Review #137
A Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin Mystery
The story begins with a case that is no more or less unusual than most others that Wolfe tackles. Mrs. Rackam, an aging millionairess, hires the boys to find out where her playboy husband is getting his spending money. Shortly after taking the case, a letter bomb appears at the house as a warning from criminal mastermind, Arnold Zeck, to stop poking into the matter. This prompts Wolfe to do something truly extraordinary. He leaves his treasured home and disappears without a word to Goodwin about his intentions or location. This provides an interesting look into Archie's world as we see what he would do when left on his own.
The story is highly compelling and builds to a satisfying climax. The only potential negative is that Archie’s trademark humor is played down considerably in this book as it is much more intense than most Rex Stout novels. This is the third and last of the Zeck trilogy.
I enjoyed this novel immensely but those looking for lots of typical snappy patter from Archie should look elsewhere.
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