author
Rex Stout
1886–1975
Best known for creating the brilliant, homebound detective Nero Wolfe and his sharp-tongued partner Archie Goodwin, this American writer helped define classic mystery fiction. His stories mix intricate puzzles with wit, memorable characters, and a strong sense of place.
1 Audiobook
Under the Andes
by Rex Stout
About the author
Born in Noblesville, Indiana, in 1886, Rex Stout became one of the most popular mystery writers of the 20th century. Before his long literary career took off, he worked a variety of jobs and wrote for magazines, gradually finding the voice and structure that would make his fiction so distinctive.
His lasting fame rests on the Nero Wolfe series, which began with Fer-de-Lance in 1934. Across dozens of novels and shorter stories, he paired the eccentric, orchid-loving detective Wolfe with the lively narrator Archie Goodwin, creating one of crime fiction’s great partnerships.
Stout also had a life beyond the puzzle plot: he was active in public causes and remained a prominent figure in American literary life for decades. He died in 1975, but his books continue to attract readers who enjoy clever mysteries, dry humor, and detectives with unforgettable personalities.