List $29.95

Written by Rex Stout - Performed by Michael Prichard - Unabridged Fiction - 6 CASSETTES

Publisher, Audio Partners (May 2002)

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"[Nero Wolfe mysteries] are the perfect reconciliation between the classic British drawing room mystery and the naturalistic American novel of the mean streets - Sherlock Holmes meets Sam Spade." --William G. Tapply, introduction to The Second Confession

"It is always a treat to [hear] a Nero Wolfe mystery. The man has entered our folklore." --The New York Times Book Review

"Rex Stout, through the voice of Archie telling us about his world (a full third of which was occupied by Nero Wolfe), raised detective fiction to the level of art with these books. He gave us genius of at least two kinds, and a strong realist voice that was shot through with hope." --Walter Mosley

"Nero Wolfe, the fat detective of Rex Stout's novels, towers over his rivals... he is an exceptional character creation." --The New Yorker

"Stout's supreme triumph was the creation of Archie Goodwin." --P.G. Wodehouse

When a powerful government official, scheduled to speak to a group of millionaires, turns up dead, it is an event worthy of the notice of the great Nero Wolfe. Balancing on the edge of financial ruin, the orchid-loving detective grudgingly accepts the case. Soon a second victim is found bludgeoned to death, a missing stenographer's tape causes a n uproar, and the dead man speaks, after a fashion. While the business world clamors for a solution, Nero Wolfe patiently lays a trap that will net him a killer worth his weight in gold.

About the Author: Rex Stout (1886-1975) is dubbed the Grand Old Man of American Crime Fiction. During his lifetime, he published 72 mysteries; ten years after his death, a 73rd novel, featuring Nero Wolfe, was discovered and published in Death Times Three.

About the Performer: Michael Prichard is known for reading more than 350 audiobooks. Smart Money has named him one of the "Top Ten Golden Voices." He has narrated all of the Rex Stout novels for The Audio Partners, available from Audiobooks Online.