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Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe Mysteries #18
The White Mountain
An epicurean mystery featuring the iconic sleuth and his sidekick from the author who "brings Nero Wolfe, late of Rex Stout, gloriously back to life" (Chicago magazine).
A dark cloud has fallen over Nero Wolfe's New York brownstone. For days, house chef Fritz Brenner has worn a worried expression, caused by the news from back home in Switzerland that his beloved cousin is missing. When a hired detective on the ground is unable to turn up any leads, Fritz takes it upon himself to return to Geneva and launch his own investigation. However, when Fritz himself goes missing, it's up to Wolfe and his faithful assistant Archie Goodwin to travel to Geneva and save the day.
Despite the disruptions of international travel, which are particularly intense for an enormous private detective who rarely, if ever, leaves his 59th Street home, the trip goes relatively smoothly—that is, until they reach their destination and Archie's puzzling inquest begins. He soon uncovers a tangled case that straddles the French-Swiss border in the shadow of Mont Blanc, and an underground network that will stop at nothing—not even murder—to preserve its secrets.
Praise for Robert Goldsborough's Nero Wolfe Mysteries
"Goldsborough has all of the late writer's stylistic mannerisms down pat." —The New York Times
"Fans of that fat genius, Nero Wolfe, and his indomitable sidekick, Archie Goodwin, will be gratified by this stylish revival." —Publishers Weekly
"Goldsborough does a masterly job with the Wolfe legacy." —Booklist
A dark cloud has fallen over Nero Wolfe's New York brownstone. For days, house chef Fritz Brenner has worn a worried expression, caused by the news from back home in Switzerland that his beloved cousin is missing. When a hired detective on the ground is unable to turn up any leads, Fritz takes it upon himself to return to Geneva and launch his own investigation. However, when Fritz himself goes missing, it's up to Wolfe and his faithful assistant Archie Goodwin to travel to Geneva and save the day.
Despite the disruptions of international travel, which are particularly intense for an enormous private detective who rarely, if ever, leaves his 59th Street home, the trip goes relatively smoothly—that is, until they reach their destination and Archie's puzzling inquest begins. He soon uncovers a tangled case that straddles the French-Swiss border in the shadow of Mont Blanc, and an underground network that will stop at nothing—not even murder—to preserve its secrets.
Praise for Robert Goldsborough's Nero Wolfe Mysteries
"Goldsborough has all of the late writer's stylistic mannerisms down pat." —The New York Times
"Fans of that fat genius, Nero Wolfe, and his indomitable sidekick, Archie Goodwin, will be gratified by this stylish revival." —Publishers Weekly
"Goldsborough does a masterly job with the Wolfe legacy." —Booklist
- GenresMystery
178 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2025
83 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Robert Goldsborough
44 books252 followersRobert Goldsborough is an American author of mystery novels. He was born in 1937 and grew up in the Chicago area. Although he worked for 45 years for the Chicago Tribune and Advertising Age, he first came to prominence in the 1980s with the publication, with the approval of the estate of Rex Stout, of his Nero Wolfe mystery Murder in E Minor. Written privately for his mother back in 1978, shortly after the death of Stout, creator of the Wolfe stories, the novel received a Nero Award.
Six other Nero Wolfe books followed from Goldsborough, all favorably received. However, more recently he has turned his attention to creating books with his own characters, beginning with Three Strikes You're Dead, a novel set in pre-war Chicago, and starring Steve Malek, a reporter for the Tribune.
Series:
* Nero Wolfe Novels by Robert Goldsborough
* Snap Malek Mystery
Six other Nero Wolfe books followed from Goldsborough, all favorably received. However, more recently he has turned his attention to creating books with his own characters, beginning with Three Strikes You're Dead, a novel set in pre-war Chicago, and starring Steve Malek, a reporter for the Tribune.
Series:
* Nero Wolfe Novels by Robert Goldsborough
* Snap Malek Mystery
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 13, 2026
Goldsborough has taken over the Nero Wolfe franchise and the results are mostly “satisfactory.” (Wolfe fans will know what I mean.) Wolfe and his right hand, Archie Goodwin are the foundation upon which most of the stories are built. They are the “ying and yang” of detection; thus, their relationship isn’t always a smooth path. For instance -
"“Okay, point taken, but I still think Bouchard has a lot of respect for you and your acumen.” “‘Acumen’, is it? You have been delving into the dictionary again.” “I’m always trying to improve myself, as you have urged for years.” “It is good to know that my ministrations have not all been for naught.”"
and
"“Archie, although your knowledge of world history is shaky at best, in this instance you are essentially correct.”
“Well, even a stopped clock is right twice a day….Wolfe’s cheeks creased, his version of a smile. It was pleasing to know that I could still amuse him on occasion. That helps to at least partially offset the times I rile him up. But then, part of my job has always been to get under Wolfe’s skin. When he hired me back in the dark ages, he said he expected me to be a burr under his saddle (my words, not his) and to spur him to action. So this I try to do, with limited success. Wolfe can be lazy, as he freely admits, and getting him to keep focused on the job at hand can be a challenge and one that I accept. But that doesn’t mean that it’s fun."
The White Mountain focuses on the Wolfe household and particularly upon their chef, Fritz Brenner. Brenner came from Switzerland leaving behind his cousin and boyhood companion. Paul is now missing.
Now, the regular communication that has been part of their ongoing relationship has been cut. What is the reason? Has something happened to him. Fritz wants to know and Wolfe doesn’t want to lose his key to gourmet meals.
This eventually means a trip to Switzerland and this novel is more of a travelogue and adventure than a mystery. Not what I expected, but not sorry to have spent time with Wolfe and Goodwin
"“Okay, point taken, but I still think Bouchard has a lot of respect for you and your acumen.” “‘Acumen’, is it? You have been delving into the dictionary again.” “I’m always trying to improve myself, as you have urged for years.” “It is good to know that my ministrations have not all been for naught.”"
and
"“Archie, although your knowledge of world history is shaky at best, in this instance you are essentially correct.”
“Well, even a stopped clock is right twice a day….Wolfe’s cheeks creased, his version of a smile. It was pleasing to know that I could still amuse him on occasion. That helps to at least partially offset the times I rile him up. But then, part of my job has always been to get under Wolfe’s skin. When he hired me back in the dark ages, he said he expected me to be a burr under his saddle (my words, not his) and to spur him to action. So this I try to do, with limited success. Wolfe can be lazy, as he freely admits, and getting him to keep focused on the job at hand can be a challenge and one that I accept. But that doesn’t mean that it’s fun."
The White Mountain focuses on the Wolfe household and particularly upon their chef, Fritz Brenner. Brenner came from Switzerland leaving behind his cousin and boyhood companion. Paul is now missing.
Now, the regular communication that has been part of their ongoing relationship has been cut. What is the reason? Has something happened to him. Fritz wants to know and Wolfe doesn’t want to lose his key to gourmet meals.
This eventually means a trip to Switzerland and this novel is more of a travelogue and adventure than a mystery. Not what I expected, but not sorry to have spent time with Wolfe and Goodwin
October 19, 2025
Another Disappointment
When these books get down to 2.99 I go ahead and buy it I am so desperate for a Goodwin/Wolfe fix. But always with Goldsborough it is a bitter disappointment. Perhaps he writes good mysteries of his own invention but these Wolfe imitations are awful. Too much dialogue between Wolfe and Archie, too many unnecessary adjectives and synonyms. When Archie is playing cards it’s really the pasteboards?? This latest attempt is seemingly just filler. While stout was not great on plots at least the relationship between Archie and Wolfe riveted our attention. This was more travelogue than mystery and the denouement was weak. I’m sure Mr Goldsborough is a wonderful person but he should never have been Stout’s successor. Ace Atkinson replacing Robert Parker was perfect. This is rarely even adequate. Does the Stout estate not even read this material?
When these books get down to 2.99 I go ahead and buy it I am so desperate for a Goodwin/Wolfe fix. But always with Goldsborough it is a bitter disappointment. Perhaps he writes good mysteries of his own invention but these Wolfe imitations are awful. Too much dialogue between Wolfe and Archie, too many unnecessary adjectives and synonyms. When Archie is playing cards it’s really the pasteboards?? This latest attempt is seemingly just filler. While stout was not great on plots at least the relationship between Archie and Wolfe riveted our attention. This was more travelogue than mystery and the denouement was weak. I’m sure Mr Goldsborough is a wonderful person but he should never have been Stout’s successor. Ace Atkinson replacing Robert Parker was perfect. This is rarely even adequate. Does the Stout estate not even read this material?
September 30, 2025
I have been a small fan of Nero Wolfe since the early eighties, now I have become a big fan. I match his 1/7th of a ton. Rex Stout created some great characters when he came up with this New York based detective. I have always liked the language and humor and was pleasantly surprised when I saw that Robert Goldsborough took up the challenge to continue the series. The first was an atempt to modernise somewhat but he was soon back in the right groove. The White Mountain is the latest and 18th of his. I can tell you it's really good. Wolfe is not a fan of movement and if I recollect correctly this is only the second time he leaves the US for Europe. If you haven't read any of these adventures I recommend that you go back and start with Fer de lance the first book about this peculiar detective.
