How does the author use irony in the novel, No Word from Winifred?

As part of her investigation, Kate attends a meeting of the Modern Language Association, all the while professing her loathing of these meetings of her own professional organization because of the pomposity of the papers and the crowded elevators. The fact that two years before the publication of this novel its author, Carolyn Heilbrun, served as president of the Modern Language Association creates a humorous irony that is appreciated only by those who know the real identity and professional history of "Amanda Cross."