Order of Nero Wolfe Book Series

The "Nero Wolfe" series is a captivating collection of detective fiction centered around the brilliant and eccentric private investigator Nero Wolfe, created by Rex Stout. Wolfe is a prodigious genius who shuns the outside world, preferring the comforts of his lavish brownstone in New York City, where he indulges in his passion for gourmet cooking and botanical gardening. Though he rarely leaves his home, Wolfe relies on his sharp intellect and keen observational skills to solve complex mysteries.

Accompanied by his loyal and resourceful assistant, Archie Goodwin, Wolfe utilizes a unique blend of deductive reasoning and an extensive knowledge of criminal psychology to unravel intricate cases. The dynamic between the meticulous and reclusive detective and his lively narrator has captivated readers for generations, weaving humor and tension into their adventures.

In addition to Rex Stout's original novels, Robert Goldsborough continued the legacy of Nero Wolfe, bringing his own flair to the character while respecting Stout's groundbreaking creation. Goldsborough's contributions reinvigorate the series for a new audience, offering fresh plots that maintain the charm and wit of the classic tales.

Together, these authors have crafted a timeless series that combines mystery, humor, and exceptional character development, making Nero Wolfe a beloved figure in the world of detective fiction. Whether tackling high-society murders or underground conspiracies, Wolfe and Archie navigate the complexities of the human experience with style and intellect, ensuring their place in the pantheon of literary sleuths.

The "Nero Wolfe" series features the famous detective Nero Wolfe, created by Rex Stout. Stout wrote a total of 33 novels and novellas featuring Wolfe and his assistant, Archie Goodwin. After Stout's death, Robert Goldsborough continued the series with a number of novels. Below is a summary of the books by both authors:

Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe Books

1. Fer-de-Lance (1934) - The first novel introduces Nero Wolfe and his assistant Archie Goodwin as they solve the murder of a wealthy banker.

2. The League of Frightened Men (1935) - Wolfe investigates the case of a group of men who believe they are being targeted by a murderer.

3. The Rubber Band (1936) - Wolfe is drawn into a case involving a stolen string of pearls and the murder of a prominent chorus girl.

4. The Red Box (1936) - A mysterious murder connected to a lipstick case brings Wolfe and Archie into the world of cosmetics.

5. Too Many Cooks (1938) - Wolfe has to deal with a murder during an extravagant culinary gathering, exploring the world of renowned chefs.

6. Some Buried Caesar (1939) - Wolfe attends a county fair and becomes embroiled in a murder involving a disgraced politician.

7. Over My Dead Body (1939) - Wolfe investigates when a man is found dead inside a locked office, leading to a complex web of connections.

8. The Mother Hunt (1949) - Wolfe gets involved in a case regarding the search for a missing mother and the implications of her disappearance.

9. The Golden Spiders (1953) - The story revolves around a murder tied to a series of valuable stolen spider brooches.

10. The Black Mountain (1954) - Wolfe is drawn into a case of a murdered countryman when a former client asks for help in solving the crime.

(Note: This is not an exhaustive list of Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe books, as there are many more novels and novellas, including titles like "The Doorbell Rang," "The Silent Speaker," "The Final Dilemma," etc.)

Robert Goldsborough's Nero Wolfe Books

Goldsborough continued the Nero Wolfe saga with a series of novels that preserved the original characters and style. Here are some of his contributions:

1. Fer-de-Lance (1986) - A reimagining of Stout's first novel rather than a continuation; it echoes the same plot lines and character dynamics.

2. The Bloodied Ivy (1988) - Wolfe is called to solve a murder connected to a noted college and its controversial legacy.

3. The Golden Spiders (1993) - A sequel that ties back to the original Wolfe legacy while delivering a fresh mystery narrative.

4. The Black Mountain (1992) - A continuation that allows for further exploration of Wolfe's character in a new setting.

5. Murder in E Minor (1999) - Wolfe investigates a murder tied to the world of classical music and the tensions within.

6. The Devil in Size (2000) - A tale that presents Wolfe facing off against a criminal syndicate.

7. Death of a Doxy (2001) - Inspired by Stout's style, the plot includes a murdered actress and Wolfe's challenge in uncovering the truth.

8. The Missing Chapter (2006) - A novel serving as a tribute to Stout's work, featuring Wolfe in a case involving missing manuscripts.

These summaries encapsulate some of the primary offerings from both Stout and Goldsborough’s contributions to the "Nero Wolfe" series. There are many more books with intricate plots woven around Wolfe's thought processes, providing a blend of wit, charm, and intellectual deduction.

