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Three Witnesses. Nero Wolfe Mysteries. Illustrated
Three Witnesses is a collection of three Nero Wolfe mystery novellas by Rex Stout, first published in 1956. Each story features the famous private detective Nero Wolfe and his witty assistant Archie Goodwin, as they solve complex cases.
In "The Next Witness," Wolfe finds himself called to testify in a trial but soon becomes involved in solving the case when he realizes the defendant may be innocent. Defying the court, Wolfe and Archie investigate the crime on their own, uncovering hidden motives and surprising evidence.
"Die Like a Dog" begins when Archie mistakenly picks up the wrong dog, only to discover it connected to a murder. Wolfe is drawn into the case, using his intellect and sharp deduction skills to solve the mystery and identify the killer.
In "When a Man Murders," a man declared dead in World War II suddenly reappears, only to be murdered for real. Wolfe must unravel the strange circumstances and the hidden relationships that led to the killing.
In "The Next Witness," Wolfe finds himself called to testify in a trial but soon becomes involved in solving the case when he realizes the defendant may be innocent. Defying the court, Wolfe and Archie investigate the crime on their own, uncovering hidden motives and surprising evidence.
"Die Like a Dog" begins when Archie mistakenly picks up the wrong dog, only to discover it connected to a murder. Wolfe is drawn into the case, using his intellect and sharp deduction skills to solve the mystery and identify the killer.
In "When a Man Murders," a man declared dead in World War II suddenly reappears, only to be murdered for real. Wolfe must unravel the strange circumstances and the hidden relationships that led to the killing.
Kindle Edition
Published November 13, 2024
About the author
Rex Stout
821 books1,047 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 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 25, 2026
Three Witnesses is a collection of three Nero Wolfe novellas. I have taken to reading these
Wolfe collections lately. I find that the shorter format is more enjoyable since it leaves out the fluff like the numerous false starts, usual scenes of Archie and Lily on meaningless dates or Nero brooding for days because he is stumped. The shorter format only leaves room for the essentials. These stories also play fairer with the reader. The solution does not come out of left field and the reader has a chance to solve the puzzle.
Note: The Goodreads descriptions if the three stories contain errors.
The Next Witness
The setup: Wolfe and Goodwin are in court waiting to be called as witnesses in a murder trial when Wolfe suddenly leaves court because he realizes something is off.
This is probably the weakest of the three stories but it is still a good one that does not drag. There are some added tensions as Wolfe tries to solve the murder and stay out of legal trouble.
When a Man Murders
The setup: A “married” couple comes to Wolfe because her first husband turns out to be alive after being thought to have died two years previously in the Korean War. This being a Wolfe story, it is a given that somebody does not see the end of the story.
It is a solid story that moves along quickly and has a reasonably conclusion.
Die Like a Dog
Archie comes across a crime scene and quickly leaves unaware that he is being followed. This time it is a dog that is following him.
This is the gem of the three stories. The main drawback to the Wolfe novellas is that the interactions between Nero and Archie are usually cut down. And these are usually one of the highlights of the books. In this story you get these interactions with the benefit of Nero’s unexpected reaction to the dog. The resolution and the humor are excellent also.
Wolfe collections lately. I find that the shorter format is more enjoyable since it leaves out the fluff like the numerous false starts, usual scenes of Archie and Lily on meaningless dates or Nero brooding for days because he is stumped. The shorter format only leaves room for the essentials. These stories also play fairer with the reader. The solution does not come out of left field and the reader has a chance to solve the puzzle.
Note: The Goodreads descriptions if the three stories contain errors.
The Next Witness
The setup: Wolfe and Goodwin are in court waiting to be called as witnesses in a murder trial when Wolfe suddenly leaves court because he realizes something is off.
This is probably the weakest of the three stories but it is still a good one that does not drag. There are some added tensions as Wolfe tries to solve the murder and stay out of legal trouble.
When a Man Murders
The setup: A “married” couple comes to Wolfe because her first husband turns out to be alive after being thought to have died two years previously in the Korean War. This being a Wolfe story, it is a given that somebody does not see the end of the story.
It is a solid story that moves along quickly and has a reasonably conclusion.
Die Like a Dog
Archie comes across a crime scene and quickly leaves unaware that he is being followed. This time it is a dog that is following him.
This is the gem of the three stories. The main drawback to the Wolfe novellas is that the interactions between Nero and Archie are usually cut down. And these are usually one of the highlights of the books. In this story you get these interactions with the benefit of Nero’s unexpected reaction to the dog. The resolution and the humor are excellent also.
February 7, 2025
Three fun stories. Nero and Archie at their best.
If you are a fan or first time reader, this a must read. Nero Wolfe and Archie Griffin at their best.
If you are a fan or first time reader, this a must read. Nero Wolfe and Archie Griffin at their best.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews