Reading Lists β†’ Nero Wolfe

Nero Wolfe Books In Order (Full List)

Nero Wolfe is a series of 49 books by Rex Stout. The first book published in the series is Fer-de-lance in 1934. Here is a complete list of Nero Wolfe books in order.

Last update: October 17, 2026

1. Fer-de-lance (1934)

Fer-de-lance book cover

The captivating intrigue begins as detective Nero Wolfe takes on a baffling case when a renowned golf champion is poisoned on the very day he triumphed. Rex Stout's Fer-De-Lance introduces readers to a brilliant yet eccentric detective in this gripping and timeless mystery novel.

  • πŸ“‡ 285 Pages
  • πŸ“ 71,250 - 85,500 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 10 Hours Reading Time

2. The League Of Frightened Men (1935)

The League Of Frightened Men book cover

"The League Of Frightened Men" by Rex Stout is a gripping mystery set in New York City. Detective Nero Wolfe finds himself entangled in a powerful secret society's dark exploits, pushing his sleuthing skills to the limit. A captivating page-turner filled with suspense and unexpected twists.

  • πŸ“‡ 320 Pages
  • πŸ“ 80,000 - 96,000 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 11 Hours Reading Time

3. The Rubber Band (1936)

The Rubber Band book cover

In Rex Stout's engrossing mystery, "The Rubber Band," renowned detective Nero Wolfe becomes embroiled in a high-stakes case when his client is framed for murder. With his razor-sharp mind and eccentric methods, Wolfe must unravel a web of lies to clear his client's name.

  • πŸ“‡ 208 Pages
  • πŸ“ 52,000 - 62,400 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 7 Hours Reading Time

4. The Red Box (1937)

The Red Box book cover

In Rex Stout's "The Red Box," detective extraordinaire Nero Wolfe is summoned to solve the perplexing case of a poison-filled red box that forever changes the lives of a wealthy family. Monstrous secrets, mind-bending twists, and Wolfe's brilliant deductive skills will keep you turning pages into the wee hours of the night.

  • πŸ“‡ 189 Pages
  • πŸ“ 47,250 - 56,700 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 6 Hours Reading Time

5. Too Many Cooks (1938)

Too Many Cooks book cover

Too Many Cooks takes us on a mouthwatering journey through a high-stakes cooking competition filled with delectable dishes, mysterious murders, and a genius detective, Nero Wolfe, determined to uncover the truth and save his reputation. A delectable blend of culinary delights and captivating crime-solving.

  • πŸ“‡ 179 Pages
  • πŸ“ 44,750 - 53,700 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 6 Hours Reading Time

6. Some Buried Caesar (1938)

Some Buried Caesar book cover

In "Some Buried Caesar" by Rex Stout, renowned detective Nero Wolfe unravels a perplexing case when a cattle baron's prize bull is kidnapped during a grand exhibition. Wolfe's indomitable wit and intelligence are put to the test in this gripping tale of crime and suspense.

  • πŸ“‡ 274 Pages
  • πŸ“ 68,500 - 82,200 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 9 Hours Reading Time

7. Over My Dead Body (1940)

Over My Dead Body book cover

In Rex Stout's cunning mystery novel, "Over My Dead Body," detective Nero Wolfe becomes entangled in a deadly game of power, vengeance, and secrets when a young woman's shocking murder rocks the upper echelons of New York City's elite.

  • πŸ“‡ 180 Pages
  • πŸ“ 45,000 - 54,000 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 6 Hours Reading Time

8. Where There's A Will (1940)

Where There's A Will book cover

In Rex Stout's gripping detective novel "Where There's A Will," the brilliant and eccentric detective, Nero Wolfe, finds himself entangled in a complex web of family secrets and deceit after an unexpected death leads to a high-stakes battle for inheritance.

  • πŸ“‡ 256 Pages
  • πŸ“ 64,000 - 76,800 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 9 Hours Reading Time

9. Black Orchids (1942)

Black Orchids book cover

In "Black Orchids" by Rex Stout, the brilliant detective Nero Wolfe finds himself entangled in two puzzling cases: a mesmerizing orchid mystery and a shocking murder. With his trusted assistant Archie Goodwin, Wolfe ventures into a world of elusive secrets and deadly schemes.

