I agree. Imagine a combination of Agatha Christie (superb plots, weak characters) and Rex Stout! 
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.
There is certainly a similar structure to them.
[Homer Simpson] Christie plots/Stout characters…arghuyarurea (drool) [/Homer Simpson]
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
I don’t mind formula when the formula’s fun.
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.
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.
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.
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 …
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.