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Nero Wolfe #4
The Red Box
A woman is dead, and the fortunes of overextended theatrical producer Llewellyn Frost depend on solving the mystery of the red box: two pounds of candied fruits, nuts and creams, covered with chocolate—and laced with potassium cyanide.
When Nero Wolfe’s suspicion falls on Frost’s kissing cousin, Frost wants the detective to kill the sickly sweet case—before it kills him.
When Nero Wolfe’s suspicion falls on Frost’s kissing cousin, Frost wants the detective to kill the sickly sweet case—before it kills him.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 1937
382 people are currently reading
1130 people want to read
About the author
Rex Stout
848 books1,036 followersRex Todhunter Stout (1886–1975) was an American crime writer, best known as the creator of the larger-than-life fictional detective Nero Wolfe, described by reviewer Will Cuppy as "that Falstaff of detectives." Wolfe's assistant Archie Goodwin recorded the cases of the detective genius from 1934 (Fer-de-Lance) to 1975 (A Family Affair).
The Nero Wolfe corpus was nominated Best Mystery Series of the Century at Bouchercon 2000, the world's largest mystery convention, and Rex Stout was nominated Best Mystery Writer of the Century.
The Nero Wolfe corpus was nominated Best Mystery Series of the Century at Bouchercon 2000, the world's largest mystery convention, and Rex Stout was nominated Best Mystery Writer of the Century.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 296 reviews
April 17, 2024
I have read all 40+ Nero Wolfe books and am now re-reading as bedtime books.
One word will represent my opinion of all the Rex Stout written Nero Wolfe mysteries..............fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!
One word will represent my opinion of all the Rex Stout written Nero Wolfe mysteries..............fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 17, 2020
This is the first real Nero Wolfe I've read in the chronological-with-gaps reread. Archie's character is solidly in place, the mystery is a more typical one, and Stout is solidly in his wheelhouse here.
The plot is pretty simple: a model is poisoned, and a dude with White Knight Syndrome and a repressed to desire to marry his rich first cousin hires Wolfe. Wolfe actually leaves the brownstone in this one, always a notable occurrence, and Archie gets cut out of the information loop, a much less notable (but always fun) one.
Stout's wife was a fashion designer, so he knew the world of fashion well; he's writing a story set in his milieu, with no vague or ill-informed references to gold prospecting or Argentina or whatever. It makes a difference. (And it's fun to note the differences between the modern fashion world and the one of almost a century ago.)
Basically, the first three novels are skippable for everyone except Wolfe fanatics. This book is a decent starting point for people just getting into the series.
The plot is pretty simple: a model is poisoned, and a dude with White Knight Syndrome and a repressed to desire to marry his rich first cousin hires Wolfe. Wolfe actually leaves the brownstone in this one, always a notable occurrence, and Archie gets cut out of the information loop, a much less notable (but always fun) one.
Stout's wife was a fashion designer, so he knew the world of fashion well; he's writing a story set in his milieu, with no vague or ill-informed references to gold prospecting or Argentina or whatever. It makes a difference. (And it's fun to note the differences between the modern fashion world and the one of almost a century ago.)
Basically, the first three novels are skippable for everyone except Wolfe fanatics. This book is a decent starting point for people just getting into the series.
March 15, 2024
3 Stars. The first two in the Nero Wolfe series set such a high standard - so hard to match. "Fer de Lance" and "The League of Frightened Men" remain among the best detective fiction ever written - almost a century after they saw the light of day. "The Red Box" didn't reach the stratosphere - it wasn't an all-night page turner like those two. One of the murders happens while the victim is sitting in Wolfe's office! Murder by Aspirin. I knew that taking too many could kill, but one? Only if it's laced with cyanide. The plot is complicated and starts with Llewellyn Frost, a twenty-nine year old man in the fashion business, presenting a petition to Wolfe requesting him to leave his office and travel the short distance to the location of a murder. A young model has died as the result of eating a chocolate containing, what else, cyanide. Llewellyn's cousin Helen is the main suspect. Wolfe refuses, "No man's pertinacity can coerce me." But the petitioners are all orchid lovers. He goes, with Archie quietly applauding, but Wolfe makes certain Frost is aware of his high fees. To me, too much talk, and too little happening. That means a three instead of a five. (Ja2021/Mar2024)
July 29, 2015
The start of another beautiful relationship
The Red Box was the fourth of Rex Stout’s Nero Wolfe murder mysteries. It was published in 1937. It is also the first Nero Wolfe book I have ever read...and what an enjoyable introduction it was too.
I loved the irascible, inscrutable, quirky, larger-than-life Wolfe.
