Helen Reilly

Helen Reilly (1891-1962) was an American mystery writer best known for creating one of the first female police detective characters, Inspector McKee, who appeared in over 30 of her novels. She helped pioneer the police procedural genre and was particularly noted for her detailed attention to forensic methods and police investigative techniques. Reilly began her writing career in the 1930s and gained prominence for combining elements of both the traditional mystery novel and hard-boiled detective fiction. Her work stood out for its realistic portrayal of police work and scientific crime-solving methods, which she researched extensively through her connections with the New York City Police Department. The McKee novels, set primarily in New York City, were praised for their atmospheric depictions of urban life and careful attention to procedural accuracy. Notable works in the series include "The Line-Up" (1934), "Mr. Smith's Hat" (1936), and "The Dead Can Tell" (1940). Reilly's influence extended beyond her own work, as two of her daughters, Ursula Curtiss and Mary McMullen, also became successful mystery writers. Her contribution to the genre helped pave the way for future police procedural writers and established a framework for incorporating forensic science into detective fiction.

Readers appreciate Reilly's atmospheric police procedural mysteries and her detective character Inspector McKee. Reviews highlight her detailed focus on forensics and crime scene investigation methods that were innovative for the 1930s-50s. Common praise focuses on her meticulous plotting and her ability to build suspense through careful accumulation of clues and evidence. Several readers note that her books feel more "modern" than other mysteries of that era. Critics find her writing style can be overly descriptive and slow-paced. Some readers point to flat characterization outside of McKee and mention that her later books become formulaic. Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: Average 3.6/5 across all works - The Dead Can Tell: 3.7/5 (86 ratings) - Tell Her It's Murder: 3.8/5 (42 ratings) - Murder in the Mews: 3.5/5 (31 ratings) Amazon reviews are limited, with most titles having under 10 ratings, averaging 4/5 stars.

McKee's Dead End (1931) - A police officer tries to solve a jewelry theft while also pursuing a murder investigation.

The Line-Up (1934) - Inspector Christopher McKee investigates the murder of a woman in an apartment building during a blizzard.

The Doll's Trunk Murder (1934) - A dismembered body is found in a trunk, leading Inspector McKee through New York's fashion industry.

Murder in the Mews (1935) - Inspector McKee investigates suspicious deaths at a boarding house in Manhattan.

Death Demands an Audience (1940) - A murder case unfolds at a theater where a new play is being rehearsed.

Murder on Angler's Island (1945) - The death of a wealthy man on a private island leads to an investigation of the victim's family members.

Murder in the Gym (1950) - Inspector McKee investigates a killing at a Manhattan gymnasium.

Compartment K (1955) - A woman traveling by train becomes entangled in a murder mystery when her compartment neighbor is killed.

The Canvas Dagger (1956) - The murder of an art collector leads Inspector McKee into an investigation of the New York art world.

Not Me, Inspector (1959) - A woman becomes the prime suspect in her husband's murder and must work to clear her name.