October 27, 2025
Comfort Food for the Brain
I sincerely appreciate Mr Goldsborough continuing the Nero Wolfe adventures for the past 39 years. I love his skill in constructing new Nero Wolfe mysteries and eagerly await each new release. This adventure, written in 2025, finds our dynamic duo (Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin) embroiled in a thorny mystery originating in Geneva but spilling over the French border. Fritz Brenner disappearing in Geneva forced Nero Wolfe to actually fly overseas and ride in cars not driven by Archie!! A fun mystery that created a strong sense of nostalgia for me. I read my first Nero Wolfe mystery in 1978 and Mr Goldsborough's works are pure joy for me!!
I sincerely appreciate Mr Goldsborough continuing the Nero Wolfe adventures for the past 39 years. I love his skill in constructing new Nero Wolfe mysteries and eagerly await each new release. This adventure, written in 2025, finds our dynamic duo (Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin) embroiled in a thorny mystery originating in Geneva but spilling over the French border. Fritz Brenner disappearing in Geneva forced Nero Wolfe to actually fly overseas and ride in cars not driven by Archie!! A fun mystery that created a strong sense of nostalgia for me. I read my first Nero Wolfe mystery in 1978 and Mr Goldsborough's works are pure joy for me!!
February 8, 2026
After having read this book, I had to go back to re-reading "The Missing Chapter", also by Goldsborough. It was the 7th and last book that he wrote between 1986 and 1993 before he picked up the series again almost 20 years later.
And, yes, it confirmed what I thought: Early Goldsborough was much closer to Rex Stout than late Goldsborough is to his younger self.
With his latest books, he has picked up bad habits that he did not bring to his early Wolfes. Namely
1) Relaying information through dialogue, like in "The White Mountain". Saul to Archie: "Although I frankly admit that our old newspaper pal and fellow poker player, Lon Cohen, gets to drink that whenever he dines in the brownstone." - Does anyone in real life talk that like that?
2) Wolfe, but also other characters, often congratulate Archie on his vocabulary - as if he were a child who has done his homework. That´s the most egrigous trend in dialogue that is often stilted and long-winded. Also, Wolfe making a (feeble) joke at Archie´s expense, does not ring true.
These are all things common in Goldsborough´s latest batch - I don´t know whether it´s his age or someone else has taken over. "The White Mountain" is at least a change in pace, more a travelogue and adventure story than a mystery. Not that a lot of things happen, Archie simply seems to take a boat trip around Lake Geneva after another. And Wolfe is more of a man of action than a great detective this time.
All rather boring but at least one sentence made me chuckle: " 'How are you, sir?' Wolfe asked, holding the phone away from his ear for me benefit. He´s all heart."
And, yes, it confirmed what I thought: Early Goldsborough was much closer to Rex Stout than late Goldsborough is to his younger self.
With his latest books, he has picked up bad habits that he did not bring to his early Wolfes. Namely
1) Relaying information through dialogue, like in "The White Mountain". Saul to Archie: "Although I frankly admit that our old newspaper pal and fellow poker player, Lon Cohen, gets to drink that whenever he dines in the brownstone." - Does anyone in real life talk that like that?
2) Wolfe, but also other characters, often congratulate Archie on his vocabulary - as if he were a child who has done his homework. That´s the most egrigous trend in dialogue that is often stilted and long-winded. Also, Wolfe making a (feeble) joke at Archie´s expense, does not ring true.
These are all things common in Goldsborough´s latest batch - I don´t know whether it´s his age or someone else has taken over. "The White Mountain" is at least a change in pace, more a travelogue and adventure story than a mystery. Not that a lot of things happen, Archie simply seems to take a boat trip around Lake Geneva after another. And Wolfe is more of a man of action than a great detective this time.
All rather boring but at least one sentence made me chuckle: " 'How are you, sir?' Wolfe asked, holding the phone away from his ear for me benefit. He´s all heart."
November 3, 2025
goldsboro is increasingly improving his Rex Stout imitation
In the early going, Robert Goldsborough's impersonation of Rex Stout was competent, if not spot on. As he is go on writing more Nero Wolfe pastiches, he has gotten better at getting narrator Archie Goodwin's voice down, though he's added a few touches of his own in the form of expanding Archie's "Friend With Benefits" Lily Rowan's character and Archie's own background.
