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 he hopes will catch a killer who's still got poison in his heart.
Series
Mystery & thrillers
Ratings and reviews
4.4
43 reviews
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A Google user
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December 28, 2017
Excellent introduction to the characters of Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin. Author Rex Stout invented an unusual method of murder well beyond his contemporaries. Archie and the reader follow Wolfe's instructions but need the explanations from Wolfe's genius to solve the mystery and subject's apprehension. Fewer literary and topical references than his later novels. Stout's notes and office diagram at the end are very helpful. Readers of the whole series will appreciate that Wolfe and Archie don't age but the office furnishings change over the years. Wonderful to look back at how New York and technology have changed.
Elaine Dayton
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January 15, 2024
Telling who did the crime way early in the plot, genius. The story still has twists and turns after the reveal.
Peter Burns (Pete)
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March 13, 2018
The Brits have Sherlock Holmes but America we have Nero Wolfe and Nero Wolfe is supreme.
About the author
Rex Stout (1886–1975) wrote dozens of short stories, novellas, and full-length mystery novels, most featuring his two indelible characters, the peerless detective Nero Wolfe and his handy sidekick, Archie Goodwin.
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