Archie Meets Nero Wolfe: A Prequel to Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe Mysteries

Robert Goldsborough

Nov 2012 · The Nero Wolfe Mysteries Book 8 · Open Road Media

About this ebook

An “excellent” novel that goes back to 1920s New York to reveal how the famed detective first met his incomparable sidekick (Publishers Weekly, starred review).

In 1930, young Archie Goodwin comes to New York City hoping for a bit of excitement. In his third week working as a night watchman, he stops two burglars in their tracks—with a pair of hot lead slugs.
 
Dismissed from his job for being “trigger-happy,” he parlays his newfound notoriety into a job as a detective’s assistant, helping honest sleuth Del Bascom solve cases like the Morningside Piano Heist, the Rive Gauche Art Gallery Swindle, and the Sumner-Hayes Burglary. But it’s the kidnapping of Tommie Williamson, the son of a New York hotel magnate, that introduces Goodwin to the man who will change his life.
 
Goodwin knows there’s only one detective who can help find Tommie: Nero Wolfe, the stout genius of West Thirty-Fifth Street. Together, they’ll form one of the most unlikely crime fighting duos in history—but first Goodwin must locate Tommie and prove that he deserves a place by Wolfe’s side.
 
In this witty story about the origin of a legendary partnership, Robert Goldsborough gloriously evokes the spirit of Nero Wolfe’s creator, bestselling author Rex Stout, and breathes new life into his beloved characters. 

Ratings and reviews

I couldn't finish even the free sample. Goodwin was from Zanesville, not Chillicothe, and no cartridge shell has ever buried itself in any wall; nor would this character be startled by the report of his own revolver, having "hunted ducks as a kid" with shotguns presumably. That's as far as I made it through this sissified crap.

I've always enjoyed Robert Goldsborough's take on Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe mysteries. I find his portrayal of a young Archie to be both entertaining and convincing, but in places over the top. This is the only reason I didn't give the book 5 stars. As I read the entire book in a day, I believe I can honestly say that the term gripping is well deserved.

My only complaint is that it came to an end. I enjoyed it immensely. I think Cramer's part might have been a little smother, also, but he is a pushy character and he was once again pushing Wolfe whenever he had a chance. Cramer is usually assisted by Sergeant Purley Stebbins, yet he had little to do at the end of the story where Wolfe was solving the whole kidnapping. I will have to reread all the Rex Stout books now and see how well this book handles Archie's past in Ohio. I look forward to rereading this book, too. I give this book full marks and I must say I am a picky person when it comes to books, food and trust. I hope that anyone who is thinking about buying it will read the sample first, as that is why I went ahead and parted with $10.00. I feel it was well worth the money. Enjoy!

About the author

Robert Goldsborough is an American author best known for continuing Rex Stout’s famous Nero Wolfe series. Born in Chicago, he attended Northwestern University and upon graduation went to work for the Associated Press, beginning a lifelong career in journalism that would include long periods at the Chicago Tribune and Advertising Age. While at the Tribune, Goldsborough began writing mysteries in the voice of Rex Stout, the creator of iconic sleuths Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin. Goldsborough’s first novel starring Wolfe, Murder in E Minor (1986), was met with acclaim from both critics and devoted fans, winning a Nero Award from the Wolfe Pack. Archie Goes Home is the fifteenth book in the series.