Murder By the Book

By: Rex Stout

Narrated by: Michael Prichard

“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 But something in his unpublished tome seemed to lead everyone who read it to a very unhappy ending.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)

Another wonderful Nero Wolfe book!

While I thoughr I kept up, I learned much I missed in the end. I loved it!

Fantastic story

This perfect character development, natural flow, and fantastic story by Rex Stout is absolutely fun. Highly recommended!

Narrator

A good Nero Wolfe mystery, one which I had not read yet. Excellent characters and a superb narrator.

Wonderful Plot and Story

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

yes. but not the best quality.

Did Michael Prichard do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

Seemed he may have been under the weather during this one.

Any additional comments?

There is a Technical quality problem with the Gain and other board things.

Stout still in his prime.

Another well conceived, well plotted and admirably written story. As always, entering into Wolfe's brownstone you meet the familiar characters and atmosphere that came fully formed in his first Nero Wolfe mystery, "Fr-de-lance".

If you have never read a Nero Wolfe story, I would suggest reading the above mentioned title, however "Murder By the Book" would due just as well.

After I discovered Rex Stout's Nero Wolf mysteries in a old New England library over 30 years ago, in Milford, NH, I began a journey to find and read every single one written.

They are unapologetic in being clean and free of all content that would affront just about anyone, with the occasional 'God dammit' being the sole exception.

I was not an avid mystery read per until my first Nero Wolfe. I've loved them for years, and because of Stout's incredible writing style, I will begin with 'Fer-de-lance' (1934) and read through the books in the order they were written. Check out the Internet, Google Rex Stout or Nero Wolfe and you will find a world of fans and clubs still around, even though Stout died in 1975.

Got to live Nero Wolfe

Great story. the Narrator did a good job, but paused to much between sentences sometimes, which made you think there was a problem with the recording. Other than that it was awesome.

good bookx

loved the book. enjoy nuero wolf story's can't wait to start another book already have one saved

Nero Wolfe is unforgettable!

Fantastic Nero Wolfe. Michael Prichard is an outstanding reader. I recommend this book highly. Of course all Rex Stout mysteries are unique.

Great Stout

This was another particularly excellent Nero Wolfe novel. One of the best I have listened to. The narration, as usual, was great. The story keeps moving and keeps interesting and fun. The plot has some of the most interesting twists and enjoyable character development of any of the Nero Wolfe novels. This one is worth reading more than once.

Prichard will always be the voice of Archie in my

Years ago, I read all of Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe books Later, I got audio cassettes of some of the books. Now, with audible, I can again enjoy these stories, even if I can't read small print anymore .
This is one of my favorite Nero Wolfe mysteries.