used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading I know of nobody who likes a detective story more than you do, with the possible exception of myself.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading So if I write one and you read it, we ought to be able to amuse ourselves at any rate.
achieveverbUS /əˈtʃiːv/
to gain with effort
From this reading To hold up till the last chapter some vital piece of evidence (which, by the way, usually renders the solution of the puzzle perfectly simple), and to achieve your surprise by allowing the detective to arrest his man before the evidence on which he is doing so is ever so much as hinted to the reader at all, is, to my mind, most decidedly not playing the game.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
aimverbUS /eɪm/
point or cause to go (blows, weapons, or objects such as photographic equipment) towards
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading To hold up till the last chapter some vital piece of evidence (which, by the way, usually renders the solution of the puzzle perfectly simple), and to achieve your surprise by allowing the detective to arrest his man before the evidence on which he is doing so is ever so much as hinted to the reader at all, is, to my mind, most decidedly not playing the game.
allowingverbUS /əˈlaʊɪŋ/
-ing form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading To hold up till the last chapter some vital piece of evidence (which, by the way, usually renders the solution of the puzzle perfectly simple), and to achieve your surprise by allowing the detective to arrest his man before the evidence on which he is doing so is ever so much as hinted to the reader at all, is, to my mind, most decidedly not playing the game.
amuseverbUS /əˈmjuːz/
occupy in an agreeable, entertaining or pleasant fashion
From this reading So if I write one and you read it, we ought to be able to amuse ourselves at any rate.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading So if I write one and you read it, we ought to be able to amuse ourselves at any rate.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading So if I write one and you read it, we ought to be able to amuse ourselves at any rate.
arrestverbUS /ərˈest/
take into custody
From this reading To hold up till the last chapter some vital piece of evidence (which, by the way, usually renders the solution of the puzzle perfectly simple), and to achieve your surprise by allowing the detective to arrest his man before the evidence on which he is doing so is ever so much as hinted to the reader at all, is, to my mind, most decidedly not playing the game.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading I hope you will notice that I have tried to make the gentleman who eventually solves the mystery behave as nearly as possible as he might be expected to do in real life.
on or to one side
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading So if I write one and you read it, we ought to be able to amuse ourselves at any rate.
a particular environment or surrounding influence
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading So if I write one and you read it, we ought to be able to amuse ourselves at any rate.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading To hold up till the last chapter some vital piece of evidence (which, by the way, usually renders the solution of the puzzle perfectly simple), and to achieve your surprise by allowing the detective to arrest his man before the evidence on which he is doing so is ever so much as hinted to the reader at all, is, to my mind, most decidedly not playing the game.
behaveverbUS /bɪˈheɪv/
behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself
From this reading I hope you will notice that I have tried to make the gentleman who eventually solves the mystery behave as nearly as possible as he might be expected to do in real life.
past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
From this reading With which short homily, I hand the book over to you by way of some very slight return for all that you have done for me.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading To hold up till the last chapter some vital piece of evidence (which, by the way, usually renders the solution of the puzzle perfectly simple), and to achieve your surprise by allowing the detective to arrest his man before the evidence on which he is doing so is ever so much as hinted to the reader at all, is, to my mind, most decidedly not playing the game.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled
From this reading To hold up till the last chapter some vital piece of evidence (which, by the way, usually renders the solution of the puzzle perfectly simple), and to achieve your surprise by allowing the detective to arrest his man before the evidence on which he is doing so is ever so much as hinted to the reader at all, is, to my mind, most decidedly not playing the game.
creationnounUS /kriˈeɪʃən/
the human act of creating
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
datanounUS /ˈdeɪtə/
a collection of facts from which conclusions may be drawn
From this reading In the same way I should like you to observe that I have set down quite plainly every scrap of evidence just as it is discovered, so that the reader has precisely the same data at his disposal as has the detective.
