My usage of the word utter clarity is more in contrast to Wolfe's style of narrative with hidden meanings and themes.
Basically any book that has to have the reader do extra work to solve a puzzle is using the catharsis of solving the puzzle as an illusory element that affects your bias towards the book.
If the author chooses to hide information then reveals it explicitly at a later time for the effect of suspense this to me is still a story presented with utmost clarity.
From your statements it seems as if Riddley is not exactly that type of "puzzle" book.
Basically any book that has to have the reader do extra work to solve a puzzle is using the catharsis of solving the puzzle as an illusory element that affects your bias towards the book.
If the author chooses to hide information then reveals it explicitly at a later time for the effect of suspense this to me is still a story presented with utmost clarity.
From your statements it seems as if Riddley is not exactly that type of "puzzle" book.