I grew up in PIttsburgh, and I don't know how I missed this classic author who was born in the area and lived here for half of her life. What a thrill to find so many stories with local landmarks and many mentions of steel magnates, grit, and mills. Besides the local flavor, I love the way this lady tells a story. Her characters are vibrant, real, well-evolved and carry the reader along sharing the characters' pains, troubles, and subsequent growth. I know she is referred to as an American Agatha Christie, but her mystery unraveling is the part  of her work I like the least. I'm not one to enjoy checking and double-checking clues as opposed to simply enjoying character studies. Her character development and gentle love stories are what win me over. Old-fashioned stories told with charm and flair...they are centered on idealism with an added dose of cynicism for the failings and faults of society, all wound together in engaging tales. It is amazing how much still applies today.