decidedlyadverbUS /ˌdɪˈsaɪdədli/
without question and beyond doubt
From this reading To hold up till the last chapter some vital piece of evidence (which, by the way, usually renders the solution of the puzzle perfectly simple), and to achieve your surprise by allowing the detective to arrest his man before the evidence on which he is doing so is ever so much as hinted to the reader at all, is, to my mind, most decidedly not playing the game.
a police officer who investigates crimes
From this reading I know of nobody who likes a detective story more than you do, with the possible exception of myself.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading In the same way I should like you to observe that I have set down quite plainly every scrap of evidence just as it is discovered, so that the reader has precisely the same data at his disposal as has the detective.
disposalnounUS /dɪˈspoʊzəl/
the power to use something or someone
From this reading In the same way I should like you to observe that I have set down quite plainly every scrap of evidence just as it is discovered, so that the reader has precisely the same data at his disposal as has the detective.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading I know of nobody who likes a detective story more than you do, with the possible exception of myself.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading That is to say, he is very far removed from a sphinx and he does make a mistake or two occasionally.
-ing form of “do” — engage in
From this reading This seems to me the only fair way of doing things.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading With which short homily, I hand the book over to you by way of some very slight return for all that you have done for me.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading In the same way I should like you to observe that I have set down quite plainly every scrap of evidence just as it is discovered, so that the reader has precisely the same data at his disposal as has the detective.
divisible by two
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
eventuallyadverbUS /ɪˈventʃəwəli/
after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay
From this reading I hope you will notice that I have tried to make the gentleman who eventually solves the mystery behave as nearly as possible as he might be expected to do in real life.
at any time
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading In the same way I should like you to observe that I have set down quite plainly every scrap of evidence just as it is discovered, so that the reader has precisely the same data at his disposal as has the detective.
your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief
From this reading In the same way I should like you to observe that I have set down quite plainly every scrap of evidence just as it is discovered, so that the reader has precisely the same data at his disposal as has the detective.
exceptionnounUS /ɪkˈsepʃən/
a deliberate act of omission
From this reading I know of nobody who likes a detective story more than you do, with the possible exception of myself.
considered likely or probable to happen or arrive
From this reading I hope you will notice that I have tried to make the gentleman who eventually solves the mystery behave as nearly as possible as he might be expected to do in real life.
free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules
From this reading This seems to me the only fair way of doing things.
not in accordance with the fact or reality or actuality
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading That is to say, he is very far removed from a sphinx and he does make a mistake or two occasionally.
fictionnounUS /ˈfɪkʃən/
a literary work based on the imagination and not necessarily on fact
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading With which short homily, I hand the book over to you by way of some very slight return for all that you have done for me.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading That is to say, he is very far removed from a sphinx and he does make a mistake or two occasionally.
a contest with rules to determine a winner
From this reading To hold up till the last chapter some vital piece of evidence (which, by the way, usually renders the solution of the puzzle perfectly simple), and to achieve your surprise by allowing the detective to arrest his man before the evidence on which he is doing so is ever so much as hinted to the reader at all, is, to my mind, most decidedly not playing the game.
a man of refinement
From this reading I hope you will notice that I have tried to make the gentleman who eventually solves the mystery behave as nearly as possible as he might be expected to do in real life.
gentrynounUS /ˈdʒentri/
the most powerful members of a society
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
goalsnounUS /ɡoʊlz/
plural of “goal” — the state of affairs that a plan is intended to achieve and that (when achieved) terminates behavior intended to achieve it
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading With which short homily, I hand the book over to you by way of some very slight return for all that you have done for me.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In the same way I should like you to observe that I have set down quite plainly every scrap of evidence just as it is discovered, so that the reader has precisely the same data at his disposal as has the detective.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading I hope you will notice that I have tried to make the gentleman who eventually solves the mystery behave as nearly as possible as he might be expected to do in real life.
