Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout
The Nero Wolfe series by Rex Stout is a timeless collection of detective fiction that has enthralled readers for decades. Featuring the brilliant, eccentric, and orchid-loving private investigator Nero Wolfe and his sharp-tongued assistant Archie Goodwin, the series is set in mid-20th century New York City. Wolfe’s genius for solving mysteries, combined with Archie’s street-smart narration, creates a dynamic duo that has become iconic in the mystery genre.
Publication Order of Nero Wolfe Books
- Fer-de-Lance (1934)
- The League of Frightened Men (1935)
- The Rubber Band (1936)
- The Red Box (1937)
- Too Many Cooks (1938)
- Some Buried Caesar (1939)
- Over My Dead Body (1940)
- Where There’s a Will (1940)
- Black Orchids (1942)
- Not Quite Dead Enough (1944)
- The Silent Speaker (1946)
- Too Many Women (1947)
- And Be a Villain (1948)
- The Second Confession (1949)
- In the Best Families (1950)
- Murder by the Book (1951)
- Prisoner’s Base (1952)
- The Golden Spiders (1953)
- The Black Mountain (1954)
- Before Midnight (1955)
- Might as Well Be Dead (1956)
- If Death Ever Slept (1957)
- Champagne for One (1958)
- Plot It Yourself (1959)
- Too Many Clients (1960)
- The Final Deduction (1961)
- Gambit (1962)
- The Mother Hunt (1963)
- A Right to Die (1964)
- The Doorbell Rang (1965)
- Death of a Doxy (1966)
- The Father Hunt (1968)
- Death of a Dude (1969)
- Please Pass the Guilt (1973)
- A Family Affair (1975)
- Death Times Three (1985)
Fer-de-Lance (1934)
The series begins with Wolfe and Archie investigating the mysterious death of a college president. Wolfe’s sharp intellect and Archie’s resourcefulness are on full display as they unravel a case involving a poisoned golf club. This book sets the tone for the series, introducing Wolfe’s love for orchids and gourmet food.
The League of Frightened Men (1935)
Wolfe is hired to protect a group of men who believe they are being targeted by a vengeful former classmate. The psychological depth of the story and Wolfe’s clever deductions make this a standout in the series.
The Rubber Band (1936)
A decades-old promise leads to murder when Wolfe is hired to investigate a case involving a missing fortune. The story is filled with twists, turns, and Wolfe’s signature wit.
The Red Box (1937)
When a model dies after eating a poisoned candy, Wolfe is drawn into a case involving a mysterious red box. The twists and turns in this story keep readers guessing until the very end.
Too Many Cooks (1938)
Wolfe reluctantly leaves his home to attend a gathering of famous chefs, only to find himself solving a murder. This book is a delightful mix of culinary indulgence and sharp detective work.
Some Buried Caesar (1939)
Wolfe and Archie find themselves in the countryside, investigating a murder at a state fair. The story is a clever blend of humor, suspense, and Wolfe’s deductive brilliance.
Over My Dead Body (1940)
Wolfe’s past comes back to haunt him when a woman claiming to be his daughter seeks his help in a murder case. The story is filled with intrigue and emotional depth.
Where There’s a Will (1940)
A wealthy woman’s death leads to a battle over her will, and Wolfe is hired to uncover the truth. The case is as much about family drama as it is about murder.
Black Orchids (1942)
This book features two novellas, both involving Wolfe’s beloved orchids. The stories are rich in atmosphere and showcase Wolfe’s unique methods.
Not Quite Dead Enough (1944)
Wolfe and Archie are drawn into a wartime mystery involving espionage and murder. The story is fast-paced and filled with suspense.
The Silent Speaker (1946)
A government official is murdered, and Wolfe must navigate political intrigue to solve the case. The story is a masterful blend of mystery and social commentary.
Too Many Women (1947)
Wolfe investigates a murder at a large corporation, where office politics and romantic entanglements complicate the case. The story is both humorous and suspenseful.
