S. S. Van Dine Libros

¿Puede alguien entrar en un piso totalmente cerrado, matar a Margaret Odell, una famosa bailarina de cabaré, y desaparecer sin dejar huella? He aquí un clásico enigma que se le presenta al audaz, sofisticado e intelectual detective Philo Vance, quien tejiendo una tela de araña en torno a los sospechosos resolverá el caso más espeluznante –según la policía de Nueva York–, al aplicar un espectacular método analítico jamás utilizado en criminología.

In this engaging narrative, a sophisticated New Yorker embarks on his fifth and sixth investigative adventures. As he navigates through intriguing mysteries, the story unfolds with a blend of wit and charm, revealing the complexities of urban life and the eccentric characters he encounters. The cases challenge his intellect and offer a glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of city living, showcasing the protagonist's keen observational skills and his knack for solving puzzles amidst the bustling backdrop of New York.

Exploring the evolution of modern art, this work delves into the techniques and philosophies that define contemporary painting. The author examines influential artists and movements, highlighting their contributions to the art world. With insightful analysis, it addresses the cultural and historical contexts that shaped modern artistic expression, making it a valuable resource for art enthusiasts and scholars alike. The book serves as both a critical commentary and a celebration of the transformative power of modern painting.

Gracie Allen breaks the Philo Phormula in a number of ways. First is its title: this is the only book in the series to modify "Murder Case" with more than one word, much less with the name of a character. And then there's that character: Gracie Allen was a very real, much-loved comedienne in the 1930s, famous for her double act with George Burns, and in fact the plot revolves around her. Gracie's centrality is no accident: Van Dine wrote the story as a vehicle for Allen, and actually created the novel only after the film had come out. So do all these departures pay off? We'd be lying if we said that Gracie hits every single mark, but Van Dine does a surprisingly entertaining job of translating Ms. Allen's delicious Ditzy Blonde persona to the page, and she makes a charming foil for Philo's evergreen erudition.

Like The Gracie Allen Murder Case before it, Winter was first written as a screenplay, in this case a vehicle for the figure skater Sonja Henie. However, while Allen's scatterbrained persona made a charming foil for Philo's stuffed-shirt pretensions, Ms. Henie provided no such inspiration. Van Dine did not live long enough to see her outed as a Nazi supporter, but her ice-princess act offered less for Philo to play against. It should be noted that Winter was published posthumously to close out the series, and though it went to press without Van Dine's usual repeated revisions, it is true vintage Philo--utterly distinctive in style and its own very genuine kind of pleasure.

"Philo Vance: Man of Action," said nobody never. And yet Kidnap shows real signs of Van Dine's responding both to the changing times--friends, it's not the Jazz Age any more--and to the public's changing tastes, as Philo does much less sitting around pontificating and much more running around chasing bad guys. To accommodate this new, Action Philo, the plot is somewhat simplistic, featuring not only a purloined playboy but also a demand that the ransom be left at midnight in a hollow tree. However, Philo's newfound skills with a pistol are additions to his bag of tricks, rather than replacements for the tricks we know and love; rest assured that he retains every ounce of his customary implausible charm. Kidnap is the last of the Philo Vance novels to have been written as a book, with a film to follow (the remaining two were written after the movies were made). Given the ability that Van Dine shows here to adapt his style--and his protagonist's--as the times dictate, it's a great pity that we never got a chance to see Philo go up against the Nazis.

In the concluding adventures of Philo Vance, the renowned detective faces a series of complex mysteries that challenge his intellect and deductive skills. As he navigates through intricate plots and a cast of intriguing characters, Vance must unravel clues that lead to unexpected revelations. The stories delve into themes of justice and morality, showcasing Vance's unique approach to solving crimes. Fans of classic detective fiction will appreciate the clever twists and the culmination of Vance's investigative journey.

According to one review, Garden runs on "passion, avarice, ambition and horse-racing." It also runs on pure 1930s octane, because this is a classic house-party murder mystery, that staple of the Golden Age. As befitting a Philo yarn, of course, it's a very Manhattan house-party, with an actress and a socialite on hand, and a bookie on the telephone. There's also a losing bet on the ponies, and an ensuing suicide...but Philo, natch, is not sure just who pulled the trigger. A joy, as always, for readers who delight in Philo's spectacular brand of awfulness--is there anyone snootier? Snobbier? More taken with himself?--but also for fans of the Impossible Crime.