"I would say this is Nero Wolfe at his best. If you are looking to read some of the classic mysteries, Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe series are great. Set as they are in the early 20th Century, the reader has to adjust to both the technology of the period and, of course, the very different society and law enforcement. Imagine, if Archie Goodwin (Nero's associate) has to contact Nero he has to find a pay phone. But the inconveniences of the period simply set the rules and contribute to cracking each case." This is a very clever mystery. Pure fun!