Our mystery character has led one of literature’s longest and most intriguing lives. New generations of readers are still discovering this person's quirky genius and compelling eccentricity.

The character debuted at the start of the Roaring '20s and became quickly recognizable for certain affectations and peculiarities.

For example, this character believes coffee is “an abomination” and refuses to eat a well-known food if it is misshapen.

This character possesses a very healthy ego and an obsession about neatness and order. You could say this character is downright “fussy.”

Others have referred to the character as “ludicrous.” 

When this character arrives on the scene, they create a stir because their reputation precedes them. In fact, this character uses that to their advantage.  

They are a keen observer of human behavior, declaring once: “It is the psychology I seek, not the fingerprint or the cigarette ash.”

This character has a clear moral code but that doesn’t prevent them from breaking the law or taking the law into their own hands.  

Indeed, this character believes that their moral philosophy is superior to the sense of right and of the people around them.

The author who created this character is said to have eventually grown tired of the character,  but the author gave the character some magnificent stories to star in.

There are mouthwatering settings, deeply convoluted plots and a prodigious gift for emerging triumphant.

Is any of this giving you a hint as to who this character is?

Here’s one more clue: When this fictional character died, their obituary appeared on the front page of a national newspaper. 

So, do you know this literary character's name, and the author who created this character?

When you do, send me an email with the answers at: kmiller@mpr.org.

— Kerri Miller | MPR News