshall Turner's schooner-turned-yacht, the Ella. For some odd reason this fills him with an intense longing for the sea and he takes a job aboard her as soon as he is discharged. His job seems fairly easy, he washes the deck, brings drinks to the ladies, stuff like that until one August night when one of the ship's officers disappears overboard. That's only the beginning of this trip to hell and back. Remember, there is a bloody axe coming up sometime. And there's a dead body, lots of dead bodies. It's good they finally made it back to shore or there wouldn't have been anyone left to figure out what happened.
It's odd, when they leave for their trip there is a captain, and a first officer, and a second officer, and when it returns, Leslie, the guy who was washing decks and handing out drinks while still recovering from a long illness, is in command. Then there is the white "shape" people keep seeing. Is the Ella haunted? Anyone who didn't believe that when they started the trip believe it by the time they return. It's scary to think that whoever it is going around cutting people up with an axe has to be one of the few people on the ship with you. Unless it's the disappearing white shape that is.
The book was based on the real life events aboard the ship called the Herbert Fuller. In July 1896, the Herbert Fuller put to sea from Boston with 11 people on board. The ship was loaded with lumber, boards stacked high upon its deck.
Her next stop was Rosario, Argentina – only it wasn’t. After just 18 days at sea, the Herbert Fuller turned up in Halifax, Nova Scotia, carrying only eight as she sailed into the harbor flying a black distress flag.
The ship’s jolly boat trailed behind with three murdered corpses. Just nine days into her voyage, the Herbert Fuller had turned into a slaughter house. Someone had taken an ax to the captain, Charles Nash, and his wife Laura, of Harrington, Maine. The second mate, August Blomberg, a Russian sailor, had also been killed with the ax.
All three had been murdered on the night of July 13-14, and the remaining crew had decided to put into Halifax – some 750 miles away – as the closest port available. They spent a harrowing seven nights at sea trying to keep an eye out for their safety and suspiciously watching their fellow passengers.
And along came Mary Roberts Rinehart and turned the real events into The After House. Good job.
In our story we have Ralph Leslie, who has spent all the money he has attending college to become a doctor, now he is a doctor, one with seven dollars left. And he is just getting out of hospital after spending quite a bit of time there with a bout of typhoid. While he was recovering he spent a lot of time looking out the window watched a refit of Marshall Turner's schooner-turned-yacht, the Ella. For some odd reason this fills him with an intense longing for the sea and he takes a job aboard her as soon as he is discharged. His job seems fairly easy, he washes the deck, brings drinks to the ladies, stuff like that until one August night when one of the ship's officers disappears overboard. That's only the beginning of this trip to hell and back. Remember, there is a bloody axe coming up sometime. And there's a dead body, lots of dead bodies. It's good they finally made it back to shore or there wouldn't have been anyone left to figure out what happened.
It's odd, when they leave for their trip there is a captain, and a first officer, and a second officer, and when it returns, Leslie, the guy who was washing decks and handing out drinks while still recovering from a long illness, is in command. Then there is the white "shape" people keep seeing. Is the Ella haunted? Anyone who didn't believe that when they started the trip believe it by the time they return. It's scary to think that whoever it is going around cutting people up with an axe has to be one of the few people on the ship with you. Unless it's the disappearing white shape that is.
The book was based on the real life events aboard the ship called the Herbert Fuller. In July 1896, the Herbert Fuller put to sea from Boston with 11 people on board. The ship was loaded with lumber, boards stacked high upon its deck.
Her next stop was Rosario, Argentina – only it wasn’t. After just 18 days at sea, the Herbert Fuller turned up in Halifax, Nova Scotia, carrying only eight as she sailed into the harbor flying a black distress flag.
The ship’s jolly boat trailed behind with three murdered corpses. Just nine days into her voyage, the Herbert Fuller had turned into a slaughter house. Someone had taken an ax to the captain, Charles Nash, and his wife Laura, of Harrington, Maine. The second mate, August Blomberg, a Russian sailor, had also been killed with the ax.
All three had been murdered on the night of July 13-14, and the remaining crew had decided to put into Halifax – some 750 miles away – as the closest port available. They spent a harrowing seven nights at sea trying to keep an eye out for their safety and suspiciously watching their fellow passengers.
And along came Mary Roberts Rinehart and turned the real events into The After House. Good job.
