a writer's 'ability' [='capability', 'capacity'] 'to interest' readers
He always works 'to the best of his ability'. [=as well as he can]
Does he have the 'ability' [='authority'] 'to fire' employees?
(..) But of course, Cato, all great detectives have one thing in common. And you know what that is? Instinct. That rare ability... to know immediately without having to stop and reason. And in my business, it can easily mean the difference between life and death. All right, I'll get it. (..)1975 The Return of the Pink Panther