This book is a fun read for those who like Agatha-Christie-type and/or Sherlock Holmes murder mysteries. The hero is Philo Vance, who is a rich man with plenty of time on his hands. The story is told by his side-kick, S. S. Van Dine, who is a Harvard-trained lawyer, yet no match for Vance's intellectual abilities. This is a good book, for those looking for a light, entertaining read.