  • πŸ“‡ 208 Pages
  • πŸ“ 52,000 - 62,400 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 7 Hours Reading Time

10. Not Quite Dead Enough (1944)

Not Quite Dead Enough book cover

In "Not Quite Dead Enough" by Rex Stout, detective Nero Wolfe finds himself caught in a sinister web of deceit and murder as he investigates a missing soldier's apparent suicide. Find out if Wolfe can untangle the truth and unmask the real culprits in this gripping mystery.

  • πŸ“‡ 208 Pages
  • πŸ“ 52,000 - 62,400 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 7 Hours Reading Time

11. The Silent Speaker (1946)

The Silent Speaker book cover

In Rex Stout's enthralling novel, "The Silent Speaker," detective Nero Wolfe grapples with a power-hungry industrialist's murder, murky political dealings, and a labyrinth of secrets. Can Wolfe unveil the truth, or will his famous silence be shattered?

  • πŸ“‡ 288 Pages
  • πŸ“ 72,000 - 86,400 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 10 Hours Reading Time

12. Too Many Women (1947)

Too Many Women book cover

In Rex Stout's "Too Many Women", suspense blends seamlessly with wit as brilliant detective Nero Wolfe investigates a seemingly simple case of blackmail, only to find himself entangled in a web of deception and murder.

  • πŸ“‡ 386 Pages
  • πŸ“ 96,500 - 115,800 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 13 Hours Reading Time

13. And Be A Villain (1948)

And Be A Villain book cover

In Rex Stout's "And Be A Villain," detective Nero Wolfe delves into a web of deceit and murder when a theatrical producer's sudden death unravels a sinister plot within the shadowy world of showbiz. A compelling mystery with twists at every turn.

  • πŸ“‡ 256 Pages
  • πŸ“ 64,000 - 76,800 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 9 Hours Reading Time

14. Trouble In Triplicate (1949)

Trouble In Triplicate book cover

In "Trouble In Triplicate," Rex Stout takes readers on three gripping mysteries, each with a clever twist, as the brilliant detective Nero Wolfe and his trusted assistant Archie Goodwin tackle puzzling cases that lead them into a web of deception, danger, and a triplicate of trouble.

  • πŸ“‡ 240 Pages
  • πŸ“ 60,000 - 72,000 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 8 Hours Reading Time

15. The Second Confession (1949)

The Second Confession book cover

The Second Confession by Rex Stout follows the brilliant and enigmatic detective, Nero Wolfe, as he navigates a labyrinthine web of deceit, betrayal, and murder, leading to a shocking revelation that shakes the very foundations of justice.

  • πŸ“‡ 256 Pages
  • πŸ“ 64,000 - 76,800 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 9 Hours Reading Time

16. Three Doors To Death (1950)

Three Doors To Death book cover

In "Three Doors To Death" by Rex Stout, the legendary detective Nero Wolfe is faced with three perplexing cases that challenge his brilliant mind, taking readers on an intriguing journey through the complexities of murder and deceit.

  • πŸ“‡ 182 Pages
  • πŸ“ 45,500 - 54,600 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 6 Hours Reading Time

17. In The Best Families (1950)

In The Best Families book cover

In Rex Stout's captivating thriller, master detective Nero Wolfe investigates a perplexing case when the wealthy Lamont family is entangled in a web of secrets, betrayal, and murder. Wolfe must unravel the truth hidden within the best families to deliver justice.

  • πŸ“‡ 272 Pages
  • πŸ“ 68,000 - 81,600 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 9 Hours Reading Time

18. Curtains For Three (1950)

Curtains For Three book cover

In "Curtains For Three" by Rex Stout, detective Nero Wolfe is thrust into three puzzling cases, involving a stolen diamond, a missing heir, and a curious death. As he unravels these mysteries, Wolfe's cunning mind and unorthodox methods shine, capturing readers with gripping suspense.

  • πŸ“‡ 240 Pages
  • πŸ“ 60,000 - 72,000 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 8 Hours Reading Time

19. Murder By The Book (1951)

Murder By The Book book cover

Rex Stout weaves a masterful mystery in "Murder By The Book," captivating readers with an exhilarating cat-and-mouse chase between detectives Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin, as they investigate a murder in the insular world of authors and publishers.

