Rex Stout
Rex Stout was an American writer best known for his detective fiction featuring the character Nero Wolfe. He wrote over 30 novels and numerous short stories featuring the eccentric detective and his assistant, Archie Goodwin.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The League Of Frightened Men
In this gripping mystery, a brilliant and eccentric private detective is hired to address the fears of a group of men who believe they are being targeted by someone seeking revenge for a prank gone wrong years ago, which resulted in a tragic accident. As members of the group begin to meet untimely ends under mysterious circumstances, the detective uses his unique intellect and unconventional methods to unravel a complex web of guilt, deception, and murder. Set against the backdrop of New York City, the story combines psychological intrigue with the detective's sharp wit and profound insights into human nature, leading to a surprising resolution that challenges the concepts of justice and retribution.
The 2461st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
2. The Nero Wolfe Series
Fer-de-Lance
The series follows the brilliant and eccentric detective Nero Wolfe, who is known for his love of orchids and gourmet food, as he solves complex mysteries from the comfort of his New York City brownstone. Wolfe rarely leaves his home, relying on his sharp intellect and the legwork of his witty and street-smart assistant, Archie Goodwin, to gather information and interact with clients and suspects. The stories are rich with clever dialogue, intriguing plots, and a colorful cast of recurring characters, blending elements of traditional detective work with Wolfe's unique methods and personality.
The 2646th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
3. The Doorbell Rang
A Nero Wolfe Mystery
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 6833rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
4. Fer De Lance
In "Fer-de-Lance," readers are introduced to a brilliant, orchid-loving detective and his astute assistant as they embark on their first case together. The story revolves around the mysterious death of a college president, initially believed to be an accident. However, as the detective duo delves deeper, they uncover a sinister plot involving a uniquely deadly weapon, leading them into a world of danger and intrigue. Their investigation reveals hidden motives and a cunning murderer, showcasing their deductive prowess and setting the stage for future adventures.
The 14897th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
5. The Red Box
In this gripping mystery, the brilliant and eccentric detective Nero Wolfe is called upon to solve a perplexing case involving a deadly box of chocolates. When a young model dies after eating a poisoned sweet, Wolfe and his astute assistant, Archie Goodwin, delve into the world of high fashion and family secrets to uncover the truth. As they navigate a web of deceit and hidden motives, Wolfe's keen intellect and Archie's street-smart tactics are put to the test, leading to a surprising revelation that challenges their perceptions of justice and morality.
The 15909th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon