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Tecumseh Fox #2
Bad for Business
Someone has been doctoring the gourmet appetizers at family-run Tingley’s Titbits. And when old man Tingley meets a sudden end, suspicion falls on a gorgeous young detective whose fingerprints are on the knife. Moved by feminine beauty and professional courtesy, Tecumseh Fox takes the case, only to find he’s got more on his plate than he bargained for. Suddenly he has enough suspects to fill a fair-sized cocktail party. On the menu are corporate pirates, crackpot economics, a license plate that doesn’t exist, and a phone conversation with a dead man. Now it’s up to Fox to provide the missing ingredient in this smorgasbord of a cold-blooded killer.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1940
70 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Rex Stout
834 books1,031 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 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 20, 2016
Bewildering if you've read all the Wolfe books and seen the A and E series. Because this is "The Bitter End" from a different perspective, with a different detective and a totally different style. I was starting to think either I was nuts, or that A and E had taken it upon themselves to Wolf-ize a Fox story. Then I realised that I had read the Wolfe version years ago, or listened to it on audio book or something. Same story, same basic characters except no Archie or Wolfe or Fritz. Weird.
Then I checked the publication dates. This was first published in a magazine in 1940. Death Times Three, which included the Wolfe version of this novella, was published very posthumously. It turns out that Stout's publisher wanted him to create another detective, and he decided to go from Wolfe to Fox (and thank goodness he didn't spell it Foxx or Foxe). Not surprising that the Fox series didn't fly--his heart wasn't really in it, and it shows. This book lacks the humour, the spark, the crisp style of Archie and Nero's adventures. It drags in spots. How can that be? Well it is. It's just...okay. Therefore two stars.
Oh, and if you get a copy of Death Times Three--DO NOT read the introduction!! It spoils both versions--and by "spoils" I mean "tells you everything in detail to the place you don't need to read the book." WHY? WHY? WHY DO PUBLISHERS DO THIS, WITH OF ALL THINGS A MYSTERY NOVEL? WHAT IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE?
Then I checked the publication dates. This was first published in a magazine in 1940. Death Times Three, which included the Wolfe version of this novella, was published very posthumously. It turns out that Stout's publisher wanted him to create another detective, and he decided to go from Wolfe to Fox (and thank goodness he didn't spell it Foxx or Foxe). Not surprising that the Fox series didn't fly--his heart wasn't really in it, and it shows. This book lacks the humour, the spark, the crisp style of Archie and Nero's adventures. It drags in spots. How can that be? Well it is. It's just...okay. Therefore two stars.
Oh, and if you get a copy of Death Times Three--DO NOT read the introduction!! It spoils both versions--and by "spoils" I mean "tells you everything in detail to the place you don't need to read the book." WHY? WHY? WHY DO PUBLISHERS DO THIS, WITH OF ALL THINGS A MYSTERY NOVEL? WHAT IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE?
November 17, 2020
Yes, I started this short “other series” from Rex Stout in the middle, although at the time, I only knew it was second in the series and not second or only three. This book has that alternate feeling to it. Maybe it’s because by 1940, Mr. Stout had already written 7 Nero Wolfe adventures and wanted to try something different. Maybe Tecumseh Fox was a character where the author could have some fun; free of the, and I use this word lightly, expectations, of his more famous fictional detective.
Whatever the motivation, this book is a lot of fun and the plot moves right along. The character of Amy Duncan is quite likable and her actions quite believable. And the interplay between her, other characters, and Mr. Fox is amusing and engaging. There’s some great dialogue that probably went further in the early 1940s than it would today for its boldness but that doesn’t make it feel dated. The characters shine in “Bad for Business” and the underlying mystery is layered with complications and other twists that kept it ambitious right to the end.
Some aspects of the novel, however, jarred in comparison to the characters and their lives. Tecumseh Fox does not have a great relationship with Inspector Damon of the New York Police Department. It’s very heated and often times feels like there’s hardly any respect between them. Inspector Japp, in comparison, respects Poirot’s intellect and sees him maybe not as an equal but certainly as an asset. Even more could be said for the respect and trust Inspector Lestrade has for Sherlock Holmes. In both of these examples, the private detectives are consultants working with or even for their respective local law enforcement agencies. Fox and Damon don’t like each other which while believable put some of Fox’s decisions into serious question in my mind.
Tecumseh was taking some pretty large liberties as a civilian, and, dare I say, without going into too much detail of the events in the book, almost felt like he was a vigilante more than a private eye. Had his relationship with the police force (or the Inspector) been stronger, these actions could be viewed differently.
I’ll be finding the other books in this short lived series. I am intrigued to read more adventures with Tecumseh Fox.