Wolfe's exploits are narrated by his able assistant Archie, himself a perfect foil for Wolfe: world weary, hard bitten, cynical and slyly humorous.
Overall it's a curious and pleasing hybrid of Agatha Christie and Raymond Chandler - if you like either writer, and especially if you like both, then this should provide lots to love. It did for me, and I look forward to reading more.
The Red Box was the fourth of Rex Stout’s Nero Wolfe murder mysteries. It was published in 1937. It is also the first Nero Wolfe book I have ever read...and what an enjoyable introduction it was too.
I loved the irascible, inscrutable, quirky, larger-than-life Wolfe.
Wolfe's exploits are narrated by his able assistant Archie, himself a perfect foil for Wolfe: world weary, hard bitten, cynical and slyly humorous.
Overall it's a curious and pleasing hybrid of Agatha Christie and Raymond Chandler - if you like either writer, and especially if you like both, then this should provide lots to love. It did for me, and I look forward to reading more.
May 22, 2018
Early Wolfe and Archie. 1930s detective jargon and smart talk a little over the top, writing a little baggy, still working out the characters. More dependent on plot than later ones. You’ll beat Archie (but not Wolfe, of course) to the answer, but probably not by a lot; at least to the ful solution. Murder methods not terribly convincing, but not the point. But the payoff is that this one isn’t formulaic; this is Stout laid bare, trying out attitudes and relationships among the eight or so characters we’ll come to know and love.
September 19, 2012
I love Nero Wolfe. This book was published in 1937. This installment has Nero investigating the poisoning death of a young woman. As the investigation proceeds, more victims pile up. Wolfe actually leaves his home! At the time this was written, this mystery would have been a real puzzler. But, I had my suspicions about half way through. I didn't have all the details worked out though. The best part was. Archie's narrative. It seemed like he was sharper and downright funny in this one. A great classic mystery!
October 14, 2019
That’s what a fortune is for, to support the lawyers who defend it for you against depredation. Professionally speaking, I don’t entirely agree with Wolfe here, but I must admit there is a grain a truth in it. It is certainly pithy and witty.
This is the 4th Nero Wolfe novel. After completing the 27 NW books I own, out of 44, I am now filling in the gaps in my collection, and I’m reading them as I receive them. I noticed a difference in Archie’s character in this book - he is more sophisticated and charming than in the 3 previous novels. Likewise, Inspector Cramer’s character has taken on practically all the nuances it will contain for the next 40 years. I chuckled when Cramer comments in this book that “I’ll be ready to retire in another ten years.”
It all starts when a young man, Llewellyn Frost, hires Wolfe to investigate the murder of a model. He is concerned for the safety of his cousin, Helen Frost, (for whom he has more than cousinly feelings) who was a coworker of the dead girl. Archie gets irritated by Wolfe’s eccentricities and his reluctance to work, and he makes certain suggestions to the client about how to get Wolfe to visit the scene of the murder. It’s hilarious. Also hilarious are the interactions between Wolfe and Llewellyn’s father, Dudley Frost. Dudley is — hmmm, how would I describe him? He talks a lot, he’s a fool and an idiot, and anyone who knows Nero Wolfe knows he does not suffer fools, gladly or otherwise.
According to Helen Frost’s mother, Calida Frost, the only way to shut him up is to give him good Irish whisky. Perhaps Dudley is smarter than he appears.
Speaking of Calida Frost, there is a marvelous play on words at the heart of the solution. I’ll not give away any spoilers, but if you love puns and word play, you’ll appreciate it. This isn’t one of my favorite Wolfe & Archie adventures, but it’s definitely above average.
This is the 4th Nero Wolfe novel. After completing the 27 NW books I own, out of 44, I am now filling in the gaps in my collection, and I’m reading them as I receive them. I noticed a difference in Archie’s character in this book - he is more sophisticated and charming than in the 3 previous novels. Likewise, Inspector Cramer’s character has taken on practically all the nuances it will contain for the next 40 years. I chuckled when Cramer comments in this book that “I’ll be ready to retire in another ten years.”
It all starts when a young man, Llewellyn Frost, hires Wolfe to investigate the murder of a model. He is concerned for the safety of his cousin, Helen Frost, (for whom he has more than cousinly feelings) who was a coworker of the dead girl. Archie gets irritated by Wolfe’s eccentricities and his reluctance to work, and he makes certain suggestions to the client about how to get Wolfe to visit the scene of the murder. It’s hilarious. Also hilarious are the interactions between Wolfe and Llewellyn’s father, Dudley Frost. Dudley is — hmmm, how would I describe him? He talks a lot, he’s a fool and an idiot, and anyone who knows Nero Wolfe knows he does not suffer fools, gladly or otherwise.
