Fer-de-Lance by Rex Stout
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This first-in-the-series novel is written, wisely, as if there may not be a series. Maybe Stout had no idea he was to be as married to Nero Wolfe as singer Tom Jones is married to ‘It’s Not Unusual’. Except Jones has only one song over 40+ years and Wolfe was about to spend the same time crafting his character’s adventures.

This mystery was disappointing to me in that I had figured those responsible very quickly. I did have a few other theories as to who-done-it, but this popped out at me as obvious, as was the reason why. But that is my personal issue and seems not a trouble for a book still being published over 80 years later. I had issue with something else a bit contrived, but don’t want to reveal it here and really does add to the book.

The mystery is a good one, but it’s the fun of the character study that makes this most worthwhile. Wolfe is so clearly defined that I could easily imagine him (As Sydney Greenstreet, of course). Wolfe’s manager, investigator and milk drinker, Archie Goodwin is perfect as the contrast to Wolfe. I love the way Stout portrays Goodwin’s dedication to Wolfe. Dedication like that is nearly impossible to find these days.

The settings are written loosely, which likely helps Stout redesign as the series bounds on. This is a bit of trouble considering that location is essential to the crime to be solved and Stout must have assumed all would know about such a location.

Bottom line: I recommend the book. 8 out of 10 points.

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