Whatever the motivation, this book is a lot of fun and the plot moves right along. The character of Amy Duncan is quite likable and her actions quite believable. And the interplay between her, other characters, and Mr. Fox is amusing and engaging. There’s some great dialogue that probably went further in the early 1940s than it would today for its boldness but that doesn’t make it feel dated. The characters shine in “Bad for Business” and the underlying mystery is layered with complications and other twists that kept it ambitious right to the end.
Some aspects of the novel, however, jarred in comparison to the characters and their lives. Tecumseh Fox does not have a great relationship with Inspector Damon of the New York Police Department. It’s very heated and often times feels like there’s hardly any respect between them. Inspector Japp, in comparison, respects Poirot’s intellect and sees him maybe not as an equal but certainly as an asset. Even more could be said for the respect and trust Inspector Lestrade has for Sherlock Holmes. In both of these examples, the private detectives are consultants working with or even for their respective local law enforcement agencies. Fox and Damon don’t like each other which while believable put some of Fox’s decisions into serious question in my mind.
Tecumseh was taking some pretty large liberties as a civilian, and, dare I say, without going into too much detail of the events in the book, almost felt like he was a vigilante more than a private eye. Had his relationship with the police force (or the Inspector) been stronger, these actions could be viewed differently.
I’ll be finding the other books in this short lived series. I am intrigued to read more adventures with Tecumseh Fox.
April 7, 2011
I am a total fan of the Nero Wolfe series and have read most of them. Tecumseh Fox is not Nero nor is he Archie Goodwin, but that is not to say he is bad. I looking forward to reading the other two stories in the future as they become available on Nook. I found it interesting how he works out the mystery and sort of steps you through it, unlike most mysteries that wait for the end to have some sort of reveal.
All said and done a totally wonderful little read that you should take with you to the beach or pool this summer, it will keep you guessing and entertained. What more could you want from a mystery by one of the true masters of the form.
All said and done a totally wonderful little read that you should take with you to the beach or pool this summer, it will keep you guessing and entertained. What more could you want from a mystery by one of the true masters of the form.
October 14, 2021
This is Tecumseh Fox #2 of 3. (#1 is Double for Death, #3 is The Broken Vase.)
Major characters:
Amy Duncan, novice detective, niece of Arthur Tingley
Arthur Tingley, head of Tingley's Titbits
Philip Tingley, Arthur's adopted son
Gwendolyn Yates
Leonard Cliff, VP of P&B
Dol Bonner, private detective
Tecumseh Fox, private detective
Nat Collins, expensive defense lawyer
Inspector Damon
Locale: New York City
Synopsis: Amy Duncan, a novice detective, is having an on again/off again romance with Leonard Cliff, Vice President of Provisions and Beverages Corporation ("P&B"). There is a bit of conflict of interest, as P&B is trying to buy out Tingley's Titbits ("TT") , an appetizer maker headed by Amy's uncle Arthur Tingley. Amy had worked for TT prior to seeking a career as a detective.
Tingley's Titbits is having a crisis. Reports come in of adulterated product all over. The appetizers have been tainted with quinine water, which has no detrimental effect other than spoiling the taste. It is suspected the P&B may be behind this, in order to drive the value of the company down so they can purchase it cheaply.
In the middle of all that, Amy finds uncle Arthur Tingley stabbed to death in his office. She gets blood on her hand, and becomes the chief suspect due to her relationship with Cliff. The other big suspect is Arthur's adopted son, Philip Tingley. Philip has neither head nor heart for the business, preferring to work for a bohemian outfit called Womon (Work-Money) which promotes a revolutionary new money standard based upon labor, rather than gold.
Review: It is fun to read a story set in Nero Wolfe's version of New York, but without Wolfe and Archie. We see Rusterman's restaurant and learn they have a bar, Lieutenant Rowcliff, and even a mention of "Vollmer Aircraft" (remember Doc Vollmer?)
Tingley's Titbits is the perfect setting, in a dark, four story building which has been converted into a factory; having a maze of corridors and partitions, and cheap management that won't even put wall switches in for the pull-string lighting over the stairs. The atmosphere is perfect for this story.
Amy Duncan doesn't quite have the stomach for being a P.I. but she gives it a good try.
This story has a small cast and despite Stout's attempts to make me think a certain person was the murderer, I was wrong. So chalk this up as a great non-Wolfe Stout.