’Ah.’ Dudley Frost smiled at me broadly, with understanding; he transferred it to Wolfe, and then back to me again. ‘You seem to have gone to a good deal of trouble around here. Of course I can see that that was the best way to get your threat in, to arrange for a call with my son in your office. But the point is —‘
Wolfe snapped, ‘Put him out, Archie.’
According to Helen Frost’s mother, Calida Frost, the only way to shut him up is to give him good Irish whisky. Perhaps Dudley is smarter than he appears.
Speaking of Calida Frost, there is a marvelous play on words at the heart of the solution. I’ll not give away any spoilers, but if you love puns and word play, you’ll appreciate it. This isn’t one of my favorite Wolfe & Archie adventures, but it’s definitely above average.
February 5, 2023
За пръв път се срещам с този автор,и останах доволна ,много лека и чудесна кримка.
July 16, 2023
Nero Wolfe is famous for being such a homebody that he ventures from his beloved brownstone on West 35th Street only under the most extraordinary of circumstances, leaving the footwork of his investigations as a detective to be conducted by Archie Goodwin and others. It takes Llewellyn Frost, a newly-successful Broadway producer, an unusual letter signed by some of the most respected orchid-growers to get a resentful Wolfe to agree to travel to a fashion house to interview the witnesses to the recent poisoning of one of their models. The trip soon immerses Wolfe and Goodwin in a complicated family history that seems increasingly relevant as more people are killed. Wolfe soon zeroes in on a red leather box, in which lies the key to solving the mystery. The only problem? Nobody can find it.
Though this is just the fourth of Rex Stout’s series of Nero Wolfe novels, the pattern within it is already familiar to readers of his earlier works. As in the previous books, Wolfe is brought into a case which sets him at odds with the authorities, who for all their resources are stymied by the lack of evidence and the opacity of the clues they do have. Wolfe is no less frustrated, and though he eventually solves the murders (is there any doubt that he wouldn’t?) his method of doing so reflects the challenges that he faced. It all makes for an enjoyable mix of the familiar and the new that demonstrate how quickly Stout’s formula cohered into such a successful series.
Though this is just the fourth of Rex Stout’s series of Nero Wolfe novels, the pattern within it is already familiar to readers of his earlier works. As in the previous books, Wolfe is brought into a case which sets him at odds with the authorities, who for all their resources are stymied by the lack of evidence and the opacity of the clues they do have. Wolfe is no less frustrated, and though he eventually solves the murders (is there any doubt that he wouldn’t?) his method of doing so reflects the challenges that he faced. It all makes for an enjoyable mix of the familiar and the new that demonstrate how quickly Stout’s formula cohered into such a successful series.
July 1, 2020
"Da come la vedo io, un dirigente nato è un tizio che, quando succede qualcosa di difficile o di imprevisto, urla a qualcuno di venire ad aiutarlo".
Una giovane modella muore avvelenata da un candito. Chi era in realtà il destinatario di quel veleno? Indagando Nero Wolfe scopre una tana di serpi e rapporti familiari intricati. Se arrivare a intuire il colpevole è abbastanza semplice, il movente è stato invece per me sorprendente (anche se gli indizi forse un po' tirati).
La scrittura spiritosa e i continui colpi di scena rendono gradevole la lettura.
Una giovane modella muore avvelenata da un candito. Chi era in realtà il destinatario di quel veleno? Indagando Nero Wolfe scopre una tana di serpi e rapporti familiari intricati. Se arrivare a intuire il colpevole è abbastanza semplice, il movente è stato invece per me sorprendente (anche se gli indizi forse un po' tirati).
La scrittura spiritosa e i continui colpi di scena rendono gradevole la lettura.
November 10, 2017
Another fun Nero Wolfe. I thought it not quite as good as The Rubber Band. There was still the wonderful repartee between Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin, but it was less frequent and less pointed. The characterizations of the non-Wolfe employees was better in this one.
Murders in real life tend to be by persons known to the victim rather than by some random person. We are introduced fairly early to all of the possible perpetrators, only to have further murders. Thus, if I had had no suspicions, I could eliminate some about whom I might have conjectured. That said, I was fairly certain of some of the facts that Stout did not reveal until the last 10 pages. There was a surprise or two that I could not have seen. Good, solid fun, but no pretense of being more than 3-stars.
Murders in real life tend to be by persons known to the victim rather than by some random person. We are introduced fairly early to all of the possible perpetrators, only to have further murders. Thus, if I had had no suspicions, I could eliminate some about whom I might have conjectured. That said, I was fairly certain of some of the facts that Stout did not reveal until the last 10 pages. There was a surprise or two that I could not have seen. Good, solid fun, but no pretense of being more than 3-stars.
