Fer-de-Lance
Fer-de-Lance
Book Brief
Beta285
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1930s
1992
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Rex Stout's Fer-de-Lance, detective Nero Wolfe and his assistant Archie Goodwin solve a complex case involving murder and a mysterious disappearance. The story unfolds within the world of high society and academia, as Wolfe's brilliant deductive abilities lead to revelations about concealed motives and hidden connections.
Mysterious
Informative
Contemplative
Suspenseful
Reviews & Readership
19,166 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Fer-de-Lance by Rex Stout is widely praised for its clever plotting and the dynamic duo of Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin. The engaging narrative and witty dialogue captivate readers, but some find the pacing uneven. Stout's debut novel successfully establishes a beloved series, despite occasional complexity in its storyline.
Who Should Read Fer-de-Lance?
Fans of Fer-de-Lance by Rex Stout would enjoy classic detective fiction with a keen, logical detective like Nero Wolfe. Comparable to Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, readers intrigued by complex mysteries, clever dialogue, and rich character dynamics will find this novel engaging.
19,166 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Fer-de-Lance is the first book in the Nero Wolfe series, introducing the eccentric genius detective and his sharp-witted assistant, Archie Goodwin, who would go on to feature in 33 novels and 39 novellas written by Rex Stout.
The book was published in 1934, during the Golden Age of Detective Fiction, establishing Nero Wolfe as one of the most enduring and beloved detective characters in American mystery literature.
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In 1936, Fer-de-Lance was adapted into a radio series titled The Adventures of Nero Wolfe, bringing the characters of Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin to a wider audience through the airwaves.
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285
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1930s
1992
Adult
18+ years
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