Product Description
Three cases bring perplexing challenges to Nero Wolfe, as a man unsuccessfully attempts suicide just before he is killed, a murder victim's family hides the identity of the killer, and a horticulturist discovers his girlfriend's body. Reissue. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Enjoyable logic-puzzle style mysteries
"Three Doors to Death" is a collection of three short mystery stories that were written in the late 1940s and set in New York. The mysteries were whodunit logic puzzles in style. Combined with the short story format, this meant that the characters didn't have much depth or complexity...though Wolfe and his clever assistant were engaging and a little more filled out.

I think I like Nero Wolfe as a brainy detective better than Sherlock Holmes and the like. It's Wolfe's genius that allows him to ask the right questions and know how to play various characters off each other. However, we get the clues as he does and so the exact moment that Wolfe knew (without a doubt) who did it, I did, too. The timing was impeccable, keeping me fully engaged in the puzzle but never feeling frustrated. I've never read anything else by Rex Stout, so I wonder if his novels are like this, too.

There was a minor amount of cussing and swearing. There was no sex. Overall, I'd highly recommend this novel (and author) to those who like logic-puzzle mysteries.

Fashion, Food and Flowers.
Three stories.The first is about fashion, faked deaths and real murder.The second story is about murder, family wealth and diners.The last is about love, anger and flowers.Nero Wolfe even gets out of the house in that last story.Archie Goodwin finds a lot of girls who he would be willing to marry.We get three great stories.Everybody wins!

Vintage Rex Stout
I'm a big fan of Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin. The entire line of Rex Stout's Nero Wofe books are excellent. Great pricing from Amazon as well.

Great Short Stories
One of these made it to the A&E series;as with other short stories, it would have been great to see the ensemble cast tackle the rest.

"Door to Death" was done by A&E, and we get to meet Andy Krusiecky, the man we'd all wished Theordore Horstmann could be.He's young, personable and a genius with the orchids...and suffers an awful loss.

"Man Alive" is about geyser-jumping.Not for the faint of heart...but his neice says that what looks to everyone like a suicide is really something else.

Finally, "Omit Flowers" is about a chef falsely accused of murder.You cannot beat food and murder in the Wolfe genre...but in the end, the way a woman feels about a man she loves who does not love her back tells the tale.

These are good stories, although you can detect a little "rushing" and lack of polish in some of the writing.

Three Doors to Death
"Three Doors to Death" is a collection of 3 short Nero Wolfe novels by Rex Stout. In "Man Alive", Cynthia Nieder asks Wolfe to find her uncle after seeing him in New York. Paul Nieder had "committed" suicide by jumping in a geyser. Before Wolfe can find him, Nieder is murdered. In "Omit Flowers", Mario Vukcic asks Wolfe to help clear his friend, Virgil Pompa who is accused of murdering Floyd Whitten. In "Door to Death", Theodore Horstmann takes a leave of absence, and Wolfe goes to Joseph Pitcairn to hire his orchid man until Theodore returns. While there, Dini Lauer, Mrs. Pitcairn's nurse, is found dead under an orchid bench. Wolfe feels obligated to solve the crime. All three of these short novels are excellent. The plots are strong. I always enjoy going into the old brownstone with Archie and Wolfe. ... Read more

Product Description
When a contestant is killed during the final round of the Pour Amour perfume contest, Nero Wolfe must find the person who stole the recipe to the dead contestant's perfume in order to solve the crime. Reissue. NYT. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Decent Wolfe, but not one of the best
I'm a little out of step with the other reviewers in that I don't think this is one of Stout's better Nero Wolfe mysteries.It was written in 1955, well after his prime period.For me, Wolfe belongs in the New York of the 1930s and 1940s.There are some good points: Archie Goodwin's narration is well done and he gets off enough good lines that you will have a few chuckles.My main problem is that the mystery and the characters just aren't very interesting.There are nine suspects, most of whom are rather bland.Because there are so many of them, there isn't space for any of them to appear for more than a brief period.Although one of the women suspects is described as being attractive, Stout passes on his frequent gambit of having Archie take a romantic interest in her.The resolution of the mystery is also unsatisfying as it turns out that X had a grudge against Y that would have been difficult for the reader to figure out.In other words, I don't think Stout really plays fair with the reader on this one.

This edition contains a brief introduction by Robert Crais that spells out nicely what I guess we all knew:Archie, not Wolfe, is the key to the success of these books.So, if you are Wolfe fan and haven't yet read this one, it's worth picking up.If you are new to Wolfe, go back and get one of the earlier books from the 1930s or 1940s.Bantam has recently begun to reissue those in a new format that combines two books in one volume.They are definitely more of a bargain than these somewhat pricey "Rex Stout Library" editions.

Great BookCosts too much
Very good Nero.Reads as you would expect.Biggest problem is that the sale price was too much

Great Find
Been looking for this book for awhile. Good price, good description on the condition of book and timely shipping.

A good Rex Stout
A good Rex Stout.Lots of intrigue.Archie and Nero are up to good stuff here.

Another Winner
I haven't found a Nero Wolfe mystery that I didn't love.You are totally lost in the story unfolding... ... Read more

Product Description
When a woman claiming to be Nero Wolfe's long-lost daughter gets into trouble over some missing diamonds, Wolfe, along with his sidekick, Archie, becomes involved in a world of international intrigue. Reissue. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Rex Stout:Not over my dead body
Nero Wolfe of Rex Stoutcan be likened to Sherlock Holmes Holmes of Conan Doyle
and both have their aficionados even though the times of their actions hove moved
leavingthe scenarios of the crimes these detectives solved, remotely different from the contemporary society butthe writing is better than in most contemporary mysteries,It is not a hasty page turner,but pleasant reading.Borys Surawicz,M.D.

Classic Mystery!
Formatted nicely for the Kindle, this is one of the classic Nero Wolfe stories, written when Rex Stout was in his prime. A girl comes to his office seeking help for her friend accused of stealing some diamonds from a clients coat at the fencing studio where the girls work. But what starts as a simple case of forgotten diamonds ends in international intrigue and the appearance of Wolfe's daughter.

Please, more Nero Wolfe for the Kindle!

A great, fat gourmand of a detective
"...Wolfe sipped the last drop of his luncheon coffee, put down his cup, and made two distinct and separate oral noises.The first was meant to express his pleasure and satisfaction in the immediate past, the hour spent at table; the second was a grunt of resigned dismay at the prospect of the immediate future, which was embodied in the bulky figure of Inspector Cramer..."

Well, they just don't write like that anymore.If you're like me, you'll read with Webster's on hand as Wolfe and his assistant Goodwin carry on their 'persiflage' amidst the current investigation.Wolfe calls for his beer, his leftover roast duck, his orchid files, and all of his witnesses because he doesn't take walk-ins, he won't suffer fools, and he never leaves his house.

This was my first pass at the Rex Stout mystery library, and I'm definitely signing on for more!

Not impressive!!
It is all about wise-cracking by Wolfe's protege/assistant Archie Goodwin. I am not at all impressed, may be it shouldn't be the first book to start with but... I wouldn't buy another book by this author in the near future!!! Trash....

Daddy's Girl
One morning in 1939 a young woman appeared at the brownstone, seeking Nero Wolfe.Archie Goodwin was hopeful that the meeting would lead to a case but he never expected the surprises that would soon follow for shortly after Wolfe entered the office the young woman proclaimed herself to be Wolfe's long lost daughter.As if that statement was not shocking enough Archie was further stunned when Wolfe acknowledged that she could very well be his missing child.After these stunning revelations the dead bodies, semi clad women, horde of NYPD detectives and persistent FBI agents are almost anti climatic.

Fans of the Nero Wolfe series will not want to miss this introduction to Wolfe's daughter (she also figures in THE BLACK MOUNTAIN) and learn a bit more about Wolfe's mysterious past.Those who are new to the series could begin with this one, even though it is the seventh in the series.Archie is at his devious best in this one as he manages to stay one step ahead of both the police and the FBI in this one.

Serious Wolfe fans might be able to catch Wolfe in a lie to the FBI if they read carefully....happy hunting! ... Read more

Product Description
A beautiful socialite widow comes to Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin to ask them to investigate why a baby has been abandoned on her doorstep, in a case that all too quickly leads to murder. Reissue. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Excellent later Wolfe
I'm always a little leery of later Wolfes.For me, Archie, Nero, and the gang live ina film noir world of New York in the 1930s and 1940s.The radio yes, TV no.Plus, as with any series, after a while the author can get a bit stale.But having read all the books originally published before 1960, I finally ventured into uncharted territory with this one.And, rather to my surprise, I liked it quite a lot.The story is good and the solution is satisfying.Archie is at his best and, although by 1963 he would have been pretty long in the tooth, he is still catnip to women.Wolfe is irascible and truculent, but not over the top, the way he is in a few of the books.So, while I wouldn't put this at the top of my list of favorite Wolfe mysteries (Some Buried Caesar and the Golden Spiders, among others, would rank higher) I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to new or veteran readers of the series.