February 11, 2018
Still love this series, but I had it figured out simultaneously with Nero. This one was a bit too obvious.
New York, 1936
New York, 1936
April 20, 2021
Having begun this series from its first title and reading in order, I've come to appreciate that you can count on author Rex Stout -- and his protagonist Nero Wolfe -- for a thoroughly enjoyable read and a baffling mystery.
The pompous and intelligent Wolfe is tempered somewhat by his version of Dr. Watson, Archie Goodwin, who is the narrator of the tales as well as Wolfe's right-hand man.
The Red Box is a good mystery with plenty of potential suspects from which the reader can choose as the likely villain. Good luck with that!
The pompous and intelligent Wolfe is tempered somewhat by his version of Dr. Watson, Archie Goodwin, who is the narrator of the tales as well as Wolfe's right-hand man.
The Red Box is a good mystery with plenty of potential suspects from which the reader can choose as the likely villain. Good luck with that!
October 4, 2015
The Red Box starts out with a trick. Nero Wolfe is manipulated into leaving the comforts of his brownstone when Llewellyn Frost presents him with a letter from several of his esteemed colleagues in the orchid-growing world imploring the detective to leave his office, leave his faithful staff, leave his orchid-filled greenhouse and travel twenty blocks (eight minutes) to the office of Boyden McNair Incorporated to investigate the poisoning of a beautiful young model. Frost had tried to get Wolfe involved as soon as the death occurred, but the great man would not leave home and none of the suspects and witnesses would visit the brownstone.
It's now a week later and Inspector Cramer and all the policemen at his command have made no progress. So, Frost returns with the letter and manages to get Wolfe to do the unthinkable. He and Archie Goodwin go to the office the next day and begin questioning those involved. But they too make very little headway. On the way out of the building, they see Purley Stebbins of the Homicide Squad.
He stopped and stared, not at me, at Wolfe. "In the name of God. Did you shoot him out of cannon?"
Few of the suspects--from the young woman's friend Helen Frost and the rest of the Frost family to Boyd McNair, fashion designer and employer of the model--want to talk to Wolfe beyond the bare facts. The model, Molly Lauck, snitched a box of chocolates. She ate two and died from cyanide poisoning. Readers might think that the box of chocolates is the red box in question--particularly if their cover looks like mine. But Wolfe's investigations soon reveal that there is a much more important red box yet to be found. All of Cramer's resources and Wolfe's band of investigators--Saul Panzer, Fred Durkin, and Orrie Cather--are called upon to find it. But will it turn up in time to solve a murder?
There is another infuriating (to Wolfe) installment yet to come...he has determined that the poisoned chocolates were really intended for someone other than Miss Lauck when the proposed victim is successfully murdered right before his eyes in his very own office. Wolfe also suspects who the culprit is, but even having witnessed this death himself, there is no proof. He will need Cramer's help to pull off a most audacious confrontation scene...and Cramer, for once, gives his assistance with no complaint. Well...almost no complaint. He wouldn't be Cramer if he didn't fuss just a bit.
All the components for a delightful Wolfe and Goodwin mystery are in place. Wolfe is prodded into taking on a case and Archie is in good form goading his boss and tossing off witty wisecracks. Saul Panzer and the boys see a little action, Cramer chews through a cigar or two, and a hapless assistant D.A. blusters and threatens to take away Wolfe's license. There's even a brave young heroine to root for.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks.
It's now a week later and Inspector Cramer and all the policemen at his command have made no progress. So, Frost returns with the letter and manages to get Wolfe to do the unthinkable. He and Archie Goodwin go to the office the next day and begin questioning those involved. But they too make very little headway. On the way out of the building, they see Purley Stebbins of the Homicide Squad.
He stopped and stared, not at me, at Wolfe. "In the name of God. Did you shoot him out of cannon?"
Few of the suspects--from the young woman's friend Helen Frost and the rest of the Frost family to Boyd McNair, fashion designer and employer of the model--want to talk to Wolfe beyond the bare facts. The model, Molly Lauck, snitched a box of chocolates. She ate two and died from cyanide poisoning. Readers might think that the box of chocolates is the red box in question--particularly if their cover looks like mine. But Wolfe's investigations soon reveal that there is a much more important red box yet to be found. All of Cramer's resources and Wolfe's band of investigators--Saul Panzer, Fred Durkin, and Orrie Cather--are called upon to find it. But will it turn up in time to solve a murder?
There is another infuriating (to Wolfe) installment yet to come...he has determined that the poisoned chocolates were really intended for someone other than Miss Lauck when the proposed victim is successfully murdered right before his eyes in his very own office. Wolfe also suspects who the culprit is, but even having witnessed this death himself, there is no proof. He will need Cramer's help to pull off a most audacious confrontation scene...and Cramer, for once, gives his assistance with no complaint. Well...almost no complaint. He wouldn't be Cramer if he didn't fuss just a bit.