Major characters:
Amy Duncan, novice detective, niece of Arthur Tingley
Arthur Tingley, head of Tingley's Titbits
Philip Tingley, Arthur's adopted son
Gwendolyn Yates
Leonard Cliff, VP of P&B
Dol Bonner, private detective
Tecumseh Fox, private detective
Nat Collins, expensive defense lawyer
Inspector Damon
Locale: New York City
Synopsis: Amy Duncan, a novice detective, is having an on again/off again romance with Leonard Cliff, Vice President of Provisions and Beverages Corporation ("P&B"). There is a bit of conflict of interest, as P&B is trying to buy out Tingley's Titbits ("TT") , an appetizer maker headed by Amy's uncle Arthur Tingley. Amy had worked for TT prior to seeking a career as a detective.
Tingley's Titbits is having a crisis. Reports come in of adulterated product all over. The appetizers have been tainted with quinine water, which has no detrimental effect other than spoiling the taste. It is suspected the P&B may be behind this, in order to drive the value of the company down so they can purchase it cheaply.
In the middle of all that, Amy finds uncle Arthur Tingley stabbed to death in his office. She gets blood on her hand, and becomes the chief suspect due to her relationship with Cliff. The other big suspect is Arthur's adopted son, Philip Tingley. Philip has neither head nor heart for the business, preferring to work for a bohemian outfit called Womon (Work-Money) which promotes a revolutionary new money standard based upon labor, rather than gold.
Review: It is fun to read a story set in Nero Wolfe's version of New York, but without Wolfe and Archie. We see Rusterman's restaurant and learn they have a bar, Lieutenant Rowcliff, and even a mention of "Vollmer Aircraft" (remember Doc Vollmer?)
Tingley's Titbits is the perfect setting, in a dark, four story building which has been converted into a factory; having a maze of corridors and partitions, and cheap management that won't even put wall switches in for the pull-string lighting over the stairs. The atmosphere is perfect for this story.
Amy Duncan doesn't quite have the stomach for being a P.I. but she gives it a good try.
This story has a small cast and despite Stout's attempts to make me think a certain person was the murderer, I was wrong. So chalk this up as a great non-Wolfe Stout.
January 1, 2019
I am more familiar with the Archie and Nero Wolf series. Tecumseh Fox is a new character for me. There are only 3 books with this character in it. He travels in the same area as Nero Wolfe, New York, but the two never seem to know of each other.
Amy Duncan is working as a private detective. Her case is to find out who has been putting quinine into the products of Tingley's Titbits. It is costing the company business and income. It wouldn't be difficult except the owner is her uncle and he doesn't feel a woman can do the job.
When Amy is called to her uncle's office, and wakes up on the floor next to her brutally murdered uncle she finds herself a prime suspect. Having me Fox earlier, she calls on him to help her solve the case of the murder and the poisoning. What starts out looking simple turns complicate when Fox finds that there are a number of possible suspects among the company and outsiders who are looking to buy the company.
Set in the fourties, it has that feel, but Fox is not the tough talking tec usually associated with this era. He does know his way around and is well known and pretty well respected by the police.
It is an enjoyable read, and I am curious about the other two books. Hope I can find them sometime.
Amy Duncan is working as a private detective. Her case is to find out who has been putting quinine into the products of Tingley's Titbits. It is costing the company business and income. It wouldn't be difficult except the owner is her uncle and he doesn't feel a woman can do the job.
When Amy is called to her uncle's office, and wakes up on the floor next to her brutally murdered uncle she finds herself a prime suspect. Having me Fox earlier, she calls on him to help her solve the case of the murder and the poisoning. What starts out looking simple turns complicate when Fox finds that there are a number of possible suspects among the company and outsiders who are looking to buy the company.
Set in the fourties, it has that feel, but Fox is not the tough talking tec usually associated with this era. He does know his way around and is well known and pretty well respected by the police.
It is an enjoyable read, and I am curious about the other two books. Hope I can find them sometime.
June 6, 2019
This is the long version as well as a revised one. Here we have Tecumseh Fox doing both Nero Wolfe's and Archie Goodwin's parts. I am talking about the last Nero Wolfe Mystery (Book 47~Death Times Three) that was published posthumously with only one novella (this one called Bitter End... with a change and/or addition of characters specially in place of the detective/s and the Inspector and other members of the law and order community) out of the 3 that would somewhat be considered new to readers of Wolfe Mysteries. As a sort of re~read it was still funny at some parts and brilliant in others. Whether about Wolfe/Goodwin or Fox... both works are precious and Good as far as I am concerned. This author could do no wrong. I am totally a fan.
March 5, 2019
I used to love the Nero Wolfe series. Didn't realize there was another series by Stout until I saw this book on the library shelf. I found it flat in comparison, but maybe I was fresher to mysteries in the long ago and judged this one against the many I've read since.
It's dated (of course) and an interesting memento of a time gone by. I didn't find it very engaging and hopped and skipped from the middle through to the end. Still, I'd recommend it to readers interested in books of that era.
