The sexes battle, the mind feuds with emotions it cannot control and crime extorts and strikes and kills but it does not pay in this collection of stories by Rex Stout at the outset of his celebrated career in mystery and suspense. Again and again in these tales taken from the pages of pulps that originally published him — from popular magazines like All Story Weekly, the Black Cat and the Smart Set — the creator of the immortal Nero Wolfe proves himself to be the master of the sudden reversal and unexpected revelation as he probes the thwarted heart, the wounded soul and the criminal intelligence.

Faith Usher tells anyone willing to listen that she wants to kill herself. So when she dies after drinking champagne at the annual gala for unwed mothers, everyone insists that it was suicide. Everyone except Archie Goodwin, the perennial wise guy, who was watching her drink.

a book to remember...In this book you will investigate crime with such Famous Detectives asPerry MasonNero WolfeEllery Queenand read stories of detection and suspense by such Famous Mystery Writers asAgatha ChristieJohn Dickson CarrGeorge Harmon CoxeCharlotte ArmstrongHugh Pentecostand be surprised at tales of mystery and crime by such Famous Literary Figures asW. Somerset MaughamBen Hecht,John Van DrutenA book to remember, a book to read and reread — a book to treasure and keep permanently in your library...

Cuando un poderoso representante gubernamental de la O.R.P. (Oficina de Regulación de Precios) está preparándose para hablar ante un grupo de millonarios pertenecientes a la A.I.N. (Asociación Industrial Nacional) muere asesinado. El mundo de los negocios se tambalea ante las sospechas vertidas sobre los magnates asistentes a la conferencia. La A.I.N. exige que se encuentre al asesino y Nero Wolfe decide hacerse cargo del caso.