All the components for a delightful Wolfe and Goodwin mystery are in place. Wolfe is prodded into taking on a case and Archie is in good form goading his boss and tossing off witty wisecracks. Saul Panzer and the boys see a little action, Cramer chews through a cigar or two, and a hapless assistant D.A. blusters and threatens to take away Wolfe's license. There's even a brave young heroine to root for.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks.
October 2, 2017
There was a time in my life (really from my early teens thru my early twenties) in which I read nothing but what I call the Literature of the Fantastic. In plainer English if it was not a school assignment I feasted on a steady diet of science fiction and/or fantasy and nothing else. When I eventually tired of that and started to voluntarily seek to expand my horizons one of the first authors I settled on was Rex Stout. Being a relatively obsessive individual I sought out and read every Nero Wolfe mystery Stout wrote. Or at least I thought I did. Which brings me, quite directly, to The Red Box. Call this novel the one that got away-it was by no means lost I just did not realize it existed. I enlisted my librarian who found a copy for me in short order. I said all that to say this: it was wonderful to return to the brownstone on 35th Street and visit with Nero and company one more time. In The Red Box Wolfe has to track down a vicious poisoner-this novel was classic Stout with a good mystery and good interaction between the characters faithful readers have come to know and love: Wolfe, Archie Goodwin, Inspector Cramer, etc. I certainly did not chose it on purpose but this was a great high note to actually end the series on. (And yes I have thoroughly checked-this really was the only one of them I had not read.) Of course as far as I am concerned the series is not over, and not just because Robert Goldsborough has written some new entries. I know in my heart that, relatively untouched by time, Wolfe still visits his orchids from four to six each day. Perhaps now there is a laptop on Archie's desk which annoys Wolfe to no end. Saul Panzer and Fred Durkin still come running whenever Wolfe has a job for them. Archie still goes out dancing with Lily Rowan. Everyone is only a little bit grayer. But something as good as this should (and does) go on forever.
July 20, 2024
Re-read Jul 2024
No reason to change my review on a re-read.
Book #4 continues the formation of the familiar patterns I expect when reading Nero Wolfe stories. Again Archie is intelligent and active, while Nero is sedentary and ingenious. Again Archie was kept from solving the puzzle, but this time it was because the clues were nowhere to be found. The solution to the mystery was entirely deduced by Nero and the proof of his deductions was found week after the mystery was already resolved.
Nero's office continues to evolve, to the point of having a big leather chair in this one. It will be interesting to find out when it first is described as a red leather chair. Also I liked in this book the way both Archie and Nero deal with frustrations. As the mystery muddles along it sometimes appears hopeless to both characters. Archie responds by becoming grouchy and fidgety. He looks for some action to complete that will help move things ahead. Nero responds by withdrawing and escaping into his orchids or food, and in very serious cases, into a full blown gourmand food relapse, focusing on nothing but creating meals in combination with Fritz Brenner.
My wife has to put up with me reading occasional phrases out loud that catch my attention. My favorite in this one I am going to try to remember. Nero does not want to attend a funeral so he sends Archie to "the dreary and hushed obeisance to the grisly terror" in his place. Great description of some funerals.
No reason to change my review on a re-read.
Book #4 continues the formation of the familiar patterns I expect when reading Nero Wolfe stories. Again Archie is intelligent and active, while Nero is sedentary and ingenious. Again Archie was kept from solving the puzzle, but this time it was because the clues were nowhere to be found. The solution to the mystery was entirely deduced by Nero and the proof of his deductions was found week after the mystery was already resolved.
Nero's office continues to evolve, to the point of having a big leather chair in this one. It will be interesting to find out when it first is described as a red leather chair. Also I liked in this book the way both Archie and Nero deal with frustrations. As the mystery muddles along it sometimes appears hopeless to both characters. Archie responds by becoming grouchy and fidgety. He looks for some action to complete that will help move things ahead. Nero responds by withdrawing and escaping into his orchids or food, and in very serious cases, into a full blown gourmand food relapse, focusing on nothing but creating meals in combination with Fritz Brenner.
My wife has to put up with me reading occasional phrases out loud that catch my attention. My favorite in this one I am going to try to remember. Nero does not want to attend a funeral so he sends Archie to "the dreary and hushed obeisance to the grisly terror" in his place. Great description of some funerals.
January 3, 2021
The Fourth Nero Wolfe novel still plays with the novelty of authorities expecting Nero Wolfe to go to headquarters on official business and it's great fun to see him snub an assistant district attorney or millionaire that won't be treated in such a way.
