Nero Wolfe

Nero Wolfe is an eccentric but brilliant New York detective. He encases himself in the cocoon of his New York brownstone, preferring as little contact with the outside world as possible. In his carefully controlled environment, he enjoys gourmet food cooked by a private chef, exotic orchids grown by a world-class orchid grower, beer, and books. His goal is to work as little as possible (and charge as much as possible) to maintain his protected lifestyle. Wolfe is all about brains and rationalism, never leaving his brownstone on business.

Wolfe is drawn in to accepting Mrs. Bruner's job when she offers him a one-hundred-thousand-dollar retainer. The large check offers him months of not having to work, and Wolfe is willing to face even the most daunting of foes for that opportunity. When the job is begun, Wolfe focuses on the main task of forcing the FBI to...