# What are you favorite Nero Wolfe stories? (No spoilers please!) **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [December 31, 2017, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-favorite-nero-wolfe-stories-no-spoilers-please/805609 "2017-12-31T01:18:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2018, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-favorite-nero-wolfe-stories-no-spoilers-please/805609/21 "2018-01-02T19:00:06Z")
> [@astorian](#): > > My take has always been this: the mystery itself is usually the weakest part of any Nero Wolfe story. > > The characters are engaging, the atmosphere is delightful, the dialogue is crisp, and Archie is A great narrator. Stout created a familiar world that was fun to return to. I liked to find out what Wolfe was reading, what Fritz was cooking, what was being discussed at dinner. But plotting was Stout’s weakness, and he just wasn’t a great storyteller. I often got the feeling he picked the guilty party at random! I enjoyed reading MOST Nero Wolfe stories, but was often disappointed or left cold by his case solutions. I agree. Imagine a combination of Agatha Christie (superb plots, weak characters) and Rex Stout! 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2018, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-favorite-nero-wolfe-stories-no-spoilers-please/805609/22 "2018-01-02T23:37:02Z")
How could I have a favorite? Aren’t they all pretty much the same? Archie goes out to investigate, maybe with hired help, Nero tends his orchids, then there is the big meeting with Archie, Kramer, Nero, and all the suspects in which all is revealed. Despite this, I thoroughly enjoyed them. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2018, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-favorite-nero-wolfe-stories-no-spoilers-please/805609/23 "2018-01-03T00:37:30Z")
There is certainly a similar structure to them. ---
**Author:** ![Just1Lurk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c0e974/32.png) [@Just1Lurk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just1Lurk)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2018, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-favorite-nero-wolfe-stories-no-spoilers-please/805609/24 "2018-01-03T01:34:09Z")
> [@glee](#): > > I agree. Imagine a combination of Agatha Christie (superb plots, weak characters) and Rex Stout! 🆒 [Homer Simpson] Christie plots/Stout characters…arghuyarurea (drool) [/Homer Simpson] ---
**Author:** ![Just1Lurk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c0e974/32.png) [@Just1Lurk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just1Lurk)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2018, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-favorite-nero-wolfe-stories-no-spoilers-please/805609/25 "2018-01-03T01:39:59Z")
> [@glee](#): > > As a chess player, my favourite is ‘Gambit’. > > I think the Goldsborough stories are fine. > > I echo Shadowfacts that the TV series with Timothy Hutton is well worth watching. > > Finally I recommend two books by the fan club ‘The Wolfe Pack’: > > - The Nero Wolfe Files > > - The Archie Goodwin Files I bought the series on DVD with some Christmas money, but I’m trying to hold off on watching the episode until after I read the story it’s based on. Is the TV series largely faithful to the books? I’ll check out the fan books, too. Thanks ---
**Author:** ![Just1Lurk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c0e974/32.png) [@Just1Lurk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just1Lurk)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2018, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-favorite-nero-wolfe-stories-no-spoilers-please/805609/26 "2018-01-03T01:42:08Z")
> [@Hari\_Seldon](#): > > How could I have a favorite? Aren’t they all pretty much the same? Archie goes out to investigate, maybe with hired help, Nero tends his orchids, then there is the big meeting with Archie, Kramer, Nero, and all the suspects in which all is revealed. Despite this, I thoroughly enjoyed them. I don’t mind formula when the formula’s fun. ---
**Author:** ![Just1Lurk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c0e974/32.png) [@Just1Lurk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just1Lurk)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2018, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-favorite-nero-wolfe-stories-no-spoilers-please/805609/27 "2018-01-03T01:57:10Z")
> [@astorian](#): > > My take has always been this: the mystery itself is usually the weakest part of any Nero Wolfe story. > > The characters are engaging, the atmosphere is delightful, the dialogue is crisp, and Archie is A great narrator. Stout created a familiar world that was fun to return to. I liked to find out what Wolfe was reading, what Fritz was cooking, what was being discussed at dinner. But plotting was Stout’s weakness, and he just wasn’t a great storyteller. I often got the feeling he picked the guilty party at random! I enjoyed reading MOST Nero Wolfe stories, but was often disappointed or left cold by his case solutions. > > My favorite Stout novel was “In the Best Families.” The best story from the pure mystery standpoint was " The Gun With Wings As far as the mystery goes, I’m getting a “Columbo” feel; they’re less whodunnits and more howshegonnacatchems. This is based solely on the first 2 books, of course. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2018, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-favorite-nero-wolfe-stories-no-spoilers-please/805609/28 "2018-01-03T02:37:51Z")
> [@Just1Lurk](#): > > As far as the mystery goes, I’m getting a “Columbo” feel; they’re less whodunnits and more howshegonnacatchems. This is based solely on the first 2 books, of course. No, even on reading them a second or third time, I can’t figure out who done it. I can remember Archie’s interaction with The Girl, but not the villain. I recall a …no, that would probably be a spoiler. ---
**Author:** ![Rocketeer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocketeer/32/4437_2.png) [@Rocketeer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rocketeer)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2018, 6:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-favorite-nero-wolfe-stories-no-spoilers-please/805609/29 "2018-01-03T06:03:15Z")
I haven’t thought much about my favorite, but\*\*\* A Family Affair\*\*\* is by far my least favorite. In fact, I’m denying its existence, much as I do the second three Star Wars movies. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2018, 7:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-favorite-nero-wolfe-stories-no-spoilers-please/805609/30 "2018-01-03T07:46:58Z")
