The Dragon Murder Case
From a novel by S.S. Van Dine
1934
A man dives into a pool in full view of his companions. He does not surface. The pool is drained, turning up nothing but what appear to be dragon tracks. Enter Philo Vance, a somber district attorney, and a wisecracking police sergeant, who convene to determine exactly what transpired.
This one's good fun all around, in spite of the somewhat farfetched nature of the crime. But then where would the GAD have been without murderers who went to such ridiculous lengths to carry out up such complicated crimes?
This actually marks my first exposure to Philo Vance. I've been meaning to read some of the books, but thus far have fallen afoul of the "so many books, so little time" dictum.
Philo Vance
ReplyDeleteNeeds a kick in the pance.
At least, that was my impression after one book. It's one with a transparent phonograph alibi in it. It wouldn't have fooled a six-year old. If I return to Vance, it'll be with "The Bishop Murder Case", but odds are it won't happen for a while. I highly dislike the fellow and still haven't digested my first taste.
By the way, I have shamefully neglected doing this, but your blog is going up on my blogs list. I have no idea why I've delayed this for so long.
Thanks for adding me, Patrick. I see that TCM is running a few more Vance movies in upcoming weeks and I've got The Bishop Murder Case recorded already. Project Gutenberg Australia has some of the books listed so I'll try out one of those and file my report.
ReplyDelete