Discover books similar to "In the Best Families"

In the Best Families cover

Rex Stout

In the Best Families

4.22

Part of "Nero Wolfe" series

"In the Best Families" is a classic detective novel written by Rex Stout, first published in 1950. The story revolves around the eccentric and brilliant detective, Nero Wolfe, and his loyal assistant, Archie Goodwin, as they become embroiled in a complex and high-stakes case. The novel begins with the return of a wealthy client, Mrs. Louisa Hickenlooper, who requests Wolfe's help in finding her missing granddaughter, Phoebe. However, the case takes a darker turn when Phoebe's husband, a notorious gangster, is found dead in Wolfe's office. As Wolfe and Goodwin delve deeper into the case, they uncover a web of deceit, blackmail, and family secrets that threaten to destroy the reputations and lives of some of New York City's most prominent citizens. Stout's writing is sharp and witty, with a clever and engaging plot that keeps readers guessing until the very end. The character of Nero Wolfe is a particular highlight, with his unique blend of intelligence, arrogance, and eccentricity making him a memorable and enduring figure in detective fiction. "In the Best Families" is a classic example of the golden age of detective fiction, with its intricate plot, vivid characters, and atmospheric setting. It is a must-read for fans of the genre, and a testament to Stout's skill as a writer and storyteller. Whether you're a longtime fan of Nero Wolfe or new to the series, "In the Best Families" is a satisfying and entertaining read that will keep you hooked from beginning to end...

List of books similar to "In the Best Families":

Three Act Tragedy cover

Agatha Christie

Three Act Tragedy

If you're looking for a classic mystery similar to 'In The Best Families', try this Hercule Poirot novel. When a retired general dies at a dinner party, Poirot must unravel a complex web of relationships and motives to solve the case.

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Gaudy Night cover

Dorothy L. Sayers

Gaudy Night

This Lord Peter Wimsey novel features a strong female protagonist and a clever mystery. If you enjoyed the intellectual challenges in 'In The Best Families', you'll appreciate the academic setting and the focus on women's education in 'Gaudy Night'.

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The Daughter of Time cover

Josephine Tey

The Daughter of Time

In this metafictional mystery, detective Alan Grant becomes obsessed with the historical mystery of Richard III and the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower. If you enjoyed the historical elements in 'In The Best Families', you'll appreciate the deep dive into English history in this book.

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Some Buried Caesar cover

Rex Stout

Some Buried Caesar

If you enjoyed 'In The Best Families', you might like this book in the Corpus series, which features the same witty banter and clever plot twists. In 'Some Buried Caesar', Archie and Nero Wolfe investigate the murder of a pig farmer, who was about to make a fortune with his new breed of hog.

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Fer-de-Lance cover

Rex Stout

Fer-de-Lance

This is the first book in the Corpus series, and it introduces the world to Nero Wolfe and his assistant Archie Goodwin. If you liked the dynamic between the two in 'In The Best Families', you'll enjoy seeing how it all began in 'Fer-de-Lance'.

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The League of Frightened Men cover

Rex Stout

The League of Frightened Men

In this Corpus novel, Nero Wolfe takes on a case that hits close to home when a group of men he once humiliated beg for his help after one of their own is murdered. If you enjoyed the intricate plotting in 'In The Best Families', you'll appreciate the twists and turns in this book.

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The Big Sleep cover

Raymond Chandler

The Big Sleep

If you're looking for a hard-boiled detective novel with a similar tone to 'In The Best Families', try this Philip Marlowe classic. Marlowe's wit and cynicism will remind you of Archie Goodwin, and the convoluted plot will keep you guessing until the end.

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The Thin Man cover

Dashiell Hammett

The Thin Man

This classic detective novel features a retired detective and his socialite wife who become embroiled in a murder investigation. If you enjoyed the banter and humor in 'In The Best Families', you'll appreciate the sparkling dialogue and comedic moments in 'The Thin Man'.

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The Hollow cover

Agatha Christie

The Hollow

In this Poirot novel, a weekend gathering at a country house ends in murder. If you enjoyed the country house setting and the large cast of characters in 'In The Best Families', you'll appreciate the similar elements in 'The Hollow'.

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The Nine Tailors cover

Dorothy L. Sayers

The Nine Tailors

This Lord Peter Wimsey novel features a complex plot and a focus on the art of change-ringing. If you enjoyed the intellectual challenges and historical elements in 'In The Best Families', you'll appreciate the attention to detail and the intricate plotting in 'The Nine Tailors'.

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The Lady in the Lake cover

Raymond Chandler

The Lady in the Lake

In this Philip Marlowe novel, the detective is hired to find a missing person and ends up uncovering a web of corruption and deceit. If you enjoyed the hard-boiled detective style and the convoluted plot of 'In The Best Families', you'll appreciate the noir elements and the twists and turns in 'The Lady in the Lake'.

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