This was the first Nero Wolfe book that I've read, and I enjoyed it more than I expected. The pace was fast and the dialogue was rollicking and crisp. Also, the use of some of the slangy words that aren't in today's mainstream vocabulary made me laugh. It was published in 1940. With it's plot of a Balkan princess, spying involving Nazi's and British agents and international finance it was quite a prescient storyline for the time it was published.
There were a few slang words used in reference to different nationalities that we find offensive today. All in all I thought the book was great fun. I can't wait to read another Nero Wolfe book to see what will happen with Nero and Archie Goodwin as the next plot unfolds.
There were a few slang words used in reference to different nationalities that we find offensive today. All in all I thought the book was great fun. I can't wait to read another Nero Wolfe book to see what will happen with Nero and Archie Goodwin as the next plot unfolds.
Nero Wolfe is still the most pompous ass since Poirot. Archie Goodwin, as picturesque and lovable as ever, throws his wit and muscle around: he's not quite Philip Marlowe but entertaining enough. The police are never quite up to the task, so nothing's new in detective fiction. At least no one breaks down on the witness stand and confesses to the crime. And, the plot it is somewhat plausible. This is an easy read for an afternoon, or evening.
