A Family Affair

By: Rex Stout

Narrated by: Michael Prichard

Length: 5 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's Summary

Nero Wolfe's last recorded case! Wolfe never works without a well-heeled client and a sizable fee, but when a bomb racks his brownstone, killing his favorite waiter from his favorite restaurant, the world's greatest gourmet takes it as a personal affront. What kind of unsavory killer commits murder within 10 feet of a legendary detective? It's a question Wolfe will go to heroic lengths to answer. But even as he and Archie uncover an unappetizing brew of conspiracy and lies, the killer serves up a second helping of homicide, and Wolfe is left to face a most unpalatable truth.

Stout fellow: explore our list of Nero Wolfe mysteries, including novels and classic radio programs.

©1975 Rex Stout (P)2000 Books on Tape

Critic Reviews

"It is always a treat to read a Nero Wolfe mystery. The man has entered our folklore." (The New York Times)
"Reader Michael Prichard delivers a convincing rendition of Archie Goodwin....a well-paced narration." (AudioFile)

The Last and One of the Best Nero Wolfe Novels

This Nero Wolfe novel is the final in the fictional timeline and the last written by Stout. It is set in 1974 with references to Nixon, Ford and Watergate. This is a little weird as I always picture Archie and Wolfe as creatures of the 30s and 40s. If Archie was hired in 1930 and must have been at least 23, then in 1974 Archie would be 67, and the older Fritz and Wolfe are still alive and kicking in 1974? Oh well, you have to suspend disbelief for this timeline. Nevertheless the characters and relationships are at their best, the writing is excellent with lots of wit and detail, and the story is interesting with unexpected twists and a killer ending. The narration, as always, is excellent.

This is a must read for any lover of Nero Wolfe, but don’t make it your first of the series, or even your tenth. This should be one of the last read, as it will be more enjoyable if you know all the characters really well. This book is one of my all-time favorites of the series.

Rex Stout saved his best for last!

This was Rex Stout’s last Nero Wolfe mystery, written around 1974 or ‘75. While I never read a bad Nero Wolfe book, some are better than others, and this may have been his finest work—for several reasons (that I don’t entirely want to spell out, to avoid saying too much).

However, it is fair to say that in this last work, Stout allowed Wolfe to nudge himself just a tiny bit more into displaying human feelings than the great man usually allowed himself to show. And listening to it, knowing this was Stout’s (and Nero Wolfe’s) swan song, so to speak, made the entire book seem more precious. I thought I had read the entire series, way back when, but somehow I had never read this—so it was a double pleasure for me.

One of the somewhat jarring things about it was hearing references to more modern security and phone systems, etc, than we read about in the main body of work. Even the extensive references to Nixon made it feel as though it was displaced in “Archie Goodwin” time. (Archie always seemed the archetypal youthful sidekick detective, from approximately Post WWII time frame, while Nero Wolfe felt more ageless to me). And in this last book, speaking through Nero Wolfe, it seemed as though Rex Stout was allowing some personal political opinions to come out in a strong way—something I don’t recall so much before.

And the ending—I sure didn’t see it coming (though I might have, had I thought about it, since I have read the continuing set of NW mysteries, by Robert Goldsborough). To anyone who is unfamiliar with this last book, as I was, just allow yourself to settle in for a powerful listening experience! If you have never read a Nero Wolfe book before, don’t begin with this one. Let this truly be your end experience of this series, as it will mean a lot more!

Great ending for a great series

Well it doesn't usually make any difference what order you read the Nero Wolfe series of books in, this one should be read last no matter what.

It was the last book that Rex Stout wrote and published, shortly before he died.

and it puts a little bowtie on some character arcs that had been going on for many years.

Some of the later Rex Stout written Nero Wolfe books, include references that date them more than some of the older books. He included more 60s and early 70s jargon, and made references to events that were correct in the news, not just in passing, but often over and over again, and sometimes (as here), it had something to do with the plot.

Nevertheless, at least for this book, it doesn't get in the way of a very enjoyable read, whether reading the text version, or listening to the audio version.

I would definitely put this one in my top 10 list. I don't think I would ever put it in my top three, or maybe even top five.

However, it's when I do read and listen to over and over again.

I know this is getting redundant and my reviews about this series, but Michael Prichard's performance here is typically top notch. Even the worst of this series (which is better than some of the best of many others), is worth listening too many times just because of Prichard's excellent reading.

A must read

If you are a Nero Wolf fan this is a must read! Extremely well read a pleasure to listen to!

The Mystery is good...the Watergate focus on the side is boring and annoying.

Watergate? The mystery is lost amid political name-bashing. Hated that part. Read only if you have NOTHING better to do.

Nero and Archie’s last case in the 1970’s!

I really enjoy Nero and Archie. This has a unique plot overall and gets very personal for the Brownstone residence. This book should be read after “really” knowing the characters well to appreciate this plot. It is the last book written by Rex and I would listen to it last to have a nice conclusion as the writer intended.
Anyone with knowledge of Rex Stouts writing knows that Nero and company do not age in the books as time marches forward. I love the 30’s and 40’s eras that a lot of the books were written in and the tv series in based on. But any time with wise cracking Archie and Genius Nero works for me with the Rex Stout novels.
This novel is based in the 1970’s and mentions time specific things in the novel. Watergate etc…
In my top ten for the Nero and Archie Audible list. Black Mountain is #1 btw

Great book

I’ve read all of the Wolfe books, most at least 3 times. This is one of the best.

There is a rat in the Wolfe den

The last Wolfe novel written by Rex Stout may not be the best adventure, but it is a solid entry in the series.

The action starts when a waiter from Rusterman's shows up at the door, just when Archie is getting ready to go to sleep. Since the waiter won't talk to Archie, he is shown to the guest room where he can stay until Wolfe can see him the next morning. Unfortunately for all involved, a bomb kills the waiter and wreaks havoc upon everyone in the Brownstone. Soon, Archie, Saul, and the crew are investigating three interconnected murders, one of which may have something to do with Watergate. With guest appearances by Lon Cohen, Sgt. Stebbins, and Inspector Cramer, the novel seems like a farewell.

The plot is engaging, the dialogue is witty, and the action is a bit more complex than other cozies. Any Wolfe fan will enjoy the tale, Those new to the series may find some of the "insider secrets" a bit confusing.

Note: there is some dialogue from Archie that is even more misogynistic than other books in the series.

What makes Up a Family?

Enjoyed it, Always do! I guess you could say I'm a " Nerohaulic". I have read them, watched them, and now am listening to them.
The reader is always excellent. He, I believe has read if not all, most. His voice for Nero and Archie are perfect! This one has to be early because Nero leaves the house and actually goes to jail! Well must add since I listened again and loved it just as much, I learned this was the last of the Rex Stout " Nero Wolf" books. Although that is a surprise he did leave an opening for them to begin again and the author given permission from his family to continue the stories is excellent.

Wow

I did not see that coming. This story has so many twists and turns that I couldn't keep up. I felt like Kramer in the red chair at the end of the book.