The Canary Murder Case: Locked-room mystery

By S.S. Van Dine

The Canary Murder Case by S S Van Dine immerses readers in a classic locked-room mystery emblematic of the Golden Age of detective fiction. The story opens with the discovery of Margaret Odell, a glamorous nightclub singer known as The Canary, strangled in her locked New York apartment. When the police attribute the crime to a botched robbery, the mystery deepens: there are no signs of forced entry, and the suspects gangsters and gentlemen alike all have seemingly solid alibis. Amateur detective Philo Vance, a sophisticated aesthete and keen psychologist, is called in by District Attorney Markham. Vance meticulously analyzes the clues, including a missing diamond and blackmail letters, gradually reconstructing the crime. His investigation culminates in a high-stakes poker game, where he observes the suspects reactions and ultimately exposes a cunning murderer. The solution hinges on a clever manipulation of timing and a recorded voice, revealing a plot of remarkable ingenuity. This landmark novel combines intellectual complexity with the vibrant atmosphere of the Jazz Age, embodying Van Dines principle of fair play: every clue is available to the reader, inviting them to solve the mystery alongside Vance. The Canary Murder Case stands as a cornerstone of locked-room mysteries and historical crime fiction, offering timeless appeal to fans of classic detective stories.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 2322597007
• ISBN13: 9782322597000
• Release Date: June 2025
• Publisher: Bod - Books on Demand
• Length: 356 Pages
• Weight: 0.94 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.8" x 8.3"