Few really likeable charactersI didn't like this book nearly as much as Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe novels. It does however feature New York homicide detective Inspector Cramer, a regular supporting character in the Nero Wolfe stories, usually as a foil for Wolfe and Archie Goodwin. Serious Nero Wolfe fans should probably read this one but with the foreknowledge that it is an early Rex Stout novel not equal to his later work.Multiple points of view are used in telling the story of a murder and investigation among wealthy society people, eccentrics, the fashion industry and various hanger ons. I found few really likeable characters but several foolish ones. Cramer comes across as a competent policeman but an uninspired detective. Three stars. Maybe three and a half.

Red Threads

Val Carew had come a long way—from Oklahoma to Wall Street—only to be clubbed to death at his wife’s tomb. The wealthy financier had built the magnificent crypt in memory of his beautiful Cherokee bride, whose premature death left behind a lot of unanswered questions. Now Carew himself is dead, struck down by a reminder from his an Indian war club.<br /><br />The case lands in the capable hands of Inspector Cramer of the New York Homicide squad. The cigar-chomping detective has to follow the only clue left behind—a piece of red thread found in the dead man’s hand that no doubt leads to his killer.

A financier is murdered at his wife's tomb, and Inspector Cramer investigates with a red thread as the only clue.

Books like Red Threads

Red Threads

Cross-category suggestions