And Be a Villain (1948)
A poisoned soft drink leads to murder, and Wolfe must unravel a web of lies to find the killer. The story is a classic whodunit with a modern twist.
The Second Confession (1949)
Wolfe is hired to investigate a man suspected of being a Communist, but the case takes a deadly turn. The story is a fascinating mix of politics and mystery.
In the Best Families (1950)
Wolfe goes undercover to solve a case involving a wealthy family and a missing fortune. The story is one of the most dramatic in the series.
Murder by the Book (1951)
A manuscript leads to murder, and Wolfe must uncover the truth behind the deadly pages. The story is a clever commentary on the publishing world.
Prisoner’s Base (1952)
A young woman seeks Wolfe’s help, only to be murdered shortly after. The case is both tragic and compelling.
The Golden Spiders (1953)
A boy’s plea for help leads Wolfe to a case involving murder and corruption. The story is both heartwarming and thrilling.
The Black Mountain (1954)
Wolfe travels to his homeland of Montenegro to solve the murder of a close friend. The story is a rare glimpse into Wolfe’s past.
Before Midnight (1955)
A perfume company’s contest turns deadly, and Wolfe must solve the case before the deadline. The story is a clever mix of advertising and murder.
Might as Well Be Dead (1956)
A father’s search for his missing son leads Wolfe to a case involving mistaken identity and murder. The story is both poignant and suspenseful.
If Death Ever Slept (1957)
Wolfe is hired to investigate a family feud, but the case quickly turns deadly. The story is a classic locked-room mystery.
Champagne for One (1958)
A charity event ends in murder, and Wolfe must navigate high society to find the killer. The story is both glamorous and gripping.
Plot It Yourself (1959)
A plagiarism case turns deadly, and Wolfe must uncover the truth behind the lies. The story is a fascinating look at the world of publishing.
Too Many Clients (1960)
A man’s double life leads to murder, and Wolfe must untangle the web of deceit. The story is both scandalous and suspenseful.
The Final Deduction (1961)
A kidnapping case takes a deadly turn, and Wolfe must solve the mystery before it’s too late. The story is both tense and satisfying.
Gambit (1962)
A chess game becomes a deadly battle of wits when Wolfe is hired to solve a murder. The story is a brilliant mix of strategy and suspense.
The Mother Hunt (1963)
A young mother’s death leads Wolfe to a case involving secrets and lies. The story is both emotional and intriguing.
A Right to Die (1964)
Wolfe investigates a racially charged murder case, tackling social issues with his usual brilliance. The story is both thought-provoking and thrilling.
The Doorbell Rang (1965)
Wolfe takes on the FBI in one of the most famous books in the series. The story is bold, daring, and unforgettable.
Death of a Doxy (1966)
A woman’s murder leads Wolfe to a case involving blackmail and betrayal. The story is both dark and compelling.
The Father Hunt (1968)
A young woman’s search for her father uncovers a web of lies and murder. The story is both touching and suspenseful.
Death of a Dude (1969)
Wolfe and Archie head to Montana to solve a murder in the countryside. The story is a refreshing change of pace.
Please Pass the Guilt (1973)
A corporate scandal leads to murder, and Wolfe must navigate the world of big business to solve the case. The story is both timely and gripping.
A Family Affair (1975)
The final book in the series involves a murder that hits close to home for Wolfe. The story is a fitting conclusion to the series.
Death Times Three (1985)
This posthumous collection of novellas showcases Wolfe’s brilliance in three separate cases. The stories are a delightful treat for fans.
Why You’ll Love Nero Wolfe
The Nero Wolfe series is perfect for fans of classic detective fiction. Rex Stout’s writing is witty, engaging, and full of clever twists. Wolfe’s larger-than-life personality and Archie’s charming narration create a dynamic that is both entertaining and endearing. The series also offers a fascinating glimpse into mid-20th century New York City, with its richly detailed settings and colorful characters.
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