Trouble at the Brownstone

A Nero Wolfe Mystery, Book 16

By: Robert Goldsborough

Narrated by: L. J. Ganser

Archie Goodwin goes undercover on the waterfront in a new mystery by the author who “does a masterly job with the Wolfe legacy” (Booklist).

Archie Goodwin is not overly fond of Theodore Horstmann, who takes care of the orchids on the rooftop of Nero Wolfe’s West 35th Street brownstone. But as loyal assistant to the legendary private detective, Archie will put his animosity aside when the surly orchid-keeper stumbles through the front door beaten within an inch of his life.

While the gardener lies in a coma, Nero sends Archie to poke around his apartment near the river. The place is neatly kept, if not quite as elegant as the brownstone, but across the street on 10th Avenue, Archie quickly discovers the longshoremen’s watering hole in whose back room Horstmann has been playing a lot of bridge lately. The smoky tavern is packed with tough dockworkers and recent European immigrants, and Archie does his best to blend in, filling the victim’s empty seat in his running card game, as he attempts to learn what sort of shady business might have led to attempted murder. But when one of his new bridge partners is killed, Archie finds himself caught up in something much bigger than a bar fight....

©2021 Robert Goldsborough (P)2021 Blackstone Publishing

Good but Something Missing

Goldsborough includes all of the obvious Nero Wolfe elements, but something is missing. I know nothing about writing, but I don't get the same "feeling" listening to this as I get listening to Rex Stout's writing. I can't put my finger on it. I am very glad that Goldsborough wrote these books, but it's just different from listening to Rex Stout's writing. I feel more suspense from Stout. Stout also includes a lot more incidental humor. I think I smile more when listening to Stout. Goldsborough's books are more informational. Again, I'm glad he wrote these books and I recommend them to anyone who likes Nero Wolfe.
The reader is very good. I couldn't give him 5 stars because he mispronounces the very important Wolfe word, "phooey." Phooey is pronounced, "foo - ee," with two syllables as pronounced by Sydney Greenstreet and other actors and readers. Ganser says it with one syllable. Other than "fwee," I like Ganser's Archie and other characters.

Errors in recording not fixed

Good story (one of the better ones in my view) but the editing completely missed a note from the narrator to the editor right before chapter 20 asking for something to be done. I have had this happen in several books. Come on Audible! These are not cheap and it should not be too much to ask that they be finished products.

Post WWII period well rendered. Great interplay of the usual characters

Robert Goldsborough has perfected the interplay between the Rex Stout characters. It is the best part of the mystery. The post war period is also well rendered. I guessed the conclusion of mystery from the beginning but still enjoyed the book.

Thoroughly Enjoyable

A solid Nero Wolf story with subtle differences. The narration was excellent. I am grateful that Mr. Goldsborough has given new life to this wonderful series.

My first Audible Reading

Disappointed in the interpretation by the reader. The most egregious parts were the poorly read female parts, resembling an inexperienced drag queen miming a vaudeville actress.
Lily never ‘simpered’ in the Wolfe novels.

His most successful readings were of a male Irish voice, with a convincing, light brogue.

I have adored reading every single Wolfe story over many years. This will be the last time to agonize through one filtered through Audible.