Double for Death by Rex Stout

Andrew Grant was accused of murdering Ridley Thorpe, a very, very wealthy financier, and Nancy Grant, Andrew's niece, came to Tecumseh Fox, a lawyer and detective, to seek help in clearing Andrew's name. Andrew Grant had worked for the Willoughby Advertising Agency, and Thorpe Control was their biggest client. Andrew had written what he thought was his best ever advertising campaign for Thorpe, and Thorpe executives turned it down. Andrew lost his temper, and the agency fired him. Andrew thought that if could show it to Ridley Thorpe himself that Thorpe would give his approval.

Ridley Thorpe maintained a secluded cottage where he went for peace and quiet on weekends. He was accompanied only by his valet, Luke Wheer.  Andrew and Nancy drove to the weekend cottage, and, through the window, Andrew saw Thorpe listening to the radio. When Andrew went around to the front door, he heard two shots and another look through the window showed him that Ridley Thorpe was dead. The Grants called the state troopers, and Andrew was arrested for the murder.

Thorpe's death would affect many people. Undoubtedly, his company stock would fall when the murder became known. He had two children, Jeffrey and Miranda who would benefit from his death, as would his secretary Vaughn Kester.

After the murder comes a very tricky plot twist, and I will not spoil the book for you by telling more of the story. There will be a question of identity, and a bit of romance and humor as Nancy Grant is pursued by a very determined suitor. 

Rex Stout only wrote 3 Tecumseh Fox books. This is the first one which was published in 1939. Fox lives on a farm in New York state where he provides a home for several eccentric people. Fox is very bright, energetic, wealthy, and likeable but he is just not as fascinating as the more eccentric Nero Wolfe. I found the book to be an interesting read, and well plotted.  The book is out of print but is available as an ebook.