3.5*

This 8th book in the Nero Wolfe series was pretty typical. Although I hadn't read this one before, Wolfe and Archie behaved in the manner that I associate with them in my memory, though there was a little less talk about their meals than usual. Wolfe does briefly leave his brownstone to visit the client's home (a fact which surprised me no less than it did Archie & Fred!). A quick and enjoyable read. ( )

After learning the unusual terms of their late brother’s will, the notable Hawthorne sisters, June, May, and April, turn to Nero Wolfe to help them contest the will. Although Wolfe doesn’t usually get involved in matters of this sort, money is tight and his expenses are mounting, so he’s inclined to accept the case. When it becomes a question of murder, Wolfe is on the spot to prevent Inspector Cramer and the police from a miscarriage of justice by identifying the real killer. While the eccentric characters and the witty dialogue kept me turning the pages, they overshadowed the mystery plot to the point that it was hard to follow Wolfe’s reasoning to its logical conclusion. ( )

4/9/22

Times are hard and even Nero Wolfe has to compromise. No more fance cases, this time it is a contested will. Wolfe does not like to fight over dead people's money, but he does need money for himself and his staff so off he goes. Or well, Archie Goodwin goes.

I like this book because while the character gallery was a bit too large, it was limited and allowed for many different theories of what has happened. Personally I went with a theory based on the experience Sayers, Stout and Christie have given me and that wasn't too bad. Though there were red herrings too.


( )

Nero Wolfe takes on a type of case he normally wouldn't. A family matter about a will leaving the family fortune to a woman who wasn't his wife. Noel Hawthorne, multi-millionaire, has left his sister April, May and June, a peach, a pear and an apple. To his wife and a few others, some smaller bequests. The lady who gets the bulk is no relation. Why?

This high profile, conservative family want Wolfe's help in keeping any sort of scandal being attached to the family and to find out who killed Noel and why the will was written in favour of this other woman. The sisters fear that their brother's widow, Daisy, will cause a scene and embarrass the family.

The characters are varied, the strangest being the widow. She constantly wears a veil due to an accident that has scarred her face. She has also turned against the Hawthorne family since learning of the terms of the will.

Wolfe takes on the case due to the low balance in his bank account. It takes money to support his life style and his orchids. With little to no knocks on the door asking for help, this was as good as it was.

This tale has Wolfe leaving his home and taking up space in the house where the murder occurred - something Wolfe NEVER does! It is the only way he is able to access the suspects and get the information he needs. When another murder happens, Wolfe quickly makes a beeline to his home. Needless to say, when Inspector Cramer comes knocking with a warrant for Wolfe's arrest Wolfe has already solved the mystery. ( )