March 30, 2023
"So well did I paint my picture of long , idle days on the ocean, of sweet, cool nights under the stars with breezes that purred through the sails, rocking the ship to slumber ---finally he waxed enthusiastic, and was even for giving up the pharmacy at once and sailing with me."
Sailing is wonderful, when you dream about the deep blue ocean, the cool salty breeze, sunlight enveloping your cheered spirit and the picture of a clear sky with birds. But the ocean is not always calm and so is the sky. Its got hidden chaos and calamities, thats what is depicted in this book by #maryrobertsreinhart in " The After House".
This book did two things to me, interested me to the core to continue reading till the end and disappoint me in the end. Ralph Leslie the protagonist, being a medical graduate decides to go sailing post his recovery from typhoid but is met with a beautiful and charming Elsa Lee and also an unexpected murder in the mighty ship "Elsa". He could have been intellectually charged and investigated a murder but the investigative and intense paced story is deeply scarred by how Leslie blindly or rather foolishly followed a charming woman instead of the murderer!
"The wheather was in our favor, the wind on our quarter, a blue sky heaped with white cloud masses, with sunset fringed with the deepest rose."
#murdermystery
#theafterhouse
#ralphleslie
#sailing
#murderontheship
#ship
#review
#novel
#storyreview
#book
#bookreview
#ocean
#reading
#reader
#read
#bookstagram
#booklover
#marchreading
Sailing is wonderful, when you dream about the deep blue ocean, the cool salty breeze, sunlight enveloping your cheered spirit and the picture of a clear sky with birds. But the ocean is not always calm and so is the sky. Its got hidden chaos and calamities, thats what is depicted in this book by #maryrobertsreinhart in " The After House".
This book did two things to me, interested me to the core to continue reading till the end and disappoint me in the end. Ralph Leslie the protagonist, being a medical graduate decides to go sailing post his recovery from typhoid but is met with a beautiful and charming Elsa Lee and also an unexpected murder in the mighty ship "Elsa". He could have been intellectually charged and investigated a murder but the investigative and intense paced story is deeply scarred by how Leslie blindly or rather foolishly followed a charming woman instead of the murderer!
"The wheather was in our favor, the wind on our quarter, a blue sky heaped with white cloud masses, with sunset fringed with the deepest rose."
#murdermystery
#theafterhouse
#ralphleslie
#sailing
#murderontheship
#ship
#review
#novel
#storyreview
#book
#bookreview
#ocean
#reading
#reader
#read
#bookstagram
#booklover
#marchreading
July 30, 2017
I am embarrassed to admit that before last year, I was unaware of Mary Roberts Rinehart's works.
I 'discovered' her while doing a study of mystery writers.
In a short bio I read about her, was referred to as 'the American Agatha Christie', although her first mystery novel was published 14 years before Christie's first novel in 1920.
So I began this little personal study of mine this past year, trying to track down and read her works- mainly the fiction.
She is a phenomenal plot builder but there is one sad element that keeps repeating itself in her works- she is a horrible bigot. Almost every title I have read so far, has at least one dark skinned character and they are always weak, sniveling, deceitful, lazy and thieves. She almost always works in the term 'nigger' which never fails to repulse me.
I fully understand the era in which she wrote (1906- 1944) but compare this to Wilkie Collins, who wrote between 1844- 1890, and always managed to convey the injustices against dark skinned peoples. (Read his play, Black and White.)
I started her comedic series 'Tish' but had to stop after the first two volumes. The racism was so thick I just couldn't find the humor in them.
I shall continue on my little 'study' to read her mystery novels as I find titles but just a warning to others- her racism runs deep.
I 'discovered' her while doing a study of mystery writers.
In a short bio I read about her, was referred to as 'the American Agatha Christie', although her first mystery novel was published 14 years before Christie's first novel in 1920.
So I began this little personal study of mine this past year, trying to track down and read her works- mainly the fiction.
She is a phenomenal plot builder but there is one sad element that keeps repeating itself in her works- she is a horrible bigot. Almost every title I have read so far, has at least one dark skinned character and they are always weak, sniveling, deceitful, lazy and thieves. She almost always works in the term 'nigger' which never fails to repulse me.
I fully understand the era in which she wrote (1906- 1944) but compare this to Wilkie Collins, who wrote between 1844- 1890, and always managed to convey the injustices against dark skinned peoples. (Read his play, Black and White.)
I started her comedic series 'Tish' but had to stop after the first two volumes. The racism was so thick I just couldn't find the humor in them.
I shall continue on my little 'study' to read her mystery novels as I find titles but just a warning to others- her racism runs deep.