hawk-eyedadjective
having very keen vision
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading I hope you will notice that I have tried to make the gentleman who eventually solves the mystery behave as nearly as possible as he might be expected to do in real life.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
hintedverbUS /ˈhɪntəd/
past form of “hint” — drop a hint; intimate by a hint
From this reading To hold up till the last chapter some vital piece of evidence (which, by the way, usually renders the solution of the puzzle perfectly simple), and to achieve your surprise by allowing the detective to arrest his man before the evidence on which he is doing so is ever so much as hinted to the reader at all, is, to my mind, most decidedly not playing the game.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading In the same way I should like you to observe that I have set down quite plainly every scrap of evidence just as it is discovered, so that the reader has precisely the same data at his disposal as has the detective.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading To hold up till the last chapter some vital piece of evidence (which, by the way, usually renders the solution of the puzzle perfectly simple), and to achieve your surprise by allowing the detective to arrest his man before the evidence on which he is doing so is ever so much as hinted to the reader at all, is, to my mind, most decidedly not playing the game.
homilynounUS /ˈhɑːməli/
a sermon on a moral or religious topic
From this reading With which short homily, I hand the book over to you by way of some very slight return for all that you have done for me.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading I hope you will notice that I have tried to make the gentleman who eventually solves the mystery behave as nearly as possible as he might be expected to do in real life.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I know of nobody who likes a detective story more than you do, with the possible exception of myself.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading So if I write one and you read it, we ought to be able to amuse ourselves at any rate.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading I hope you will notice that I have tried to make the gentleman who eventually solves the mystery behave as nearly as possible as he might be expected to do in real life.
inexorableadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈneksərəbəl/
not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading That is to say, he is very far removed from a sphinx and he does make a mistake or two occasionally.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading So if I write one and you read it, we ought to be able to amuse ourselves at any rate.
and nothing more
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading I know of nobody who likes a detective story more than you do, with the possible exception of myself.
immediately past
From this reading To hold up till the last chapter some vital piece of evidence (which, by the way, usually renders the solution of the puzzle perfectly simple), and to achieve your surprise by allowing the detective to arrest his man before the evidence on which he is doing so is ever so much as hinted to the reader at all, is, to my mind, most decidedly not playing the game.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading I hope you will notice that I have tried to make the gentleman who eventually solves the mystery behave as nearly as possible as he might be expected to do in real life.
lighternounUS /ˈlaɪtər/
a substance used to ignite or kindle a fire
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading In the same way I should like you to observe that I have set down quite plainly every scrap of evidence just as it is discovered, so that the reader has precisely the same data at his disposal as has the detective.
plural of “like” — a similar kind
From this reading I know of nobody who likes a detective story more than you do, with the possible exception of myself.
engage in
From this reading I hope you will notice that I have tried to make the gentleman who eventually solves the mystery behave as nearly as possible as he might be expected to do in real life.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading To hold up till the last chapter some vital piece of evidence (which, by the way, usually renders the solution of the puzzle perfectly simple), and to achieve your surprise by allowing the detective to arrest his man before the evidence on which he is doing so is ever so much as hinted to the reader at all, is, to my mind, most decidedly not playing the game.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading This seems to me the only fair way of doing things.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading I hope you will notice that I have tried to make the gentleman who eventually solves the mystery behave as nearly as possible as he might be expected to do in real life.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading To hold up till the last chapter some vital piece of evidence (which, by the way, usually renders the solution of the puzzle perfectly simple), and to achieve your surprise by allowing the detective to arrest his man before the evidence on which he is doing so is ever so much as hinted to the reader at all, is, to my mind, most decidedly not playing the game.
a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention
From this reading That is to say, he is very far removed from a sphinx and he does make a mistake or two occasionally.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading I know of nobody who likes a detective story more than you do, with the possible exception of myself.
used to form the superlative
From this reading To hold up till the last chapter some vital piece of evidence (which, by the way, usually renders the solution of the puzzle perfectly simple), and to achieve your surprise by allowing the detective to arrest his man before the evidence on which he is doing so is ever so much as hinted to the reader at all, is, to my mind, most decidedly not playing the game.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading To hold up till the last chapter some vital piece of evidence (which, by the way, usually renders the solution of the puzzle perfectly simple), and to achieve your surprise by allowing the detective to arrest his man before the evidence on which he is doing so is ever so much as hinted to the reader at all, is, to my mind, most decidedly not playing the game.
