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Query: The First of the Philo Vance Mysteries

This book is the first of Van Dine's mysteries, and it introduces Van Dine's sleuth, Philo Vance. Vance is a wealthy, but rather cynical, connoisseur in the arts and finer things of life. He has another hobby, though, helping the New York assistant district attorney solve complex murders.This book focuses more on Philo Vance, showing the reader what to expect in the mysteries to follow. S.S. Van Dine, whose real name was Willard Hunting Wright, while writing mysteries, was also an art critic, and it shows in this book. The whole first chapter concerns Vance's view of the art world.The plot involves that of Alvin Benson who found dea sitting in a chair in his living room. He still has a book in his hand and seems at first glance to be enjoying a leisurely read. It is up to Philo Vance to help the police discover who shot him at close range with a Colt 45 pistol.The book is rather dated but is also an enjoyable read.