> [@Rocketeer](#): > > I haven’t thought much about my favorite, but\*\*\* A Family Affair\*\*\* is by far my least favorite. In fact, I’m denying its existence, much as I do the second three Star Wars movies. I Totally agree. I’d strongly suggest avoiding this book. It will cloud your view of the entire series of books. It left a bad taste in my mouth for a long time. I guess every author writes one book they wish could be taken back. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2018, 7:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-favorite-nero-wolfe-stories-no-spoilers-please/805609/31 "2018-01-03T07:58:24Z")
Btw the plot in A Family Affair is badly constructed and makes some glaring leaps in logic It was Stout’s last book and perhaps he wasn’t as strong a writer. He died shortly afterwards at 88. There are over 70 stories and overall Nero Wolfe is a great series of books. ---
**Author:** ![nightshadea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/7ba0ec/32.png) [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2018, 8:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-favorite-nero-wolfe-stories-no-spoilers-please/805609/32 "2018-01-03T08:07:36Z")
Originally Posted by astorian My take has always been this: the mystery itself is usually the weakest part of any Nero Wolfe story. The characters are engaging, the atmosphere is delightful, the dialogue is crisp, and Archie is A great narrator. Stout created a familiar world that was fun to return to. I liked to find out what Wolfe was reading, what Fritz was cooking, what was being discussed at dinner. But plotting was Stout’s weakness, and he just wasn’t a great storyteller. I often got the feeling he picked the guilty party at random! I enjoyed reading MOST Nero Wolfe stories, but was often disappointed or left cold by his case solutions. My favorite Stout novel was “In the Best Families.” The best story from the pure mystery standpoint was " The Gun With Wings I think stout was the beginning of the cozy mystery/caper genere …in fact id say Larry block and his burglar series is just about homage … ---
**Author:** ![ShadowFacts](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shadowfacts/32/2934_2.png) [@ShadowFacts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShadowFacts)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2018, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-favorite-nero-wolfe-stories-no-spoilers-please/805609/33 "2018-01-03T14:31:04Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > this is a great value. 7 complete novels in one book. used, it’s $19 > [https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Novels-Silent-Speaker-Wolfes/dp/0517412497/ref=pd\_cp\_14\_3?\_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=RFPB3K08118RSZCJP0T2](https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Novels-Silent-Speaker-Wolfes/dp/0517412497/ref=pd_cp_14_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=RFPB3K08118RSZCJP0T2) Thanks! I did see that one in my searching. I’m just surprised nobody has done a complete collection - there are plenty of complete Sherlock Holmes collections, for example. I’m sure copyright plays a role, but still. ---
**Author:** ![astorian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ad7895/32.png) [@astorian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astorian)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2018, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-favorite-nero-wolfe-stories-no-spoilers-please/805609/34 "2018-01-03T14:33:19Z")
> [@Rocketeer](#): > > I haven’t thought much about my favorite, but\*\*\* A Family Affair\*\*\* is by far my least favorite. In fact, I’m denying its existence, much as I do the second three Star Wars movies. Oddly enough, that was the first Wolfe book I ever read, back in 1975, and it didn’t inspire me to read others (I tried again decades later). If I’d been a longtime fan, maybe the culprit would have shocked me more. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2018, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-favorite-nero-wolfe-stories-no-spoilers-please/805609/35 "2018-01-03T15:32:29Z")
> [@ShadowFacts](#): > > I’m just surprised nobody has done a complete collection - there are plenty of complete Sherlock Holmes collections, for example. I’m sure copyright plays a role, but still. I’m sure it’s a matter of copyright (most of Sherlock Holmes is in the public domain), and also the sheer number of books (way more than the number of Sherlock Holmes books). ETA: Given that people seem to still be paying full price for individual Nero Wolfe books, I suspect the publisher would have to put a pretty hefty price on a complete edition to make it worth their while. ---
**Author:** ![Ukulele\_Ike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/df788c/32.png) [@Ukulele\_Ike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ukulele_Ike)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2018, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-favorite-nero-wolfe-stories-no-spoilers-please/805609/36 "2018-01-03T16:30:33Z")
> [@nightshadea](#): > > …I think stout was the beginning of the cozy mystery/caper genere …in fact id say Larry block and his burglar series is just about homage … Nah, the Bernie Rhodenbarr books had nothing to do with Wolfe. However, Lawrence Block DID write two out-and-out homages to Stout: **Make Out with Murder** and **The Topless Tulip Caper.**. Both featured Leo Haig, a Nero Wolfe fan (less rich, though) who raises tropical fish rather than orchids. Chip Harrison is the legman. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2018, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-favorite-nero-wolfe-stories-no-spoilers-please/805609/37 "2018-01-03T18:29:42Z")
Death of a Dude is great. Some Buried Caesar. Not Quite Dead Enough. The Doorbell Rang is good, but imho overrated. The one I hate is The Silent Speaker, where Rex lets his politics get in the way, and Wolfe acts without honor. Gun with Wings is the best mystery plot. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Woody](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c6cbf5/32.png) [@Mr.Woody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Woody)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2018, 6:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-favorite-nero-wolfe-stories-no-spoilers-please/805609/38 "2018-01-08T06:10:00Z")
> [@Just1Lurk](#): > > I bought the series on DVD with some Christmas money, but I’m trying to hold off on watching the episode until after I read the story it’s based on. Is the TV series largely faithful to the books? > > I’ll check out the fan books, too. Thanks The Timothy Hutton series are as close to “word-for-word” as you can get. It does a great job of showing the disagreements and sniping between Wolfe and Archie. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-favorite-nero-wolfe-stories-no-spoilers-please/805609.md?page=1)