When Archie Met Nero Wolfe; A review

Robert Goldsborough is known best for continuing the Nero Wolfe series originated by Rex Stout.  In Archie Meets Nero Wolfe, the author has created a prequel to the famous series using hints from Rex Stout’s work.  The work reads as well as if Stout  had written it himself.

Archie Goodwin arrives in New York from Ohio, hoping for excitement or at least for a job.  He is hired as night watchman on the dock.  When two thieves shoot at him he returns fire, killing both.  Called “trigger-happy” and fired by the company he helped to protect, Archie shows up in the office of honest PI Del Bascom. The sleuth, allows Archie to take on a case that the detective considers impossible to solve.  Archie uses his brains and shoe leather to track down a husband who tried to disappear.

 

On a case where Wolfe needed someone willing to go into New York and investigate, he hires characters known to readers from the novels. Wolfe also hires Del Bascom who invites Archie along.  As the case progresses, Archie proves to be cool, dependable and honest.

I enjoyed reading about Archie acting without Nero Wolfe. It is clear why Wolfe decided to hire him.

Do you wonder about the origin of other characters?