Happy Amazon book shopper
I did a search of the Nero Wolfe series on the Amazon site and was delighted with the effectiveness of the search, the prices of the books, and the speed of shipment. Thanks to Amazon, I have all the Nero Wolfe series! I'm writing this review to promote Amazon, not Rex Stout. Anyone ordering his books is probably well aquainted with his work.

best of the mystery writers
Rex Stout is the best of the old school of mystery writers, and his Nero Wolfe stories are priceless. The story lines are good, characterizations are wonderful, and the banter between Wolfe and his assistant and narrator are greatly entertaining. I have read, and re-read, all of the Nero Wolfe mysteries, and is these qualities that keep me coming back.

If you want darkness and violence, then these aren't for you, but the story lines are good, characters are likeable, and the wit in his writing, and the banter between Wolfe and Archie Goodwin (his assistant and story narrator) make the stories a pleasure to read.

This is one of my favorites, along with Prisoner's Base, The Father Hunt, Too Many Women, The Golden Spiders, and The Rubber Band. Some are dated now, but that can be part of the charm. And all are clever and multifaceted, but it is the characters that make these stories great.

Satisfactory, Archie.
I love Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe novels. I've read more than a dozen of them now, and I relish the interplay between eccentric detective Nero Wolfe and his assistant Archie Goodwin. The Mother Hunt was no exception. While this one was a little thin on plot - Nero and Archie are "blocked" for most of the book and make no headway on the mystery until the last quarter of the novel - it has great characterization in spades. Perhaps my favorite part: more insight into the enigma that is Saul Panzer, the ace operative Nero Wolfe calls first when they need an extra pair of eyes and legs. Saul's great; he could easily be Nero's right hand man, if only he weren't so much like him!

One of the Best...
This story makes best use of Archie's abilities with women.In this case, two women - the client and a key informant - help solve an unusual case.

A baby is left at a widow's doorstep.A note is attached with a straight pin:"A Boy Should Live In His Father's House."Since the widow was painfully aware of her late husband's philandering, she accepts the responsiblity...

But she also wants to know who the mother is.Not to exact revenge, but really to make sure that the baby's mom is OK.

This story has a strong plot line, but it is Stout on mental health that makes it memorable.So much of this, almost unconsciously, is about forgiveness, moving on with life, and the power of selfless love for another person.

Murder mysteries don't often afford much of a platform for this type of discourse.Here, you'll learn something valuable about life, in addition to seeing a tough case solved... ... Read more

Product Description
In all his years of detecting, the unflappable Nero Wolfe has never encountered an investigation as damnably messy as this one. For what began as a clean case of larceny quickly sank into a quagmire of blackmail and broken promises, international scandal and cold-blooded murder.

Now Wolfe and his assistant, Archie Goodwin must bridge eras and oceans to find the link between a Wild West lynching and a respected British peer. Only then can they save Wolfe's beautiful young client -- and a hotly disputed stake of a cool million dollars. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Entertainment round-trip, Denver to So. Dakota
The older the better on these Rex Stout mysteries, and the elegant turn of phrase just can't be beat.Nero Wolfe apologizing to a lady caller tells her that it's "bulk not boorishness" that keeps him seated as she enters the room.His assistant Archie directs a visitor to a place where he can park "the back of his lap," a concept that stops the gentleman dead in his tracks.

The narrator is great, the plot engaging, and, as opposed to his later more convoluted stories, there's just enough information to make your own stab at solving the case.A great yarn!

Nero at his best
this cd is as usual for Rex, great. the narrator is perfect and you will enjoy the cd as much as any of the series you have ever listened to or read.

Great Book Great Service
The book was in even better condition than expected and it was shipped immediately.Great customer service.

old favorite
I READ THIS BOOK MANY YEARS AGO.MY COPY HAD DETORIATED AND I WANTED TO READ IT AGAIN.I WAS VERY PLEASED THAT AMAZON HAD THE BOOK.

always a pleasure
I love the Rex Stout, Nero Wolfe mysteries.Michael Prichard, the reader of the Wolfe mysteries on tape (cd) does a great job bringing the books to life.I love listening to these when I am in the kitchen cooking the evening meal.The Rubber Band proved to be a great kitchen companion.If you like mysteries and have never read or listened to a Nero Wolfe mystery, you are missing a great treat. ... Read more

Product Description
Under the Andes is presented here in a high quality paperback edition. This popular classic work by Rex Stout is in the English language. If you enjoy the works of Rex Stout then we highly recommend this publication for your book collection. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Holy cow this was awful!
The only reason to buy this book is because it is written by Rex Stout.After you read it you should thank all the gods in the heavens that Rex went on to write the Nero Wolfe series (which should be put in Kindle version--come on Amazon).Otherwise, Rex would have been rightly forgotten as a H. Rider Haggard wannabe who just couldn't cut the mustard.

Not Rex Stout's Best
I love the Nero Wolfe books.This book is not of the same caliber.The main character (1st person) has Nero Wolfe's self-importance, but he's an active man, without a humorous side kick.In fact, there is no humor of any kind.Much manliness, in an 1800's gentlemanly, restrained sort of way.Honor is everything to the main character, but life itself is kind of a drag.After the first several chapters getting to know the fictional world, so is this book.

Not like his Detective Mysteries
I love Rex Stout's detective works, of course and especially Nero Wolfe. I thought Under the Andes was dreadful and depressing. I'm still not sure I believe it was written by the same Rex Stout.

Crude and monotonous early adventure novel by Rex Stout
This reviewer loves Stout's sublime Nero Wolfe mysteries, and also the testosterone-fueled pulp adventure novels of Edgar Rice Burroughs, Arthur Conan Doyle, and their contemporaries. Unfortunately, Under the Andes, a very early outing by Stout, is almost embarassingly bad. It lacks the situational humor and subtle characterization that give the Nero Wolfe novels their timeless appeal, and it's not creative enough in its situations or plot to succeed as an adventure novel.

The story is told from the first-person point of view; it involves the aristocratic hero, his younger brother, and a supremely desirable female who is reminiscent of Princess Dejah Thoris in Burroughs' John Carter books. What little plot there is centers around a series of adventures and escapes, literally Under the Andes. Here, the hero is as arrogant and abrasive as Nero Wolfe, but Stout hadn't yet discovered the secret of successfully portraying this type of protagonist, which is to look at him through a third person who can gently poke fun at him while still admiring him. Let's face it, if we had seen the world through Nero Wolfe's eyes instead of Archie Goodwin's, who among us wouldn't have been rooting for the bad guy to get away every time? It's tough to even tolerate, let alone sympathize with, two of the three main characters; only the hero's younger brother is likable in his naive bravery.

When compared to its adventure-novel contemporaries, this book doesn't have much going for it. It doesn't have humor, characters you can like, or subtlety (read even the first chapter of The Lost World by Conan Doyle for comparison); and it doesn't have the straightforward-yet-immensely-profound life perspective of Burroughs' early Tarzan books.

However, if you're an aspiring writer, give this a read; you'll see how even the great writers have to start somewhere. The book isn't really abysmally bad; it's just abysmally bad compared to what it could have been if written by a more mature Rex Stout.

For True Stout Fans-- all others avoid
This earnest adventure novel reads like a silly pulp written by someone with only half the smarts of the man who created Nero Wolfe.Of course, Stout fans (and I am one) love the brilliant Nero Wolfe novels with an irrational passion-- they're truly fine reading and seem just as fresh to day as when they were written 70 or 60 or 50 years ago. That said, this very early novel by Stout is a stolid attempt at a cliffhanger-- once the caverns under the Andes are reached, the narrative becomes repetitive as escape follows escape follows escape from the evil denizens of the deep.Only true fans of Stout will be even remotely amused by this early work-- luckily, he learned a lot in the 20 years that followed this exercise, and the first Nero Wolfe was as good as the last. (Note: this work is available in its entirety on the net.) ... Read more

Product Description
Nero Wolfe investigates the murders of Dazy Perrit, an underworld kingpin, Ben Jensen, a well-connected publisher, and Eugene R. Poor, an inventor of novelties. Reissue. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Three more inferior wartime Wolfe stories
Rex Stout had important duties in World War II, so he apparently couldn't devote much effort to the first two of the three stories here, and it shows.(It also shows how much effort he put into his better stories, something his imitators don't seem to manage.)The third, set shortly after the war, is less bad, but still weak.As (minor spoiler) Inspector Cramer notes, the murderer is an idiot, which is how Stout got the plot to work.But it has certain points of interest for completists; the tone is slightly coarser and more real than in most of the other Wolfe stories.

Dead Men Walking
Trouble in Triplicate is a collection of three novellas. The common theme in each is that a man is murdered shortly after visiting Wolfe.

Before I Die: The first story begins with gangster Dazy Perrit telling Wolfe that he has been hiding a daughter who would be in danger if rival mobsters knew where she was. Perrit has hired a girl to impersonate his daughter as a decoy but she has begun blackmailing him with the secret he hired her to protect. After Perrit is murdered, his gangland friends suspect Wolfe and Archie in the crime. Archie is more worried about staying alive than solving the case, but Wolfe is unperturbed.

