| PRODUCT DETAILS | | The Final Deduction: A Nero Wolfe Mystery |  | |
The Final Deduction: A Nero Wolfe Mystery
When the seemingly safe return of an abducted millionaire ends in his murder in his own home, Nero Wolfe sends Archie Goodwin to do his usual legwork, while Wolfe uncovers corruption and greed among Manhattan's elite. Reissue. NYT.
Manufacturer: BBC Audiobooks America
Price Range: $24.30 - $27.95
 The Final Deduction: A Nero Wolfe Mystery
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| User Reviews |  | Oh what a tangled web we weave
rating: 5
Althea Vail is used to getting her own way, after all she usually got it. When she arrived on the doorstep of the brownstone though she found that she would not be catered to just because she was attractive and rich. Archie let her in only to annoy Wolfe. When the allure of both a large check and an intriguing problem was dangled in front of him even Nero Wolfe fell to the temptation. Althea's husband had been kidnapped and although she was determined to follow the kidnappers' instructions and deliver the ransom she wanted Wolfe to expose the kidnappers if her husband is not returned unharmed. Lured by the prospect of remaining at leisure for most of the year Wolfe agreed to take on the task. Little did he realize that he would soon be put to a great deal of inconvenience and acquire far more clients - and retainers - than he ever imagined.
The Nero Wolfe series bridges the gap between a straight detective story and the cozy genre. The problems are complex and intriguing, laid out fairly so the reader has as much chance as Archie to beat Wolfe to the solution while incorporating the cozy elements of recurring secondary characters, ongoing subplots and humor.
This is a usual Nero Wolfe adventure, we are treated to several rounds of verbal sparring between Archie and Wolfe, witness Orrie, Saul and Fred in action and even to see Wolfe forced to leave his house on a moment's notice. Fans of the series will delight in Wolfe forced out of his routine as much, if not more, than the intriguing problems that Wolfe and Archie are faced with in this one. Those who are new to the series would be able to enjoy this one but those who have at least a passing familiarity with this series will enjoy it more.
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With Kidnapping Comes Murder
rating: 5
When Archie Goodwin ushers former stage actress Althea Vail into Nero Wolfe's office, he assumes she will be dismissed in just a few minutes. Instead, Althea lays out a tale of kidnapping that Nero can't resist.
It seems that Althea's current husband, Jimmy Vail, has been kidnapped. Althea is more then willing to pay the ransom, but she wants to hire Nero in case something goes wrong.
The ransom payment goes fine and Jimmy returns. In fact, everything seems to be going well. Until the police call and ask Althea to identify a body. Nero has put his reputation on the line for this case, so he can't let it go. But what is really going on? Meanwhile, Nero is also hired to find the missing ransom money. Can he do that without leaving home?
This is only my second outing with Nero Wolfe, but I really enjoyed it. Nero is an interesting character. I must admit I tend to like him in spite of his harsh demeanor. I'm sure that Archie really helps in that regard. The plot moves swiftly from one event to another. The solution was obvious yet so covered with red herrings I never saw it coming.
The book was written in the 60's, so that makes the occasional reference dated. On the whole, this is a strong mystery that will please any fan of the genre.
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A high-society kidnapping and murder.
rating: 5
Rex Stout's THE FINAL DEDUCTION receives Michael Prichard's warm recording - indeed, Prichard's narrated all the title by Stout featuring the Nero Wolfe protagonist, which lends a wonderful uniformity to this mystery revolving around a high-society kidnapping and murder.
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The Final Deduction
rating: 5
Another in fine line of Nero Wolfe mysteries. I first met Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin on the A&E TV series and I have enjoyed all of the stories.
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Only Certain Cases Are Acceptable...
rating: 4
...and divorce cases are not.
I guess that a certain suspension of disbelief is needed for any detective fiction of Nero Wolfe's genre. From Sherlock Holmes forward, we've been asked to accept as plausible that a private detective could earn a living by solving murder cases and staying away from messy detective stuff. Like tailing cheating spouses.
Let's face it: private detectives being hired to solve murders for large fees?? Not really likely. Nero himself says, often, that the NYPD and Inspector Cramer's staff are far better equipped to handle these cases...
But we are nonetheless fascinated with the process. One key element: Nero is not hamstrung by the obligations of due process which are borne by the police. In this case, bald trickery is used to snare a murderer. Nero clearly believes that the end justifies the means, and so long as the end is satisfactory to Nero Wolfe, any means is acceptable.
So we like reading this, and we feel kind of uncomfortable at the same time. If that isn't great entertainment, I don't know what is!!
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The Final Deduction: A Nero Wolfe Mystery
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