Murder By the Book

By: Rex Stout

Narrated by: Michael Prichard

Length: 7 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

“It is always a treat to read a Nero Wolfe mystery. The man has entered our folklore.” (The New York Times Book Review)

Introduction by David Handler

It wasn’t Leonard Dykes’s writing style that offended. But something in his unpublished tome seemed to lead everyone who read it to a very unhappy ending. Now four people are dead, including the unfortunate author himself, and the police think Nero Wolfe is the only man who can close the book on this novel killer. So the genius sleuth directs his sidekick to set a trap...and discovers that the truth is far stranger - and far bloodier - than fiction.

A grand master of the form, Rex Stout is one of America’s greatest mystery writers, and his literary creation Nero Wolfe is one of the greatest fictional detectives of all time. Together, Stout and Wolfe have entertained - and puzzled - millions of mystery fans around the world. Now, with his perambulatory man-about-town, Archie Goodwin, the arrogant, gourmandizing, sedentary sleuth is back in the original 73 cases of crime and detection written by the inimitable master himself, Rex Stout.

Stout fellow: listen to all of our Nero Wolfe mysteries, including classic radio programs!

©1951 Rex Stout (P)1995 Books on Tape Inc.

Critic reviews

"It's always a treat to read a Nero Wolfe mystery. The man has entered our folklore." (The New York Times)

"What's not to like about a Nero Wolfe mystery? The mysteries are short, cleverly plotted, well paced, and, if you're an audiobook listener, wonderfully read by Michael Prichard....Prichard has read nearly 20 books in Stout's series and has mastered Wolfe's deep, meditative voice and Archie's spry, chipper voice, as well as those of a host of other characters we recognize from one recording to the next." (AudioFile)

If you love a mystery, here's 4

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I love the character Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin. I love the way Rex Stoudt puts dialog in Archie's mouth and Archie's little 'get even' tactics with Wolfe. Wolfe is a wonderful crazy genius and he and I both love orchids. This book, written in 1958 also is a lot of fun from the perspective of knowing they didn't have at their disposal the things we now have at our disposal. It's a lovely little time capsule so well done it's fun. Of course I also am a big fan of old black and white movies. The Narrator does a very good job and my intent is to savor each and everyone of the Nero Wolfe's.

What did you like best about this story?

Actually, I'm not crazy about short stories but as they go, these were fun. Wolfe ends up solving all four mysteries for free. You'll have to listen to find out why

What does Michael Prichard bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

My mother, an avid reader, introduced me to Nero Wolfe in the written form and when the series was on TV with Timothy Hutton, I was entranced by it. It brought me closer to her and a time when she influenced me. As to which is better eyes or ears... I happen to think that the same part of my brain is engaged whether I read with my eyes or my ears. Michael indeed does an excellent job of portraying Nero and Archie as well as the other recurring players. It's a delightful light listen that keeps you trying to beat Nero to the solution.

A Treat to Listen to Over and Over!

l love this series of Nero Wolfe mysteries. Each one is a entertaining mix of mystery, humor, and drama. Listen to the entire series, you won't regret it.

Enjoyed!!!

As always, great story. This has been a great way to pass time at work.

Another winner

My favorite characters by my one of my favorite authors read by my favorite narrator. Very satisfactory.

Great plot, very entertaining

Rex stout is always good, but this one is near his best effort. A little hard to keep track of all the characters, but well worth going back now and then.

A fun read

Rex Stout had an amazing way with words. His stories are fun, witty, and all around well written. And, as read by Michael Pritchard they truly come alive. All of them are gems and this one is no exception!

I like the original author.

I like the original author he's clever and keeps the twist braiding through the story. I know they have rewritten the Nero Wolf books but I like Rex Stout.

Rex Stout and Michael Prichard ROCK!!!

Narrator was wonderful as always! I love the Rex Stout's writing style, humour, and wit!

Always a joy

I’ve had this book in my library for years and am tickled to give it a listen every now and then. Michael Prichard is a terrific narrator and nails Archie, Wolfe, and all the other characters. The story is twisty and complicated but is presented in an understandable step-wise manner to keep the reader/listener continually engaged.

Another excellent story

Each of these wolf novels is a minor masterpiece in its own right. Well written, brilliantly plotted and paced, great characters. This one has a fine twist at the end. Wolf is addictive.