Help Wanted, Male: Ben Jensen receives an anonymous letter in the mail threatening his life. He comes to Wolfe for help, but Nero turns him down flat. When Jensen is killed hours later, Wolfe is unconcerned. Until he receives an identical threat the next day. This leads him to hire a body-double... no mean feat for a man of Wolfe's dimension. Using the man as a decoy, Wolfe tries to solve the murder before he can become the next victim.

Instead of Evidence: Eugene Pool and his wife Martha state that his business partner is about to murder him. Pool gives Wolfe $5,000 not to prevent the death, but to catch the murderer if it happens. When a cigar fatally explodes in Pool's face that afternoon, Wolfe is forced to earn the money, however reluctantly.

All of the books containing multiple stories are built around some theme or other, but this one may be a bit too strong a connection. There's something a bit repetitious as each of these men is not only killed, but Wolfe doesn't really want to investigate any of the crimes until circumstances force the issue.

Fortunately, each of the tales is entertaining enough in its own way. It also helps that the cast of characters varies considerably and so do the specific circumstances of each crime. The humor that characterizes the series is solid, if not quite at its best.

Trouble in Triplicate is a good collection of Nero Wolfe stories. Each story is about 70 pages long so there aren't a lot of slow parts, things tend to move right along. Veteran fans of the series should be happy with it. Those looking for their first look at the corpulent detective might do better to start with Black Orchids (Nero Wolfe Mysteries) if looking for a compilation or Some Buried Caesar for a full-length novel. Both exhibit Rex Stout's writing at it's finest.

Fun Mysteries
Classic American with the two awesome characters of Nero and Archie.Sure to sparkle a drab day.

Master of the Short Story
Two of these - "Help Wanted, Male" and "Before I Die" - were made into an A&E episodes.All three of them, though, were more than strong enough to be adapted successfully.

"Help Wanted, Male" happens during WWII, when Archie is a major, and Wolfe has volunteered to help military intelligence.Archie is assigned to Wolfe, which he does not like, but cannot get General Carpenter to reassign him.

A&E really bungled this badly.Rex Stout was a patriot, and, while a libertarian, would not have wanted to depict the military as A&E did.None of the senile, babbling foolishness demonstrated by Gen. Carpenter is depicted in the story itself.

The story is strong, innovative and clever, with good character development and imagery.

"Before I Die" was also adapted for A&E's 2nd season, to somewhat better effect.Wolfe is more sympathetic to organized crime here than anywhere else, because he believes that he can get fresh meat in deiance of rationing requirements.We are all slaves to our own appetites, and Wolfe is no exception.It's a clever plot line, although the gangland depictions do not ring very true.The characters here, though, are not as well formed;A&E actually beefed them up a little for TV.

"Instead of Evidence" - A&E did not try this one, perhaps because of limitations on their special effects budget.Read the story to see why...

Short, sweet, delightful
While I'm a longtime Wolfe fan, this is the first time I've read him in a short story collection. It really worked for me. Fritz, Archie and Wolfe are all in fine form. The truncated storylines do not mean diminished character involvement. The plots are tense, the villains are neatly and economically drawn. I had a fine time with it. ... Read more

Product Description
Sedentary sleuth Nero Wolfe and his sidekick, Archie Goodwin, leave West Thirty-fifth Street for a Montana dude ranch to clear an innocent man of a murder charge. Reissue. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Death of a Dude, Rex Stout, Nero Wolfe
Another great Nero Wolfe mystery.However, I would have understood the context better if I had read it after 9 or 10 other Wolfe and Goodwin adventures, rather than earlier on.

What a Great Idea
This is a review of the overall product. Others, more eloquent than I, can review the title itself. I am predisposed to love Rex Stout books, so I am not an impartial reviewer.

I love the convenience of buying my Rex Stout books in this format. The indexing function on my Kindle makes research ever-so-much easier than with my traditional paper copies. I also noticed that they are making a real attempt to make a lot more of the Nero Wolfe series available than previously, with some of the hard to find titles now available. I will buy as many of the canon in this format as you make available. Well done, and thanks!

DUDE! This is fun!
DEATH OF A DUDE shows why the Nero Wolfe mysteries by Rex Stout remain classics. Stout was a competent journeyman who consistently delivered easy to read prose, enjoyable puzzles and interesting characters. The heart and soul of the appeal of these books lies in the contrast between the characters of the quintessential legman Archie Goodwin and his brainy boss Nero Wolfe.

The contrast between Archie's energy and Wolfe's laziness and the tension between the two as Archie subtly spurs Wolfe into working is great fun in their normal milieu of New York City but elevates to a new level whenever Wolfe is forced out of his comfort zone, which is basically the armchair in his office.

In this book, Archie was on vacation at Lily Rowen's ranch in the Rockies when a guest of a dude ranch down the road is murdered. Everyone thinks the Lily's foreman has done the deed because Phil Brodell got the foreman's daughter pregnant. Archie and Lily are sure the foreman would never shoot a man in the back like that but Archie is going nowhere in trying to find the real culprit.

Here is where the real fun begins: Archie writes to Wolfe, taking an unpaid leave of absence and assuring his employer that he's sure to be back by the World Series...or maybe by election day.

Wolfe doesn't think he can do without Archie that long so he makes the trek to Lame Horse, Montana.

There he's in a place that for eccentricity beats him hollow. The pleasure of Nero Wolfe adapting to his Wild West environment is matched by the clever solution to the crime.

This is a great book for a summer reading program. It was first published in 1969.

Death of a Dude (Nero Wolfe Mysteries)
Rex Stout mysteries are always well written.Very vivid imaginative detail is always worked into the stories. Stout's main characters are well incorporated with an occasional "last minute "utsider" that surprises the reader...

Rex Stout Books
I now have a complete library of Rex Stout's books. Death of Dude is one of my favorites that I will undoubtedly re-read.

Enjoy Wolfe fans! ... Read more

Product Description
involving national security, Nero Wolfe must set the traps that will catch the pair of wily killers responsible. Reissue. NYT. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Excellent condition
That's all I ask of a used paperback, excellent condition.I love all of Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe series.

One of the best by the ebst
"Not Quite Dead Enough" by Rex Stout is one the best in the Nero Wolfe/Archie Goodwin canon. Here we have a patriotic Nero Wolfe going all out to help the Nation during World War II, with Archie serving as a Major in the US Army. The plot is a great whodunnit, which requires Wolfe to leave his brownstone mansion, unheard-of behavior for the great detective, to solve this mystery. For those who relish any good detective mystery this will be gourmet reading and, for those that already know Wolfe and Archie, it will be another wonderful reunion.

J. Raymond Watson, Puerto Rico

One of the Weakest Nero Wolf Books
It is difficult for me to rate any Nero Wolf story less than excelent, but this one must be so rated.It seems to vary sharply from others in the series.This is especially true of the first story "Not Quite Dead Enough."Wolf seems close to delusional.Lily Rowan is not the same cool Lily, but some sort of frantic man-chasing vamp.

This book was probably quickly written by Stout who was busy at the time in promoting the war effort.

Nero Wolfe goes to war
NOT QUITE DEAD ENOUGH takes place during World War II and Archie Goodwin is now Major Goodwin. He is requested to get Nero Wolfe to use his superior intellect to help his country. However, when Archie gets back to New York he finds that Wolfe and Fritz are in physical training so that Wolfe can go shoot Germans. Apparently he didn't shoot enough during the Great War.

In the first story Archie creates an elaborate scheme to get Wolfe to come to his senses and it backfires in a murder. There is an interesting plot twist at the end which demonstrates the genius of Wolfe, and of Stout.

I enjoyed this book and recommend it to any fan of Nero Wolfe.

Oldie and Goodie
My father got me hooked on these books.They are extremely well written and just fun to read.Anyone who just wants a good mystery without all the sex and swearing will love these books. ... Read more

Product Description
Nero Wolfe applies his detection skills to crack the case of a poisoned health nut, the death of a policeman in a barber shop, and a comic killer who makes a joke out of murder. Reissue. NYT. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Over my dead body
All of the Rex Stout NERO WOLFE mysteries are good. Each story has a different "spin", and requires the reader to keep guessing about the ending...... This mystery also requires the same guessing mental game.....

rex stout3 monkeys
a very interestingstorywith the charactersi have grown to love they seem almost real to me and i love to hear of their adventures from the old brownstonein new york city stephen

Mass Production
These short stories are not among Stout's best, although they are eminently readable.Stout published these first in magazines, and then collected them into books like this one.

"Cop Killer," like "The Squirt and the Monkey," contains some really pulp-fiction cliches which were so widely read in the early 50s.These regreattably date the efforts without adding any asccertainable sharm.

However, "Home to Roost" is actually pretty good, managing to avoid the trap into which the other stories fell.So, instead of two stars, we average up to three...

Hopefully these will be released on CD or download soon;I'd love to hear Michael Prichard read them without paying fifty smackers for cassettes which have beomce increasingly unplayable...

