This is one that is difficult to describe without giving too much away. Fantastic fiction describes the set up well: “Mrs. Barry Rackham, arriving at Wolfe's old Brownstone in Manhattan, is like a duchess diving into a hockshop. The woman is neurotic - so neurotic that she'll pay $10,000 to know where her husband's money comes from.”

This novel takes a turn that is quite unexpected—even though it has been foreshadowed in previous books. I think it is one of the best in the series. Besides Wolfe and Archie the only other regular character that has a big role in the story is Lily Rowen. If you catch the clue that gives the solution to the murder as I did, don’t forget about it as the story unfolds because there is a lot going on in this story and Stout is a master at diverting your attention. This is number 16 in the series and one of the strongest, IMO. Highly recommended for fans ( )

I picked this up because the Nero Wolfe librarythng group had a thread on Archie, and this was mentioned as one of his best showings. Indeed it was! Five months on his own, and doing quite well for himself. I was amused that it didn't take him long to be making more as an independent than he made with Wolfe, yet there was no question that he would close down his shop and go back to being the legs of the outfit.

In general, I find that the Nero Wolfe books all run together. I don't remember plots or characters from one time to the next. I have half a dozen or so that I keep on hand for just that reason - I find they are the perfect read when I need something to read.

The exception to this is Archie Goodwin. I love Archie. In a perfect world, I would marry Archie. Or maybe just date him for years, I haven't decided. But he is always number one on my list of "Fictional Characters You Love."

Oh, I added dogs to the tags just because there are dogs, and Nero gives a wonderful speech about their loyalty and love, and that turns out to be the key to the mystery. ( )

One of the best. Nero's retirement, Archie's private practice, infiltrating Zeck's organization ( )

The best of the best. My favorite scene is Wolfe telling Goodwin "I am a B." ( )

References to Arnold Zeck -Mr Z