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading I know of nobody who likes a detective story more than you do, with the possible exception of myself.
something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
From this reading I hope you will notice that I have tried to make the gentleman who eventually solves the mystery behave as nearly as possible as he might be expected to do in real life.
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading I hope you will notice that I have tried to make the gentleman who eventually solves the mystery behave as nearly as possible as he might be expected to do in real life.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
no person; not anyone
From this reading I know of nobody who likes a detective story more than you do, with the possible exception of myself.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
an announcement containing information about an event
From this reading I hope you will notice that I have tried to make the gentleman who eventually solves the mystery behave as nearly as possible as he might be expected to do in real life.
discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
From this reading In the same way I should like you to observe that I have set down quite plainly every scrap of evidence just as it is discovered, so that the reader has precisely the same data at his disposal as has the detective.
sporadically and infrequently
From this reading That is to say, he is very far removed from a sphinx and he does make a mistake or two occasionally.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading I know of nobody who likes a detective story more than you do, with the possible exception of myself.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading To hold up till the last chapter some vital piece of evidence (which, by the way, usually renders the solution of the puzzle perfectly simple), and to achieve your surprise by allowing the detective to arrest his man before the evidence on which he is doing so is ever so much as hinted to the reader at all, is, to my mind, most decidedly not playing the game.
on one occasion
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading So if I write one and you read it, we ought to be able to amuse ourselves at any rate.
and nothing more
From this reading This seems to me the only fair way of doing things.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading That is to say, he is very far removed from a sphinx and he does make a mistake or two occasionally.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
used with “to” to say what is right or advisable
From this reading So if I write one and you read it, we ought to be able to amuse ourselves at any rate.
used when we are both doing the action and receiving it
From this reading So if I write one and you read it, we ought to be able to amuse ourselves at any rate.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading With which short homily, I hand the book over to you by way of some very slight return for all that you have done for me.
overbalancing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading To hold up till the last chapter some vital piece of evidence (which, by the way, usually renders the solution of the puzzle perfectly simple), and to achieve your surprise by allowing the detective to arrest his man before the evidence on which he is doing so is ever so much as hinted to the reader at all, is, to my mind, most decidedly not playing the game.
a separate part of a whole
From this reading To hold up till the last chapter some vital piece of evidence (which, by the way, usually renders the solution of the puzzle perfectly simple), and to achieve your surprise by allowing the detective to arrest his man before the evidence on which he is doing so is ever so much as hinted to the reader at all, is, to my mind, most decidedly not playing the game.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading In the same way I should like you to observe that I have set down quite plainly every scrap of evidence just as it is discovered, so that the reader has precisely the same data at his disposal as has the detective.
the act of playing a musical instrument
From this reading To hold up till the last chapter some vital piece of evidence (which, by the way, usually renders the solution of the puzzle perfectly simple), and to achieve your surprise by allowing the detective to arrest his man before the evidence on which he is doing so is ever so much as hinted to the reader at all, is, to my mind, most decidedly not playing the game.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading I know of nobody who likes a detective story more than you do, with the possible exception of myself.
preciselyadverbUS /prɪˈsaɪsli/
indicating exactness or preciseness
From this reading In the same way I should like you to observe that I have set down quite plainly every scrap of evidence just as it is discovered, so that the reader has precisely the same data at his disposal as has the detective.