This is a story of secret identities and inheritances. The Red Box is a box of evidence that everyone is trying to find, but really just another McGuffin as Hitchcock would say.
We get to see the usual auxiliary operatives in Saul Panzer, Orrie Cather and Fred Durkin. Their involvement means that Archie doesn't get all of the evidence himself and Wolfe tells him nothing until he exposes the whole racket. This makes it difficult to play along at home, but no less entertaining. Wolfe likes his client here so we like her too, but there is still a distance between them and the reader often doesn't really care who did what. Since we never see the clients again we gradually learn they are just a means to orchids and delicacies and Archie's ready quips. And that is enough.
This is a story of secret identities and inheritances. The Red Box is a box of evidence that everyone is trying to find, but really just another McGuffin as Hitchcock would say.
We get to see the usual auxiliary operatives in Saul Panzer, Orrie Cather and Fred Durkin. Their involvement means that Archie doesn't get all of the evidence himself and Wolfe tells him nothing until he exposes the whole racket. This makes it difficult to play along at home, but no less entertaining. Wolfe likes his client here so we like her too, but there is still a distance between them and the reader often doesn't really care who did what. Since we never see the clients again we gradually learn they are just a means to orchids and delicacies and Archie's ready quips. And that is enough.
November 26, 2018
An excellent entry in the Nero Wolfe series. In this tale, the wrong target dies by poisoning. Part of the eventual twist is telegraphed almost immediately, but how we, the readers, get there is a perfect set-up by Rex Stout.
There are three murders in the story, and the third was an actual surprise. Wolfe had already solved the case of course, but it shows just how desperate people are when it comes to money, especially money they have no right to in the first place.
Stout was firing on all cylinders here, with an ending that satisfies, yet still infuriates just a little bit. It is well worth your time however so
Find it! Buy it! Read it!
There are three murders in the story, and the third was an actual surprise. Wolfe had already solved the case of course, but it shows just how desperate people are when it comes to money, especially money they have no right to in the first place.
Stout was firing on all cylinders here, with an ending that satisfies, yet still infuriates just a little bit. It is well worth your time however so
Find it! Buy it! Read it!
May 22, 2018
There are a few places that I slip into when I need a break from the real world. Nero Wolfe's brownstone is one of them.
Not that anyone seems content to let the hefty genius stay put, as he gets blackmailed and bullied out to a scene of a crime, and grumbles for the rest of the book about it.
A fashion house, a poisoned box of chocolates, and a complicated family with secrets upon secrets. Can Archie keep his boss from hiding in the kitchen when there is a killer to be caught. Well, of course.
God, I love Nero Wolfe. Just good old fashioned sleuthing.
Not that anyone seems content to let the hefty genius stay put, as he gets blackmailed and bullied out to a scene of a crime, and grumbles for the rest of the book about it.
A fashion house, a poisoned box of chocolates, and a complicated family with secrets upon secrets. Can Archie keep his boss from hiding in the kitchen when there is a killer to be caught. Well, of course.
God, I love Nero Wolfe. Just good old fashioned sleuthing.
March 11, 2020
I just LOVE Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin! Their kind of sutble humor is incredibly refreshing!
Absolutely recommend their books.
Maria Carmo,
Lisbon, 11 3 2020
Absolutely recommend their books.
Maria Carmo,
Lisbon, 11 3 2020
February 3, 2025
Definitely the best Nero Wolfe novel of the first four. Finally, the plot, the story, the characters, the action, the props - its all smoothly written and evened out. And there's plenty of wit and sarcasm, too. If you did not care for the first several of the Wolfe novels, this one should work better for you.
If you don't like Archie...... there's not much hope for you!
Recommended for all readers.
If you don't like Archie...... there's not much hope for you!
Recommended for all readers.
October 12, 2025
A young girl dies of quick-acting poison hidden in a box of candy meant for someone else. But who? And why? As she purloined the box and died before anyone knew where it came from, Cramer is well and truly up a stump, and actually comes to seek advice from Wolfe.
Wolfe and Archie are that wonderful thing, a detective duo that worked steadily from 1934 to the mid 1970s and only aged a year or two--or at least Archie did, going from mid twenties to mid thirties over 40 years. Mr Wolfe, like a fine Calvados, simply mellowed a tad here and there. The fourth novel in the Wolfe canon, The Red Box shows some of changes that worked their way into later novels: in the 1930s, Cramer smokes in Wolfe's office--later novels repeatedly show him putting the cigar in his mouth, but state: "He never lit one." In some of the early novels, Archie also has the occasional ciggie, but later that disappears. (Did Mr Stout stop smoking himself, at some point?) Archie Goodwin is more sarcastic in the older novels, and is not above making racist statements about foreigners, or members of ethnic groups such as "sheenies"; he got over this in later novels (such as A Right to Die--but then, so did a large portion of American society, at least on the surface. Theodore lived upstairs, next to the plant rooms, in the earlier books, while later he lived off-site. And we are told in this volume that Wolfe would never eat in a restaurant--this must have been before the opening of Rusterman's.