Poison, stabbing, and shooting
The 3 short stories herein first appeared in 1951 - 1952. The Korean War was underway, and the worst congressional witch-hunts for communists were going strong, McCarthy's among them.

"Home to Roost" (a.k.a. "Nero Wolfe and the Communist Killer") - Mrs. and Mr. Benjamin Rackell (he's not a wimp, but she keeps interrupting and does most of the talking) want to hire Wolfe to investigate the poisoning of their nephew, Arthur. We get the background of the murder as they explain it to Wolfe before he accepts the case, along with an impression of both characters as they tell it. She annoys Wolfe, being an interrupter and a cliché-tosser.

Arthur appeared on the surface to be a communist, but defended himself to his aunt by claiming to be an undercover FBI agent. Did someone kill him because they thought he was a communist, or because he wasn't? And which was he, anyway?

"The Cop-Killer" - Adapted for A&E's 2nd Nero Wolfe season. Archie shot his mouth off about his skills as a detective once too often in the Goldenrod Barbershop that both he and Wolfe patronize. Carl and Tina Vardas (the hat-check guy and the manicurist), as illegal immigrants who escaped a Russian concentration camp, panicked and fled when a policeman came to the shop, and have come to Archie for help.

By the time Archie gets to the shop, Jake Wallen, who was chasing a lead on a hit-and-run driver, has been stabbed through the heart with a long pair of scissors in Tina's manicure booth, and Purley's on the scene. Wolfe and Archie have to open this one up fast, before Manhattan homicide finds out they've been shielding suspects in a cop-killing, or their professional lives are over.

"The Squirt and the Monkey" - Harry Koven, creator of the comic strip Dazzle Dan, wants to find out who stole his Marley .32, but he doesn't want to hire Wolfe to do it; all he wants is to pay $100 for the loan of Archie's gun in a cockamamie scheme to find the thief himself. Naturally, somebody uses one of the guns to commit a murder at Koven's place: Adrian Getz, a.k.a. the Squirt, an annoying hanger-on who wielded an unexplained amount of influence over the strip. Worse, it's been made picturesque - the gun was left in the cage of Getz' pet monkey, who curled up around it to keep warm, and is now dying of exposure.

Wolfe's temper reaches epic levels in this one, as Archie becomes a suspect and their licenses are suspended. (Archie could say 'I told you so', but doesn't, which makes it worse). His leverage to get suspects to talk to him here is the threat of a sizable lawsuit to compensate for the loss of his living. There's an Ellery Queenesque feel to this one, especially in Wolfe's summation during the finale in the office, as he lists points of evidence and details how they promote or eliminate suspects. ... Read more

Product Description
A remarkably rare black orchid at a flower show lures Nero Wolfe from his comfortable brownstone. But before the detective and his sidekick, Archie Goodwin, can stop and smell the roses, a diabolically daring murder puts a blight on the proceedings. The murderer to be weeded out is definitely not a garden-variety killer.

Wolfe must also throw his considerable weight into another thorny case, this one involving a rich society widow bedeviled by poison-pen letters -- and a poisonous plot as black as Wolfe's orchids with roots even more twisted.

"Like the orchids he so avidly cultivates, Nero Wolfe is one of mystery writing's most prized ornamentals." (B-O-T Editorial Review Board) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

I didn't figure it out before the end...
The Black Orchids is actually two related stories that involve, of course, black orchids. They are, as per the usual, driven by Nero's pride and the antagonism between Archie and Nero, which is a personal favorite element in this character-driven series.At the end of the second story, one is still unclear on everyone's involvement in the murder, but again, that's another draw of this series...at least in my opinion, not everything always wraps up nicely.

Rare flowers and rare occurrences
BLACK ORCHIDS is an unusual Nero Wolfe volume for many reasons. To begin with, this is not a single novel but is instead two novellas written and set in 1941 and 1942 involving the aforementioned rare orchids.In the first story a rival orchid grower has managed to produce three black orchids which he has on display at the flower show.Wolfe has sent Archie to the show each day to observe and then report on details of these rare flowers.Finally, driven to desperate measures Wolfe himself goes to the show to see the plants for himself.Wolfe's behavior as he attempts to gain the rival orchid grower's favor annoys Archie to no end but when Archie notices that a murder has occurred in one of the exhibits he and Wolfe spring into action to solve the crime, and move the rare flowers to their proper home atop the brownstone.

The second novella continues the story of the black orchids, or at least some of them.A successful society party planner, Bess Huddleston, who has had less than happy dealings with Wolfe in the past contacts him for help in dealing with a rather odd form of black mail.It seems as though someone is out to destroy her reputation by sending letters to clients charging her with indiscretions, the odd part is that Miss Huddleston believes she knows who is sending the letters, she just needs Wolfe's help in proving it, and making them stop.Before the investigation gets very far along though the woman is murdered right before Archie's eyes but in such a way that it is days before he realizes the crime has taken place.In the end though the culprit is unmasked in a particularly dramatic manner that involves all the members of Wolfe's unusual household.

These are excellent Nero Wolfe stories, ones that will appeal to both long time fans and those new to the series.The problems are clever and complex enough to keep the reader guessing right along with Archie.There is also enough of the subplot involving the day to day life in the brownstone to delight long term fans.Of particular interest are the scenes involving Wolfe not only allowing a female in the kitchen but also accepting her instructions in cooking, a most rare occurrence to be sure.

Most interesting for showing Wolfe at his worst.
BLACK ORCHIDS is a two novella set where the reader gets to see Wolfe show off some of his worst traits. The title tale sends us to a flower show where Wolfe's lust for Lewis Hewitt's title creations causes him to behave in a manner that is so sycophantic that Archie is sickened by the display. The murder that occurs and Wolfe's scheming to get a hold of the aforementioned orchids are only interesting from the insight that Stout gives us into Wolfe's character. While Wolfe's various flaws are often mentioned by Goodwin, to see them in action is intriguing. The less said about the actual mechanics of the highly unlikely murder the better. Suffice to say it is one of the least likely murders in the series and that's saying something.
The second novella, CORDIALLY INVITED TO MEET DEATH deals with a death via tetanus, an estate with wild animals, (Did Stout know Trudy Lintz, the model for the movie BUDDY?) and the best scenes with an exasperated Archie dealing with these problems and Wolfe's fascination with one of the suspect's ability to add to Fritz and Wolfe's recipes. The final scenes of Archie storming out after being offered a julep will bring a smile to your face. A pair of slight mysteries with a lack of intrigue, but still worth a read for a fan.

We Are Far Vainer of our Luck Than Our Merits
In the title story in this little collection, Nero Wolfe has to see a rare black orchid for himself, and is thus embroiled in solving a murder in order to get home to eat.

It's a good story, but not, as another reviewer has suggested, one of the very best.More is made in the plot here about Wolfe's discomfiture than about the murder itself.Also, the characters, a thing I like an awful lot about Rex Stout's writing, are not as strong here as they are elsewhere.

It's worth reading, and hearing Michael Prichard read it is inevitably a treat.As Nero Wolfe himself said, we are far vainer of our luck than out merits...

One of my favorite Nero Wolfe mysteries
I thought Black Orchids was one of the best Wolfe mysteries...it is definitely one of my favorite (along with fer de lance and over my dead body).If you like Nero Wolfe in general, you'll definitely like Black Orchids. ... Read more

Product Description
A prize bull, a restaurateur's tacky publicity stunt, a family feud (among the bull's owners), and the death of a family scion pit Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin against a special breed of killer. Reissue. NYT. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (22)

Surprise extra book
I was surprised when I got the Kindle version of this book to find that it contains 2 complete novels - Some Buried Caesar and The Golden Spiders.Being a Nero Wolfe nut case, as soon as they became available for Kindle I started buying them, and unfortunately had already purchased The Golden Spiders, so oh well.

How was the book?Heck, it's a Nero Wolfe, so how could it be bad?This one's fun because they're out of the brownstone wandering around the countryside, and Archie has the extra fun of trying to get Wolfe through the middle of a State Fair without being touched by mud, strangers, chairs that are too small, unacceptable food, etc.The plot, as usual, is excellent, allowing you to puzzle it out this far, but no farther, thus feeling intelligent while still being fooled.

2 Mysteries in 1 Volume
This title comes with The Golden Spiders.I hope Amazon will come out with more Kindle Books like this.Thank You, Amazon Kindle.

Some came to bury Caesar, some to praise him
In "Some Buried Caesar," Nero Wolfe and Archie leave the comfortable confines of the 35th Street brownstone for upstate New York.The cause of this departure is an orchid exhibit at the state fair.Before Wolfe and Archie can collect their wits, there is the usual murder with a prize bull with the prize name of Hickory Caesar who is destined to be the main course in a barbeque hosted by a revenge happy chain restauranteur.

Like many of the Wolfe books, Stout introduces us, through his characters to a different world outside of the ordinary. In this case it is the world of stockmen and cattle.While no one is likely to gain a real understanding of the world of show animals from this volume, the plot presents the reader with a rare opportunity to see Nero Wolf and Archie in a "fish out of water" situation.