pursueverbUS /pərˈsuː/
carry out or participate in an activity; be involved in
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
puzzleverbUS /ˈpʌzəl/
be a mystery or bewildering to
From this reading To hold up till the last chapter some vital piece of evidence (which, by the way, usually renders the solution of the puzzle perfectly simple), and to achieve your surprise by allowing the detective to arrest his man before the evidence on which he is doing so is ever so much as hinted to the reader at all, is, to my mind, most decidedly not playing the game.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading In the same way I should like you to observe that I have set down quite plainly every scrap of evidence just as it is discovered, so that the reader has precisely the same data at his disposal as has the detective.
a magnitude or frequency relative to a time unit
From this reading So if I write one and you read it, we ought to be able to amuse ourselves at any rate.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading So if I write one and you read it, we ought to be able to amuse ourselves at any rate.
a person who enjoys reading
From this reading In the same way I should like you to observe that I have set down quite plainly every scrap of evidence just as it is discovered, so that the reader has precisely the same data at his disposal as has the detective.
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading I hope you will notice that I have tried to make the gentleman who eventually solves the mystery behave as nearly as possible as he might be expected to do in real life.
separated in relationship by a given degree of descent
From this reading That is to say, he is very far removed from a sphinx and he does make a mistake or two occasionally.
rendersnounUS /ˈrendərz/
plural of “render” — a substance similar to stucco but exclusively applied to masonry walls
From this reading To hold up till the last chapter some vital piece of evidence (which, by the way, usually renders the solution of the puzzle perfectly simple), and to achieve your surprise by allowing the detective to arrest his man before the evidence on which he is doing so is ever so much as hinted to the reader at all, is, to my mind, most decidedly not playing the game.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading With which short homily, I hand the book over to you by way of some very slight return for all that you have done for me.
Identical; not different.
From this reading In the same way I should like you to observe that I have set down quite plainly every scrap of evidence just as it is discovered, so that the reader has precisely the same data at his disposal as has the detective.
express in words
From this reading That is to say, he is very far removed from a sphinx and he does make a mistake or two occasionally.
scrapnounUS /skræp/
a small fragment of something broken off from the whole
From this reading In the same way I should like you to observe that I have set down quite plainly every scrap of evidence just as it is discovered, so that the reader has precisely the same data at his disposal as has the detective.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading This seems to me the only fair way of doing things.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading In the same way I should like you to observe that I have set down quite plainly every scrap of evidence just as it is discovered, so that the reader has precisely the same data at his disposal as has the detective.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading With which short homily, I hand the book over to you by way of some very slight return for all that you have done for me.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved
From this reading To hold up till the last chapter some vital piece of evidence (which, by the way, usually renders the solution of the puzzle perfectly simple), and to achieve your surprise by allowing the detective to arrest his man before the evidence on which he is doing so is ever so much as hinted to the reader at all, is, to my mind, most decidedly not playing the game.
a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)
From this reading With which short homily, I hand the book over to you by way of some very slight return for all that you have done for me.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading So if I write one and you read it, we ought to be able to amuse ourselves at any rate.
solutionnounUS /səˈluːʃən/
a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances; frequently (but not necessarily) a liquid solution
From this reading To hold up till the last chapter some vital piece of evidence (which, by the way, usually renders the solution of the puzzle perfectly simple), and to achieve your surprise by allowing the detective to arrest his man before the evidence on which he is doing so is ever so much as hinted to the reader at all, is, to my mind, most decidedly not playing the game.
solvesverbUS /sɑːlvz/
third-person singular of “solve” — find the solution to (a problem or question) or understand the meaning of
From this reading I hope you will notice that I have tried to make the gentleman who eventually solves the mystery behave as nearly as possible as he might be expected to do in real life.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading To hold up till the last chapter some vital piece of evidence (which, by the way, usually renders the solution of the puzzle perfectly simple), and to achieve your surprise by allowing the detective to arrest his man before the evidence on which he is doing so is ever so much as hinted to the reader at all, is, to my mind, most decidedly not playing the game.
sphinxnounUS /sfɪŋks/
an inscrutable person who keeps his thoughts and intentions secret
From this reading That is to say, he is very far removed from a sphinx and he does make a mistake or two occasionally.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading I know of nobody who likes a detective story more than you do, with the possible exception of myself.