It's interesting that in two of the early books (this book, and The League of Frightened Men) Archie speaks of Nero Wolfe having a "relapse". When a case isn't going well, Wolfe retreats into the kitchen and cooks and eats--and makes Fritz cook wild recipes which require Archie to go in search of arcane ingredients,sometimes endangering life and limb in the process. That word "relapse" is revealing; did Wolfe perhaps have some sort of undiagnosed eating disorder?
At one point Cramer remarks about this case, "This is the wildest stuff I've ever heard." It is all that and a bag of chips. But no matter, it's vintage Stout, and hasn't lost a smidgen of flavour since 1936. One does not read Nero Wolfe for verisimilitude, thank goodness. You read it for the evocation of time and place--and of course Fritz' cooking.
Wolfe and Archie are that wonderful thing, a detective duo that worked steadily from 1934 to the mid 1970s and only aged a year or two--or at least Archie did, going from mid twenties to mid thirties over 40 years. Mr Wolfe, like a fine Calvados, simply mellowed a tad here and there. The fourth novel in the Wolfe canon, The Red Box shows some of changes that worked their way into later novels: in the 1930s, Cramer smokes in Wolfe's office--later novels repeatedly show him putting the cigar in his mouth, but state: "He never lit one." In some of the early novels, Archie also has the occasional ciggie, but later that disappears. (Did Mr Stout stop smoking himself, at some point?) Archie Goodwin is more sarcastic in the older novels, and is not above making racist statements about foreigners, or members of ethnic groups such as "sheenies"; he got over this in later novels (such as A Right to Die--but then, so did a large portion of American society, at least on the surface. Theodore lived upstairs, next to the plant rooms, in the earlier books, while later he lived off-site. And we are told in this volume that Wolfe would never eat in a restaurant--this must have been before the opening of Rusterman's.
It's interesting that in two of the early books (this book, and The League of Frightened Men) Archie speaks of Nero Wolfe having a "relapse". When a case isn't going well, Wolfe retreats into the kitchen and cooks and eats--and makes Fritz cook wild recipes which require Archie to go in search of arcane ingredients,sometimes endangering life and limb in the process. That word "relapse" is revealing; did Wolfe perhaps have some sort of undiagnosed eating disorder?
At one point Cramer remarks about this case, "This is the wildest stuff I've ever heard." It is all that and a bag of chips. But no matter, it's vintage Stout, and hasn't lost a smidgen of flavour since 1936. One does not read Nero Wolfe for verisimilitude, thank goodness. You read it for the evocation of time and place--and of course Fritz' cooking.
August 9, 2018
3.5 Stars
I didn’t enjoy this Nero Wolfe mystery quite as much as the previous two, but it still had me laughing, guessing, puzzled and purely thrilled by its brilliance, which is what I always expect from Rex Stouts purely original literary creations in Archie Goodwin, Nero Wolfe, and his cast of dynamic and often hilarious characters.
My issue with this mystery is that the payoff just wasn’t terribly satisfying. Typically, Wolfe gathers all of the important players in his office for a final reveal, but so many characters are murdered along the way, and so few red herrings provided, that really only about three people could have committed the murders, and it becomes clear without much explanation who it is. I’m not saying I didn’t enjoy this novel; quite the contrary. Archie and Nero are two of the craziest characters I’ve ever encountered in all of literature. When they go at each other, I’ll put down anything going on in my life to read through the entire verbal jousting encounter.
I consider myself one of the luckiest people alive to still have over 40 more of these mysteries to go. I am going to start The Count of Monte Cristo, and that’s probably going to take several months to complete, but my first novel after that will be Nero Wolfe #4.
I didn’t enjoy this Nero Wolfe mystery quite as much as the previous two, but it still had me laughing, guessing, puzzled and purely thrilled by its brilliance, which is what I always expect from Rex Stouts purely original literary creations in Archie Goodwin, Nero Wolfe, and his cast of dynamic and often hilarious characters.
My issue with this mystery is that the payoff just wasn’t terribly satisfying. Typically, Wolfe gathers all of the important players in his office for a final reveal, but so many characters are murdered along the way, and so few red herrings provided, that really only about three people could have committed the murders, and it becomes clear without much explanation who it is. I’m not saying I didn’t enjoy this novel; quite the contrary. Archie and Nero are two of the craziest characters I’ve ever encountered in all of literature. When they go at each other, I’ll put down anything going on in my life to read through the entire verbal jousting encounter.
