The Corpus—
Nero Wolfe, Stout's Other Writings, Books about Stout & Wolfe and Loads of Reading Materials

ALSO READ:

• SYNOPSIS
• QUOTATION
• REVIEWS
• OTHER:
  • Read the obituary of Fred J. Cook, the author of the all-too-real book, The FBI Nobody Knows (from the UK Independent)
  • Listen to Rex Stout's talk at the 1966 Books and Authors Luncheon regarding the FBI & J. Edgar
  • Review the material from the Rex Stout Archives at Boston College, including a lighthearted renderings of a proposed cover design for The Doorbell Rang from his publisher, Viking Press, as well as reviews from P. G. Wodehouse and Russel Crouse.
  • Click here to choose from many, many links on the page of articles regarding Stout's activism, including his opinions and actions regarding the FBI, their reaction, and the reaction of the media, the public, and fellow authors.
  • See the Wikipedia page regarding J. Edgar Hoover

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The Doorbell Rang: First Edition

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SYNOPSIS:
This is, in the considered opinion of his publishers, the finest detective story ever written by Rex Stout and therefore one of the very best ever written by anyone. As a new peak for the old master, it provides an occasion to celebrate an outstanding career, as well as a new challenge to the wits of his fans.

A very rich woman comes to Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin, claiming that she is being harassed by the FBI. She reports that agents are following her and members of her family, her wires are being tapped, and her privacy is being otherwise invaded. She demands that Wolfe help her to find relief and offers him the largest retainer he has ever seen.

Wolfe, with some hesitation, takes the case and quickly encounters a murder about which members of the FBI may know more than is apparent. He also soon finds himself in a direct encounter with FBI agents under highly questionable circumstances.

Never before has Rex Stout written a book more perfectly plotted or one with a denouement so skillfully arrived at.

QUOTATION:
"I can dodge folly without backing into fear." (p. 5)

REVIEWS:

• Click here to read reviews from P. G. Wodehouse, Russell Crouse, The New York Herald Tribune, etc.
  
  
• In the August, 2009, Newsweek article, "Our 10 Favorite Crime Novels," Malcolm Jones writes:

  "Which sleuths made the cut? We pick the best detective fiction for your summer reading list.
  # 8. The Doorbell Rang, Rex Stout: Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin never met a case they couldn't solve, not even when they take on the FBI."

• From the Duke to the King:
  

  Dear Mr. Stout,
  
  I have read many of your Nero Wolfe mysteries and enjoyed them. I have now read The Doorbell Rang. Goodbye.