This book introduces us to the Lily Rowan who like Irene Adler in the Holmes stories is a female force of nature who provides a further source of disruption to usually misogynist world of Archie and Wolfe. The last several pages of this novel suggests that she is likely to return in subsequent volumes to haunt the lives of these two confirmed bachelors.

The book is not without several superb comic touches.Outside of the comforts of 35th Street, Wolfe literally does not have a chair to call his own or at least one that could accommodate his considerable bulk (1/7 of a ton). Archie finds himself in prison and he decides to organize the convict into a union (this book was set in 1936 when union organizing was a topical issue).

In the case of all mysteries, the most important determining factor is the quality of the payoff.Who did it. Without giving too much away in this respect, Rex Stout succeeds admirably. Who buried Caesar? Someone did. Finding out whodidit is part of this book's enduring charm.

To welcome a singularity
This is my third Nero Wolfe mystery and I have yet to be disappointed. I love the premise of these books--that the reader sees Wolfe through Archie's eyes--and I love the contrast between the precise, brilliant Wolfe and the wise-cracking Archie Goodwin. I love Archie's irreverent view of the world, his subtly smutty comments, and how, underneath his tough exterior, he respects and admires Wolfe. The mystery in "Some Buried Caesar" is appropriately convoluted, but I especially appreciate that this isn't one of those annoying stories where vital information is withheld from the reader until the end. Stout gives the reader everything necessary to solve the mystery--it's just a matter of seeing the clues when they're presented. I can see why this book was named to the list of the 20th century's best mysteries--it's an excellent read.

Well worth rediscovering
I first read Nero Wolfe mysteries as a teenager during the 40's.I'm amazed at how very good they still are reading them as a senior citizen.As an animal lover, I had to steel myself a bit for this one.I'm not a vegetarian, but I still am one that prefers not to dwell on the thought of eating animals purposely raised to end up on the dining room table. That aside, this is a classic among the Nero Wolfe stories portraying the epicurean far away from his natural environment.Archie Goodwin's jail experience is a classic moment in mystery literature.The introduction of Lily as a recurrent character also helps make this a must read for Nero Wolfe fans. ... Read more

Product Description
Aging millionairess Mrs. Rackham asks Nero Wolfe to find out where her penniless husband has suddenly been obtaining mysteriously large sums of money, a request that leads to murder and to threats against the master detective himself. Reissue. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

In the Best Families
This is Rex Stout at his most creative.The further character development of NW and Archie and their relationship is very entertaining.

One of the Best Wolfes
This is one of the best Wolfes, but not really at the summit.It's truly among the most unusual, in a tie with the Black Mountain.It features previous nemesis Arnold Zeck, who creates major problems for Wolfe.Overall, more characters do more uncharacteristic things in this book than in any other Wolfe book.It's not totally convincing that Wolfe has to leave his house, etc., as dramatically as he does.The scheme for taking care of the villain isn't very credible [and involves appalling torture of Wolfe--not a happy image], but is dramatic and is perhaps the least that could meet the need.And the conclusion was a surprise to me.But if you're into the Wolfe novels, this one will be very entertaining.

Wolfe on the Prowl: This is a Great Detective Novel
Nero Wolfe's detective work takes a decidedly vicious turn in this novel as he is hunted by a ruthless enemy while attempting to tackle a murder case at the same time.Wolfe makes some uncharacteristic moves not only leaving the Brownstone but completely disappearing!Archie Goodwin is left on his own with no clue as to what Wolfe is up to or where he has gone.On separate tracks they work to solve the case and to save Wolfe's life.

It's a worthy Nero Wolfe story and a very good detective tale.Of course, it's a murder mystery--you know there will be at least one dead body and that the great detective will solve it but why would you pick the book up in the first place if you didn't already know that?Isn't that why you'd read another Nero Wolfe tale?This one won't disappoint.It's a page-turner that pulls you along to a very satisfying and surprising end.

If you like mysteries; if you enjoy detective stories; then go for it!Happy reading!

Of course, if you're a Nero Wolfe fan this is a must read.

Fitting end to Arnold Zeck trilogy
In the Best Families is somewhat unusual among the Nero Wolfe novels for several reasons.Most of the Wolfe novels stand largely on their own but this is the final chapter of a trilogy featuring the villainy of Arnold Zeck.Zeck is a criminal mastermind vaguely similar to Professor Moriarty from the Sherlock Holmes stories and is a suitable menace for Nero and his trusty assistant, Archie Goodwin.While it is not absolute essential to read the other two novels (And Be a Villain (Crime Line) (Crime Line) and The Second Confession (The Rex Stout Library: a Nero Wolfe Mystery) ), I would recommend doing so.Events in The Second Confession, in particular are frequently referenced in this book so read that one at a minimum.

The story begins with a case that is no more or less unusual than most others that Wolfe tackles.A millionairess hires the boys to find out where her playboy husband is getting his spending money.Shortly after taking the case, a letter bomb appears at the house as a warning from Zeck to stop poking into the matter.This prompts Wolfe to do something truly extraordinary.He leaves his treasured home and disappears without a word to Goodwin about his intentions or location.This provides an interesting look into Archie's world as we see what he would do when left on his own.The story is highly compelling and builds to a satisfying climax.The only potential negative is that the trademark humor is played down considerably in this book as it is much more intense than most Rex Stout novels.I enjoyed this novel immensely but those looking for lots of typical snappy patter from Archie should look elsewhere.

In the Best Families is a top-notch effort from Rex Stout.It breaks the mold of a typical Nero Wolfe novel on many fronts but does so to excellent effect.I wouldn't want every book in the series to be like this one but it made a great change of pace.I would recommend it for anyone except a hard-core fan of the humorous novels who doesn't want to see anything else.

Different from the other Nero Wolfe books
Rex Stout is among the very top mystery writers of the 20th century, a lofty group that contains Christie, Rinehart, Doyle, Vance, Marsh, Gardner, Block, etc.The Nero Wolfe series are just about as good as the genre gets, pure detective fiction without the pandering sex interludes, with the unnecessary violence at a minimum.The corpulent Wolfe uses what Poirot called "the gray cells," scarcely having to leave his fine Manhattan lair with its orchids in the greenhouse upstairs, its supply of fine things to eat.And beer.Wolfe liked beer.

But this book is a bit different.Just when a reader thinks he knows what to expect from Wolfe, Rex Stout pulls a switch.In this book, Nero Wolfe actually leaves home, goes on a diet, and...but read it for yourself.The plot is a good one, and I won't spoil it.They always are in a Rex Stout book.The characters, the dialogue, the atmosphere--all first rate.

Reading a Nero Wolfe book is a palate cleaning experience after some of the loathesome books today that are passed off as "mysteries."We are fortunate that there are so many Rex Stout novels out there. ... Read more

Product Description
Hired to locate Amy Denovo's long-lost father, Nero Wolfe and his assistant, Archie Goodwin, discover that the missing man has a deadly and dangerous secret to hide. Reissue. NYT. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

not my cup of tea!
I enjoy English mysteries.Unfortunately this wasn't interesting enough to capture my attention.Won't go this route again.

Paternity test
The swinging sixties may be happening outside but life in the genteel world of Nero Wolfe has not changed.

Lily Rowan, Archie's longtime girlfriend has a new research assistant, a lovely young woman who has a problem.She has no idea who her father is, nor even the true name of her late mother.When she first approaches Archie and Wolfe about the problem they deem it insolvable but shortly after a very large clue arrives - over $200,000 in cash that had been left to her by her mother with a note stating that it had been sent, $1000 a month at a time, by her father.Armed with this lead, and a large retainer, Wolfe sends out Archie to locate the long missing father.Along the way they manage to step on more than a few toes and uncover a murder as well.

The Nero Wolfe series combines elements of both the cozy and straight detective genres.As is common in the cozy genre, these stories have recurring well developed secondary characters who often appear in both main and subplots.There is also an overall lighthearted element in the ongoing banter between Archie and Wolfe.The detective story aspect though is much more pronounced than is the norm for a cozy.The mysteries are complex and challenging enough to keep the reader fully engaged, without relying on the cozy aspect to carry the story.The cozy aspect is not overwhelming, but an accent to the stories.

Fans of this long running series will not want to miss another chance to visit the brownstone and match wits with Wolfe.Those who are new to the series could easily begin with this one, but beware Nero Wolfe novels are a bit like peanuts - you probably won't be able to stop with just one.

A decent entry in the Wolfe series
I enjoyed the story--I always like it when Archie and Wolfe run into dead ends before they come up with the answer.It's not the best Wolfe book ever, but Michael Prichard's reading is enjoyable and the story is good.

