In 'Advice, Ltd.', E. Phillips Oppenheim weaves a tapestry of intrigue and wit through a sequence of connected short stories featuring the astute Baroness Clara Linz at the helm of the eponymous detective agency. Through a dazzling display of literary style that merges the classic elements of traditional sleuth narratives with the early modernist zest for complex, layered storytelling, Oppenheim positions Clara, an Austrian-American noblewoman, in the alluring chiaroscuro of London's high society and international affairs. The collection, rich in diverse plots ranging from 'Thirty-Nine Wooden Boxes' to 'A Gift From The Gods', showcases thefts, political machinations, and societal puzzles, all deftly handled by the ingenious baroness and her team.E. Phillips Oppenheim, a prolific author heralding from the late Victorian to the mid-20th century, was renowned for his spellbinding espionage and crime novels. His creation, Baroness Clara Linz, possibly channeling his fascination with the cosmopolitan elite and the geopolitical tensions of his era, is a testament to his mastery of suspense and elegance in character construction. A seasoned observer of the societal interplay between classes and nations, Oppenheim's personal experiences and insights greatly inform the underlying subtleties and human dramas that permeate 'Advice, Ltd.'Readers of 'Advice, Ltd.' are invited to join Baroness Clara Linz on her intellectual escapades, navigating through a world of aristocratic dilemmas, covert government dealings, and the intricate puzzles of the human heart. This book is highly recommended for aficionados of classic detective fiction who take pleasure in the cerebral joys of mystery-solving, intertwined with the rich textual fabric characteristic of Oppenheim's celebrated literary career. The baroness's sagacity and the stories' twists carry the reader from one fascinating case to the next, ensuring a reading experience both captivating and intellectually rewarding.

E. Phillips Oppenheim, a prolific English novelist, was a preeminent writer of espionage and thriller novels during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born Edward Phillips Oppenheim on October 22, 1866, in London, England, he penned over a hundred novels and numerous short stories, crafting intricate plots that captured the imaginations of readers worldwide. His writing career, which spanned over 40 years, often explored the themes of mystery, international intrigue, and romance, set against the backdrop of the tumultuous political landscapes of his time. A notable work, 'Advice, Ltd.', like many of his novels, stood as an embodiment of his signature literary style, marked by gripping suspense and elegant prose. Not only did his works enjoy widespread popularity among the public, but they also influenced the genre of spy fiction, setting a standard for future writers. Though some critics brushed off his work as ephemeral popular literature, his storytelling mastery and the enduring appeal of his novels have carved out a distinguished place for him in the annals of English literary history. Oppenheim passed away on February 3, 1946, leaving behind a legacy as the 'prince of storytellers', a title he earned for his exceptional contribution to the thriller and espionage genres.