Before Midnight Audiobook By Rex Stout cover art

Before Midnight

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Before Midnight

By: Rex Stout
Narrated by: Michael Prichard
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Cheaters never prosper, but Nero Wolfe encounters one who kills trying. At the Pour Amour perfume riddle contest, a million dollars goes to the contestant who can answer five questions. Someone doesn't like the heat of competition, so he murders the contest founder and steals the answers to the riddles. Now Wolfe has to sniff down a trail of clues that leads disturbingly close to home.Stout fellow: explore our list of Nero Wolfe mysteries, including novels and classic radio programs.©1955 Rex Stout (P)1995 Books on Tape Detective Mystery Suspense Thriller & Suspense Traditional Detectives Fiction Witty

Critic reviews

"It is always a treat to read a Nero Wolfe mystery. The man has entered our folklore." (The New York Times)
Ingenious Plots • Witty Writing • Stellar Narration • Clever Repartee • Humorous Moments • Perfect Reading
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A complicated plot with many threads expertly woven together. However, this very complexity weakens the pleasure of discovering the solution.

Complicated

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There are tons of priceless one-liners in this one, recited by Archie, Wolfe & even a couple by Cramer. You can just tell that Rex Stout was having a grand old time with this one. I have listened to this many times, as I have all the others. Ditto in terms of reading. And while I enjoy all of them, and some have better mysteries, better drawn characters, and other features which set them apart, this is one of the few where I find myself laughing out loud in multiple places every time I listen. And of course, Prichard does his usual stellar job.

You may not like him as a reader on other books. But when he reads Wolfe and Archie books, he is becomes something extraordinary. As an actor, you can tell he just loves these books. And he loves being Archie Goodwin, his greatest role, and one of he was born to play.

One of the funniest

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I love Rex Stout’s Nero Wolfe books, but not for their plots. In fact, I almost never remember who committed the murder - which allows me to read them over and over again. What I love about these books is the wit and style of the writing, and his wonderful characters - particularly Archie. (I would love to go out dancing with him, but wouldn’t dare anything more serious. He is the quintessential bachelor.) So I have been reading Stout for many years, and loved the wonderful Timothy Hutton TV series, but have never heard the books read aloud. I wasn’t sure about Michael Pritchard from the audio sample, but decided to trust the reviews. They were absolutely correct; I can’t imagine a better narration. The book is one of Stout’s best, and it is read perfectly. I can’t recommend this recording enough.

Wonderful writing, wonderfully performed

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This was a contest for a well versed reader, most likely an English major or more. A very large sum of money and prizes were being offered. Down to just a few contestants and the last five answers, a man is murdered who boasts he has the answers to the clues. Nero has been hired to straighten it all out! Nothing he does gives him a lead. What does he do? As always the reader is perfect for Nero and Archy. Rex Stout does it again!

Nero had no c!ue, almost appeared stymied?

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Would you believe Wolfe briefly leaves his office AND you get to learn more about the Archie Nero dynamics + Pearly Stebbings takes some of the lead? But don’t worry, Kramer (and Rocliff), Saul, Ori, Fred and another operative are along on the ride too. I say, enjoy!

Another good one!

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I have heard Michael Pritchard narrating many of the Nero Wolfe stories. He is marvelous both as Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin. His pacing and clear delineation of each character makes for an enjoyable experience. Rex Stout's art and clever repartee lets me listen more than once with equal satisfaction,

Michael Pritchard is Nero Wolfe

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This was the first Rex Stout audio book I've listened to. I'm not sure about Michael Prichard's reading; I'm about 3/4 of the way through this book, and I think his performance is growing on me.

I have read nearly all of the Nero Wolfe books, but this was my first foray into his audible books.

As others have noted, as good as the mysteries are, the real treat of the Nero Wolfe stories is the relationship between Archie and Nero, and this book is a pretty good showpiece for the relationship.

Enjoyable

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Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

In a rare twist this was not a Nero Wolfe that i had to finish all in one sitting. It was just the storyline a matter of taste not an opinion of writing or of Rex Stouts craft. It was well written.

Any additional comments?

The Narration and Technical aspects were perfect. And the Voicing was of the best quality.

Wonderfully Done

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Typical Stout--Good story and no filth or expletives! Enjoyable for young and old! Story does drag at times and it could be abridged! Would recommend to anyone who likes a good mystery!

Before Midnight

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I enjoy Michael Prichard' s performances/readings of the Nero Wolf mysteries. I wish that I had the talent to "read" like that. Fun story with great characters.

Hilarious

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