The Doorbell Rang

By: Rex Stout

Narrated by: Michael Prichard

Length: 5 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's Summary

There’s no one and nothing the great detective Nero Wolfe wouldn’t take on if the price was right. That’s something wealthy society widow Rachel Bruner is counting on when she writes him a check for a whopping hundred grand. But even Wolfe has a moment’s doubt when he finds out why the prize is so generous. For the oversize genius and his able assistant Archie Goodwin are about to lock horns with the FBI - and those highly trained G-men have a way with threats, tails, and bugs that could give even sedentary sleuth Nero Wolfe a run for his money.   

Introduction by Stuart Kaminsky  

“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 seventy-three 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!

©1993 Rex Stout (P)1999 Books on Tape Inc.

Defend a widow, outfox the FBI, and make $100,000

Nero Wolfe's interest is raised when a wealthy woman offers him a huge check if he can get the FBI to stop harassing her. Only a man as arrogant as Nero Wolfe would even dream of attempting this act of professional suicide. But Nero Wolfe loves a challenge, so he takes the case. Although the plots of the books are always clever and engaging, the irresistible appeal of the Nero Wolfe books is the interplay between the principal characters. This is witty banter at its absolute best. Rarely will you hear goads and observations delivered with such acerbic humor or with such rich vocabulary. Stout could have educated Shakespeare in the art of satiric dialog. In particular, this book is my favorite because Mr. Wolfe's real desire to strike a blow for civil liberties and his evident enjoyment of the challenge enriches the story.

The best of the Nero Wolfe series? Perhaps.

If not the absolute best, this is one of the very best of the Nero Wolfe series. It has some of the best characterization and relationship development in the series along with some of the best imagery and cleverness plus it was a brave exposure of the abuses by the FBI of the time, earning Stout a thick FBI file. Although I enjoyed the TV version of this for the premier of the A&E series, the book was much, much better. Although this is a great book, I don’t think it should be one of the first read as it depends more than most on the history between characters.

Annoyed by the FBI?

I started reading Rex Stout -- specifically Nero Wolfe in the sixties. Because of the timing, I collected and read the paperbacks in order, starting with 1934 Fer-de-Lance. This shorter novel had me laughing out loud because it tickled my fancy, propped up my prejudices (about the FBI) and is Archie and Nero in full alter ego stride, albeit closing in (1965) on the end of a long series of well written, entertaining detective novels. Extensive vocabulary and proper grammar aside, Rex Stout is an engrossing story teller and Michael Prichard does both characters justice as he narrates the tale.

Classic Detective Story

I have read more than 30 Nero Wolfe detective stories and have enjoyed them all. This was the first one that I have listened to. The narrator will keep me from downloading any more. His voice and flat monotone delivery would be fine for Nero Wolfe but the stories are told from Archie Goodwin's view and this is not the energetic, cheeky voice of Archie Goodwin. So sad...

Favorite Nero Wolfe book

This is one of the funniest, cleverest Nero Wolfe book Stout ever wrote. The plot and reason why Stout wrote this book are just great.

One of Nero Wolfe's Best

Would you listen to The Doorbell Rang again? Why?

Yes. Like most Nero Wolfe stories, you can listen to them over and over again and pick up new details. I typically listen to them all over a two year period and then repeat. It's too bad Audible doesn't have all of them, especially the short story collections that were never made available on CD.

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

It's more like keeping your mind trying to outwit Wolfe (which you seldom do unless you've heard the story before). In this case he outwits the FBI, which seems like an impossible task until two agents make a mistake and Wolfe uses it to corner them. But even so, the way he does it makes you glad he's on our side!

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

Michael is perfect for representing the voices of Wolfe, Archie and all the other characters. Not just the right sound, but the right inflection.

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

No. What's great about Wolfe books is that you can read on any schedule you would like. No gratuitous sex or violence, just a solid, intellectually challenging mystery.

Any additional comments?

Please, Audible, please make available the remaining Wolfe books! Most of those you don't currently have are no longer available in audio format except for cassettes priced at $50 or more.

Favorite Nero Wolf

Rex stout was a genius who wrote each of his books and short stories in one sitting with no editing. He wrote one a year and everything in the story in terms of color is authentic whether it be the score of a Yankee game or a presidential election.

The stories make you smile as old characters appear. If you've never read the earlier ones, Rex still paints each character with a fine brush.

Wolfe & Archie face an impossible challenge

Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin are hired to go up against the unlawful practices during the time of Hoover ' s oppressive FBI. An extremely "satisfactory" story unfolds. You'll love it.

I enjoy Rex Stouts Nero Wolf books.

Where does The Doorbell Rang rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The way the Plot unfolds it makes you think that the little guy can win.

What about Michael Prichard’s performance did you like?

Mr. Prichard makes the book feel honest and true. He has the right voice for this time period I think.

Brilliant as usual

Fantastic story and narration. The most consistent crime series I've ever come across. Nero Wolfe is a most entertaining character.