The Philo Vance Series is a collection of mystery novels written by American author S.S. Van Dine (pseudonym of Willard Huntington Wright) in the early 20th century. The series features the titular character, Philo Vance, a wealthy and sophisticated amateur detective who solves complex crimes in New York City. First introduced in the 1926 novel "The Benson Murder Case," Philo Vance quickly became a popular literary figure, known for his impeccable manners, sharp intellect, and penchant for solving the most baffling of cases. The character was heavily influenced by the Sherlock Holmes series and other classic detective novels of the time, but with a distinctly American twist. Throughout the series, Vance is assisted by his loyal butler, Ernest Heath, as well as a rotating cast of other characters, including police officers and journalists. The mysteries themselves are intricate, often involving multiple suspects and red herrings, and require Vance to use his extensive knowledge of various fields, from art and literature to psychology and criminology.
