And Four to Go
And Four to Go contains four short stories:
- Murder is No Joke
- Fourth of July Picnic
- Easter Parade
- Christmas Party
Murder is No Joke
Flora Gallant visits Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin to ask for urgent professional help. Her brother Alec is a famous and highly talented fashion designer in New York City. However, a mysterious woman named Bianca Voss currently holds an unsettling control over him. Therefore, Flora fears for the financial stability and reputation of the family business. She asks the famous detective team to break this dangerous influence immediately.
During the initial investigation, Archie Goodwin contacts a relevant party via telephone. Suddenly, Wolfe and Archie hear the disturbing sound of a murder happening through the receiver. As a result, the situation transforms into an urgent criminal case for the detectives. However, the exact timing of the victim’s death creates serious doubts for the investigators. Consequently, Wolfe suspects that the clever killer intentionally staged a fake phone call.
The eccentric detective must unravel this deceptive auditory illusion to find the truth. Furthermore, Wolfe analyzes the complex relationships within the competitive fashion industry. Subsequently, Archie gathers critical evidence from the primary suspects in the city. Eventually, Wolfe arranges one of his famous office confrontations to trap the murderer. Ultimately, the detective exposes the deadly plot behind the staged crime.
Fourth of July Picnic
In Fourth of July Picnic, the famous detective Nero Wolfe rarely leaves his comfortable Manhattan brownstone for business matters. However, his close friend Marko Vukic occasionally manages to break this strict personal rule. On this occasion, Wolfe reluctantly agrees to attend a major outdoor culinary event in Long Island. Specifically, he promises to deliver an important speech at the annual union picnic. In return, the organizers must stop harassing his personal chef, Fritz Brenner, to join their organization.
Unfortunately, the peaceful holiday celebration quickly turns into a complicated criminal investigation. Shortly after Wolfe finishes his speech, a prominent union official is found stabbed to death behind the main tent. As a result, the local police force immediately targets one of Wolfe’s acquaintances as the primary suspect. Therefore, the reluctant detective must intervene to protect an innocent man from wrongful prosecution.
Wolfe and Archie Goodwin begin interviewing the diverse group of restaurant workers at the picnic. Furthermore, the detectives examine internal rivalries and financial disputes within the union leadership. Subsequently, Archie gathers crucial physical evidence despite the chaotic outdoor environment. Eventually, Wolfe uses his sharp deductive skills to identify the real motive behind the murder. Ultimately, the investigator exposes the true killer before returning to his quiet home.
Easter Parade
The eccentric detective Nero Wolfe learns a fascinating rumor through his personal gardener. A wealthy collector named Millard Bynoe has successfully bred a rare pink Vanda orchid. However, the proud owner refuses to display the unique flower to the public prematurely. Instead, Bynoe insists that his wife must wear a blossom during the famous Easter parade. Therefore, Wolfe experiences an overwhelming urge of orchid envy to obtain this botanical treasure.
To fulfill his desire, Wolfe orders Archie Goodwin to execute a risky clandestine plan. Archie hires a small-time thief to steal the valuable blossom during the busy street parade. Furthermore, the operative uses the chaotic crowd of photographers as an effective cover. Unfortunately, the strategic theft coincides with a sudden and horrific crime on Fifth Avenue. Someone poisons Mrs. Bynoe right in front of the surrounding onlookers.
Initial evidence suggests the killer used a fatal dart hidden inside a fake camera device. As a result, Archie finds himself unexpectedly caught near the scene of a high-profile homicide. Consequently, Wolfe must solve the murder to clear his assistant and secure his coveted orchid. Subsequently, the detective analyzes the complex family dynamic behind the Bynoe fortune. Ultimately, Wolfe identifies the clever assassin through his signature logical deduction.
Christmas Party
Archie Goodwin plans to enjoy a well-deserved day off from his demanding detective duties. However, Nero Wolfe abruptly orders his assistant to cancel all personal plans immediately. The eccentric detective needs Archie to drive him to Long Island for an urgent orchid meeting. Therefore, Archie invents a desperate excuse to protect his valuable free time. He shows Wolfe a fake marriage license and claims he must attend his fiancée’s holiday gathering.
The reluctant assistant arrives at the festive Christmas party in a Manhattan fashion office. Shortly after, a mysterious man dressed as Santa Claus serves drinks to the invited guests. Unfortunately, one of the prominent attendees drinks poisoned liquor and collapses on the floor. As a result, the cheerful celebration instantly turns into a tragic murder scene. Furthermore, the disguised killer escapes quietly before the arrival of the local police.
The situation becomes highly dangerous when suspicion falls directly on Archie’s alleged fiancée. Consequently, Archie must ask Nero Wolfe for immediate professional assistance to solve the case. Subsequently, the detectives investigate the complex financial ties within the fashion company. Wolfe conducts a meticulous examination of all party guests to identify the disguised killer. Ultimately, the detective reveals the truth behind the crime and Archie’s fake engagement.
Serie: Nero Wolfe; 30
Editorial: Bantam
Año: 1992
ISBN 9780553249859
Número OCLC 1348259888