Friday, February 8, 2013

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?

5 comments:

  1. Hmm. I never read the Nero Wolfe books but I did get hooked on the TV series (with Timothy Hutton and Maury Chaykin) and I liked the relationship between Archie and Wolfe. I think I need to take a look at this one. Thanks.

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  2. I've never read Nero Wolfe either. I tried one once, but they didn't appeal to me. Oh well, I have more than enough authors to keep me busy. Glad you enjoyed it, Warren.

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  3. My father was a great Nero Wolfe fan and from your description, it sounds as though he would have enjoyed this prequel.

    ~ Jim

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  4. I've never read Nero Wolfe, either. But I am interested in how other authors come up with the characters they create - especially interesting and unusual ones.

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  5. I've actually read the books and LOVED them! I'm seriously hoping this is as good as you make it seem, because I wasn't sure about it.

    Thanks for the Rec! :D

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