Society sleuth Philo Vance investigates a series of murders inspired by Mother Goose rhymes. The murders start with the body of Robin. He is found with a arrow through the heart, but Vance deduces that the body was placed and not found where he was killed. The note found dealing with the murder was part of a nursery rhyme and signed by 'Bishop'. The only witness may have been Mrs. Drukker and Adolph, but they are not talking. As the murders progress, each one is accompanied by a nursery rhyme. It is up to Philo Vance to unravel the clues and unmask the identity of the murderer.

A detective story, it centers upon a connvining "canary" (a nightclub singer) who takes on wealthy lovers and then blackmails them into giving her money. If they refuse, she will tell their wives and ruin their lives. She is found dead the next day and her fiancé Jimmiy is blamed and arrested until Philo Vance, a whimsical society man and amateur detective who is a close friend of Jimmy's father, is called in the case. Vance proves the murder to have been the elder Spotwoode.

Philo Vance is a snobbish art collector who happens to be the longtime friend of John Markham, the New York County District Attorney. When a wealthy Wall Street broker is found shot in his own home, Vance finds himself drawn into the case. Seeing both Markham and the police content to accept the superficial evidence of the crime scene, Vance must intervene, and elucidate an entirely different approach to solving the mystery. S. S. Van Dine was the pseudonym of Willard Huntington Wright, an art critic who became interested in murder mystery stories after reading dozens of them during an extended convalescence. The Benson Murder Case introduced his character Philo Vance, a wealthy dilettante who brings the eye of an art connoisseur to his newfound calling of amateur detective. This book is part of the Standard Ebooks project, which produces free public domain ebooks.

The "The Greatest Works of S. S. Van Dine (Illustrated Edition)" epitomizes the golden age of detective fiction with its thematic focus on the intellectual pursuit of truth amidst the complexities of 20th-century moral and ethical dilemmas. This collection presents an expansive range of literary styles, from classic whodunits to more cerebral mysteries, offering vivid illustrations that enhance the visual storytelling and deepen the reader's connection to the narrative. Each work within the anthology showcases intricate plots and astute characterizations that highlight the quintessential elements of detective stories, inviting readers into a labyrinth of suspense and intrigue that captivates from start to finish. Willard Huntington Wright, writing under the pseudonym S. S. Van Dine, crafts thoughtful prose that intersects with the era's cultural and literary movements, notably the rise of American detective fiction during the early 20th century. Wright's background as a pioneering art critic and cultural commentator enriches his narratives with a textured understanding of human nature and society's nuances. This illustrated edition foregrounds the enduring relevance of his work and presents it in a manner that honors the genre's tradition while inviting new audiences into its fold. This collection offers readers an unparalleled exploration into Van Dine's literary genius, presenting stories that not only entertain but also engage critically with the art of storytelling. It is a treasure trove for enthusiasts of mystery literature, providing educational value in its examination of narrative structure and character development. By fostering a dialogue between image and text, this edition provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the multiplicity of perspectives and styles that define Van Dine's legacy, marking it as essential reading for scholars and mystery aficionados alike. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - A comprehensive Introduction outlines these selected works' unifying features, themes, or stylistic evolutions. - A Historical Context section situates the works in their broader era—social currents, cultural trends, and key events that underpin their creation. - A concise Synopsis (Selection) offers an accessible overview of the included texts, helping readers navigate plotlines and main ideas without revealing critical twists. - A unified Analysis examines recurring motifs and stylistic hallmarks across the collection, tying the stories together while spotlighting the different work's strengths. - Reflection questions inspire deeper contemplation of the author's overarching message, inviting readers to draw connections among different texts and relate them to modern contexts. - Lastly, our hand‐picked Memorable Quotes distill pivotal lines and turning points, serving as touchstones for the collection's central themes.

A murder in the mountains is the latest case for the Manhattan detective famed for his “highbrow manner and parade of encyclopedic learning” (The New York Times). Wealthy and worldly-wise detective Philo Vance has been asked to keep watch at a house party in the snowy Berkshires of western Massachusetts, where he encounters an assortment of guests ranging from a treasure hunter to a race car driver. The owner of the house doesn’t quite trust his son’s friends—and is worried about the security of his precious emeralds. Sure enough, a guard is soon killed, the jewels are stolen, and then another guest dies, leaving Vance to make some cold calculations about who turned this gathering from festive to fatal . . . “Mr. Van Dine’s amateur detective is the most gentlemanly, and probably the most scholarly snooper in literature.” —Chicago Daily Tribune “The best of the American mystery men.” —The Globe

Playboy stockbroker, Alvin Benson, is found in his brownstone mansion with a bullet through his head. First on the scene is Philo Vance, amateur detective, who is at once intrigued by the absence of Alvin's toupee and his false teeth. With a jigsaw of odd clues he sets off in pursuit of an elusive murderer, making obvious his disdain for the professional crime-solvers of the police and the DA's office. To him, they seem to be hopelessly addicted to the pernicious practice of looking for physical clues and circumstantial evidence. His own theory is that psychology is the key.

Having solved the murder almost immediately, amateur detective Philo Vance takes pleasure in watching New York police investigate a series of suspects

New York dilettante Philo Vance decides to assist the police in investigating the death of another man-about-town because he finds the psychological aspects of the crime of interest, and feels that they would be beyond the capacities of the police, even those of his friend District Attorney Markham. Vance investigates the circumstances under which the body was found and reconstructs the crime sufficiently to determine that the murderer is five feet, ten and a half inches in height. Together, Vance and Markham investigate Benson's business associates and romantic interests until Vance manages to pierce the murderer's alibi for the time of the murder and force a confession.