R

Rex Stout

Bestselling Author • 7 Series • 83 Books

7
Series
83
Books
7
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books
Start with: Fer-de-Lance / Meet Nero Wolfe (1934)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Nero Wolfe Short Stories/Novellas
Start with: Disguise for Murder / The Twisted Scarf (1950)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Tecumseh Fox Books
Start with: Double for Death (1939)

About Rex Stout

Rex Stout was a popular American author who used to write crime novels based on the mystery and thriller genres. He was born on December 1, 1886 in Noblesville, Indiana, United States. His full name was Rex Todhunter Stout, but he used the shortened form of his name for writing his popular novels. Rex is particularly famous for creating the fictional character of detective Nero Wolfe. The series featuring this character has been described as the largest mystery convention of the world and it was nominated for the Best Mystery Series of the Century award in the year 2000 as well as Rex was nominated for an award in the best mystery writer category. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books series, Rex Stout has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Rex Stout

Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books
47 books 1934–1985
1

Fer-de-Lance / Meet Nero Wolfe

Fer-de-Lance / Meet Nero Wolfe continues the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books story arc with Rex Stout's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1934
2

The League of Frightened Men

The League of Frightened Men continues the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books story arc with Rex Stout's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1935
3

The Rubber Band / To Kill Again

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Rubber Band / To Kill Again as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books series showcases Rex Stout's mastery of suspense.

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1936
4

The Red Box / Case of the Red Box

The Red Box / Case of the Red Box is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rex Stout have come to expect.

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1937
5

Too Many Cooks

Too Many Cooks continues the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books story arc with Rex Stout's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1938
6

Some Buried Caesar / The Red Bull

Some Buried Caesar / The Red Bull is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rex Stout have come to expect.

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1939
7

Over My Dead Body

A gripping mystery unfolds in Over My Dead Body as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books series showcases Rex Stout's mastery of suspense.

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1940
8

Where There's a Will

Where There's a Will is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rex Stout have come to expect.

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1940
9

Black Orchids

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books with Black Orchids, another outstanding contribution from Rex Stout.

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1942
10

Not Quite Dead Enough

A gripping mystery unfolds in Not Quite Dead Enough as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books series showcases Rex Stout's mastery of suspense.

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1944
11

The Silent Speaker

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books with The Silent Speaker, another outstanding contribution from Rex Stout.

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1946
12

Too Many Women

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books with Too Many Women, another outstanding contribution from Rex Stout.

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1947
13

And Be a Villain / More Deaths Than One

A gripping mystery unfolds in And Be a Villain / More Deaths Than One as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books series showcases Rex Stout's mastery of suspense.

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1948
14

Trouble in Triplicate

Trouble in Triplicate continues the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books story arc with Rex Stout's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1949
15

The Second Confession

The Second Confession continues the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books story arc with Rex Stout's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1949
16

Even in the Best Families / In the Best Families

Even in the Best Families / In the Best Families continues the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books story arc with Rex Stout's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1950
17

Three Doors to Death / Door to Death

A gripping mystery unfolds in Three Doors to Death / Door to Death as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books series showcases Rex Stout's mastery of suspense.

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1950
18

Curtains for Three

Curtains for Three continues the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books story arc with Rex Stout's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1951
19

Murder by the Book

A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder by the Book as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books series showcases Rex Stout's mastery of suspense.

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1951
20

Prisoner's Base / Out She Goes

Prisoner's Base / Out She Goes is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rex Stout have come to expect.

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1952
21

Triple Jeopardy

Triple Jeopardy continues the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books story arc with Rex Stout's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1952
22

The Golden Spiders

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books with The Golden Spiders, another outstanding contribution from Rex Stout.

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1953
23

The Black Mountain

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books with The Black Mountain, another outstanding contribution from Rex Stout.

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1954
24

Three Men Out

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books with Three Men Out, another outstanding contribution from Rex Stout.

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1954
25

Before Midnight

Before Midnight is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rex Stout have come to expect.