This story, in which Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin travel to Switzerland to rescue wolves cook/Housekeeper Fritz Brenner, along with his missing cousin, stands among Goldsborough's best, partially because it shows Wolfe outside his normal NYC stomping grounds, and Archie once again having to adapt in a country where he doesn't speak the language. I was a bit surprised at the ease of which Archie carried his gun around, and even more surprised to see Wolfe packing heat(!), but the story wisely has Archie just as shocked as we are... and inclined to mock Wolfe's unusual behavior as an action hero! It's clear that Archie at least partially does this to annoy Wolfe out of his own sense of shock, though I wish that Nero Wolfe had said, even in passing, that he was far more experienced in combat than Archie gave him credit for.
In the early going, Robert Goldsborough's impersonation of Rex Stout was competent, if not spot on. As he is go on writing more Nero Wolfe pastiches, he has gotten better at getting narrator Archie Goodwin's voice down, though he's added a few touches of his own in the form of expanding Archie's "Friend With Benefits" Lily Rowan's character and Archie's own background.
This story, in which Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin travel to Switzerland to rescue wolves cook/Housekeeper Fritz Brenner, along with his missing cousin, stands among Goldsborough's best, partially because it shows Wolfe outside his normal NYC stomping grounds, and Archie once again having to adapt in a country where he doesn't speak the language. I was a bit surprised at the ease of which Archie carried his gun around, and even more surprised to see Wolfe packing heat(!), but the story wisely has Archie just as shocked as we are... and inclined to mock Wolfe's unusual behavior as an action hero! It's clear that Archie at least partially does this to annoy Wolfe out of his own sense of shock, though I wish that Nero Wolfe had said, even in passing, that he was far more experienced in combat than Archie gave him credit for.
December 1, 2025
This not a Nero Wolfe book.
Nero seems to have been replaced by a very complacent and relaxed duplicate.
Normally, Nero Wolfe traveling around the globe in airplanes, riding in numerous cars driven by strangers, eating food prepared by strangers, and trekking outdoors and conducting a commando raid on a cabin would be accompanied by innumerable complaints, outbursts of pfui!, and discomfort heaped upon indignation.
Not in this book.
Nero never complains. The furniture is generally adequate. The air travel is satisfactory. The car rides are quiet. The food is palatable. A Nero Wolfe book where the main character is content in the face of hardship is not a Nero Wolfe book. There is not even one reference to the bank balance despite the case being very expensive with no client to bill. Nero is footing the entire adventure voluntarily, his own idea.
Wolfe is generally accommodating and polite, barely giving Archie a hard time over anything. For a case where Nero fires a gun and possibly kills a man, this book is surprisingly sedate and calm.
Nero seems to have been replaced by a very complacent and relaxed duplicate.
Normally, Nero Wolfe traveling around the globe in airplanes, riding in numerous cars driven by strangers, eating food prepared by strangers, and trekking outdoors and conducting a commando raid on a cabin would be accompanied by innumerable complaints, outbursts of pfui!, and discomfort heaped upon indignation.
Not in this book.
Nero never complains. The furniture is generally adequate. The air travel is satisfactory. The car rides are quiet. The food is palatable. A Nero Wolfe book where the main character is content in the face of hardship is not a Nero Wolfe book. There is not even one reference to the bank balance despite the case being very expensive with no client to bill. Nero is footing the entire adventure voluntarily, his own idea.
Wolfe is generally accommodating and polite, barely giving Archie a hard time over anything. For a case where Nero fires a gun and possibly kills a man, this book is surprisingly sedate and calm.
January 31, 2026
Different... Original plot... a new twist to the Archie - Nero Way.
First, I have rated this book a 5 star because it is an original presentation. After some 50 Nero Wolfe - Archie Goodwin stories, the plots have settled into a predictable pattern, and this did stretch the limits of that. The story did feel a bit short, but not badly so.
I can easily recommend it to anyone who enjoys a Wolfe mystery- as narrated by Archie, or any persons who like a quick-read who-dun-it. It was fun and easy and even a bit educational - learned thing about Geneva geography I did not know.
Finally, I liked that this story brought me back into Archie's world, while also traveling the globe a bit. It felt good to listen to the patter and hear the troubles of that simpler time.
Thank you, Mr. Goldsborough, for continuing...
First, I have rated this book a 5 star because it is an original presentation. After some 50 Nero Wolfe - Archie Goodwin stories, the plots have settled into a predictable pattern, and this did stretch the limits of that. The story did feel a bit short, but not badly so.
