Death of a Doxy

By: Rex Stout

Narrated by: Michael Prichard

With a rich man footing the bills and a handsome lover on the side, Isabel Kerr seemed to have the perfect setup. Now the well-kept lady is stone-cold dead, and the cops have nabbed a Manhattan private eye who just happens to be an acquaintance of Nero Wolfe. Unable to refuse a friend in need, the great detective deigns to get the gumshoe off the hook. Little does Wolfe realize that in a matter of hours he’ll be entertaining a party of fools and lovers connected with the doxy’s death, including a mystery blackmailer, a sexy lounge singer, and a cold-blooded lady-killer.

Introduction by Sandra West Prowell

“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: listen to all of our Nero Wolfe mysteries, including classic radio programs!©1966 Rex Stout (P)1998 Books on Tape Inc.

Critic reviews

"Michael Prichard's reading is excellent....His erudite Nero Wolfe is right on the money. Prichard's style of narration gives the story a somewhat hard-boiled interpretation that is enjoyable. Even if you've read the book, this one is worth a listen." (AudioFile)

A good one to sink your teeth into!

This is one one of Rex Stout's better offerings with regard to his Nero Wolf series. The plot keeps you guessing...and then you find out who did it...and you are still in suspense! Truly a masterful work of fiction and belongs along side any other classical mystery.

Superb dialogue

Excellent as usual. Brilliant narration. Some stories are written as a sequence of events: this happened then that then that. Stout's constructions unfold in immaculate dialogue. In this one Julie is written as a peer to Wolfe and Archie. Brilliant because it's not forced feminism. She is an intelligent protagonist who simply happens to be a woman. She doesn't pretend to be anything other than a woman but in repartee gives the duo as good as she gets.

A Doxy of a Read!

Would you listen to Death of a Doxy again? Why?

Yes, I love hearing the Characters come to life. It is so interesting with the frequently called on Specialty Operatives on the Front line. Orrie Cather, is truely brought to life. We get to know Him intimately, ways we never considered.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Why Nero Wolfe and Archie and the Orchids and the Food. Orrie Cather is the best character in this book. He is in a world of Hurt, yet, you learn about him from the other characters, because Inspector Cramer, Pinches Orrie as the killer.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Julie Jaquetter dances in to Wolfe's office and then Wolfe stands as she leaves. Unbelievable.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me listen. I brought words one no longer hears in the English language back to life. It gives back the value of study and memorization or true learning so that your mind brings the information back to you fresh and alive. The name Thales.

Any additional comments?

I love the way all the characters have such wonderful purpose to bring the story to life. It would be grand to see Nero Wolfe produced on stage. Like one a month in order of publication.

Solid entry in the Nero Wolfe series

Would you listen to Death of a Doxy again? Why?

Yes. It is a fine, complex puzzle with a satisfying resolution. Good strong characters, too, and some nicely evil ones.

What other book might you compare Death of a Doxy to and why?

Stout's Death of a Dude, for no good reason other than similarity of title.

What about Michael Prichard???s performance did you like?

After several of Pritchard's readings of the Wolfe books, I can't imagine anyone else reading them.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The interaction between Wolfe and Jacquette, the night club singer is priceless.

One of the finest.

Did the quarter tell the truth? Your mind must be made up yourself, to know.

One of the best of a great series

I really like most Nero Wolfe stories, but I particularly liked Death of a Doxy. It has a lot of inside-detective material which was fun and great characters and a wonderful story. This, along with the wonderful normal cast of characters makes this a great novel. This is one of Rex Stout’s best full length Nero Wolfe novels.

One of the funniest Wolfe mysteries

What did you love best about Death of a Doxy?

Wolfe has to deal with not only an odd case but one of the funniest characters that Stout ever wrote. When Julie sang a song about Wolfe being a big man, I was sold on her.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Julie sang to Wolfe about being a 'Big Man'.

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

Yes

Short and perfect

Nero Wolf,and all my favorite characters in a classic story in NYC. For those who are in search of a light but inticing festive novel this is a sound choice. Great from start to unique finish.

Another carefully book by Rex Sout

I read this many years ago and enjoyed it all over again this time. Archie and Wolf are more fun with each book because you get not only the mystery but the fun interplay between these two. The reading is very good. I get the feeling he is a fan also. If you haven’t read about Nero Wolf enjoy and I wish you well.

Typically great performance of Nero Wolfe

Love the story and reading. But I'm pretty sure this recording is a bit too fast. Still great.