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markk's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
One of the challenges Nero Wolfe faces as an independent businessman with an expensive household to maintain is the constant need to find remunerative work. This is why, when he learns of the murder of Cheney Booth, the director of the federal Bureau of Price Regulation, in a Manhattan hotel just before he was scheduled to give a speech to the hostile audience of the National Industrial Association, he sends Archie Goodwin out to insert himself into the case. Wolfe quickly comes to regret this, however, as he comes up against a paucity of evidence and enormous pressure from the deep-pocketed businessmen of the NIA, who as his new clients want to be exonerated of the crime as quickly as possible. Frustrated by a seemingly insolvable murder, the famous detective seems on the verge of losing his sanity – and all over a missing recording that may or may not be the clue to solving the mystery.
The publication of Rex Stout’s eleventh Nero Wolfe novel represented the start of his second decade of writing about the adventures of his greatest creation. While all the elements of a Nero Wolfe mystery had been in place long ago, here we seem them firing on all cylinders. For me the story reminded me a lot of his second book in the series, The League of Frightened Men, as again Wolfe demonstrates his willingness to manipulate people into becoming clients mainly for his own pecuniary needs. That these clients are a group of millionaires makes this exploitation more enjoyable than it should be, while the mystery itself ensures that Wolfe earns every penny he squeezes from them. It made for one of the most satisfying Nero Wolfe novels yet, and demonstrated how much entertainment Stout still could produce from his characters.
caitibeth's review against another edition
5.0
I love Phoebe Gunther. She's amazing - one of my favorite female characters in the Wolfe books, definitely. I also like the backdrop of the two warring factions, which is a dynamic Stout often does well, but never more so than here.
And who could forget the high drama of Wolfe's "breakdown", or him rescuing Cramer from Purgatory (or, for that matter, Cramer having been taken off the case in large part because he was simpático with Wolfe's vision of it - aka the obsession with the cylinder)? Plus the ending, with Wolfe's hypothetical explanation to Archie for the melodramatics, is one of my favorite final twists of the series.
Just very well done all around.
And who could forget the high drama of Wolfe's "breakdown", or him rescuing Cramer from Purgatory (or, for that matter, Cramer having been taken off the case in large part because he was simpático with Wolfe's vision of it - aka the obsession with the cylinder)? Plus the ending, with Wolfe's hypothetical explanation to Archie for the melodramatics, is one of my favorite final twists of the series.
Just very well done all around.
boyd94's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
mockingquantum's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
inwit's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
michael5000's review against another edition
4.0
More perfectly frivolous entertainment to keep one up late.
jdcorley's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Wolfe novels rarely "play fair" to the extent that this one does. Wolfe does what he very rarely does and openly states, more or less to the dummy of a reader, exactly the logic that is needed to solve the case, and if you really look back at what happened in the case, you can solve it before him - or, as we find out in a delightful twist ending, before Archie at least. The solution to the murder can't be guessed, exactly, but the solution to how Wolfe will find the final clue is both logical and exciting. One of the masterpieces of the series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
chlkvnck's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
jbleyle63's review against another edition
5.0
Nero and Archie investigate the murder of a Federal official who was bludgeoned with a monkey wrench right before he was set to deliver a speech before hostile crowd. During the investigation a second bludgeoning occurs on the doorstep of Wolfe’s Manhattan brownstone. When political pressures result in Inspector Cramer’s demotion and Wolfe’s arrest as a material witness, these traditional adversaries become allies leading to a very notable thank you gift given at end of book which is perfectly in character for both. Another great entry for this always stimulating and entertaining series!