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1955
26

Might as Well Be Dead

A gripping mystery unfolds in Might as Well Be Dead as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books series showcases Rex Stout's mastery of suspense.

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1956
27

Three Witnesses

Three Witnesses is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rex Stout have come to expect.

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1956
28

If Death Ever Slept

A gripping mystery unfolds in If Death Ever Slept as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books series showcases Rex Stout's mastery of suspense.

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1957
29

Three for the Chair

Three for the Chair continues the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books story arc with Rex Stout's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1957
30

And Four to Go / Crime and Again

The investigation intensifies in And Four to Go / Crime and Again, as this installment of the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Rex Stout's creation.

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1958
31

Champagne for One

Champagne for One continues the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books story arc with Rex Stout's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1958
32

Plot it Yourself / Murder in Style

A gripping mystery unfolds in Plot it Yourself / Murder in Style as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books series showcases Rex Stout's mastery of suspense.

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1959
33

Three at Wolfe's Door

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books with Three at Wolfe's Door, another outstanding contribution from Rex Stout.

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1960
34

Too Many Clients

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books with Too Many Clients, another outstanding contribution from Rex Stout.

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1960
35

The Final Deduction

The Final Deduction continues the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books story arc with Rex Stout's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1961
36

Homicide Trinity

Homicide Trinity is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rex Stout have come to expect.

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1962
37

Gambit

Gambit is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rex Stout have come to expect.

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1962
38

The Mother Hunt

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books with The Mother Hunt, another outstanding contribution from Rex Stout.

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1963
39

Trio for Blunt Instruments

Trio for Blunt Instruments is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rex Stout have come to expect.

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1964
40

A Right to Die

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books with A Right to Die, another outstanding contribution from Rex Stout.

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1964
41

The Doorbell Rang

The Doorbell Rang continues the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books story arc with Rex Stout's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1965
42

Death of a Doxy

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death of a Doxy as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books series showcases Rex Stout's mastery of suspense.

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1966
43

The Father Hunt

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books with The Father Hunt, another outstanding contribution from Rex Stout.

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1968
44

Death of a Dude

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death of a Dude as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books series showcases Rex Stout's mastery of suspense.

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1969
45

Please Pass The Guilt

Please Pass The Guilt is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rex Stout have come to expect.

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1973
46

A Family Affair

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books with A Family Affair, another outstanding contribution from Rex Stout.

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1975
47

Death Times Three

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death Times Three as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books series showcases Rex Stout's mastery of suspense.

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1985
Publication Order of Nero Wolfe Short Stories/Novellas
6 books 1950–2015
1

Disguise for Murder / The Twisted Scarf

A gripping mystery unfolds in Disguise for Murder / The Twisted Scarf as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe Short Stories/Novellas series showcases Rex Stout's mastery of suspense.

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1950
2

Bitter End

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Nero Wolfe Short Stories/Novellas with Bitter End, another outstanding contribution from Rex Stout.

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1997
3

Booby Trap

Booby Trap continues the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Rex Stout's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2013
4

Cordially Invited to Meet Death

A gripping mystery unfolds in Cordially Invited to Meet Death as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe Short Stories/Novellas series showcases Rex Stout's mastery of suspense.

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2014
5

The Last Drive: And Other Stories

The Last Drive: And Other Stories continues the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Rex Stout's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2015
6

Eeny, Meeny, Miney, Mo, and FLO! / Eeny Meeny Murder Mo

A gripping mystery unfolds in Eeny, Meeny, Miney, Mo, and FLO! / Eeny Meeny Murder Mo as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe Short Stories/Novellas series showcases Rex Stout's mastery of suspense.

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2015
Publication Order of Tecumseh Fox Books
3 books 1939–1941
1

Double for Death

A gripping mystery unfolds in Double for Death as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Tecumseh Fox Books series showcases Rex Stout's mastery of suspense.

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1939
2

Bad for Business

Bad for Business is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Tecumseh Fox Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rex Stout have come to expect.

