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.

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.

  1. 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 Time
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  2. 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 Time
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  3. 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 Time
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  4. 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 Time
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  5. 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 Time
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  6. 6. American Aristocrats

    The book delves into the lives of a wealthy American family, exploring their complex relationships, societal roles, and the influence of their affluence on their personal and public lives. Set against a backdrop of historical events, the narrative weaves through the family's triumphs and tribulations, highlighting themes of power, legacy, and the pursuit of the American dream. Through vivid character portrayals and intricate plot developments, the story offers a compelling examination of privilege and its impact on identity and morality.

  7. 7. Death Times Three

    A Nero Wolfe Mystery

    In this engaging collection of three novellas, the astute and eccentric detective, Nero Wolfe, along with his sharp-witted assistant, Archie Goodwin, tackle a trio of perplexing mysteries. Each story presents a unique challenge, from a suspicious death at a high-society party to a case involving a missing manuscript and a murder intertwined with a family feud. With Wolfe's unparalleled deductive skills and Archie's street-smart intuition, the duo navigates through a web of deceit, uncovering the truth with their signature blend of wit and intelligence.

  8. 8. The Black Mountain

    In this gripping mystery, the astute detective Nero Wolfe and his loyal assistant Archie Goodwin embark on a perilous journey to the Balkans after the murder of Wolfe's childhood friend. As they navigate the treacherous political landscape of post-war Montenegro, Wolfe is driven by a personal vendetta, determined to uncover the truth behind the assassination. The duo faces a web of intrigue, danger, and deception, testing their wits and resilience in a foreign land where allies are scarce and enemies lurk in the shadows. Their quest for justice leads to a dramatic confrontation, revealing the complexities of loyalty and revenge.

  9. 9. Not Quite Dead Enough A Nero Wolfe Novella

    A Nero Wolfe Mystery

    In this engaging mystery novella, the brilliant and eccentric detective Nero Wolfe is reluctantly drawn into a case involving espionage and murder during World War II. His trusted assistant, Archie Goodwin, is enlisted by the military to investigate suspicious activities that could threaten national security. As Wolfe navigates the complexities of wartime intrigue, he must rely on his unparalleled deductive skills to unravel a web of deception and uncover the truth behind a seemingly straightforward murder, all while maintaining his characteristic disdain for leaving the comfort of his home.

  10. 10. The Sociopath Next Door

    This compelling psychological exploration delves into the chilling reality that approximately one in every twenty-five people secretly harbors a sociopathic nature. Through a series of real-life anecdotes and expert insights, the narrative unveils the subtle yet destructive behaviors of individuals who lack a conscience, often blending seamlessly into society. It highlights the manipulative tactics employed by these individuals and offers guidance on recognizing and protecting oneself from their influence, ultimately urging readers to reconsider their understanding of human nature and the hidden dangers lurking in everyday interactions.

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  11. 12. Japanese Kanji For Beginners

    The Method That's Helped Thousands in the U.S. and Japan Learn Japanese Successfully

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