Stout, Rex – Nero Wolfe 25 – Before Midnight
Looking for a captivating detective story?
Before Midnight: A Literary Review dives deep into the captivating world of Rex Stout’s famous detective, Nero Wolfe.
Step into the shoes of the brilliant detective and his loyal sidekick, Archie Goodwin, as they unravel a complex and gripping mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final page.
“Stout’s masterful storytelling and attention to detail make Before Midnight a must-read for fans of the genre.”
With its intricate plot twists and unforgettable characters, this novel will leave you guessing until the very end.
Don’t miss out on this thrilling literary experience!
About the Book
Before Midnight is the twenty-fifth installment in the popular Nero Wolfe mystery series by Rex Stout. This captivating novel takes readers on another thrilling adventure alongside the brilliant detective, Nero Wolfe, and his loyal assistant, Archie Goodwin.
In Before Midnight, Wolfe is approached by a wealthy socialite who believes her life is in danger. As Wolfe and Goodwin delve into the case, they uncover a web of deception, secrets, and unexpected twists. This page-turning mystery will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Rex Stout’s mastery of the mystery genre shines through in Before Midnight. Through his clever writing style, intriguing characters, and intricate plot, Stout creates an engaging and suspenseful story that will captivate fans of crime fiction.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Nero Wolfe series or new to the world of Rex Stout’s mysteries, Before Midnight is a must-read. Join Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin as they unravel yet another puzzling case, and prepare to be transported into a world of intrigue, suspense, and unforgettable characters.
Overview of the Plot
The novel “Before Midnight” by Rex Stout is a thrilling detective story featuring the renowned detective Nero Wolfe and his assistant, Archie Goodwin. The story takes place in New York City and revolves around the murder of a famous novelist, Jared Frost.
The Crime
- Before his death, Frost had received a series of threatening letters, warning him to stop writing or face dire consequences.
- On a stormy night, the lights go out in Frost’s apartment building, and he is found dead in his study.
- Homicide detective Saul Panzer is called to the scene but is unable to find any substantial evidence or leads.
The Investigation
- Feeling personally challenged, Nero Wolfe takes on the case and invites all the potential suspects to his brownstone.
- Wolfe, known for his intellectual prowess and deductive reasoning, interviews each suspect, carefully examining their alibis and motives.
- Archie Goodwin, Wolfe’s loyal assistant, works tirelessly to gather additional evidence and clues.
The Suspects
- Emily Frost: Jared’s beautiful but enigmatic wife, who seems to be hiding something.
- Roger Frost: Jared’s younger brother, who resents Jared’s success and wealth.
- Helen Frost: Jared’s eccentric mother, who disapproves of his lifestyle and writing.
- Stanley Reed: Jared’s ambitious literary agent, desperate to keep Jared’s books selling.
- Gregory Jett: A rival author who feels threatened by Jared’s talent.
- Amelia Deeping: Jared’s loyal secretary, always at his side.
The Unraveling
As the investigation proceeds, Wolfe uncovers a web of deceit, jealousy, and hidden secrets among the suspects. With the help of Archie’s legwork and his own brilliant deductions, Wolfe finally reveals the identity of the killer before midnight, bringing justice to the victim and closure to the case.
Conclusion
“Before Midnight” is a gripping and intricate detective novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Rex Stout masterfully weaves together a complex plot, intriguing characters, and unexpected twists, making it a must-read for fans of crime fiction.
Review of the Novel
In the novel “Before Midnight” by Rex Stout, readers are once again transported into the intriguing world of the brilliant detective Nero Wolfe and his loyal assistant Archie Goodwin. Set in New York City during the 1940s, this murder mystery captivates readers with its clever plot and compelling characters.
Engaging Storyline
The novel starts with a mysterious phone call in the middle of the night, drawing Wolfe and Goodwin into a web of deception and murder. As they dig deeper into the case, they uncover a tangled web of secrets, lies, and long-held grudges. The story is expertly crafted, keeping readers guessing until the very end.
