The Doorbell Rang by Rex Stout

In this classic detective novel, the brilliant and eccentric private investigator Nero Wolfe, along with his sharp-witted assistant Archie Goodwin, is hired by a wealthy woman to disprove the FBI's unfounded harassment against her. She believes the agency is targeting her because she distributed copies of a book critical of the FBI. As Wolfe and Goodwin delve into the case, they navigate a complex web of surveillance, intimidation, and murder, all while outsmarting the persistent scrutiny of the formidable J. Edgar Hoover's agents. The story is a clever dance of wits and strategy, showcasing the detective's ingenuity in solving a case that reaches far beyond a simple doorbell ring.

The 4571st greatest book of all time


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Total Points: 90

Since this book was first published in 1965, there is a penalty of 0%. The age adjusted score is 90.0.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.