Reading the Detectives discussion

We've already seen that there are several fans of American author Rex Stout in the group, so which are your favourite books by him?

So far I've just read 3 - Fer-de-Lance which I didn't like much, and The Rubber Band/The Red Box 2-in-1, which were both great, with 'The Red Box' being great fun. I've been told in the discussion at another group that Too Many Cooks is one of the best, so may try that next - he is said to be an author where you don't need to bother about reading in order.

I've seen it argued that Nero Wolfe himself fits into the British/Golden Age crime fiction tradition, as a sedentary sleuth who sits at home contemplating his orchids - while his sidekick Archie is more in the US hardboiled tradition.

Jill, in a comment at the Bright Young Things group, told me..

"I have read every one of Stout's Nero Wolfe books and would suggest that the last book he wrote, A Family Affair be read last. It doesn't matter what order you read the others but the last one is a bit of a shocker and needs to be kept until the end."

I've read The Red Box and Too Many Cooks so far.

There's a trove of Nero Wolfe information here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nero_Wolfe

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Here's some more information about The Red Box

* The Red Box by Rex Stout *

The Red Box was the fourth of Rex Stout’s Nero Wolfe murder mysteries. It was published in 1937. While they are fine examples of golden age detective fiction the biggest attraction of the Nero Wolfe books is quite definitely Nero Wolfe himself - he is one of the most deliriously outrageous of all fictional detectives. He is so outrageous that he is in danger of self-parody but this is a danger that Stout manages to avoid.

The Red Box includes one element of which I’m extremely fond and that is found in quite a few golden age detective tales - a bizarre and outlandish murder method. There are actually three murders in the book and all three are somewhat outlandish but it’s the third that really delighted me. I’m certainly not going to spoil it but I will mention that it involves adhesive tape and as Wolfe points out it’s a remarkably economical murder method, involving an outlay of around fifteen cents.

The first of the three murders involves a box of candy. Boxes of chocolate were quite a popular way of murdering people in golden age detective stories. In this case it is fortunate that the candy selection involved did not include caramels. Had it included caramels Nero Wolfe’s task might have been made even more difficult.

Stout throws in plenty of standard crime fiction ingredients. There’s an eccentric will. There’s a mystery with its roots in the past. There’s more than one suspect with a secret to hide. The ingredients are expertly blended and the results are delicious.

Nero Wolfe is at his idiosyncratic best. This case begins with an event that is not quite unprecedented but certainly very unusual - Wolfe actually leaves his West 35th Street brownstone to visit the scene of the crime. In a nice piece of symmetry a later scene of the crime will come to visit West 35th Street.

As usual Wolfe and his indefatigable assistant Archie Goodwin will spend a good deal of time trying to avoid offering too much cooperation to the police.

Archie will also have to deal with a relapse by Wolfe, although in this case he manages to head it off before too much harm is done and too much time is lost. A great deal of beer will be consumed by Nero Wolfe. Of course we never doubt that Wolfe will solve the mystery but in order to get the necessary proof he will have to take a considerable chance, relying on an elaborate and risky bluff.

I’ve been reading the Nero Wolfe novels in sequence (in other words in publication order). I’m not sure that there’s any real necessity to read them that way. It’s more of a personal whim.

The Red Box is a treat for golden age detective fans. Highly recommended.

http://vintagepopfictions.blogspot.co...

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The Red Box by Rex Stout

Click here to read my review

4/5


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Too Many Cooks

Click here to read my review

3/5

I read a number of the books years ago, including one that was a Dol Bonner mystery, The Hand in the Glove. This time around I have been going in order and have just started The Rubber Band/The Red Box 2-in-1.

Has anyone read any of the sequels to the Nero Wolfe books by Robert Goldsborough?

I'm aware this is a bit naughty of me as I haven't read many of the originals yet, but I've just spotted that a prequel, Archie Meets Nero Wolfe: A Prequel to Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe Mysteries is available on Kindle Unlimited, so I just can't resist giving it a go! Will report back on how I get on. :)

So far I'm absolutely loving Archie Meets Nero Wolfe: A Prequel to Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe Mysteries



The style and feel seem amazingly close to Stout - must be one of the best pastiches I've come across! It's early days though as I'm only 15% of the way through.

I've now finished the Wolfe prequel and really enjoyed it, though I think the author is maybe rather better at bringing Archie alive than he is at Wolfe. Anyway, I'd definitely recommend it. I was interested to see a note at the end explaining how he based the story on some references in 'canon' Wolfe stories by Rex Stout.

I have the book as well, Judy, though I've yet to start it. Too many things in the way, including, right now, our December read!

Will be interested to hear what you think of it, Pghfan. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Judy wrote: "We've already seen that there are several fans of American author Rex Stout in the group, so which are your favourite books by him? ."

I like them all, have them all and have read them all at least twice, but for favorites, I would say Murder by the Book, Too Many Women (good Archie), Prisoner's Base, and The Mother Hunt. But really, I don't think there is a bad Stout.