Another Intelligent Novel By Rex Stout
It's hard not to become fascinated by these books, and this one has an attractive symmetry. The whole Manhattan world of offices and penthouses of the 1940s through the 1960s, and Wolfe and Archie's private domain in the brownstone, comprise a universe inside a universe. It is an imagined world more charming to me than Middle Earth or any such silliness. I love it and only regret there is not an infinite supply of Stout. (Yum). Wolfe is especially "cool" as in unemotional in this one. The police are especially bad--more interested in winning some competition than in serving justice. The scene in which the police penetrate the plant rooms and invade the office is truly upsetting. Stout knows what he is doing. The scene elicits a righteous anger. I am eager for the memory of the book and others of Stout's to fade so that I will have the pleasure of reading them again. By the way, I disagree with the reviewer who disliked the audio version. I listened to it as well, and I quite like the reader's approach. He is very serious and that's what I want. These books, unlike the painfully eye-winking, clownish, and embarrassing TV series that appeared on A and E, are not cute and should not be made so. (Perhaps I am misreading the reviewer's comment and this was not the direction he would like to have seen the reading go). The audio versions are read intelligently and are deliberately dry in their humor. I much prefer that myself.

The Mamas and the Papas
Here, we join in the search for a father - just as we'd joined in a mother hunt some many years before.

There are some wonderful narrative devices used here, and Archie is better than ever.It's one of the best! ... Read more

Product Description
Eleven years after his own thoughtlessness sent his only son, Paul, away from home, Nebraska businessman James Herold calls upon Nero Wolfe to track down the young man so that he can make amends. Reissue. NYT. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Kindle Version Review
This is prime 1950s-era Nero Wolfe and well worth a read.Not only is Stout's writing here vital and pithy, but the plot takes some memorable twists and Nero has to adjust his strategy accordingly. There are some great Archie/Nero character moments and some nice use of the Saul Panzer-led squad of hired investigators.The Kindle version is well-formatted, but note the cover is missing and the publishing date, ISBN, etc., appears at the end of the text instead of the beginning.

Exemplary Nero Wolfe mystery
A murder conviction; a missing person; a beautiful woman; even a distraught family - but Nero Wolfe puts the pieces together and again solves the mystery puzzle.One of Rex Stout's most complicated and satisfying Nero Wolfe mysteries.

Getting better -- much better
This is my second Nero Wolfe book, and I'm getting the message.Wolfe's an eccentric; Archie is someone I'd love to meet; the stories carry me along.The denouement in this book is not exactly shocking, but I'm getting into the rhythm of Stout's writing and plan to keep going with more stories until I'm hooked -- or not.

Great Stuff!
Rex Stout was an amazing writer. His characters are great. The dialogue and action are crisp. And, where did he get the ideas for his stories? Some of the plotlines really draw you in. Take this book, one of Stout's best. In Might As Well Be Dead, the great detective Nero Wolfe is asked to locate a young man missing for over a decade--who turns out to have just been convicted of murder. Wolfe has to put his considerable mental prowess to work to overturn the conviction, along with his helpers--the irrepressible Archie Goodwin, and Saul, Fred, Orrie, and Jimmy. One of Wolfe's colleagues doesn't make it to the end of the story, which makes it personal for Wolfe. The cops are breathing down their necks. And, just to add to the mix, Archie falls in love with the attractive woman pining for the man on death row. Great stuff!

Another Outstanding Story
The CD edition of this just came out, and leaves us all begging for more.Michael Pritchard's restrained but agile style once again makes this one of the best stories from Rex Stout.

You can tell it's the 1950s, and that to some extent Stout is reacting to Mickey Spillane's popularity.He has Archie and Saul doing some things here that are downright over-the-top - perhaps more so than in any other Wolfe story.

A nice transition:the beneficiaries of Wolfe's services here are actually rather depressed.You sure do wish we had Prozac back in the early 50s.However, Wolfe serves up a happy ending which restores all our optimistic expectations.

What if your client fires you?Nero simply says, well, pay me a fee of $50,000.00 and we'll call it square.Of course, when the client balks, Wolfe then enumerates all the equitable theories of why Wolfe earned the fee and is not blackmailing the reluctant client into paying.

One constant element of Wolfe:he believes in earning his fees, regardless of his immobility.And he earns it here, for sure.You'll love this one... ... Read more

Product Description
Paul Chapin's college cronies never forgave themselves for the prank that crippled their friend. Yet with Harvard days behind them, they thought they were forgiven -- until a class reunion ends in a fatal fall.

This league of frightened men seeks Nero Wolfe's help. But are Wolfe's brilliance and Archie's tenacity enough to outwit a most cunning killer?

"Always a treat to read a Nero Wolfe mystery." (The New York Times) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

WOLF FAN - THE LEAGUE OF FRIGHTENED MEN
I have been a Rex Stout - Nero Wolf fan for years and just started rebuilding
my CD collection. The only spare time I have to read is when I'm driving and I'm a little tired of the radio.

Nero Wolf stories can be viewed as a mystery story, interplay between the characters Nero, Archie, Fritz, and a cast of caracters, and more receintly,
I've been viewing as a snap shot in time and if you listen carefully, political view points of the era.Nero and Archie live (and didn't age) from the 30's
to the 60's.

THE LEAGUE OF FRIGHTENED MEN - is a bazaar tale of events years after a Harvard hazing accident. I'm not going to give away the plot, but this is one of the more diablcal tells from Rex Stout. I guarentee your not going to know who did it before the last CD.

A worthy adversary for Wolfe


Wolfe gets a worthy adversary in this take on the mystery convention of proving a clever murderer guilty without much evidence. A group of college men end up crippling another in a stupid fraternity prank and then they start to die. The victim of the fraternity prank claims his responsibility in an indirect manner and this "League of Frightened Men" hire Wolfe to solve the murders. Wolfe does so in a manner that is quite unexpected and makes this early Wolfe story interesting more for the mystery than the characters, which is a departure from the norm.

Wolfe to the rescue
Nero Wolfe had been approached by Andrew Hibbard who was seeking Wolfe's protection from a man that Hibbard and a group of his friends had inadvertently crippled years before during a college prank.Recently various members of the group had met untimely ends, and their long ago victim was claiming responsibility for their deaths.Hibbard was afraid that he would be next but he put so many restrictions on Wolfe about the case that Wolfe turned it down.A few weeks later though when Hibbard disappeared, presumably at the hands of the man he had approached Wolfe about, and probably fatally Wolfe felt compelled to act.

There were many twists and turns to this case, as often happens in Stout's novels.What sets this one apart is that Archie finds himself in need of rescuing and it is Wolfe who sails forth from the confines of the brownstone to provide it!Fans of the series will delight into once again joining Wolfe's little household as Nero and Archie solve the case of THE LEAGUE OF FRIGHTENED MEN.

All the Nero Wolfe books are gems ...
I don't understand someone who would think that any of the Nero Wolfe boosk were not good.Of course some are better than others, but frankly, his worst is better than the best of just about anyone (well, Raymond Chandler is an example of someone who you may prefer, but for gods sake, he's a legend).

The man deserved the Nobel Prize.Oliver Wendell Holmes considered him the best of all the detective writers.I agree.

Excellent entertainment
I love Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin!This book was definitely up to their standards! ... Read more

Product Description
When an old acquaintance and fellow P.I. is accused of murdering a kept woman, Nero Wolfe investigates and finds several suspects in a mystery blackmailer, a sexy lounge singer, and a cold-blooded lady-killer. Reprint. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

one of his bests
This is one of my favorite Rex Stout novels.The characters are sharply drawn, the dialogue crackles, the writing is witty.I'm not a big fan of the plot, but it suffices.

"I wish you well"
Nero Wolfe expressed that sentiment to, of all things, a woman, a young, attractive nightclub singer who was helping expose the murderer of her best friend (the doxy) and clear sometime Wolfe operative, Orrie Cather, of the crime.The woman, Julie Jaquette, was neither hysterical (as Wolfe assumed all women to be) nor in awe of him (as he expected everyone to be).Not only did she stare down murder suspects and police detectives but she dared refer to Wolfe by his first name, barge into the rooftop gardens and take up residence in the South room.Despite all this, or perhaps because of it, Wolfe did indeed wish her well and then set about helping her to do well in life.

Fans of this long running series will not want to miss this story, set and written in 1966 but those new to the series will miss most of the fun.The mystery itself is clever but nothing really out of the ordinary for the series, the true attraction here is the interplay between Wolfe and Julie Jaquette.Wolfe has long been established as a total misogynist yet in Julie he has met his match.Usually it is the repartee between Wolfe and Archie that provides the humor, but in this one Julie shows herself an equal to the men.Too bad that she doesn't take up permanent residence in the brownstone.

A Good Tale If You've Got The Time
It's hard to call a murder mystery required reading, but, hey, who reads novels by requirement anyway?We read for good stories and this is a good story.

This was my intro to Rex Stout's famous duo Nero Wolfe, the massive genius, and his streetwise sidekick Archie Goodwin.It's sort of like a fat Holmes taking on a Sam Spade and it's all set in New York City.So it blends the two main strands of the detective novel - the classic mystery-solving intellectual genius with the hard-hitting, tough talkin', fedora-wearing gumshoe.

This one tells the case of a murdered "doxy" (look it up) that Wolfe takes on only to help a friend. An incidental choice of a name leads Wolfe to the devious and unsuspecting killer.And there are some great lines here particularly between Wolfe and one of the few women to amuse Wolfe.

