Kings Full of Aces: A Nero Wolfe Omnibus

by Rex Stout

Includes the novels "Too Many Cooks," "Plot It Yourself," and "Triple Jeopardy (short story "Home to Roost," "The Cop-Killer," and "The Squirt and the Monkey").

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

472 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1951

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 4 out of 5]

This is a collection, so really, I'm re-reading
Too Many Cooks
Plot it Yourself
Triple Jeopardy (short story collection: "Home to Roost," "The Cop-Killer," and "The Squirt and the Monkey").

I like Too Many Cooks, despite its historical references that are problematic today; Plot It Yourself is a three star Wolfe, Triple Jeopardy is a mixed bag. The first two are ok, the third one I didn't like very well. He reuses some of the concepts to better effect in other stories.

[Wendy Hellwig · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit that I like the Nero Wolfe books. I have to say here that this Omnibus contains two novels and 3 short stories but I have counted tham as only one book -- because it was only one book. I've heard in discussions that in modern day society, the books are sexist and in some cases racist. Remember when they were written, however. And forgive me for saying but Rex Stout has given Archie a unique way of articulating the tale. Yes, he notices women, but most men do, he is just telling us what he notices. Nero Wolfe doesn't have a high opinion of the opposite sex - but, there are exceptions. And a lot of readers don't like Nero Wolfe and maybe we aren't supposed to. But, if you read as many of these books as I have, you learn what's very likable about him. And they are always excellent mysteries!! Try one.

[Michael Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Classic NYC private-eye mystery series.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two Wolfe novels and 3 short stories--wonderful!