It's dated (of course) and an interesting memento of a time gone by. I didn't find it very engaging and hopped and skipped from the middle through to the end. Still, I'd recommend it to readers interested in books of that era.
July 24, 2019
This book was a practice run for a Nero Wolf story. It was fun to see Stout playing around with ideas for the Flamingo Club, a hint that he wanted his detective interested in plants, and a few other glimpses into Nero Wolf's world. As a writer, it was inspiring to see an author play around before getting in right. However, it also reminded me how much better the Nero Wolf version was (Bitter End in Death Times Three).
November 28, 2024
no ma täpselt ei tea mida ma ootasin (tegelt tean küll, ootasin agatha christiet aga sain wish versiooni)
the way kuidas meeskirjanikud 40tel naisi kirjeldavad on kõige naljakam asi btw. et ss meesdetektiiv naisdetektiivile "te olete küll hüsteeriline ja segaduses, aga ma hakkasin teid esimesest silmapilgust armastama. ise te tegite seda mulle kui te mind niimoodi nende silmadega vaatasite. minge nüüd koju" (parafraseeritud). nagu PALUUUN hahahahaha
the way kuidas meeskirjanikud 40tel naisi kirjeldavad on kõige naljakam asi btw. et ss meesdetektiiv naisdetektiivile "te olete küll hüsteeriline ja segaduses, aga ma hakkasin teid esimesest silmapilgust armastama. ise te tegite seda mulle kui te mind niimoodi nende silmadega vaatasite. minge nüüd koju" (parafraseeritud). nagu PALUUUN hahahahaha
December 19, 2021
Even though FRex Stout is one of my fasvorite authors this is not one of his best efforts. It could be that I am so familiar with Archie and Nero that Tecumseh Fox falls short in comparison. For a fan it is a book that should be read if only to see the author get better at his craft through time.
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June 29, 2021Good ending proving that Fox was smarter than he was for most of the story.
September 29, 2024
Second in the Tecumseh Fox trilogy by Rex Stout. A little confusing at times but nicely intricate mystery
November 23, 2025
easily the best non-Wolfe Stout book I've read, clever and crisp and modern and fun.
September 25, 2015
A non-Nero Wolfe story from Stout, featuring confident, smooth-talking private detective Tecumseh Fox in a locked room mystery revolving around a possible corporate buy-out and an impossibly convoluted series of comings and goings from a factory office over a single night.
Fox involves himself quixotically, a knight errant in a raincoat, combining the wisdom of Wolfe with the wit of Archie Goodwin. There are some pleasing one-liners, plenty of feasible suspects to get through and a fair amount of period quirkiness to enjoy too.
It may soon have proved bad for business for Stout to write about any detective other than Wolfe, but as locked room mysteries go, this isn't a bad bit of business at all.
Fox involves himself quixotically, a knight errant in a raincoat, combining the wisdom of Wolfe with the wit of Archie Goodwin. There are some pleasing one-liners, plenty of feasible suspects to get through and a fair amount of period quirkiness to enjoy too.
It may soon have proved bad for business for Stout to write about any detective other than Wolfe, but as locked room mysteries go, this isn't a bad bit of business at all.
January 6, 2014
Many people don't know that Rex Stout had a series sleuth who wasn't named Nero Wolfe. And it's Tecumseh Fox--less eccentric but more active than Wolfe--who stars in this story about a manufacturer of food products who's found dead. The main suspect is his estranged niece, Amy Duncan, whose chartreuse eyes appeal to Fox, a sucker for a beautiful woman. Even though Amy is in love with her uncle's competitor, Fox is sure she's innocent--until someone claims to have had a conversation with her uncle half an hour after Amy found him dead.
August 4, 2016
This is my first time reading a Tecumseh Fox mystery by R Stout. Stout's signature style of writing shines through, but Fox lags slightly behind the Nero and Archie series on my list of favorites. Still, he is in interesting character and has the same quick wit as Archie., and he's certainly more active than Nero. Plot was interesting, but seemed a little confusing toward the end.
May 3, 2010
Fun old school PI.
January 4, 2012
Not so clever, plot was quite obvious already in the middle of the story and after that it was a little boring to read. Not his best work.
September 3, 2012
Tecumseh Fox didn't really charm me as the lead, but nice light period detective novel nonetheless.
October 21, 2012
The best of the Tecusmeh Fox books. A pretty clever mystery and Fox is freed from dull policemen and does a respectable job pursuing an investigation.
September 29, 2014
Tecumseh Fox is an interesting figure, but doesn't have the appeal of Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin. I found it a slow read.
October 20, 2010
Not bad, but not as good as any Nero Wolfe books.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews