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If Death Ever Slept (Nero Wolfe #29)

3.96 of 5 stars 3.96 · rating details · 696 ratings · 33 reviews

With Nero Wolfe on the job, you'd think murderers would take caution. But even the master detective can't stop a killing, especially if it's an inside job -- right under the roof of his client, millionaire Otis Jarrell.

What's more, it's Jarrell's own missing revolver that the killer uses. Wolfe must find the truth behind the scandals in Jarrell's ill-behaved family. One of...more

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Published by Viking Books (first published 1957)

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Apr 04, 2013 Jacqueline O. rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, mystery

I read all, or almost all the Nero Wolfe mysteries when I was in junior high, having finished reading Nancy Drew. I found this title in a box of old paperbacks, and decided to re-visit the old brownstone on West 35th Street. Somehow, the edition I happen to have is a British printing - which was strange to read to say the least. In amongst all of Archie's slang some of the terms had British spelling. It was weird. But that's only for the edition I found, an American edition shouldn't have that p...more I read all, or almost all the Nero Wolfe mysteries when I was in junior high, having finished reading Nancy Drew. I found this title in a box of old paperbacks, and decided to re-visit the old brownstone on West 35th Street. Somehow, the edition I happen to have is a British printing - which was strange to read to say the least. In amongst all of Archie's slang some of the terms had British spelling. It was weird. But that's only for the edition I found, an American edition shouldn't have that problem.

The Nero Wolfe books are all told in first person from Archie Goodwin's point of view. Archie is Wolfe's "legman", secretary, and as he'd say - "chief needler". And what Archie needles Wolfe about is money, chiefly the need to make some by taking cases. This novel, however, starts a bit differently. Archie comes home late from a date, and not with his main squeeze Lily Rowan. Wolfe is annoyed because Lily had called several times looking for Archie - and Wolfe didn't know where he was since Archie didn't tell him his plans. Archie, in turn, is understandably annoyed at Wolfe's over-controlling nature. But then - it is Archie's pov.

The next morning, a man shows up at the brownstone, wanting to hire Wolfe and Archie to prove that his daughter-in-law is "a snake". Wolfe patiently explains he doesn't take divorce cases. Said client, Otis Jarrell, continues to push and drops a $10,000 cash retainer on Wolfe's desk. The result of the wrangling is that Archie ends-up going to Jarrell's home/office under an assumed name as Jarrell's new secretary.

Archie arrives, meets all the players, and starts to investigate. Jarrell has also suffered some business losses - but he blames them all on his daughter-in-law. This accusation has no basis in fact, and before long, Archie sees his and Wolfe's client is a bit much.

Just as Archie is getting started on his investigations, something happens - a gun is stolen from Jarrell's desk. This proves to be more important than it at first seems.

The rest of the book is very typical in structure and content to a Nero Wolfe story, including Wolfe and Archie finding ways to corral all the suspects at Wolfe's office in his brownstone so Wolfe can interview them. Wolfe's set of errands, and final confrontation/solving of the mystery (which includes two murders by the end) works, but I felt it was predictable.

Overall, I thought If Death Ever Slept fell a bit flat. I figured out exactly what Wolfe was doing at the end of the book, which isn't typical of what I remember of reading these books. I liked that the story was mostly dialogue, it made for a fast read, but the story needed a bit more depth and a red herring or two -- something to make it work. None of the "guest" characters were all that interesting, several of them were annoying, and I even found a flaw or two in the final "let's reveal the murderer" scene. Rex Stout has written much better.

Overall, though I'd recommend the Nero Wolfe series to anyone who likes a good mystery (especially one in the Agatha Christie/Sherlock Holmes vein but American), don't start with this particular story. I think Rex Stout's novels from the 1930s were his best, though one has to make allowances for social change.(less)

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Oct 16, 2012 Alexis Neal rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery, audio

A clash of wills between Wolfe and Archie (compounded by mutual fits of stubbornness) results in Archie masquerading as a secretary in the home of millionaire Otis Jarrell-- a situation that neither Wolfe nor Archie relishes overmuch. Officially, Jarrell hired them to prove that his daughter-in-law stole (and sold) business secrets. But when Jarrell's gun turns up missing and his previous secretary winds up with a hole in the back of his head, the case rapidly escalates into a full-fledged murde...more A clash of wills between Wolfe and Archie (compounded by mutual fits of stubbornness) results in Archie masquerading as a secretary in the home of millionaire Otis Jarrell-- a situation that neither Wolfe nor Archie relishes overmuch. Officially, Jarrell hired them to prove that his daughter-in-law stole (and sold) business secrets. But when Jarrell's gun turns up missing and his previous secretary winds up with a hole in the back of his head, the case rapidly escalates into a full-fledged murder investigation. But who done it? And with a house full of suspects with ample motive, means, and opportunity, how will Wolfe ever find the culprit?

This entertaining entry in the Nero Wolfe series boasts several strong and/or complex female characters. First, there's Trella Jarrell, second wife to client Otis Jarrell, who likes men to spend money on her and who has a habit of saying things she doesn't mean, but who also provides Archie with several noteworthy bits of information. Then there's Lois, Jarrell's unmarried daughter, who looks great in a tennis dress and dances like a dream, even if she did once write a poem about a squirrel (from which poem the title of this book was taken). Nora Kent, Jarrell's secretary, is cool and competent and definitely knows more than she lets on. And Susan Jarrell, the aforementioned daughter-in-law, seems to be fairly run-of-the-mill, but somehow possesses the ability to attract men like moths to flame. And fan favorite Lily Rowan even makes an appearance of sorts, as her antics are the source of Archie and Wolfe's initial quarrel.

Not that it's all women. Jarrell himself figures prominently in the story, as do his son, Wyman, and brother-in-law, Roger--to say nothing of ex-secretary Jim Eber and business competitor Cory Brigham. But, with the exception of the horse-mad racing junkie Roger, the women are far more interesting.

The mystery itself is nothing spectacular, but Archie gets to demonstrate his wit, charm, and humor, which makes the story worth reading. Probably not the best book to start with, but if you're already a fan, then you should definitely add this one to your list.

A note on the audiobook edition: I think I'm starting to warm to Michael Prichard's narration. It's still not spectacular, by any means, but I'm not actively distracted by it. His Wolfe is better than his Archie, but then Archie is always the toughest character to portray well.(less)

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Aug 07, 2012 Mysterious Ed rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: private-detective, nyc

#29 in the Nero Wolfe series.

Nero Wolfe series - Millionaire Otis Jarrell can't even trust his family, it seems. He hires a reluctant Nero Wolfe to find out if his daughter-in-law is double-crossing him. Wolfe and Archie encounter a rogue's gallery of Jarrells and associates and discover one, then two, men killed by the old man's gun. But even Wolfe's distaste for everyone involved doesn't prevent him from assembling the guests and masterfully declaring - to everyone's surprise - "whodunit."

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Apr 18, 2012 Nan Silvernail rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Archie Goodwin goes undercover as a rich man's secretary at his home to find out if his Daughter-In-Law is a snake or not. Soon strange things begin to happen. A rug makes a robbery (yes, you read that right!) and then the secretary before Archie makes a return visit and is soon dead. With a daughter who wrote a poem about shooting a squirrel this may be one of the strangest cases Nero Wolfe has ever looked into.

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Feb 22, 2013 Lisa Kucharski rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was one of those slippery mysteries that started with Wolfe and Archie being snarky toward each other. Next thing they know, they are trying to find out who spilled business info and end up having to solve a murder (then 2 murders.)

The best thing about this mystery is the description of the people. Wow.

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Jan 20, 2013 Sarah rated it 2 of 5 stars

Recommended to Sarah by: Livia P

I liked the idea of 1950s NYC's answer to Sherlock Holmes, but I didn't really like this novel. Maybe I picked the wrong one to start with. But I didn't care about the characters, and the mystery seemed pretty pointless and was solved in a boring, unconvincing way.

However...check out some of the foods they ate during this book:

- shad roe with créole sauce
- bread triangles fried in anchovy butter
- "hedgehog omelet"
- avocado, whipped with sugar and lime juice and green chartreuse
- fresh strawber...more

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Mar 04, 2013 Cindy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013, mysteries, series

Nero Wolfe's latest client is a big millionaire investor, what we'd call a venture capitalist today. He's convinced his daughter-in-law is stealing inside info and sharing it with his rivals. He calls her a snake, and he wants Wolfe and Archie Goodwin to get rid of her. Archie moves into the millionaire's penthouse disguised as the new secretary to get the dirt on her. But he hasn't turned up anything when the former secretary turns up murdered. Wolfe needs to find out what happened, and soon.

Th...more

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Jul 19, 2011 Jim rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Apr 17, 2011 Susan rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mysteries

A typical Nero Wolfe mystery, with the usual cast of characters. This is not one of my favorites. I also found it was harder to follow parts of the story on audiotape than in the hardcopy book (example-- a sequential listing of all the characters' alibis for a three day period).

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Feb 20, 2013 Charles rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: x-mystery

I read a lot of the Nero Wolfe stories an age ago in high school. I'd take four of th home in the afternoon and be finished with them by the wee hours. I enjoyed them at first, but tired of them soon enough.

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Feb 27, 2013 Carol rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The mystery in this one is just so-so, but Archie was a star and kept me totally entertained. I think I am in love with Archie! And, I definitely want him to take me dancing.

Fritz's menus were a bit on the wild side in this one - avacado whipped with sugar and lime juice and green chartreuse (whatever that is), shad roe with creaole' sauce, fresh strawberry omelet, hedgehog omelets (I hope that is just a nickname for something else), bread fried in anchovy butter. He is certainly original, as al...more

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Sep 16, 2010 Sallie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mysteries

I haven't read any Nero Wolfe mysteries in ages, but I found this one in a compilation of 7 Rex Stout/Nero Wolfe mysteries on my book shelf.

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Jul 21, 2012 Mark Harding rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Quite strange. The hero detective never leaves the house, for starters. But there’s something children’s novelish about the food, Daddy Nero’s routines, the same characters living in the big boarding school of Nero’s house. In the 50’s was it normal to have these extended families living together? (such as Jarell’s). Maybe it was.

I have no idea why Susan wasn’t ‘a snake’ in the opinion of Nero and Archie. There must be some subtle terminology I’m missing.

I read the book through quickly enough bu...more

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Mar 18, 2013 AnnieM rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I need to remember that Nero Wolf doesn't translate to audio well. Still good, but it's a better read.

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Sep 22, 2012 Kathy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Another great Nero Wolfe mystery. I listened to this one and Michael Pritchard does a great job as usual.

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Aug 07, 2011 Bev Hankins rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery, vintage-mystery

Always enjoy Nero Wolfe. And I love Archie Goodwin. I thought Archie particularly good in this ...

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Apr 28, 2011 Niffer rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery

A decent Nero Wolfe mystery but not his best work.

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Jul 27, 2009 Linda rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I can't help but love these books.... a whole other age when even murder seems more civil..

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Sep 09, 2009 Sur Cur Lengel rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Nero Wolfe is my favorite mystery character.

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Jan 21, 2012 E rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery-detective-fiction

Even second-rate Nero Wolfe is fun.

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Mar 31, 2011 Helen rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

okay

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Feb 23, 2012 Ryan Hatch rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

6.5/10

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Sep 11, 2010 Ruth rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: cozy-mystery, mystery-pi

good. love the wit and writing style.

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Apr 06, 2013 Eddy Allen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery-and-suspense

Millionaire Otis Jarrell can't even trust his family, it seems. He hires a reluctant Nero Wolfe to find out if his daughter-in-law is double-crossing him. Wolfe and Archie encounter a rogue's gallery of Jarrells and associates and discover one, then two, men killed by the old man's gun. But even Wolfe's distaste for everyone involved doesn't prevent him from assembling the guests and masterfully declaring � to everyone's surprise � "whodunit."

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Jan 05, 2013 Vicki Cline rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: other-mysteries

Archie has to go undercover at a rich man's house as his secretary in order to find out if the man's daughter-in-law is plotting against him. After a gun is stolen from the house, a couple of people turn up murdered and the police think Archie knows more than he's telling. It's interesting how all these mysteries are different and yet still very similar, at least in structure.

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Aug 10, 2008 Heather rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Nero Wolfe addicts

Shelves: mystery, audiobooks

This was not my favorite. It wasn't bad, but it just wasn't the same caliber I'm used to. I'm working my way through the entire series, but not reading them in any particular order. I chose this one this time because the blurb promised lots of witty Archie Goodwin banter and entertaining interactions with this volume's cast of characters, but was a little disappointed.

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Sep 18, 2008 Felicia rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This one was okay. Rex Stout's later books just aren't as good, but this one wasn't painful to read. I did really like the old maid daughter's poem about shooting the squirrel. I felt that listing where everyone was and when in the form he did was tiresome, so I didn't read it. A waste of space.

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Aug 06, 2008 Bill Kerwin rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: detective-mystery

Wheeler-dealer Otis Jarrell thinks his daughter-in-law Susan is a "snake," and Archie Goodwin poses as his private secretary to amass the evidence. Someone ends up dead of course, and then the fun begins.

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Nov 24, 2012 Beth rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This one was fun with all the characters involved. Its like Too Many Women when Archie goes to be among his clients but Nero features more in this one than he did in that one. Typical fun Nero novel.

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Feb 07, 2008 Linda rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: grouchy-gourmets, genius-detectives, mystery

As always, Rex Stout writes a fun detective story, but several of the plot-moving contrivances in here are a little thinner than some of his other novels.

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About Rex Stout

Rex Todhunter Stout (December 1, 1886 – October 27, 1975) was an American crime writer, best known as the creator of the larger-than-life fictional detective Nero Wolfe, described by reviewer Will Cuppy as "that Falstaff of detectives." Wolfe's assistant Archie Goodwin recorded the cases of the detective genius from 1934 (Fer-de-Lance) to 1975 (A Family Affair).

The Nero Wolfe corpus was nominated...more

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The League of Frightened Men (Nero Wolfe, #2)

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“All there was to it, he was in a panic. He was scared stiff that any minute a fact might come bouncing in that would force him to send me down to Cramer bearing gifts, and there was practically nothing on earth he wouldn't rather do, even eating ice cream with cantaloupe or horseradish on oysters.” — 2 people liked it

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If Death Ever Slept (Nero Wolfe #29)

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