I would also agree with Nigeyb that A Family Affair should be read later rather than sooner.

Thanks for the recommendations, Everyman - I'm keen to read another Stout very soon, so will look out for these titles. Archie is my favourite, so I'm especially attracted by your comment on Too Many Women !

I just recently read a collection of Stout's early short stories on Kindle, Target Practice and some of those were excellent - there are two multi-chapter stories which are especially enjoyable. No Wolfe, but the best story, 'Justice Ends at Home', definitely shows the way forward to the Wolfe stories.

One of my very favorite Stout books was one when Archie and Wolfe went to Montenegro on a mission. I can't think of the name. Does anybody remember it or the name?

Of course I remember it! I remember every Rex Stout book.

It was The Black Mountain.

Enjoy!

Thank you. I hate that mind is going. :)

So is mine, but fortunately not so far for books. People, now -- what was your name again that you told me five minutes ago???

Just returning to this thread to say I've now read another couple of Stout stories, Too Many Cooks/Champagne for One which is printed as a double set.

I wasn't very keen on 'Too Many Cooks' (oops, I just typed 'Too Many Books' - Freudian slip?!) But I did really enjoy Champagne for One. Here's my review:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Judy wrote: "Just returning to this thread to say I've now read another couple of Stout stories, Too Many Cooks/Champagne for One which is printed as a double set.

I wasn't very keen on 'Too Man..."

The recipe for Sauce Minuette (spelled wrong, but if you read the book you know what I mean) shows up as an important feature in at least one of the future mysteries.

I have enjoyed all of the Rex Stout mysteries - I know I have read all of the Nero Wolfe/Archie Goodwin books - and I think my favorites are Death of a Doxy, The Doorbell Rang and In the Best Families. Thinking on it, though, there are several others that could get a favorite nomination - I will probably just say that it is a rotating list! :)

Phyllis wrote: "I have enjoyed all of the Rex Stout mysteries - I know I have read all of the Nero Wolfe/Archie Goodwin books - and I think my favorites are Death of a Doxy, The Doorbell Rang and In the Best Famil..."

I agree on The Doorbell Rang. Others, I would have to think hard but I do like The Mother Hunt and Some Buried Caesar.

I'm just reading Some Buried Caesar, halfway through and enjoying it a lot - but I was very surprised to see Wolfe commenting "Twenty years ago I was an athlete"! I'd love to find out more about his past... there are intriguing hints but then no more is revealed! But I still have most of the books to go, lucky me.

Ooh, looking back at this thread makes me realise that I can read The Black Mountain for the Montenegro book in my Reading round Europe challenge!

Judy wrote: "Ooh, looking back at this thread makes me realise that I can read The Black Mountain for the Montenegro book in my Reading round Europe challenge!"

I was going to suggest that, but fortunately saw your follow-up post before I posted. Yep, some good info on his background there. But other hints in various other books.

There are several books about Nero Wolfe which might have collected together information about his background from the various novels and short stories. I borrowed one from the library many years back but don't recall it's title.

Thanks, Everyman, that's interesting - once I've read more of the stories, I'll look out for a book about Wolfe.

Probably my favorite series, the Nero Wolfe books sometimes are not about the story but about the ambiance of the old brownstone house.....the interaction between Mr. Wolfe and Archie....the well drawn continuing characters. Sometimes the stories are a bit weak but I am captivated by the atmosphere.

I think the other thing that I enjoy is that Stout did not paint himself into a corner by aging his characters. The times changed but the age of the main characters did not thereby remaining familiar throughout the years.

The A&E Nero Wolfe series starring Maury Chaykin and Timothy Hutton was absolutely spot on and I immediately bought the DVDs of all the programs. Chaykin may not have been quite fat enough as Wolfe and he sometimes yelled which Wolfe did not do but those are only minor problems since otherwise he charmed me (if that is the appropriate word). Hutton was perfect as Archie. I would recommend them highly.

The biography of Wolfe is Nero Wolfe of West Thirty-fifth Street: The Life and Times of America's Largest Private Detective by William S. Baring-Gould

Son of Holmes and Rasputin's Revenge both by John Lescroart featuring a certain character who eventually moves to NYC and raises orchids.

There is another book which, frankly, I liked better than the biography byWilliam S. Baring-Gould but that is just MHO. It is:

Stout Fellow: A Guide Through Nero Wolfe's World by O.E. McBride

I just found that book. I have had the pb of the Baring-Gould for years.

I can also be counted as a fan of the Goldsborough books having read all except the newest and the one set at a ball game which I will get to in January.

I am rereading the Stout books having read this year for the first time Fer-de-Lance and having reread one of my favorites, Some Buried Caesar.

I started reading Stout when I was still pre-teen, and am still reading him.

Wodehouse, I believe it was though I can't find the quote at the moment, said of Rex Stout that he (Wodehouse) read the books over and over and though he knew exactly what would happen still found them engrossing. "That's WRITING," said Wodehouse.