The Nero Wolfe series, originally created by Rex Stout and later continued by Robert Goldsborough, features a cast of distinctive characters, with the main characters being:

Nero Wolfe

• Description: Nero Wolfe is a brilliant and eccentric detective known for his extraordinary deductive skills and encyclopedic knowledge. He is a large man, both physically imposing and incredibly intelligent. He avoids physical exertion and prefers to work from the comfort of his home in West 35th Street, New York City, where he has a taste for fine food and beer.
• Personality: Wolfe is often gruff, self-assured, and unapologetic about his habits and lifestyle. He has a disdain for society’s conventions but possesses a strong moral code and a passion for justice, often taking on cases that intrigue him.

Archie Goodwin

• Description: Archie Goodwin serves as Wolfe’s assistant and the series' narrator. He is young, witty, and has a talent for social interactions and undercover work, balancing Wolfe's reclusive nature. Archie is also the one who does the legwork of investigating, gathering information, and interviewing suspects.
• Personality: Archie's character is charismatic and quick on his feet, often providing comic relief with his sharp humor. He admires Wolfe’s intellect but is also frustrated by his boss's idiosyncrasies. Archie’s loyalty to Wolfe is unwavering, and he finds fulfillment in solving cases alongside him.

Other Notable Characters

• Nora Goodwin: While primarily a character in Goldsborough’s continuation of the series, she might appear throughout the novels as an intriguing woman who is romantically linked to Archie.
• Fritz Brenner: Wolfe's chef and houseman, Fritz is responsible for preparing the lavish meals that Wolfe enjoys. He is a meticulous, skilled cook and frequently provides a buffer between Wolfe and the outside world.
• Inspector Cramer: A detective with the NYPD who often interacts with Wolfe and Archie. His hard-nosed approach to policing contrasts with Wolfe's more cerebral methods, yet he acknowledges Wolfe's talents, even if grudgingly.

The series is celebrated for its clever plotting, sharp dialogue, and the dynamic between Wolfe and Archie, which serves as its backbone. The interaction between these characters can range from comedic to tense, reflecting their unique personalities and working relationship.

The "Nero Wolfe" series is a classic of detective fiction created by Rex Stout and later continued by Robert Goldsborough. Here are some interesting facts about both authors' contributions to the series and its legacy:

Rex Stout's Contributions

1. Character Origins: Nero Wolfe, the brilliant but eccentric detective, is known for his love of gourmet food, specifically his fondness for fine beer. Stout based Wolfe's character partly on the real-life figure of his friend, a composer named George F. R. S. Johnston.

2. Setting and Style: The series primarily takes place in Wolfe's lavish brownstone in Manhattan, reflecting his wealth and reclusive nature. The storytelling is characterized by Stout’s clever wordplay, witty dialogue, and intricate plots.

3. The Sidekick: Wolfe's assistant, Archie Goodwin, serves as the narrator of most of the stories and is essential to the dynamic of the series. Archie’s charm and street smarts often contrast with Wolfe's introverted brilliance.

4. Prolific Output: Rex Stout wrote 33 Nero Wolfe novels and novellas from 1934 to 1975, making it a long-running series in the detective genre.

5. Awards and Recognition: The series has received various accolades, including the Mystery Writers of America's Edgar Award. Stout himself received the Grand Master Award in 1959 for his contributions to detective fiction.

Robert Goldsborough's Contributions

1. Continuation of the Series: After Stout's death, Goldsborough began writing new Nero Wolfe novels in 1986, capturing the essence of the original characters while bringing them into a modern context. He wrote over a dozen new stories, expanding the legacy.

2. Balanced Style: Goldsborough’s works are noted for maintaining the tone and style of Stout's original stories while introducing fresh plots and nuances. He honors the original series' charm while ensuring the stories resonate with contemporary readers.

3. New Adventures: Goldsborough’s stories often explore new themes and incorporate more modern settings while ensuring that the core characteristics of Wolfe and Archie are preserved, allowing new generations to enjoy their adventures.

Cultural Impact

1. Television and Film Adaptations: The "Nero Wolfe" series has inspired various adaptations, including television shows and films. The most notable is the 2001-2002 USA Network adaptation, which starred Maury Chaykin as Nero Wolfe and Timothy Hutton as Archie Goodwin.

2. Influence on the Genre: The character of Nero Wolfe has become an iconic figure in detective fiction, influencing countless other fictional detectives with his intelligence, quirks, and unique investigative methods.

3. Fanbase and Legacy: Both Stout and Goldsborough have cultivated a large and dedicated fanbase, and Wolfe's popularity continues with reprints of the original novels, modern adaptations, and even a series of audio dramas.

The "Nero Wolfe" series remains a beloved part of American literary culture, with its intricate plots, memorable characters, and delightful prose ensuring its place in the pantheon of detective fiction.