  • πŸ“‡ 246 Pages
  • πŸ“ 61,500 - 73,800 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 8 Hours Reading Time

20. Triple Jeopardy (1951)

Triple Jeopardy book cover

In Rex Stout's "Triple Jeopardy," the mastermind detective Nero Wolfe and his brilliant assistant Archie Goodwin must navigate through three interconnected murder cases, unraveling a web of deception, danger, and unexpected twists that threaten to bring them down as well.

  • πŸ“‡ 192 Pages
  • πŸ“ 48,000 - 57,600 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 6 Hours Reading Time

21. Prisoner's Base (1952)

Prisoner's Base book cover

In Rex Stout's thrilling novel, "Prisoner's Base," detective Nero Wolfe is dragged into an enthralling case when a mysterious client seeks his help to locate a missing woman, leading him to a deadly game of cat and mouse. A captivating page-turner that will keep you glued till the very end.

  • πŸ“‡ 224 Pages
  • πŸ“ 56,000 - 67,200 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 7 Hours Reading Time

22. The Golden Spiders (1953)

The Golden Spiders book cover

"The Golden Spiders" by Rex Stout is a riveting mystery that follows the brilliant detective Nero Wolfe as he investigates a perplexing case involving rare golden spiders, unraveling a web of deception and murder with his quick wit and keen observation skills.

  • πŸ“‡ 224 Pages
  • πŸ“ 56,000 - 67,200 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 7 Hours Reading Time

23. Three Men Out (1954)

Three Men Out book cover

In Rex Stout's "Three Men Out," detective extraordinaire Nero Wolfe finds himself caught in a web of deception as he delves into the mysterious deaths of three baseball players. Combining thrilling suspense with Wolfe's unparalleled wit, this is a captivating whodunit that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

  • πŸ“‡ 150 Pages
  • πŸ“ 37,500 - 45,000 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 5 Hours Reading Time

24. The Black Mountain (1954)

The Black Mountain book cover

"The Black Mountain" by Rex Stout is a gripping detective novel featuring Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin as they embark on a dangerous journey to a remote Balkan country, uncovering a web of political intrigue and murder, testing their wits and courage to the limit.

  • πŸ“‡ 143 Pages
  • πŸ“ 35,750 - 42,900 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 5 Hours Reading Time

25. Before Midnight (1955)

Before Midnight book cover

In Before Midnight, Rex Stout brings back his iconic detective duo, Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin, as they navigate a sinister world of murder and mystery, delivering another thrilling and intellectually engaging adventure.

  • πŸ“‡ 224 Pages
  • πŸ“ 56,000 - 67,200 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 7 Hours Reading Time

26. Three Witnesses (1956)

Three Witnesses book cover

In "Three Witnesses" by Rex Stout, iconic detective Nero Wolfe and his trusted companion Archie Goodwin are thrust into three perplexing cases that challenge their brilliant minds and determination to uncover the truth.

  • πŸ“‡ 224 Pages
  • πŸ“ 56,000 - 67,200 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 7 Hours Reading Time

27. Might As Well Be Dead (1956)

Might As Well Be Dead book cover

In Rex Stout's "Might As Well Be Dead," detective Nero Wolfe is hired by a wealthy banker to locate his estranged son. As he digs deeper, Wolfe unearths secrets, treachery, and a shocking murder, challenging his brilliant mind to solve another baffling case.

  • πŸ“‡ 224 Pages
  • πŸ“ 56,000 - 67,200 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 7 Hours Reading Time

28. Three For The Chair (1957)

Three For The Chair book cover

In Three For The Chair, renowned detective Nero Wolfe tackles three perplexing cases that push his deductive skills to the limit. Rex Stout serves up a thrilling collection of mysteries that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

  • πŸ“‡ 240 Pages
  • πŸ“ 60,000 - 72,000 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 8 Hours Reading Time

29. If Death Ever Slept (1957)

If Death Ever Slept book cover

In Rex Stout's captivating mystery novel, "If Death Ever Slept," renowned detective Nero Wolfe is faced with his most perplexing case yet, where a missing millionaire and a trail of deceit lead to a thrilling showdown with the ultimate test of Wolfe's intellect and resolve.

