Death Times Three
In Death Times Three, Archie Goodwin has his hands full when three baffling murders make him the recipient of a poisonous lunch, the fall guy for a beautiful woman, and the target of the U.S. Federal Government.
Contains:
- Bitter End
- Frame-Up for Murder
- Assault on a Brownstone
Bitter End
The eccentric detective Nero Wolfe discovers that someone tampered with a jar of expensive gourmet pâté. Outraged by this direct assault on his refined palate, Wolfe immediately vows to find the culprit. Fortunately, a young woman named Amy Duncan arrives at the brownstone shortly after the incident. She represents her uncle’s food company, Tingley’s Tidbits, which manufactures the affected product. Therefore, she officially hires the famous detective team to investigate the mysterious corporate sabotage.
The investigation focuses on a small circle of key executives and suspicious business associates. Furthermore, tension rises within the company due to secret takeover bids from a rival firm. Unfortunately, the situation escalates dramatically when Arthur Tingley is found murdered inside his private office. To make matters worse, Archie discovers Miss Duncan unconscious right at the crime scene. As a result, the local police quickly consider the young client as their primary murder suspect.
Wolfe must act decisively to clear his client and solve the violent crime. Consequently, Archie gathers critical intelligence about the internal rivalries and secret financial deals. Subsequently, the detectives analyze the hidden motives of the competing vice president and the mysterious banker. Wolfe arranges a tense confrontation in his office to expose the true murderer. Ultimately, the brilliant investigator restores justice and protects the integrity of his beloved culinary world.
Note: re-working of Stout’s Tecumseh Fox book, Bad for Business
Assault on a Brownstone
This rare narrative is the original early version of the famous story Counterfeit for Murder (included in Spain as Todo falso menos el crimen in Trío de asesinatos). Biographer John McAleer edited and published this unique draft within the collection Death Times Three in 1985. However, this preliminary text features dramatic plot differences from the final revised story. Most notably, the eccentric character Hattie Annis becomes the tragic murder victim early in the plot.
Frame-Up for Murder
Flora Gallant seeks urgent help from Nero Wolfe to assist her brother Alec. The talented man is currently a leading fashion designer in New York City. However, an intriguing woman named Bianca Voss holds an unhealthy level of influence over him. Therefore, Flora fears for the overall future of her family’s renowned couture business. She formally hires the detective team to investigate this dangerous manipulation and protect her brother.
Archie Goodwin initiates the preliminary background check by contacting Bianca Voss via telephone. Suddenly, Wolfe and Archie hear the violent murder of the woman through the receiver. As a result, the investigation immediately transforms into an urgent homicide case for the team. However, the exact timing of the victim’s death creates major complications for the police. Consequently, Wolfe suspects that the clever killer cleverly staged a fake phone call.
This expanded investigation forces Archie to dig deeper into the competitive Manhattan fashion world. Furthermore, the detectives examine complex commercial rivalries and hidden personal secrets among the staff. Subsequently, Archie gathers vital physical evidence while navigating a labyrinth of conflicting testimonies. Wolfe eventually orchestrates a masterclass interrogation in his office to trap the real perpetrator. Ultimately, the detective exposes the elaborate deception and solves the high-stakes crime.
Note: rewritten and more extensive version of the short story Murder is no Joke
Serie: Nero Wolfe; 47
Editorial: Bantam
Año: 2010
ISBN 9780307755889