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1940
3

The Broken Vase

The Broken Vase continues the Publication Order of Tecumseh Fox Books story arc with Rex Stout's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1941
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
15 books 1913–1941
1

Her Forbidden Knight

Her Forbidden Knight is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rex Stout have come to expect.

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1913
2

Under the Andes

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Under the Andes, another outstanding contribution from Rex Stout.

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1914
3

A Prize for Princes

A Prize for Princes is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rex Stout have come to expect.

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1914
4

The Great Legend

The Great Legend is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rex Stout have come to expect.

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1916
5

How Like a God

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with How Like a God, another outstanding contribution from Rex Stout.

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1929
6

Seed on the Wind

Seed on the Wind continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Rex Stout's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1930
7

Golden Remedy

Golden Remedy is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rex Stout have come to expect.

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1931
8

Forest Fire

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Forest Fire, another outstanding contribution from Rex Stout.

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1933
9

The President Vanishes

The President Vanishes is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rex Stout have come to expect.

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1934
10

O Careless Love!

O Careless Love! explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series by Rex Stout.

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1935
11

The Hand in the Glove / Crime on Her Hands

The Hand in the Glove / Crime on Her Hands explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series by Rex Stout.

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1937
12

Mr. Cinderella

Mr. Cinderella is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rex Stout have come to expect.

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1939
13

The Mountain Cat Murders / The Mountain Cat

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Mountain Cat Murders / The Mountain Cat as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Rex Stout's mastery of suspense.

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1939
14

Red Threads

Red Threads is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rex Stout have come to expect.

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1939
15

The Sound of Murder / Alphabet Hicks

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Sound of Murder / Alphabet Hicks as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Rex Stout's mastery of suspense.

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1941
Publication Order of Short Story Collections
4 books 1977–2000
1

Corsage

Corsage continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Rex Stout's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1977
2

Justice Ends At Home and Other Stories

Justice Ends At Home and Other Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rex Stout have come to expect.

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1977
3

Target Practice

Target Practice continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Rex Stout's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1997
4

An Officer and a Lady and Other Stories

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with An Officer and a Lady and Other Stories, another outstanding contribution from Rex Stout.

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2000
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
1 books 1969–1969
1

The Nero Wolfe Cookbook

The Nero Wolfe Cookbook is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rex Stout have come to expect.

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1969
Publication Order of Anthologies
7 books 1954–2002
1

Nero Wolfe Mystery Magazine Volume 1 Number 1, January 1954

Nero Wolfe Mystery Magazine Volume 1 Number 1, January 1954 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Rex Stout's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1954
2

Murder for Christmas

A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder for Christmas as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Rex Stout's mastery of suspense.

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1987
3

Hound Dunnit

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Hound Dunnit, another outstanding contribution from Rex Stout.

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1989
4

Canine Crimes

The investigation intensifies in Canine Crimes, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Rex Stout's creation.

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1993
5

The Oxford Book of American Detective Stories

The investigation intensifies in The Oxford Book of American Detective Stories, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Rex Stout's creation.

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1996
6

A Century of Great Suspense Stories

A Century of Great Suspense Stories continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Rex Stout's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2001
7

Murder Most Merry

A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder Most Merry as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Rex Stout's mastery of suspense.

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2002

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Rex Stout?

Rex Stout is a bestselling author known for 7 book series containing over 83 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books, Publication Order of Nero Wolfe Short Stories/Novellas, Publication Order of Tecumseh Fox Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Rex Stout series to start with?

For readers new to Rex Stout's work, the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 47 books. Begin with Fer-de-Lance / Meet Nero Wolfe to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Rex Stout written?

Rex Stout has written over 83 books across 7 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Rex Stout books in order?

Yes, reading Rex Stout's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Rex Stout write in?

Rex Stout writes primarily in fiction. With 7 series across 83 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Rex Stout's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Rex Stout's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Rex Stout's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Rex Stout's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout Books series. The first book, Fer-de-Lance / Meet Nero Wolfe, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.