  • πŸ“‡ 208 Pages
  • πŸ“ 52,000 - 62,400 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 7 Hours Reading Time

30. And Four To Go (1958)

And Four To Go book cover

"And Four To Go" by Rex Stout is a riveting collection of four intriguing mysteries featuring the ingenious detective duo, Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin. Follow them as they untangle complex puzzles and engage in fierce battles of wits that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

  • πŸ“‡ 240 Pages
  • πŸ“ 60,000 - 72,000 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 8 Hours Reading Time

31. Champagne For One (1958)

Champagne For One book cover

In Rex Stout's "Champagne For One," detective Nero Wolfe is baffled by the sudden death of a glamorous and young socialite during a high-profile dinner, eventually unearthing a web of scandal, secrets, and lies. A classic mystery that keeps readers guessing till the very end.

  • πŸ“‡ 152 Pages
  • πŸ“ 38,000 - 45,600 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 5 Hours Reading Time

32. Plot It Yourself (1959)

Plot It Yourself book cover

In "Plot It Yourself" by Rex Stout, legendary detective Nero Wolfe delves into a twisted case involving murder, blackmail, and a nefarious plot targeting the world of publishing. Can Wolfe solve the puzzle before the final page turns?

  • πŸ“‡ 170 Pages
  • πŸ“ 42,500 - 51,000 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 6 Hours Reading Time

33. Three At Wolfe's Door (1960)

Three At Wolfe's Door book cover

In "Three At Wolfe's Door" by Rex Stout, private detective Nero Wolfe and his trusted assistant Archie Goodwin tackle three perplexing cases that lead them to the heart of dangerous secrets and high-stakes mysteries.

  • πŸ“‡ 226 Pages
  • πŸ“ 56,500 - 67,800 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 8 Hours Reading Time

34. Too Many Clients (1960)

Too Many Clients book cover

In "Too Many Clients" by Rex Stout, acclaimed detective Nero Wolfe must navigate the tangled web of a high-profile murder case while juggling a myriad of demanding and eccentric clients. Will Wolfe's powers of deduction be enough to untangle this complex mystery?

  • πŸ“‡ 170 Pages
  • πŸ“ 42,500 - 51,000 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 6 Hours Reading Time

35. The Final Deduction (1961)

The Final Deduction book cover

In Rex Stout's mesmerizing mystery, "The Final Deduction," detective genius Nero Wolfe finds himself entangled in a puzzling case involving a baffling murder, a charismatic socialite, and a web of secrets. Unravel the truth and witness Wolfe's brilliant deductions in this gripping tale.

  • πŸ“‡ 144 Pages
  • πŸ“ 36,000 - 43,200 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 5 Hours Reading Time

36. Homicide Trinity (1962)

Homicide Trinity book cover

In "Homicide Trinity" by Rex Stout, legendary detective Nero Wolfe finds himself solving three intriguing murder cases. As the elegant and astute Wolfe tackles the seemingly impossible, readers are plunged into a world of mystery, wit, and captivating storytelling.

  • πŸ“‡ 224 Pages
  • πŸ“ 56,000 - 67,200 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 7 Hours Reading Time

37. Gambit (1962)

Gambit book cover

"Gambit", written by Rex Stout, takes readers on a thrilling journey of deception and strategy as detective Nero Wolfe finds himself entangled in a deadly game with a mysterious adversary, leaving no stone unturned in the quest for justice.

  • πŸ“‡ 179 Pages
  • πŸ“ 44,750 - 53,700 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 6 Hours Reading Time

38. The Mother Hunt (1963)

The Mother Hunt book cover

In Rex Stout's thrilling detective novel, The Mother Hunt, the legendary detective Nero Wolfe is summoned to uncover a hidden truth about a missing woman and a long-lost daughter, setting off a chain of dangerous events that challenge both his wit and investigative skills.

  • πŸ“‡ 224 Pages
  • πŸ“ 56,000 - 67,200 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 7 Hours Reading Time

39. Trio For Blunt Instruments (1963)

Trio For Blunt Instruments book cover

In "Trio For Blunt Instruments" by Rex Stout, master detective Nero Wolfe and his trusty sidekick Archie Goodwin take on three perplexing cases involving blackmail, art forgery, and murder. Prepare for a thrilling journey into the depths of the human psyche.

  • πŸ“‡ 208 Pages
  • πŸ“ 52,000 - 62,400 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 7 Hours Reading Time

40. A Right To Die (1964)

A Right To Die book cover

In "A Right To Die" by Rex Stout, detective Nero Wolfe investigates the mysterious death of a wealthy woman. As he delves into the dark secrets of the social elite, Wolfe must unravel a tangled web of deceit and betrayal to uncover the truth.

