This novel opens with the death of playboy stockbroker, Alvin Benson, who 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. These odd clues set him in pursuit of an elusive murderer. He confronts a host of suspects and uncovers a number of family skeletons in his quest for the truth. S.S. van Dine is the pen name of Willard Huntington Wright (1888-1939) who wrote this novel in 1926. He wrote 13 best-selling crime novels and his amateur detective, Philo Vance was later immortalized on screen by William Powell in "The Canary Murder Case".
Philo Vance Serie
Ambientata nella vibrante New York del 1925-1935, questa serie di gialli dell'Età d'Oro segue i casi del brillante ma eccentrico Philo Vance. Utilizza la sua straordinaria intelligenza e conoscenza enciclopedica per svelare gli omicidi più intricati. È un classico del genere che delizia i lettori con il suo elegante ragionamento deduttivo e l'atmosfera d'epoca.
Ordine di lettura consigliato
Il Giallo Economico Classico - 23: Il caso della canarina assassinata
- 160pagine
- 6 ore di lettura
1927. Illustrated with scenes from the Paramount photoplay. Around 1925 Willard Huntington Wright, critic and writer, underwent a long illness. As part of his convalescence he wrote The Benson Murder Case, in which he created the character of Philo Vance, a master sleuth. So that the book would not be compared to his other works he adopted the pseudonym S.S. Van Dine. By the time The Canary Murder Case, the second in the series was published, Van Dine had become a best seller. He wrote a total of twelve Philo Vance novels. The book begins: In the offices of the Homicide Bureau of the Detective Division of the New York Police Department, on the third floor of the Police Headquarters building in Center Street, there is a large steel filing cabinet; and within it, among thousands of others of its kind, there reposes a small green index-card on which is typed: ODell, Margaret. 184 West 71st Street. Sept. 10. Murder: Strangled about 11 p.m. Apartment ransacked. Jewelry stolen. Body found by Amy Gibson, maid.
Vyvraždění rodiny Greenů
- 270pagine
- 10 ore di lettura
Dandy Philo Vance s detektivními schopnostmi vyšetřuje napínavý případ rodiny Greenů, jejíž členové byli postupně s úděsnou přesností vražděni. Jedná se tu o jeden z toho druhu zločinu, které bývají řazeny mezi téměř dokonalé.
This early work by S. S. Van Dine was originally published in 1928 and we are now republishing it with a brand new introduction. 'The Bishop Murder Case' is one of Van Dine's novels of crime and mystery. S. S. Van Dine was born Willard Huntington Wright in Charlottesville, Virginia in 1888. He attended St. Vincent College, Pomona College and Harvard University, but failed to graduate, leaving to cultivate contacts he had made in the literary world. At the age of twenty-one, Wright began his professional writing career as literary editor of the Los Angeles Times. In 1926, Wright published his first S. S. Van Dine novel, The Benson Murder Case. Wright went on to write eleven more mysteries. The first few books about his upper-class amateur sleuth, Philo Vance, were so popular that Wright became wealthy for the first time in his life. His later books declined in popularity as the reading public's tastes in mystery fiction changed, but during the late twenties and early thirties his work was very successful.
Dea della vendetta - Per la prima volta in Italia in traduzione integrale
- 356pagine
- 13 ore di lettura
Philo Vance becomes involved in the Scarab murder case by chance, though it’s likely that New York's District Attorney, John F.-X. Markham, would have sought his expertise eventually. The complexity of the murder, which involved the brutal killing of philanthropist Benjamin H. Kyle in a renowned Egyptologist's museum, posed a significant challenge. Vance's keen analytical skills and understanding of human psychology were crucial, particularly since he was the first to examine the crime scene. His initial observations revealed misleading clues that ultimately led him to understand the murderer's mindset. The case garnered attention due to the rare blue scarabaeus found beside the victim's mutilated body, which became central to the investigation. While the police viewed the scarab as a straightforward piece of evidence pointing to its owner, Vance was skeptical. He noted that murderers typically do not leave such obvious markers. He emphasized the importance of understanding why the archaeological artifact was placed with the body, believing that uncovering this motive would reveal the true nature of the crime. Vance's pursuit of the underlying reasons behind the murder would prove essential in solving one of the most intricate criminal cases in modern history.
Il Giallo Economico Classico - 84: Il mistero del drago
- 187pagine
- 7 ore di lettura
New York, un misterioso caso sembra proiettare gli investigatori in un fosco e irreale regno di demoni e di superstizioni; un regno pieno di mostri e orribili vendette... Nella tenuta degli Stamm un uomo si immerge nello "Stagno del Drago" e scompare: è l'inizio di una sequela di tragici avvenimenti, e Philo Vance si trova alle prese con vecchie, terrificanti credenze.
Mordakte Kasino.
- 126pagine
- 5 ore di lettura
Philo Vance, erfolgreicher Amateurdetektiv, erhält einen mysteriösen Brief, der ihn in das berühmte New Yorker Kinkaids Kasino an der West 73rd Street lockt. Dort wird er Zeuge, wie der junge Lynn Llewellyn zusammenbricht. In derselben Nacht stirbt Llewellyns Frau. In beiden Fällen war offensichtlich Gift im Spiel. Ein wahrhaft giftiger Fall für den berühmten Detektiv.
The Garden Murder Case
- 250pagine
- 9 ore di lettura
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.
The Kidnap Murder Case
- 250pagine
- 9 ore di lettura
"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.
Libri correlati
The Philo Vance Murder Cases
4-The Dragon Murder Case & the Casino Murder Case
- 368pagine
- 13 ore di lettura
Set against a backdrop of intrigue, this story intertwines the thrill of games of chance with the enigmatic character of Philo Vance. As Vance navigates a world filled with dragons—both literal and metaphorical—he confronts a deadly game that tests his intellect and resolve. The narrative explores themes of strategy, deception, and the high stakes of competition, as Vance seeks to unravel the mysteries surrounding the deadly game while facing formidable opponents and unexpected twists.
The Philo Vance Murder Cases
3-The Scarab Murder Case & the Kennel Murder Case
- 420pagine
- 15 ore di lettura
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.
The Philo Vance Murder Cases
2-The Greene Murder Case & the Bishop Murder Case
- 488pagine
- 18 ore di lettura
The narrative follows renowned detective Philo Vance as he investigates the Greene family mansion, where a series of murders drastically reduces the family members. Titled the "Greene Murder Case," the story unfolds with escalating tension and intrigue. The subsequent tale, "The Bishop Murder Case," features a chilling connection to nursery rhymes, beginning with the death of Christopher Robin, reminiscent of Cock Robin's fate. As Vance navigates these complex cases, more characters fall victim, leading to a gripping resolution.
The Philo Vance Murder Cases
6-The Gracie Allen Murder Case & the Winter Murder Case
- 220pagine
- 8 ore di lettura
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.
The Philo Vance Murder Cases
5-The Garden Murder Case & the Kidnap Murder Case
- 368pagine
- 13 ore di lettura
Set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City, this collection features two captivating murder mysteries that delve into the complexities of crime and justice. Each story weaves intricate plots filled with suspense, intriguing characters, and unexpected twists, inviting readers to solve the puzzles alongside the protagonists. The urban setting adds a rich layer of atmosphere, making for an engaging and thrilling reading experience.