As any herpetologist will tell you, the fer-de-lance is among the most dreaded snakes known to man. When someone makes a present of one to Nero Wolfe, Archie Goodwin knows he’s getting dreadully close to solving the devilishly clever murders of an immigrant and a college president. As for Wolfe, he’s playing snake charmer in a case with more twists than an anaconda — whistling a seductive tune … tune he hopes will catch a killer who’s still got poison in his heart.
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My mother introduced me to this series years ago. This book is the very first in Rex Stout’s entertaining series featuring Nero Wolfe, an arrogant, gourmand, sedentary sleuth who raises orchids in his Manhattan brownstone, solving cases with help from his assistant, Archie Goodwin. Truly original characters!
I began reading the Nero Wolfe mysteries years ago. They are my favorite all time mysteries. I love the characters. It had been like reading about old friends. I believe this book was the first in the series. I didn’t read it until I had a number of others. If you “get in” to these mysteries, reading this one is a must.
It’s Stout’s first story, so there are a few rough edges, but the first of the Nero Wolfe mysteries is not to be missed.
A classic Nero Wolf and Archie story. Classic 1930 adventure, set in and around NYC.
This was the first of the Nero Wolf novels written by Rex Stout, and it was my first read of that series, and I found it fascinating. The eccentric characters, the level of complexity in the plot, and the vocabulary used were all intriguing to me. If you’re looking for a good mystery/period piece, this is a great option. There are more than 40 …
i like rex stout books
Written in the 1930s, this book overcomes a wildly misogynist world view and provides a sense of New York city in that era. It introduces Nero Wolfe, the massively obese genius detective, his man-of all-work Archie Goodwin and a cast of affluent New Yorkers who all have secrets to hide. A propulsive plot pulled me through the book in a few hours.
Nero and Archie never disappoint. Love these mysteries, read and reread them. So glad to have in ebook form
The first Nero Wolfe book, chronologically for the characters. I love Nero Wolfe and Archie, their interactions, and their mutually irritating partnership.
Love Rex Stout he always tops my list of what to read.
This is an early Nero Wolfe mystery. If you like others in this excellent series you will like the book.
Wolfe does it again! Very entertaining, Archie is always a lot of fun.
Classic detective story
First Nero Wolfe novel (1934) but everything is in place
Rex Stout is one of my favorite authors and never disappoints. I’m just sorry he didn’t write even more of the Archie and Nero Wolfe novellas, as I’ve devoured every one. This is one of the best.
Anyone who likes Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin will love this book, the first in that classic series.
Well written by one of the best in detective fiction.
Rex Stout’s Nero Wolfe is a winner every time.
Love Stout
Rex Stout never disappoints.