Black Orchids

De: Rex Stout

Narrado por: Michael Prichard

Nero Wolfe has left his comfortable brownstone for the promise of a remarkably rare black orchid at a flower show - but before Wolfe and his perennially hardy sidekick, Archie Goodwin, have a chance to stop and smell the roses, a diabolically daring murder takes place right under their noses and puts a blight on the proceedings. Now Wolfe's fancy turns to thoughts of weeding out a murderer - one who's definitely not a garden-variety killer. Only then will Wolfe be ready to throw his weight into a second thorny case, involving a rich society widow bedeviled by poison-pen letters—and a poisonous plot as black as Wolfe's orchids...with roots that are even more twisted.

Introduction by Lawrence Block

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

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: explore our list of Nero Wolfe mysteries, including novels and classic radio programs.©1942 Rex Stout (P)1994 Books on Tape

Reseñas de la Crítica

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

Vintage...just Vintage!

Any additional comments?

Despite the fact I've read this (and every other) Nero Wolfe story many times, the Audible version allowed me to savor this story "hands-free"! It was just as good. Tightly written and just a load of fun, Rex Stout never disappointed. And Nero finds a way to add to his extensive orchid collection to boot in this one!

The world Rex Stout built around Nero Wolfe & Archie Goodwin is Unique & Captivating!

If you read just about any of Rex Stout’s Nero Wolfe mysteries, be ready to read them all. Even fellow mystery writers speak of the world & atmosphere Stout built around Nero Wolfe, Archie Goodwin.

The first Nero Wolfe mystery I read came from a small local Library, in small town, Milford, New Hampshire in 1985. Immediately afterward I checked out every single volume the library had. Then I took to eBay to find and buy all of Stout’s Nero Wolfe books. I’ve even read a number of Stout’s books with a different leading man/woman.

The stories are almost addictive. Every few years I read all of the stories, in the order they were initially published.

Wonderfully written and captivating.

Typical Wolfe Short Story Collection

If you could sum up Black Orchids in three words, what would they be?

Early Wolfe Shorts

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Not really. Like all Wolfe books, they are more of an intellectual challenge than a suspense experience.

Which scene was your favorite?

The murder at the flower show.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. Four of Stout's early Wolfe short stories that you can read at your own pace.

Any additional comments?

Stout published about a dozen short story collections, only a few of which are available on Audible and even fewer on CD. It would do us all a service if Audible would make the others available, as they are mostly real gems.

Always Entertaining

I can honestly say that I’ve never read a Nero Wolfe novel that I haven’t enjoyed. This one was very good as usual. It took me a little while to get used to the narrator’s voice – at first it seemed too flat and monotone, but after a while, it completely made sense to me and I think he did a great job.

Pair of good yarns

An interesting pair of stories. Archie in fine form, and there were some good twists and turns

Classic Stout

His first omnibus, two stories contain in a book long enough for one story, the first being almost novel length in the second, or a short story, Rex Stout, nevertheless, brings forth all his magic, and the resultant work is well worth a read, my only disappointment being that he didn’t make each of these stories a full length novel.

Charming

I love reading Rex Stout's books. They are written beautifully, without exaggerated prose. And I love the individuality his great detective, Nero Wolfe, possesses. It is very healthy to read a Nero Wolfe mystery ( I will not stop until I devour all of the Wolfe stories). They remind one of one's sacred duty as an American citizen to be unapologetically individual.

Archie Goodwin is a smartass—a smartass I like. Goodwin’s womanizing, sarcasm, and stoking Mr. Wolfe's rage offer entertainment value even before and while wading into the mystery's main adventure.

I want to try every one of Fritz Brenner's gourmet dishes that Mr. Wolfe enjoys. And of course, I have respect for orchids.

They don't write them like this anymore!

Magnificent plotline. Never guessed whodunnit, either time. Rex Stout and Michael Pritchard are a duo rivalling that of AG and NW themselves. But, perhaps, that is redundantly redundant.

Black Orchids for Two Please.

Archie ties in two different cases where a rare black orchid plays a part. Fun as always and surprises in both. Well worth the time for any classic mystery fan and a treat for fans of Nero Wolfe.

Great story

Fave NW tale so far. Prichard's narration is excellent. Two stories for the price of one.