La mystérieuse affaire Benson

The plot's clever clues and misdirections kept me guessing until the end. I wonder if Van Dine planned the entire mystery from the start or if it evolved during writing.

Vance's intellectual demeanor stands out, but sometimes I wondered if his character was a reflection of the author's own views. How did others perceive his approach to solving crimes?

The book feels very rooted in its era, which adds a layer of charm but also complexity. Did the historical context shape the plot or characters more than I realized?