[therealchiko]

This clarifies my observation. As i was reading down the list of rules, I tried to think if some of the most enjoyable stories I can recall stuck to these guidelines strictly, doesn't appear to be the case. Maybe it's just my taste, but i then tried to recall what masterpieces this author has to his name but no big names came to mind. would be interesting to delve deep into his work then contrast his style with others.

[sacado2]

In such a masterpiece as "and then there were none", which is by far the most sold mystery book ever, Christie chose to ignore 4 of these rules, at the very least. For instance (I mention this one because this is not a spoiler), there is no detective at all in this novel.

Didn't read a lot of books from Van Dine, I just remember they are very dry, because he is fascinated with the mechanics of the detective novel. I didn't like it, but give it a try, his approach might appeal to you.