4.1
Part of "Nero Wolfe" series
"Three for the Chair" by Rex Stout is a captivating collection of three crime stories featuring the brilliant detective, Nero Wolfe, and his loyal assistant, Archie Goodwin. This book, originally published in 1957, showcases Stout's mastery of the mystery genre and his unique ability to weave intricate plots filled with suspense, humor, and unexpected twists. The first story, "Instead of Evidence," finds Wolfe and Goodwin investigating the murder of a wealthy businessman, with the only piece of evidence being a chair that has inexplicably vanished from the crime scene. In "The Next Witness," a seemingly open-and-shut case turns complicated when a key witness changes her story, leaving Wolfe and Goodwin to untangle a web of lies and deception. The final story, "When a Man Murders," features Wolfe's ingenious efforts to clear the name of a friend's son who has been accused of murder. Stout's character development is exceptional, with Nero Wolfe's eccentric personality and sharp intellect complemented perfectly by Archie Goodwin's wit and resourcefulness. The dialogue between these two characters is sharp, engaging, and often humorous, adding depth and enjoyment to the stories. "Three for the Chair" is an excellent introduction to the Nero Wolfe series for new readers and a delightful addition for established fans. The intricate plots, vivid settings, and memorable characters make this a must-read for mystery lovers and a testament to Rex Stout's enduring legacy in the genre...
Dorothy L. Sayers
Gaudy Night
A classic example of the mystery genre, 'Gaudy Night' by Dorothy L. Sayers features Harriet Vane, an alumna of an Oxford women's college, who returns for a reunion and becomes embroiled in a series of bizarre pranks and crimes. This book is a great choice for fans of 'Three for the Chair' as it features a strong female lead, a complex plot, and a witty writing style similar to Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe series.
Learn MoreJosephine Tey
The Daughter of Time
In 'The Daughter of Time', detective Alan Grant becomes fascinated with the historical figure of Richard III while recovering from an injury in the hospital. He sets out to uncover the truth about the king's alleged crimes and the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower. This book is a great choice for fans of 'Three for the Chair' as it features a clever and determined detective, a complex and thought-provoking plot, and a unique approach to the mystery genre.
Learn MoreSue Grafton
A is for Alibi
In 'A is for Alibi', private investigator Kinsey Millhone takes on the case of a woman who has just been released from prison after serving time for the murder of her husband. The woman claims she is innocent and Kinsey sets out to uncover the truth. This book is a great choice for fans of 'Three for the Chair' as it features a strong and independent female lead, a complex and twisting plot, and a fast-paced and engaging writing style.
Learn MoreRaymond Chandler
The Big Sleep
In 'The Big Sleep', detective Philip Marlowe is hired by a wealthy general to investigate a blackmail case, but soon becomes embroiled in a much larger and more dangerous conspiracy. This book is a great choice for fans of 'Three for the Chair' as it features a tough and clever detective, a complex and gritty plot, and a sharp and witty writing style.
Learn MoreSir Arthur Conan Doyle
The Hound of the Baskervilles
In 'The Hound of the Baskervilles', Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson investigate the legend of a monstrous hound that is said to haunt the Baskerville family. This book is a great choice for fans of 'Three for the Chair' as it features a brilliant and analytical detective, a spooky and atmospheric plot, and a classic and timeless writing style.
Learn MoreDashiell Hammett
The Thin Man
In 'The Thin Man', retired detective Nick Charles and his socialite wife Nora become embroiled in a murder investigation involving an eccentric inventor and his dysfunctional family. This book is a great choice for fans of 'Three for the Chair' as it features a clever and witty detective, a complex and entertaining plot, and a snappy and sophisticated writing style.
Learn MoreAgatha Christie
Murder on the Orient Express
In 'Murder on the Orient Express', detective Hercule Poirot finds himself aboard a luxurious train that has been derailed by a snowdrift and becomes embroiled in a murder investigation when a passenger is found dead in his compartment. This book is a great choice for fans of 'Three for the Chair' as it features a brilliant and analytical detective, a closed-room mystery plot, and a clever and satisfying resolution.
Learn MoreDashiell Hammett
The Maltese Falcon
In 'The Maltese Falcon', detective Sam Spade takes on the case of a missing person, but soon becomes embroiled in a dangerous and deadly conspiracy involving a valuable statue and a group of shady characters. This book is a great choice for fans of 'Three for the Chair' as it features a tough and clever detective, a complex and gritty plot, and a sharp and witty writing style.
Learn MoreDorothy L. Sayers
The Nine Tailors
In 'The Nine Tailors', Lord Peter Wimsey becomes stranded in a small village during a severe snowstorm and becomes embroiled in a series of mysterious events, including the theft of a priceless emerald and the discovery of a body in the church tower. This book is a great choice for fans of 'Three for the Chair' as it features a clever and resourceful detective, a complex and atmospheric plot, and a witty and engaging writing style.
Learn MoreRex Stout
The Silent Speaker
In 'The Silent Speaker', Nero Wolfe is hired to investigate the murder of a government official who was about to testify before a grand jury. This book is a great choice for fans of 'Three for the Chair' as it features the same detective, Nero Wolfe, and his assistant Archie Goodwin, and a complex and intriguing plot, and a sharp and witty writing style.
Learn MoreRex Stout
Too Many Cooks
In 'Too Many Cooks', Nero Wolfe is hired to cater a dinner party for a wealthy family, but soon becomes embroiled in a murder investigation when one of the guests is found dead. This book is a great choice for fans of 'Three for the Chair' as it features the same detective, Nero Wolfe, and his assistant Archie Goodwin, and a complex and entertaining plot, and a sharp and witty writing style.
Learn More