Mary Roberts Rinehart is often called the American Agatha Christie, but Bab: A Sub-Deb shows a different, wonderfully funny side of her writing. Published in 1917, it's told entirely through the diary entries of Barbara Archibald, known as Bab, a wealthy teenager on the cusp of adulthood.

The Story

Bab's world revolves around her intense, secret love for her brother's friend, Carter Brooks, who is totally oblivious. She chronicles her battles with her mother over clothes, parties, and proper behavior, all while feeling tragically misunderstood. Her family's summer retreat to the countryside promises more boredom, until a man named Leila's Cousin Jim arrives. He's connected to Bab's father's past in South America, and something about him feels off. Bab, ever the romantic drama queen in her own mind, first imagines him as a potential rival for Carter's affections. But she soon stumbles onto clues that Cousin Jim might be involved in something criminal. Using her position as an 'invisible' teenager, Bab starts eavesdropping and investigating, turning her diary from a record of grievances into a log of suspicious activities. The charm is in how Bab's teenage self-absorption slowly collides with a genuine external threat, and how her unique perspective becomes an unexpected asset.

Why You Should Read It

Bab's voice is the star of the show. Rinehart perfectly captures the hilarious, over-the-top, and painfully earnest inner world of a 17-year-old girl from a bygone era. You'll laugh at her melodrama one minute (her descriptions of fainting spells are priceless) and then be impressed by her sharp observations the next. Beyond the comedy, it's a smart look at a young woman pushing against the tight constraints placed on her. She's desperate to be seen as capable and intelligent, not just a debutante-in-training. The mystery element is light but fun—it's more about Bab using her wits than any hardboiled detective work. It gives the story a nice momentum beyond the family sitcom dynamics.

Final Verdict

This book is a delightful, quick read. It's perfect for anyone who enjoys classic coming-of-age stories with a strong, funny narrative voice. If you're a fan of Anne of Green Gables's dramatic flair or the witty family chaos in I Capture the Castle, you'll feel right at home with Bab. It's also a great pick for readers curious about early 20th-century life and the very specific world of wealthy American families. Don't go in expecting a tense thriller; go in for the laughs, the heart, and the chance to spend time with a truly memorable young heroine who is, in her own words, 'up against it.'