I consider myself one of the luckiest people alive to still have over 40 more of these mysteries to go. I am going to start The Count of Monte Cristo, and that’s probably going to take several months to complete, but my first novel after that will be Nero Wolfe #4.
April 12, 2018
I listened to this my first of the Nero Wolfe mystery series. And my rating is more for the narrator than the actual plot. Mr. Prichard was able to give an authentic 1930s vibe to the story. And he suits the wry humor of this novel.
Like most Golden Era mystery novels based on the Sherlock Holmes model, this is not much different. Nero is the brains behind the series. Eccentric and quirky- unlike Sherlock, Nero is a gourmand and fat. And he rarely leaves home. He has a sidekick, Archie Goodwin, who gets most of the clues and just can’t seem to make heads or tail of the evidence. But is hot-tempered. And this is set in 1930s New York. So expect to be in the viewpoint of Archie. It may be easy to solve whodunnit, even if there are some twists to the final denouement. And yes, there is that final scene when all are gathered for the brilliant and shocking reveal.
If you enjoy wry humor, can give this one a try.
Like most Golden Era mystery novels based on the Sherlock Holmes model, this is not much different. Nero is the brains behind the series. Eccentric and quirky- unlike Sherlock, Nero is a gourmand and fat. And he rarely leaves home. He has a sidekick, Archie Goodwin, who gets most of the clues and just can’t seem to make heads or tail of the evidence. But is hot-tempered. And this is set in 1930s New York. So expect to be in the viewpoint of Archie. It may be easy to solve whodunnit, even if there are some twists to the final denouement. And yes, there is that final scene when all are gathered for the brilliant and shocking reveal.
If you enjoy wry humor, can give this one a try.
December 20, 2015
I am a fan of Nero Wolfe. However, I am finding the earlier books by Rex Stout very unrealistic and I can't escape into Archie and Wolfe's world in pure enjoyment. This book was very easy to read, but the ending was unbelievable. The methods of killing people was improbable and coincidences abounded.
I did appreciate a younger and less experienced Archie, who was filled with self-doubt and made some mistakes in the investigation. His swagger was bigger, but his self-confidence less, in this book compared to his later adventures.
I did appreciate a younger and less experienced Archie, who was filled with self-doubt and made some mistakes in the investigation. His swagger was bigger, but his self-confidence less, in this book compared to his later adventures.
October 28, 2014
Another enjoyable Nero Wolfe book. The mystery is fairly predictable, but the contemporary setting of 1938 New York is interesting, while both Wolfe’s surliness and Archie’s contrasting banter are great fun.
This book is supposedly notable because Wolfe is persuaded to leave his house (a rare event) to pursue the mystery, but I was a little disappointed. The visit did not seem very meaningful, hence the extraordinary (and hilarious) measures taken were wasted.
This book is supposedly notable because Wolfe is persuaded to leave his house (a rare event) to pursue the mystery, but I was a little disappointed. The visit did not seem very meaningful, hence the extraordinary (and hilarious) measures taken were wasted.
February 23, 2020
Не можем нещо да си паснем с Ниро Улф, детективът от криминалната поредица на Стаут. Това е втората загадка с него, която чета. Не ми е така симпатичен като Шерлок Холмс или Еркюл Поаро, въпреки че сюжетът е подобен - заплетени случаи, които Улф разрешава. Долу-горе става, заради проведените разследвания, които са подобни на разследванията на Поаро.
May 2, 2020
Archie is still my favorite character in literature. No one writes dialog like Rex Stout. He can make you interested and entertained with nothing going on like no one else. This one sees Nero Wolfe at his cleverest even if someone gets killed right in front of him.
Highly recommended, this is my fourth of the Wolfe novels and they haven't disappointed yet.
Highly recommended, this is my fourth of the Wolfe novels and they haven't disappointed yet.
January 21, 2022
Wolfe meets one of the most aggravating families. The incredibly obnoxious Frosts. They yell and bully and do a bunch of really asshole activities. Sadly, people keep dying around them and signs point to them and their circle of backstabbing friends.
Fun times with a pretty good twist. Lots of great Nero quotes and some really good vocabulary words (yclept.)
Fun times with a pretty good twist. Lots of great Nero quotes and some really good vocabulary words (yclept.)
March 14, 2018
Good book, but I did guess the murderer in this one. One glaring mistake was that a Scottish person called themselves Scotch, which is something that would never happen!
Archie Goodwin continues to entertain me.
Archie Goodwin continues to entertain me.
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