Three Aces: A Nero Wolfe Omnibus

by Rex Stout

Contains:
Too Many Clients
Might As Well Be Dead
The Final Deduction

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

474 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1961

About the author

Rex 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.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like to use the editions I actually read, and I re-read two of the novels in this one, but they have different ratings, so I'm going to talk about them separately:

Too Many Clients -- I don't recommend this one, though I love Wolfe and have read all of the books several times. Wolfe's hatred of women is part of his persona, along with his weight, never leaving his house, and his orchid collection. It's a constant joke to Archie Goodwin, the series narrator, and it isn't generally bothersome. It's not clear if Stout feels the same way, but some of the stories are a little hard to take and this one, originally published in 1956, is unlikely to resonate with the #MeToo sensibilities of current readers. It's listed as #34 in the paperback series, and you could easily give it a pass. Too Many Clients

Might as Well Be Dead -- This is good, not great, Wolfe. You may not spot the murderer, and the puzzle(s) are interesting. The characters are not as engaging as some, but you will root for the woman at the heart of the two problems Wolfe and Archie are trying to solve

The Final Deduction When Mrs. Vail rings the doorbell of the brownstone, Archie lets her in only to see Wolfe throw her out, because he assumes she wants her husband tailed, and they never look for divorce evidence. However, it turn out her husband has been kidnapped -- by a Mr. Knapp. Things only get stranger on further acquaintance. This is a great story, full of unexpected events and lots of suspects to keep you guessing. Recommend you find it as a stand alone novel The Final Deduction

[EuroHackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite odd that these novels are not in chronological order...until you read them. The weakest one is first, and they just get better from there!

#34 Too Many Clients - ⭐⭐⭐ - review

#27 Might as Well Be Dead - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - review

#35 The Final Deduction - ⭐⭐⭐1/2 - review

[Ski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've finished the first story, Too Many Clients and found it consistantly well written start to finish. My wife and I were big fans of the A&E Nero Wolfe series and even though I had seen this story performed I was still enthralled. I am currently about a third of the way through Might as Well Be Dead and it is just as engaging.

[Emily M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rex Stout is a fantastic mystery. His characters are meticulously drawn and brilliantly conceived. Each mystery is fascinating--the reader is bound to learn a great deal about history, trivia, culture, and society all while enjoying the story. I love a book that teaches while it entertains.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too Many Clients was recommended on the Classic Mysteries podcast so I sought out the book. The other two novels included in this omnibus are just as much fun to read. Always good to visit Nero, Archie and the gang in their portion of New York City.