As a long-time fan of detective fiction, I’ve always had a soft spot for the eccentric genius Nero Wolfe and his quick-witted assistant, Archie Goodwin. So when I stumbled upon “Trio for Blunt Instruments” by Rex Stout at a quaint little bookshop in London last week, I couldn’t resist adding it to my collection. The promise of three Nero Wolfe novellas in one volume was too tempting to pass up, especially on a rainy afternoon perfect for curling up with a good mystery.
From the moment I cracked open the book, I was transported back to the familiar world of 1960s New York City, with its vibrant characters and intricate puzzles. The collection features three stories: “Kill Now—Pay Later,” “Murder Is Corny,” and “Blood Will Tell,” each revolving around murders committed with blunt instruments. As I delved into the first story, I was immediately struck by Stout’s ability to weave complex plots with seemingly simple objects at their core.
One of the strengths of this collection lies in the dynamic between Wolfe and Goodwin. Their banter never fails to bring a smile to my face, and in “Trio for Blunt Instruments,” it’s as sharp and entertaining as ever. I found myself chuckling at Archie’s witty remarks and Wolfe’s curmudgeonly responses, which serve as a perfect counterpoint to the serious nature of the crimes they’re investigating.
However, I must admit that not all three stories are created equal. While “Blood Will Tell” stands out as a particularly engaging and well-crafted mystery, I found “Murder Is Corny” to be a bit predictable in comparison. That being said, even a less-than-stellar Nero Wolfe story is still a cut above most detective fiction, in my opinion.
One passage that stuck with me comes from “Blood Will Tell,” where Wolfe muses on the nature of evidence: “Facts are facts and will not disappear on account of your likes.” This simple yet profound statement encapsulates what I love about Wolfe’s approach to solving crimes – his unwavering commitment to logic and reason, no matter how inconvenient the truth may be.
Stout’s writing style in this collection is, as always, a joy to read. His prose is crisp and efficient, yet he manages to paint vivid pictures of both characters and settings with just a few well-chosen words. I particularly appreciate how he uses dialogue to reveal character, allowing the reader to piece together personalities and motivations through conversations rather than lengthy descriptions.
Reading “Trio for Blunt Instruments” reminded me of why I fell in love with mystery novels in the first place. There’s something deeply satisfying about following the clues alongside the detectives, trying to piece together the puzzle before the big reveal. It’s a mental exercise that I find both challenging and rewarding, and Stout’s stories provide the perfect playground for this kind of intellectual engagement.
One thing that struck me while reading this collection is how timeless the Nero Wolfe stories feel, despite being set in a specific era. The themes of greed, jealousy, and the human capacity for both good and evil are as relevant today as they were when Stout first penned these tales. It’s a testament to his skill as a writer that these stories continue to resonate with readers decades after their initial publication.
I’d wholeheartedly recommend “Trio for Blunt Instruments” to both longtime Nero Wolfe fans and newcomers to the series. For those already familiar with Wolfe and Goodwin, it’s a chance to revisit old friends and enjoy more of their adventures. For newcomers, it’s an excellent introduction to Stout’s world, offering a taste of his writing style and the unique charm of his characters.
That said, I’d caution readers not to expect groundbreaking literary fiction. These are comfort reads – well-crafted, entertaining mysteries that provide a few hours of escapism and mental stimulation. If you’re looking for deep philosophical musings or avant-garde prose, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you’re in the mood for clever puzzles, witty dialogue, and the company of one of detective fiction’s most iconic duos, “Trio for Blunt Instruments” is just the ticket.
As I closed the book after finishing the final story, I found myself already looking forward to my next Nero Wolfe adventure. There’s something comforting about knowing that no matter how complex the case, Wolfe’s brilliant mind (and Archie’s legwork) will eventually bring the culprit to justice. In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, these stories offer a reassuring sense of order and resolution.
In conclusion, “Trio for Blunt Instruments” may not be Rex Stout’s magnum opus, but it’s a solid addition to the Nero Wolfe canon. It’s reminded me why I keep coming back to these characters and their world, and why I’ll continue to recommend them to anyone who asks me for a good mystery read. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll pour myself a glass of beer and start rereading “Blood Will Tell” – after all, as Nero Wolfe would surely agree, a good mystery is always worth a second look.