(I've read many of my Wodehouses many times, too. So the same could be said of him!)

Gary wrote: "I just found that book. I have had the pb of the Baring-Gould for years.

I can also be counted as a fan of the Goldsborough books having read all except the newest and the one set at a ball game ..."

I have never had the inclination to read the Goldsborough books and that is not meant as a slam at the author who obviously is an excellent writer. But to me, the Wolfe series are Stout books, so I stay with the originals. I have a feeling I am probably missing some good stories by Goldborough.

The earlier Goldsborough novels take place after the final Stout novel. The most recent are set in an earlier era, including the story of how Archie came to work for Wolfe.

Gary wrote: "I am rereading the Stout books having read this year for the first time Fer-de-Lance and having reread /one of my favorites, Some Buried Caesar."

Do you think they are all the same quality, and is it best to start with the first one?

They can be read out of order, except for the last one, Family Plot, which should be read last. The first book is missing some of the supporting cast, Inspector Cramer and Lily Rowan, among them.

Gary wrote: "They can be read out of order, except for the last one, Family Plot, which should be read last. The first book is missing some of the supporting cast, Inspector Cramer and Lily Rowan, among them."

Thanks Gary.

I will start reading Fer-de-Lance, my first Rex Stout book, for the january group reading. Let's see what happens...

Ruth wrote: "Gary wrote: "They can be read out of order, except for the last one, Family Plot, which should be read last. The first book is missing some of the supporting cast, Inspector Cramer and Lily Rowan, ..."

Gary.....I think you meant A Family Affair instead of Family Plot It is the 46th Wolfe book and Stout's last. As you pointed out it should only be read when one is finished with the 45 others since it affects all that went before in a very surprising dénouement.

Looks like I will have to try one of the Goldsborough books based on your positive comments.

Strapping myself in and getting ready to read my first Stout ever--Fer de Lance.

I read Fer de Lance not so long ago, but have now got it out of the library to refresh my memory ready for the group read in January!

My favourite Wolfe so far is the second one The League of Frightened Men, which I loved!

Judy wrote: "I read Fer de Lance not so long ago, but have now got it out of the library to refresh my memory ready for the group read in January!

My favourite Wolfe so far is the second one [book:The League o..."

My copy of "Fer" was one I got used from Amazon and it includes "League". I am hoping I like the first well enough to go right into the second.

I have been waiting for an excuse to start reading this author as I have so many other series I am reading. Have heard conflicting reports on him,so now can find out myself.

Jill wrote: "Ruth wrote: "Gary wrote: "They can be read out of order, except for the last one, Family Plot, which should be read last. The first book is missing some of the supporting cast, Inspector Cramer and..."

Brain cramp sorry.

I know the feeling, Gary!!!! :0)

Let me recommend another book which contains three novelettes. Triple Zeck The character of Arnold Zeck, the only man Wolfe fears appears in each one and they are interesting and a little different from some of the other Wolfe books.

Actually Triple Zeck is a collection of the three Wolfe novels with Zeck as Wolfe's nemisis.

I liked the third story, In The Best Of Families in the Triple Zeck collection. Wolfe really steps outside his usual character in the finale of the Zeck saga!!!

Marcus wrote: "I will start reading Fer-de-Lance, my first Rex Stout book, for the january group reading. Let's see what happens..."

I'm looking forward to this read as well.I haven't read this title but I've read some of the later ones many years ago. I don't remember much about them other than I liked them & the dialogue between Wolfe & Archie was fun.

I've been reading the Stout books vaguely in order, but just jumped out of order to read The Black Mountain, where Wolfe and Archie return to Wolfe's birthplace, Montenegro. I was tempted to read this one now for my individual challenge to read a book set in each European country.

I really enjoyed it and found it fascinating to see Wolfe so far away from his brownstone and his orchids, and having to rough it for once. It's also interesting to have the roles swapped to a certain extent, so that he is explaining events to Archie rather than the other way round!

Wondering how much research Stone did in Montenegro to write this book, or whether he already knew the region?

What I like about The Black Mountain (and was also surprised about) was Wolfe's stamina in that outdoor setting. He was a man who thought throwing darts (or javelins as he called them) was exercise!!! In several of the books, Archie mentioned that Wolfe could be fast on his feet if the situation called for it but hiking the mountains of Montenegro boggles the imagination!!!

I've started The Rubber Band and still enjoying Archie's voice. The mystery in this one seems a bit off beat and Wolfe has an exercise regime!

Jill, I agree that Wolfe's stamina in The Black Mountain is amazing - it's fascinating to see such a different side to his character! I liked the way he remembered all the paths so exactly. Hard to imagine him as a young goatherd!

And he was slim back in his youth as one of the characters from The Black Mountain mentions. Can you imagine that?

Something that I have always thought was humorous about Wolfe.. He came to the United States as a young man and yet he has an unbelievable command of the English language and does not speak with an accent. That fact is never alluded to in any of the books but we know that he also speaks French and maybe other languages as well.