If you've never read a Wolfe story and you enjoy mysteries or detective stories, go for it.It's not too long and it certainly won't be a boring afternoon.Happy reading!

Why didn't I start reading Rex Stout years ago?
Death of a Doxie was the first Nero Wolfe mystery I read. Sure, I saw the films and watched the TV series years ago but reading Stout for the first time made me a fan and now I have three more on my coffee table to read. I wonder why it took me so long to 'discover' Rex Stout. There is a certain delightful and three dimensional quality (no pun intended given the size of Nero Wolfe) about the characters. Sometimes you like Wolfe and sometimes he grates on you but you always admire him and his loyalty. Archie Goodwin is a constant, and a rather interesting character as well. He is the legs of the operation while Wolfe dictates from his office and makes the suspects come to him.

If you like a mystery where you can figure out who dunnit, but want to see how the master detectives solves the case, Nero Wolfe is your man.

Death of a Doxie is a good sample of Stouts work and there are alot more to read in the series.

One of the few women who give Wolfe a run for his money.
The best part of this book is the character, Julie Jacquette, who is vital to Wolfe's plan to catch the killer of the titular "doxy." (A rather quaint term for a mistress) Jacquette is one of Stout's best written female characters, well able for Wolfe and Goodwin, likeable and intelligent with a sense of humor. In the midst of this rather predictable mystery, dealing with blackmail and a wealthy man who wants to stay out of the investigation, she proves to be breath of fresh air and pushes this one up a notch in the pantheon. ... Read more

Product Description
Trying to determine why his last two clients were ruthlessly murdered, Nero Wolfe wonders if the answer is linked to a young boy who turns up at his brownstone apartment and finds clues in a gray Cadillac, a mysterious woman, and spider-shaped earrings. Reissue. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Maybe Stout's best Archie Action Scene....
"Golden Spiders", first published in 1953, now in print both as a single and as combined with "Some Buried Ceasar" (Some Buried Caesar/The Golden Spiders (Nero Wolfe Mysteries), has one of Wolfe's best chuckle-producing introductions, which I give because it won't spoil any surprises.As always, it's in Archie's storytelling voice:

"When the doorbell rings while Nero Wolfe and I are at dinner, in the old brownstone house on West Thirty-fifth Street, ordinarily it is left to Fritz to answer it.But that evening I went myself, knowing that Fritz was in no mood to handle a caller, no matter who it was.

"Fritz's mood should be explained.Each year around the middle of May, by arrangement, a farmer who lives up near Brewster shoots eighteen or twenty starlings, puts them in a bag, and gets in his car and drives to New York.It is understood that they are to be delivered to our door within two hours after they were winged.Fritz dresses them and sprinkles them with salt, and, at the proper moment, brushes them with melted butter, wraps them in sage leaves, grills them, and arranges them on a platter of hot polenta, which is thick porridge of fine-ground yellow cornmeal with butter, grated cheese, and salt and pepper.

"It is an expensive meal and a happy one, and Wolfe always looks forward to it, but that day he put on an exhibition.When the platter was brought in, steaming, and placed before him, he sniffed, ducked his head and sniffed again, and straightened to look up at Fritz.
"The sage?"
"No, sir."
"What do you mean, no, sir?"
"I thought you might like it once in a style I have suggested, with saffron and tarragon.Much fresh tarragon, with just a touch of saffron, which is the way--"
"Remove it!"
Fritz went rigid and his lips tightened.
"You did not consult me,' Wolfe said coldly."To find that without warning one of my favorite dishes has been radically altered is an unpleasant shock.It may possibly be edible, but I am in no humor to risk it.Please dispose of it and bring me four coddled eggs and a piece of toast."

"Fritz, knowing Wolfe as well as I did, aware that this was a stroke of discipline that hurt Wolfe more than it did him and that it would be useless to try to parley, reached for the platter, but I put in, "I'll take some if you don't mind.If the smell won't keep you from enjoying your eggs?"

"Wolfe glared at me.

"That was how Fritz acquired the mood that made me think it advisable for me to answer the door.When the bell rang Wolfe had finished his eggs and was drinking coffee, really a pitiful sight, and I was toward the end of a second helping of the starlings and polenta, which was certainly edible.Going to the hall and the front, I didn't bother to snap the light switch because there was still enough twilight for me to see, through the one-way glass panel, that the customer on the stoop was not our ship coming in.

"I pulled the door open and told him politely, "Wrong number."I was polite by policy, my established policy of promoting the idea of peace on earth with the neighborhood kids.It made life smoother in that street, where there was a fair amount of ball throwing and other activities.
"Guess again," he told me in a low nervous alto, not too rude."You're Archie Goodwin.I've gotta see Nero Wolfe."
"What's your name?"
"Pete."
"What's the rest of it?"
"Drossos.Pete Drossos."
"What do you want to see Mr. Wolfe about?"
"I gotta case.I'll tell him."

"He as a wiry little specimen with black hair that needed a trim and sharp black eyes, the top of his head coming about level with the knot of my four-in-hand.I had seen him around the neighborhood but had nothing either for or against him.The thing was to ease him off without starting a feud, and ordinarily I would have gone at it, but after Wolfe's childish performance with Fritz I thought it would do him good to have another child to play with."

Other plot highlights include a touching & ironic (never sentimental) scene around a death, some good New York hoodlum scenes - Stout draws these characters well -- and perhaps the best Archie action scene in Wolfedom, exciting and, as always, with some grins, including Archie self-grins. If you want a plot summary - and I wouldn't recommend it; why spoil the surprises? - go to Wikipedia, which has all the summaries of Stout's Wolfe novels.

I've given this extended quote mainly for the newcomers and for those who may have forgotten just how good Stout's writing can be.He delights not only in reading, but also in re-reading, even when I know what's next.If this quote entices or even just intrigues, buy this book and give it a read.You may become a Wolfe fan, or as we say, a member of the Wolfe Pack!

One of my least favorite in the series
A young boy offers to split a case to Wolfe and is murdered for his troubles. Archie, the man responsible for bringing the boy to see Wolfe in a fit of pique, is deeply troubled and forces Wolfe to pursue the matter. THE GOLDEN SPIDERS touches home with this beginning, but sadly loses focus with a more traditional approach when other elements enter the story. Even though the case is solved, it always struck me as irritating that the boy's mother who is used so well by Stout earlier in the story, is totally ignored by its end. I always found this emotional distance a bit off-putting about this book; it's almost like Stout was afraid of allowing his characters more than one human moment. For this reason this is one of my least favorite of the Wolfe series.

A Great Mystery Novel
What make the Nero Wolfe mysteries so great, in my opinion, is that they not only provide a neat, perplexing problem for the reader to try to solve, but they also feature interesting characters, unexpected plot twists, superb dialogue, and more.

I particually like Golden Spiders because the premise is so unique.

Also recommended:The Long Goodbye--another great mystery--the kind they just don't write anymore.

Even Rex Stout wasn't perfect every time
The Golden Spiders starts out a bit unusually for a Nero Wolfe mystery.A young boy comes to Wolfe's office to tell him that he saw a woman wearing earrings that looked like golden spiders ask for the police while cleaning her windshield.Normally, a child would never even be admitted to Wolfe's presence but due to a bit of sniping between Archie and Wolfe, things are allowed to proceed.As is usually the case when someone comes to see Nero, a death ensues.In this case, the boy dies and two more people involved in the case quickly follow him to the great beyond.Wolfe puts Archie on the case as well as his entire cast of freelance detectives.

The Golden Spiders is one of the shorter Nero Wolfe novels but it didn't feel that way to me.Somehow it felt much more like a paint-by-the-numbers formula Nero Wolfe novel and it is the first I've read that felt lifeless and wooden.The humor that is such a mainstay of the series is lacking to the point that I only chuckled once or twice where I would usually find quite a lot to laugh at.The mystery also plods along after the unusual setup and none of the suspects is particularly interesting or lively.I have certainly read worse novels than The Golden Spiders but if you're looking for a good Nero Wolfe novel I would say that you could do far far better.Some Buried Caesar and Over My Dead Body are just two that come to mind that are much more entertaining.

Wolfe's Morality
In every Nero Wolfe book you get some exposition to Nero's moral code.Here, since a young boy ate at his table, Nero feels compelled to investigate his death.

It leads to a great story.On the morality point, though, Inspector Cramer gets something of a last word in:Of all the homicides Cramer has to investigate, the victim's class, status or dining at Wolfe's table plays no role.In so many stories, Cramer is intently curious about who Wolfe's client is;when he hears these circumstances, he gets even more angry than usual.

Which seems backwards, in a way:Wolfe appears to be acting altruistically, and Cramer gets mad at him for it.But, actually, Cramer's right:his job involves seeing a constant parade of injustice and depravity, and he does not have the luxury of picking his cases.