September 26, 2023
Published in 1914. My reading this all started with a discussion about what authors will be remembered in 100 years. I went back 100 years and concluded, of the top 10 best sellers? 2 of 10, and only the ones who end up taught in high school and college classrooms. I have heard of Rinehart in a vague sort of way, but I think have read nothing by her until now.
It's 109 years old. It's sexist and it's anti-Semitic. The sexism is probably fairly the POV character's, as the anti-Semetism might be, but that latter grated on me worse. The MC is kind of a dick in a few ways, though I'm willing for a private detective to be not a wonderful person. It's not a great mystery. There isn't enough in the red herring and false suspect realm to make it a mystery a reader can fairly solve.
But I haven't been in the mood lately for finishing things I don't like at all, so it's definitely not that bad. I liked the setting. I liked the discovery of the murder victims. Not so good I'd spend money on her books, but whatever my library has as ebook or audiobook, I might read another of.
I will continue to try some of these 100 year old strong-selling but utterly forgotten books. I bet there are some gems awaiting me.
It's 109 years old. It's sexist and it's anti-Semitic. The sexism is probably fairly the POV character's, as the anti-Semetism might be, but that latter grated on me worse. The MC is kind of a dick in a few ways, though I'm willing for a private detective to be not a wonderful person. It's not a great mystery. There isn't enough in the red herring and false suspect realm to make it a mystery a reader can fairly solve.
But I haven't been in the mood lately for finishing things I don't like at all, so it's definitely not that bad. I liked the setting. I liked the discovery of the murder victims. Not so good I'd spend money on her books, but whatever my library has as ebook or audiobook, I might read another of.
I will continue to try some of these 100 year old strong-selling but utterly forgotten books. I bet there are some gems awaiting me.
May 25, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read told from the point of view of the main character after the fact. It was written in the early 20th century, and as a result, there are definitely some racial slurs throughout the book.
I saw some really negative reviews, but I really enjoyed the unfolding of the story. I like that Mary Rinehart is more about character development vs Agatha Christie's intricate plot focus. I started reading Mary Rinehart after I heard she was considered the "American Agatha Christie." She has a different writing style from Christie, but I think it's nice because it differentiates the two authors.
The story focuses on the crew and guests on a yacht where a set of gruesome murders take place. I saw a lot of negative reviews about how the clues aren't given to the reader in such a way where they could guess the murderer, but honestly, Agatha Christie does the same thing, so I'm not sure that's something to complain about. Also, the story is told as the main character learned the truth, so it wouldn't make sense for the big reveal at the end to be obvious, because then wouldn't he have figured it out sooner?
I didn't like this book as much as the other Mary Rinehart I read, but it was still an intriguing story, and I will definitely be reading more of her books in the future.
I saw some really negative reviews, but I really enjoyed the unfolding of the story. I like that Mary Rinehart is more about character development vs Agatha Christie's intricate plot focus. I started reading Mary Rinehart after I heard she was considered the "American Agatha Christie." She has a different writing style from Christie, but I think it's nice because it differentiates the two authors.
The story focuses on the crew and guests on a yacht where a set of gruesome murders take place. I saw a lot of negative reviews about how the clues aren't given to the reader in such a way where they could guess the murderer, but honestly, Agatha Christie does the same thing, so I'm not sure that's something to complain about. Also, the story is told as the main character learned the truth, so it wouldn't make sense for the big reveal at the end to be obvious, because then wouldn't he have figured it out sooner?
I didn't like this book as much as the other Mary Rinehart I read, but it was still an intriguing story, and I will definitely be reading more of her books in the future.
February 22, 2018
I read that Rinehart wrote this book to explore in fiction an actual crime in which, apparently, the wrong person was originally convicted. If that did somebody some good, wonderful. For this reader, the book itself was a washout. The setting for most of the book is a private yacht on an ocean voyage. Three brutal murders lead to panic and paranoia for all on board, including Lester, a young med school graduate who has signed on to the yacht's crew to regain his health before looking for a medical position. The early parts of the book are somewhat atmospheric but that's really all I can say about this book that is positive. It is full of race and gender stereotypes and there is no "fair play" for the reader in solving the mystery. In fact, the solution can only be guessed at vaguely before it is finally revealed, it makes no sense from a moral or character driven perspective and the plot drags painfully for the second half of the book. I loved The Circular Staircase and In Nomad's Land and so was very disappointed by this book.
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