successive (without a break)
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading To hold up till the last chapter some vital piece of evidence (which, by the way, usually renders the solution of the puzzle perfectly simple), and to achieve your surprise by allowing the detective to arrest his man before the evidence on which he is doing so is ever so much as hinted to the reader at all, is, to my mind, most decidedly not playing the game.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading I know of nobody who likes a detective story more than you do, with the possible exception of myself.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading I hope you will notice that I have tried to make the gentleman who eventually solves the mystery behave as nearly as possible as he might be expected to do in real life.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading I know of nobody who likes a detective story more than you do, with the possible exception of myself.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This seems to me the only fair way of doing things.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
tight-lipped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
up to a particular time
From this reading To hold up till the last chapter some vital piece of evidence (which, by the way, usually renders the solution of the puzzle perfectly simple), and to achieve your surprise by allowing the detective to arrest his man before the evidence on which he is doing so is ever so much as hinted to the reader at all, is, to my mind, most decidedly not playing the game.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading So if I write one and you read it, we ought to be able to amuse ourselves at any rate.
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading I hope you will notice that I have tried to make the gentleman who eventually solves the mystery behave as nearly as possible as he might be expected to do in real life.
the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading That is to say, he is very far removed from a sphinx and he does make a mistake or two occasionally.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading To hold up till the last chapter some vital piece of evidence (which, by the way, usually renders the solution of the puzzle perfectly simple), and to achieve your surprise by allowing the detective to arrest his man before the evidence on which he is doing so is ever so much as hinted to the reader at all, is, to my mind, most decidedly not playing the game.
under normal conditions
From this reading To hold up till the last chapter some vital piece of evidence (which, by the way, usually renders the solution of the puzzle perfectly simple), and to achieve your surprise by allowing the detective to arrest his man before the evidence on which he is doing so is ever so much as hinted to the reader at all, is, to my mind, most decidedly not playing the game.
precisely as stated
From this reading That is to say, he is very far removed from a sphinx and he does make a mistake or two occasionally.
vitaladjectiveUS /ˈvaɪtəl/
urgently needed; absolutely necessary
From this reading To hold up till the last chapter some vital piece of evidence (which, by the way, usually renders the solution of the puzzle perfectly simple), and to achieve your surprise by allowing the detective to arrest his man before the evidence on which he is doing so is ever so much as hinted to the reader at all, is, to my mind, most decidedly not playing the game.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading So if I write one and you read it, we ought to be able to amuse ourselves at any rate.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading To hold up till the last chapter some vital piece of evidence (which, by the way, usually renders the solution of the puzzle perfectly simple), and to achieve your surprise by allowing the detective to arrest his man before the evidence on which he is doing so is ever so much as hinted to the reader at all, is, to my mind, most decidedly not playing the game.
which person or people
From this reading I know of nobody who likes a detective story more than you do, with the possible exception of myself.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading I hope you will notice that I have tried to make the gentleman who eventually solves the mystery behave as nearly as possible as he might be expected to do in real life.
in the company of; together with
From this reading I know of nobody who likes a detective story more than you do, with the possible exception of myself.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading I have never believed very much in those hawk-eyed, tight-lipped gentry, who pursue their silent and inexorable way straight to the heart of things without ever once overbalancing or turning aside after false goals; and I cannot see why even a detective story should not aim at the creation of a natural atmosphere, just as much as any other work of the lighter fiction.
produce a literary work
From this reading So if I write one and you read it, we ought to be able to amuse ourselves at any rate.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading I know of nobody who likes a detective story more than you do, with the possible exception of myself.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading To hold up till the last chapter some vital piece of evidence (which, by the way, usually renders the solution of the puzzle perfectly simple), and to achieve your surprise by allowing the detective to arrest his man before the evidence on which he is doing so is ever so much as hinted to the reader at all, is, to my mind, most decidedly not playing the game.