You gotta love Inspector Cramer for that... ... Read more

Product Description
The guest at a gathering of the greatest chefs in the world, Nero Wolfe must practice his own trade--sleuthing--when he discovers that a murderer is in their midst. Reissue. NYT. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Gasp! Nero Wolfe was a LIBERAL!
Detective fiction is all about style. It has to be, since there's normally not much substance. (If that statement suggests that I'm not a regular 'fan' of pulp fiction, it's accurate. I've avoided author Rex Stout for decades.) Detective fiction is formulaic and repetitive, especially when the same fictional detective crops up in as many as 73 novels, as Nero Wolfe does. Most detective fiction is airplane or beach blanket reading, escapist stuff for tired brains. And now that I've offended the millions of detective fiction fans around the world, let me say that "Too Many Cooks" is extremely witty and amusing, tightly constructed, worth reading even when your brain is in fine fettle.

I picked it up because a friend reminded me of it as an example of a "food novel." It is that. The inevitable murder victim is a world-class chef, as are all of the prime suspects. They have gathered at a posh resort in West Virginia, being members of a confraternity of great chefs that meets every five years. New York detective Nero Wolfe is the guest of honor, scheduled to deliver a keynote address on the "contributions of America to world cuisine." Wolfe is, as fans will already know, a glutton/gourmand, nearly 300 pounds, averse to travel and excess movement of any sort, reluctant to leave his New York apartment or to rise from his bed before mid-morning. The slothful sleuth is hugely arrogant, mercenary, and superhumanly astute. Most of the detecting is in fact done by Archie Goodwin, his 'Man Friday' and the narrator of the novel.

The resort setting in West Virginia, in a novel written in 1934, predictably involves Wolfe and Goodwin in issues of Jim Crow racism. All the staff, including the sous chefs who actually preapre the superb cuisine described in the tale, are African-Americans. The N-word occurs early and frequently in the narrative; so does the D-word, applied to the guest chefs of ethnicity other than Northern European. Yes yes, it was "the tenor of the times" but I confess I began to seethe. And then, glory be!, Nero Wolfe himself also began to seethe, to badger and banish the race-trashing sheriff from the investigation and to express the most enlightened dismissal of racist stereotypes. Wolfe's unexpected liberalism -- he acknowledges that he's had little experience interviewing people of color -- turns out to be critical to the success of his investigation. I'd give quite a lot to see into the minds of the readers who encountered such "political correctness' in a detective novel in 1934! And a big hurray for "political correctness" in such a format.

Fat effete Nero Wolfe was a better man by leagues than Harry Flashman. And Rex Stout was a more artful writer than George MacDonald Fraser.

Food, friends and a knife in the back...
Nero Wolfe has been invited to the gathering of some of the greatest chefs of the world.He goes for a very good reason.He wants a recipe.
What he finds is murder.Much to his unhappiness.How can he enjoy the food if the murderer is a chef?How can he enjoy chatting with the guests if one of them in the murderer?What happens if his friend, Marko Vukcic is the murderer?
A great book, wonderful setting, interesting characters and makes you hunger for more!

One more reason why Wolfe rarely leaves his home
One more reason why Wolfe rarely leaves his home
Few things can get Wolfe to leave the comfort of his home, but the promise of outstanding food is near the top of the list. Some of the greatest chefs in the world are meeting for their quinquennial dinner and Wolfe is invited to be the guest of honor to give a speech in defense of American Cuisine. Of course, the murder of one of the chefs lands Wolfe right in the middle of something he hates most of all; a reason he can't go home. As this is an early Wolfe novel, Archie still seems a bit rough around the edges, lacking the polish Stout put on him later in the series. This is manifested particularly when dealing with the African-American staff in the course of the investigation. As the novel takes place in Virginia in the 1930's, there is a racial insensitivity that makes for an interesting snapshot of the times, but it is of interest that Stout keeps Wolfe apart from the casual racism. The mystery itself will keep you interested and has a nice twist, but like many of the earlier Wolfe tales, the most intriguing aspect of the story is the gradual development of the characters that inhabit what has proved to be one of the most memorable mystery series.

Deadly Stew
Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin leave Manhattan for a cook-off at a resort. Wolfe is afraid of travel and regrets having made the commitment to participate in a cooking contest.
Things get deadly when members of the group of master chefs are being murdered. This is one Wolf where Archie becomes the stronger character. TOO MANY COOKS is considered by many to be one of the best in the series.
The stories and style is dated, but that doesn't spoil the fun of a clever story. Rex Stout's works have stood the test of time and so have the recipes that are given in full at the end of the book.
Nash Black, author whose mysteries are available in Kindle editions.
Qualifying LapsSins of the FathersWriting as a Small Business

Good read
This is the first Nero Wolfe book that I've read, although I have seen the dramatatizations that have been done on television.I enjoyed these, and I enjoyed this book.Wolfe is an eccentric and he is wonderfully portrayed.In this book he and his sidekick Archie are on their way to a gourmet cook convention in West Virginia.This is something in itself because Wolfe rarely leaves his home in New York City.He solves most of his crimes from there, close to his orchids and his own wonderful cook.Wolfe is a gourmet, and food drives everything he does.The mystery is intricate, and the story here is lots of fun.I do need to read more of Rex Stout's wonderful character.This is a sign of a good author, when one of his characters makes it into folklore, and becomes a household name, like Nero Wolfe is. ... Read more

Product Description
Nero Wolfe attempts to find the killer who murdered his victim with Wolfe's own necktie, and he encounters a list of bizarre suspects, including a gun-toting wife and a cop-hating landlady. Reissue. NYT. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

A Fine Group of Wolfe Shorts
Rex Stout wrote 33 Nero Wolfe novels and 13 Nero Wolfe books of three short stories, and I read them all decades ago.I enjoyed revisiting this collection with my 13-year old son.They are three good stories and Wolfe is in fine form.The subsidiary characters (Cramer, Stebbins, Fritz, and Saul, Fred and Orrie, and no Lilly Rowan) are there, but not as prominently as in some books (except for one story, where Saul essentially does Archie's job and solves the case).Also, not the harder-boiled Wolfe of the earilest books.Still, excellent fun for Wolfe experts and novices alike.

Into the 1960s
Critic Jacques Barzun divided Rex Stout's career into three distinct phases.This begins the third phase, where Stout explores ethical frontiers and takes the insularity of Wolfe's west 35th-street enclave into the world at large.

These stories, which first were serialized in various magazines, either take the chaotic world into Wolfe's home, or take Wolfe out of his sanctuary into the chaotic world.

In one, Wolfe's own necktie (with a yellow pattern) is used in a most foul manner.Of these three, this one's my favorite.

Stout was a liberal and would have fit into the late 60s well, you'd think.However, Nero is a little harder-pressed to adapt to this world, and it starts to show with these stories.

Finally, perhaps because they were written for magazine serialization, these are not the strongest of Stout's work.But they're still good, and so-so Nero is certainly better than none at all...

Great book, but short stories just don't compare w/novels
This is an excellent collection of Nero Wolfe short stories--some of the best Stout ever wrote, but they are still short stories.While they are great introductory reading for the new Stout enthusiast (highly recommended if this applies to you), the stories seem rather abrupt for anyone who's read the novels.Just as Wolfe, the cantankerous, lazy, overweight, yet completely endearing detective, and Archie, the CLASSIC unflappable sidekick, seem to begin solving the murder, they've found the solution, and the story is over.Other than the general abruptness of the stories, the book is wonderful, and the stories themselves are some of the best Stout ever wrote--if only he had fleshed them out into novels...

In "Eeny Meeny Murder Mo," 'it's a wily killer who dares to strike on Nero Wolfe's hallowed turf--and leave a corpse strangled with Wolfe's own soup-stained tie.'This is the story that was turned into an A&E movie, and the one that got me started on Rex Stout's novels.

In "Death of a Demon," 'Wolfe faces a gun-toting wife who serves up a confession of homicidal intent--only to become the sole suspect when her husband's corpse is found.'This one is a little confusing, keeping all of the guns (some toted by the aforementioned wife) straight.

Finally, in "Counterfeit for Murder," 'a cop-hating landlady brings Wolfe counterfeit cash--that leads to genuine murder.'This story introduces a very likeable character in the landlady, one of the few women Wolfe (by no means a woman-hater; they just seem to get in the way of his orderly existence) moderately respects.

Unholy Trinity
Stout somehow packs 3 novellas into 205 pocket-sized pages. Two concern rich Manhattanites, one working class down-to-earth ones. Although Nero Wolf is headlined, most of the investigating and narration falls to Archie Goodwin, his assistant. Wolf, according to Archie, is a genius, but to the reader appears overweight (he had his chair custom-made to accommodate him), self-indulgent (his chef prepares him gourmet meals), and irascible (voicing impatience with dull and uncooperative witnesses). There are enough surprises and twists (too many to summarize) to dizzy the reader. Entertaining.

After awhile, you really can't say anymore about these
A collection of three novellas featuring Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin. After awhile, there's not really much one can say about Stout's mysteries. They are always well done--I remember reading someone saying that Rex Stout never wrote a bad sentence, and I have yet to prove that false. But there really isn't much here that distinguishes these novellas from any of the other collections. ... Read more