The Window at the White Cat
1910
The Window at the White Cat is a detective novel by Mary Roberts Rinehart, first published in 1910. The story follows lawyer John Knox as he investigates the disappearance of Margery Fleming's father, Allan, a state treasurer entangled in political corruption. As Knox navigates a web of suspects and dark secrets, he must also contend with his feelings for Margery, who is drawn to the dubious Harry Wardrop. The novel intertwines themes of love, mystery, and political intrigue, making it a notable work in early 20th-century detective fiction.
Editions
X-Ray
“In my criminal work anything that wears skirts is a lady, until the law proves her otherwise. From the frayed and slovenly petticoats of the woman who owns a poultry stand in the market and who has grown wealthy by selling chickens at twelve ounces to the pound, or the silk sweep of Mamie Tracy, whose diamonds have been stolen down on the avenue...””
— Mary Roberts Rinehart
“Her eyes filled. "He forgot my birthday, two weeks ago," she said. "It was the first one he had ever forgotten, in nineteen of them." Nineteen! Nineteen from thirty-five leaves sixteen!””
— Mary Roberts Rinehart
“We broke up for the night about eleven. Mrs. Butler had come down for a while, and had even played a little, something of Tschaikovsky’s, a singing, plaintive theme that brought sadness back into Margery’s face, and made me think, for no reason, of a wet country road and a plodding, back-burdened peasant.””
— Mary Roberts Rinehart