  • πŸ“‡ 136 Pages
  • πŸ“ 34,000 - 40,800 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 5 Hours Reading Time

41. The Doorbell Rang (1965)

The Doorbell Rang book cover

In Rex Stout's "The Doorbell Rang," the indomitable detective duo Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin find themselves entangled in a murky investigation when a powerful millionaire attempts to silence them for daring to challenge the FBI's overreaching surveillance tactics.

  • πŸ“‡ 192 Pages
  • πŸ“ 48,000 - 57,600 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 6 Hours Reading Time

42. Death Of A Doxy (1966)

Death Of A Doxy book cover

In "Death Of A Doxy" by Rex Stout, the brilliant detective Nero Wolfe is faced with a perplexing murder case involving a scandalous escort. With his trusted sidekick Archie Goodwin, Wolfe must unravel a web of deceit and secrets to reveal the killer's identity.

  • πŸ“‡ 192 Pages
  • πŸ“ 48,000 - 57,600 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 6 Hours Reading Time

43. The Father Hunt (1968)

The Father Hunt book cover

In The Father Hunt, Rex Stout takes readers on a thrilling journey as renowned detective Nero Wolfe delves into a case of missing heirs, betrayal, and deception, testing his sharp intellect and unorthodox methods in one of his most intriguing investigations yet.

  • πŸ“‡ 208 Pages
  • πŸ“ 52,000 - 62,400 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 7 Hours Reading Time

44. Death Of A Dude (1969)

Death Of A Dude book cover

In Rex Stout's "Death of a Dude," the indomitable detective Nero Wolfe retreats to the Montana ranch where an impending murder forces him out of his comfort zone, challenging him to solve the case amidst picturesque landscapes and complex family dynamics.

  • πŸ“‡ 204 Pages
  • πŸ“ 51,000 - 61,200 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 7 Hours Reading Time

45. Please Pass The Guilt (1973)

Please Pass The Guilt book cover

In Rex Stout's "Please Pass The Guilt," detective Nero Wolfe is at his finest as he confronts a tangled web of secrets and deception, uncovering the truth behind a heinous crime. Full of razor-sharp wit and brilliant deduction, this mystery will keep you hooked till the very end.

  • πŸ“‡ 176 Pages
  • πŸ“ 44,000 - 52,800 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 6 Hours Reading Time

46. A Family Affair (1975)

A Family Affair book cover

In Rex Stout's "A Family Affair," legendary detective Nero Wolfe unravels a complex web of family secrets and hidden agendas when he investigates the sudden death of a wealthy businessman's wife. Trust, loyalty, and manipulation collide in this gripping tale of murder and deception.

  • πŸ“‡ 181 Pages
  • πŸ“ 45,250 - 54,300 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 6 Hours Reading Time

47. Death Times Three (1985)

Death Times Three book cover

In "Death Times Three" by Rex Stout, iconic detective Nero Wolfe and his able assistant, Archie Goodwin, tackle three gripping murder mysteries that push their deductive skills to the limit. A must-read for fans of thrilling whodunits and Wolfe's eccentric brilliance.

  • πŸ“‡ 254 Pages
  • πŸ“ 63,500 - 76,200 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 8 Hours Reading Time

48. The Missing Heiress (2023)

The Missing Heiress book cover

"sir. Jonathan Swift wrote that β€˜flattery’s the food of fools,’ and you are by no means."

In "The Missing Heiress," Rex Stout sends Nero Wolfe into a new installment that has to be read after the earlier books. What starts as a favor becomes a hunt, and walking away stops being a real choice.

  • πŸ“‡ 223 Pages
  • πŸ“ 55,750 - 66,900 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 7 Hours Reading Time

49. The White Mountain (2025)

The White Mountain book cover

"If one is seeking reasons for disloyalty, it is useful to find something one can resent."

In "The White Mountain," Rex Stout sends Nero Wolfe into a new installment that has to be read after the earlier books. Friends, suspects, and unfinished business collide before the case will close.

  • πŸ“‡ 195 Pages
  • πŸ“ 48,750 - 58,500 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 7 Hours Reading Time