Plot it Yourself

Plagiarism -- that dreaded word in the publishing world sends representatives of the trade to Nero Wolfe to defend them against unjust claims. A 1950's formula story, but a grand puzzle for a light read. An excellent example of why Rex Stout's books are still in print. Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin are characters who occupy a distinct place in American mystery fiction. A very good read. Nash Black, author whose books are available in Kindle editions. Writing as a Small BusinessSins of the Fathers: A Brewster County Novel

Plot It Yourself is a interesting peek into the publishing business, which Rex Stout understood, with the added spice of blackmail, murder and Nero Wolfe finding himself having problems getting a clue. Archie Goodwin has to push and shove and poke to get the great detective's mind working on this case. Plot It Yourself and Death Of A Doxy are the first books I read by Rex Stout so I have good memories of the books. This is more of a Archie Goodwin book as he seems to do much of the work, as always, and also seems to be the most upset by the killer always being a step ahead of them. As always there are tons of clues as to who the killer is but they are so buried in the rest of the story that it is truly a mystery to the reader, even after reading it more than once over the many years.

With an intriguing plot, summarized elsewhere, this is perhaps the best Nero Wolfe I've read. The characters are wonderful, Archie and Wolfe are in very fine form, and the mystery is superb. You'll be surprised at the killer, and Wolfe actually shows respect for the murderer. You almost think that Wolfe would rather not convict him/her.Bottom line: Excellent, perhaps the best Stout, with a wonderful killer you almost feel sorry for.

This is later Nero Wolfe, written in the 50s, filled with references to the Eisenhower administration. And this is noteworthy because I've always found the later Wolfe adventures lacking in charm and energy. Not this one. Archie finds himself in the publishing world, helping Wolfe sort out scandals, plagarism and murder. The setting is unique, the plot is engaging, Wolfe is his familiar old idiosyncratic self, and Archie is as witty a narrator as you could ask for. I was pleasantly surprised and delighted by this work.

This is Nero Wolfe in top form. It's about intrigue in the publishing world, something Rex Stout obviously understood thoroughly. There's plenty of humor, which is a staple of the series, but there's a bit more edge than usual, and the end is rather haunting.