The Father Hunt

By: Rex Stout

Narrated by: Michael Prichard

Length: 5 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's Summary

Pretty Amy Denovo wants to find the father she has never seen, but she can't afford Nero Wolfe's outlandish fees...or can she? Suddenly, she's knocking on the oversized detective's door with a parcel full of bills in hand - and a quarter of a million hidden in her closet. It's all part of a nest egg left by her unknown father. But when Wolfe and his able assistant, Archie Goodwin, begin to trace the money to the man, they make a startling discovery: Amy's father murdered her mother, and now he may be after her. 

This is one of 73 mysteries written by one of America's greatest writers about one of its most interesting characters. You can't call yourself a mystery fan if you haven't read Rex Stout.

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

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

©1968 Rex Stout (P)1999 Books on Tape Inc.

Critic Reviews

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

Great Wolfe but not the very best story

I have liked virtually all the Nero Wolfe books I have read or listened to, and this is no exception. This is not the best story, but the Archie and Nero characterization is really great. I particularly like the narration which does a great job making Archie come alive. I would not recommend this as a first Nero Wolfe selection (maybe Some Buried Caesar is a good place to start), but any fan will really enjoy Father Hunt. Although this is not the best Wolfe story, even a below average Wolfe is better than most mysteries. The mystery story makes sense and is interesting, intelligent, engaging, and fun, but the characterizations is what makes this particular Wolfe story special.

One of the better Nero Wolfe books

The dialogue and sleuthing we're better than usual. The story had more twists and the ending wasn't quite pulled out of a hat.
This is our 20th or so Nero Wolf book, we are hooked! He is our before bed gentle murder mystery listening. Consistently good.

Another excellent Prichard read.

It's a Red Stout in the Nero Wolfe collection. if you're familiar, that's all that need be said. if not, get it, sit back, and enjoy a ripping good mystery.

Typical Rex Stout quality

If you could sum up The Father Hunt in three words, what would they be?

intriguing. entertaining. Enjoyable.

What other book might you compare The Father Hunt to and why?

Fer-de-Lance had the same kind of intricate plotting and character development.

Which character – as performed by Michael Prichard – was your favorite?

Archie Goodwin, as always.

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

Wanted to but couldn't of course. Every chance I got I went back to it.

Any additional comments?

Like all the Nero Wolfe books read by Michael Prichard, this was excellent.