I was familiar with the name “Nero Wolfe” yet had never read a story nor seen an adaptation featuring author Rex Stout’s famous overweight detective. When I came across Tracey’s post Top Ten Reasons Why I Love Rex Stout’s Nero Wolfe Series, I knew I needed to remedy that oversight quickly.
I found what appeared to be a solid copy of the book on ebay (which turned out to be an unread copy in excellent form) and put it near the top of my to-be-read pile, where it did not sit long before I succumbed to its whispers of “read me, read me”.
First published in October 1934, Fer-De-Lance is the first of many novels featuring the overweight, orchid-loving, genius armchair detective Nero Wolfe.
Wolfe lives in a brownstone in New York city with his personal chef, Fritz Brenner, and the man who does all of his leg-work, Archie Goodwin. Like Dr. Watson to Sherlock Holmes, Archie narrates the Nero Wolfe tales.
Despite it being the first novel in the series, Fer-De-Lance is a tight-plotted, creative story with characters to whom you take an instant liking. Stout writes the stories with Wolfe and Goodwin having had numerous successful cases already under their belts, alluding to them rather than spelling them out, which gives this first story solid foundation it would not otherwise possess.
Wolfe is an enigmatic and eccentric character who likes his beer, though frequently declaring his intentions to cut down on his imbibing, and who rarely leaves his desk other than to visit his orchids or to go to bed…and presumably to use the restroom now and again.
Archie Goodwin, on the other hand, it an engaging story teller who is out and about often, alternately amazed by and annoyed by his employer, who speaks and acts just like you would expect a 1930’s man to do.
While there are one or two instances of male treatment of females that would not pass the more enlightened sensibilities of 2020, there is strength and resolve in one or two of the female characters in this story that makes you to understand they can certainly hold their own.
The mystery keeps you guessing, as does how all will turn out when you find out whodunit, and yet the primary draw to this story is the relationship between the main characters and the atmosphere of the 1930’s which comes alive on each and every page.
I am pleased that Tracy’s review induced me to try out the series and I have every intention of going on more adventures with Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin.
#ripxv
I read this one a few years ago and thought it was not bad but for some reason have not read any more. I do find myself more and more interested though in fiction written in the 1920s and 30s. The British Library Crime Classics I find absolutely excellent and they have probably fed my fascination.
I would imagine your reason is the same as all of us who read: there are always so many books to read.
I’m reading the first Tommy and Tuppence novel and the first Lord Peter Wimsey novel and loving being in the time periods in which they were written.
Another classic mystery author I have not read. It’s just that there are so many books to get to! Glad to hear you enjoyed this one and recommend it.
There are just so many, Iliana. Every time I turn around I either discover some author from the later end of the 19th century/early 20th century or am reminded of one I’ve heard of but haven’t read.
I’ve read a few Nero Wolfe books now, including this one and I’ve enjoyed them all. Archie is my favourite character. While reading the books I always think of the Ironside TV series starring Raymond Burr, that character seems similar to Wolfe to me, maybe it’s his lack of physical action.
I may have to try one on audio as well. I listened to a sample of one book and I like the narrator, Michael Prichard. Archie really is a great character, which is why I can easily see myself reading more of these. I had forgotten all about Ironside. I remember watching that show as a kid. Not as much as Perry Mason though. I can definitely see Raymond Burr playing Nero Wolfe, and doing it well.
I don’t know why it took me so long to see this post, Carl. I am very glad you enjoyed this first Nero Wolfe book, and your evaluation of it is very good. Archie is the best character, but Nero Wolfe is fun too.
You are so right about the male treatment of females. I never noticed that at all when I read them as a teenager and into my twenties, but when I reread them in my forties, I was bothered sometimes. Especially when it was Archie, who should know better. And it may have improved in the later years, as Stout was publishing into the 1970s.
Thanks for the link to my Top Ten post, that was one of my most fun posts to put together.
It was a great post.
Yes, Archie’s thought of wanting to turn a character over his knee to give her a good spanking (not exactly the way it was phrased) would certainly not be written today. Stories are very often a product of their time and I tend to be more understanding of that if it is not too egregious.
I’ve never even heard of this book but I like the description of Wolfe. Imperfect characters have a special place in my heart.
He is certainly an interesting hero and has interesting working methods because of his obesity and his habits that contribute to it. I’m liking the banter between the characters and look forward to visiting them again in the next book at some point.