Complex Characters
Nero Wolfe is a larger-than-life detective, known for his genius intellect and unconventional methods. With his vast knowledge and sharp wit, he navigates the darkest corners of society to solve crimes. Archie Goodwin, on the other hand, provides the perfect balance to Wolfe’s eccentricity with his street smarts and charm.
Throughout the novel, the interactions between Wolfe, Goodwin, and the other characters are richly developed, adding depth to the story. Each character has their own unique personality and motivations, which adds an extra layer of complexity to the plot.
Atmospheric Setting
Rex Stout expertly transports readers to 1940s New York City, with its bustling streets, lavish parties, and smoky jazz clubs. The vivid descriptions of the city and its inhabitants create a rich and immersive reading experience.
Final Thoughts
“Before Midnight” is a captivating murder mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. With its engaging storyline, complex characters, and atmospheric setting, it is a must-read for fans of the genre. Rex Stout once again proves why he is considered one of the best mystery writers of his time.
Character Development and Writing Style
Rich and complex characters
The novel “Before Midnight” by Rex Stout showcases the author’s exceptional talent for creating rich and complex characters. The main protagonist, Nero Wolfe, is a charismatic detective with a sharp intellect and a larger-than-life personality. Wolfe’s idiosyncrasies and quirks make him a memorable character that readers can’t help but be captivated by.
Stout’s skill in character development extends beyond the main character. The supporting cast, including Wolfe’s assistant Archie Goodwin and a cast of suspects, are equally well-developed. Each character has their own unique traits and motivations, making the story even more engaging.
Engaging writing style
Stout’s writing style is both engaging and immersive. He uses vivid descriptions and clever dialogues to bring the story and its characters to life. The prose is well-crafted, making it easy for the readers to get lost in the world of Nero Wolfe.
A notable aspect of Stout’s writing style is his ability to create suspense and keep readers guessing until the very end. The plot twists and turns, keeping readers on their toes and eagerly flipping through the pages to uncover the truth.
Intricate plot and pacing
The intricate plot of “Before Midnight” is masterfully woven, keeping readers intrigued from start to finish. Stout carefully constructs the mystery, leaving breadcrumbs for the readers to follow along as they try to solve the case alongside Nero Wolfe.
The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, with moments of tension and action interspersed with quieter, introspective scenes. This keeps the readers engaged and invested in the story, while also allowing them to delve deeper into the minds of the characters.
Overall, “Before Midnight” showcases Rex Stout’s exceptional talent for character development and his engaging writing style. The complex characters, immersive prose, and well-crafted plot make this novel a must-read for fans of detective fiction.
What genre is “Before Midnight: A Literary Review”?
“Before Midnight: A Literary Review” is a detective novel.
Is “Before Midnight: A Literary Review” written by Rex Stout?
Yes, “Before Midnight: A Literary Review” is written by Rex Stout.
Is “Before Midnight: A Literary Review” part of the Nero Wolfe series?
No, “Before Midnight: A Literary Review” is not part of the Nero Wolfe series. It is a standalone book.
What is the main plot of “Before Midnight: A Literary Review”?
“Before Midnight: A Literary Review” follows the story of a detective solving a murder mystery at a literary magazine.
How many pages does “Before Midnight: A Literary Review” have?
“Before Midnight: A Literary Review” has 320 pages.
What is the plot of “Before Midnight: A Literary Review”?
“Before Midnight: A Literary Review” is a novel by Rex Stout and it is the 25th book in the Nero Wolfe series. The book follows private detective Nero Wolfe and his assistant Archie Goodwin as they investigate a murder that takes place at a literary gathering.
Is “Before Midnight: A Literary Review” a standalone book or part of a series?
“Before Midnight: A Literary Review” is part of the Nero Wolfe series by Rex Stout.
Who are the main characters in “Before Midnight: A Literary Review”?
The main characters in “Before Midnight: A Literary Review” are Nero Wolfe, a brilliant detective, and his assistant Archie Goodwin.
What is the overall reception of “Before Midnight: A Literary Review”?
“Before Midnight: A Literary Review” has generally positive reviews from readers. Many praise the intricate plot and the well-developed characters.