The Mystery of Marie Rogêt by Edgar Allan Poe

The first murder mystery based on the details of a real crime

  C. Auguste Dupin and his sidekick the unnamed narrator undertake the unsolved murder of one Marie Rogêt of Paris. The body of Rogêt, a perfume shop employee, is found in the Seine River and the media has taken a keen interest in the mystery.

 The story is based upon the actual murder of Mary Cecilia Rogers. She disappeared on October 4, 1838, in New York City and became known as the "Beautiful Cigar Girl". Only a few days later the newspapers announced her return. It was said she had eloped with a naval officer. Three years later, on July 25, 1841, she disappeared again. Her body was found floating in the Hudson River on July 28 in Hoboken, New Jersey. The details surrounding the case suggested she was murdered. The death of this well-known girl received national attention for weeks. Months later her fiancé was found dead, an act of suicide. By his side was a remorseful note and an empty bottle of poison.

Printing History

Written by Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849)
  

Snowden's Ladies' Companion
William W. Snowden
November 1842