passages quoted from encyclopedias about modern physics and math. A young scientist is 'framed' for a series of apparently meaningless killings and the solution is pulled out of a hat after Vance has finished lecturing." "The murderer in this story has an uncommon sense of humor and of sportsmanship. In a non-stop trail of successive murders, a note is discovered at each scene. Each note contains a nursery rhyme with a false clue and is signed "The Bishop." Philo Vance finally puts a stop to the fun, which had included a generous sprinkling of archery, chess and astronomy, mixed with poison and bloodshed." Film, TV or theatrical adaptations A film starring Basil Rathbone was made of The Bishop Murder Case in 1930. The film was an early "talkie" and lacks a music soundtrack. Some elements from the mystery's plot were referenced in Dario Argento's giallo comeback movie, Sleepless (called Non ho sonno in Italy), which featured killings referencing a nursery rhyme. References External links The Bishop Murder Case (A Philo Vance Story)(1928), Project Gutenberg of Australia eBook, by Don Lainson 1928 American novels American novels adapted into films Novels by S. S. Van Dine Philo Vance novels