Archie Goodwin is not only my favorite Watson, he is the best Watson. He more than earns his keep as Nero Wolfe’s assistant, complementing the brilliant mind of his eccentric genius boss with his own massive skillset. As a chronicler of their adventures together, Archie is unmatched in his snappy prose and ever-present wit (although … Continue reading ARCHIE’S TIME OUT: Prisoner’s Base
Rex Stout
GOURMET VS. G-MEN: The Doorbell Rang
My recent sampling of the work of Herbert Brean left me with a hankering for more Gotham-centered mystery. And when you want a taste of New York, what better place to stop than West 35th Street, home of that orchid-loving, gargantuan grumpy genius, Nero Wolfe, and his girl-magnet sidekick and everybody’s favorite Watson, Archie Goodwin. These … Continue reading GOURMET VS. G-MEN: The Doorbell Rang
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS A PAIR OF SHORTS
If there’s one thing classic mystery fans know, it’s that everyone loves a good murder at Christmastime. Reading about rich Uncle Humphrey found under the tree with a stake of holly through his heart is a great way to relieve the stresses of hanging out with your real Uncle Randy who clasps you to his … Continue reading ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS A PAIR OF SHORTS
MAY I SUGGEST YOU READ A MURDER MYSTERY?
I have to admit I’ve been stressed for about . . . three and a half years. Bernie Sanders said recently that the current health crisis is “on the scale of major war,” but I’ve felt battle-scarred, mostly by tweet, for some time now. And now, thanks to COVID-19, I’m in exile: our schools have … Continue reading MAY I SUGGEST YOU READ A MURDER MYSTERY?
SLINGING THE BULL WITH NERO WOLFE
It has been a long time since I hung out with the guys at 454 W. 35th Street. To be honest, that street address is the best guess of the Wolfe Pack, detective Nero Wolfe’s official fan club. But they were sure enough of their figures to arrange having a plaque posted on the brownstone … Continue reading SLINGING THE BULL WITH NERO WOLFE