The Scotch Chix Rang: A Review of the Nero Wolfe Series

CA Scotch Chick sometimes fantasizes about being a svelte version of Nero Wolfe, the formidable detective in Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe series. She longs to hole up in her New York brownstone, sit in her perfectly sized desk chair, fritter away days with books from her extensive library or her collection of orchids, consult her oversized globe whenever she needs inspiration, and leave the room when her clients start blathering. Most dearly of all, CA Scotch Chick wishes she could dine every evening at the table of Fritz Brenner, Wolfe's magnificent chef. The only aspect of Nero Wolfe's life that CA Scotch Chick would change were she to step into his ample shoes would be his drinks table. 

Nero Wolfe does have an extensive collection of alcohol. He is a beer drinker, but he believes a guest to be a "jewel resting on the cushion of hospitality," so he stocks his drinks table with everything from gin (which he abhors) to 50 year old cognac. Unfortunately, he doesn't seem to show much appreciation for fine single malt whiskys, and neither does his creator Rex Stout.

Archie Goodwin, Nero Wolfe's irreverent sidekick, drinks rye highballs (a clear violation of Scotch Chix Rule #2 - a Scotch Chick would never adulterate rye whiskey) and downs bourbon when he is frustrated (a clear violation of Scotch Chix Rule #6 - a Scotch Chick would never abuse bourbon). And, for the most part, scotch plays a minor role on the drinks table. One rarely sees a mention of it unless a journalist is visiting.

CA Scotch Chix would change all that. If she were in charge of Nereo Wolfe's liquor purchases, she would stock some really good regular scotches such as Springbank 10 or Bunnahabhain 12 for the passing journalist and would offer all of her guests some truly fine single malt whiskys such as Highland Park 30, Glenmorangie 18 Margaux Finish, or Balvenie 30.

Despite Rex Stout's treatment of the finest of liquids, CA Scotch Chick thinks that the Nero Wolfe series is definitely worthy. Stout elevates the language of a mystery novel without making the characters or the story inaccessible. The series is extremely well written, engaging, and entertaining. 

The best part is, once one gets hooked on Nero Wolfe, there is no shortage of reading material. Stout's writing career spans from the 1930's to the 1970's, and he published 33 novels and 39 novellas over that period. One of the beauties of the series is that while Nero Wolfe and Archie remain suspended at their ages (approximately 32 for Archie and 54 for Wolfe), the novels reflect current events, so one is afforded a glimpse at the cultural norms over the decades, from race relations in the 1930's to the FBI in the 1960's.

The Scotch Chix must warn their Loyal Scotch Chix Fans that some women consider Wolfe to be a bit conceited and misogynistic. CA Scotch Chick would argue while Wolfe is certainly uncomfortable around women, he would be better classified as conceited and misanthropic - he distains the cross spectrum of the masses equally. Nevertheless, believe it or not, that is part of the charm of the series.

As with most series, the Scotch Chix recommend that one begin at the beginning. So, grab an oversized chair, visit your drinks table for some fine single malt whisky, and pick up Fer-de-lance. You won't be sorry.

Below is a link to the Wikipedia article on Rex Stout containing a list of the Nero Wolfe novels and novellas.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rex_Stout