I can easily recommend it to anyone who enjoys a Wolfe mystery- as narrated by Archie, or any persons who like a quick-read who-dun-it. It was fun and easy and even a bit educational - learned thing about Geneva geography I did not know.
Finally, I liked that this story brought me back into Archie's world, while also traveling the globe a bit. It felt good to listen to the patter and hear the troubles of that simpler time.
Thank you, Mr. Goldsborough, for continuing...
September 2, 2025
Great Adventure!!
I received the notice of the publication of the white mountain this morning and had indulged myself all day with it. It is a terrific adventure story, showing sides of Fritz and wolf that have never been seen before. It is great to see the great detective growingin his skills, and seeing Fritz as a much more human character.
I have been reading the series since I was in high school in 1959, and have read many numerous numerous times. Always I’m glad to return to my favorites.
I received the notice of the publication of the white mountain this morning and had indulged myself all day with it. It is a terrific adventure story, showing sides of Fritz and wolf that have never been seen before. It is great to see the great detective growingin his skills, and seeing Fritz as a much more human character.
I have been reading the series since I was in high school in 1959, and have read many numerous numerous times. Always I’m glad to return to my favorites.
November 5, 2025
Leaving aside the numerous errors in the Kindle edition of the book, the writing in general was flat and repetitive. Either his advancing years have caught up with Goldsborough (he is 88), or the book was written by someone else under his name. Goldsborough’s previous Nero Wolfe books were more than equal to the task of following in the path of the late Rex Stout, but this book lacks any sparkle or snap.
December 29, 2025
Plot is too complex, dialogue too precious
The challenge of writing to Rex Stout’s standard is daunting. Both Archie and Nero have distinctive voices that spring from their diction and syntax. The dialogue, more than the plots, distinguishes Stout’s work. Sadly, Mr. Goldsborough has tried to compensate for the weakness of his dialogue by increasing the complexity of his plots. It doesn’t work.
The challenge of writing to Rex Stout’s standard is daunting. Both Archie and Nero have distinctive voices that spring from their diction and syntax. The dialogue, more than the plots, distinguishes Stout’s work. Sadly, Mr. Goldsborough has tried to compensate for the weakness of his dialogue by increasing the complexity of his plots. It doesn’t work.
September 8, 2025
Nero Wolfe in a very un-Wolfian story
I’ve read the author’s Nero Wolfe books previously, and this continues to show a pretty decent characterization of both Nero and Archie, but the story itself seemed like it was written by a completely different author. Very little mystery, very little suspense, only a hint of humor, and rather uninteresting characters.
I’ve read the author’s Nero Wolfe books previously, and this continues to show a pretty decent characterization of both Nero and Archie, but the story itself seemed like it was written by a completely different author. Very little mystery, very little suspense, only a hint of humor, and rather uninteresting characters.
September 30, 2025
many errors.
Some of which seem poor English…would where were should have been. Not really typographical errors it seems.
Otherwise a fair imitation of Rex Stout’s perfect series.
Some of which seem poor English…would where were should have been. Not really typographical errors it seems.
Otherwise a fair imitation of Rex Stout’s perfect series.
October 8, 2025
The plot is a little simplistic, the crime underlying the action not explained that well, but reading a Wolfe-Goodwin story is like visiting with old friends. Goldsborough has the characters and their interaction down pat. A pleasure to see them in action.
December 25, 2025
enjoyable and fast paced read.
I very much enjoyed the story line and had a hard time putting it down when I had to. I must admit that the characters and their speech was a bit off from the previous books.
Nevertheless, thanks for a good read!
I very much enjoyed the story line and had a hard time putting it down when I had to. I must admit that the characters and their speech was a bit off from the previous books.
Nevertheless, thanks for a good read!
December 28, 2025
Goldsborough continues to do a good job of recreating Nero Wolfe stories, and this was an interesting one. I'd read the originals first, but if you, like I, have read them all, then these are an excellent addition to the series.
January 23, 2026
I’m sorry it just doesn’t cut it.
Headline says it all. Goldsborough may have tried to copy original author’s style but story was totally without substance or intrigue. Nero Wolf stories were never fast moving or especially mysterious but this one seriously lowers the bar.
Headline says it all. Goldsborough may have tried to copy original author’s style but story was totally without substance or intrigue. Nero Wolf stories were never fast moving or especially mysterious but this one seriously lowers the bar.
September 13, 2025
Another Nero Wolfe gem
Fun read. Nice to see Fritz get some development. Golsborough has expanded the corpus in a meaningful way that Wolfe fans will enjoy.
Fun read. Nice to see Fritz get some development. Golsborough has expanded the corpus in a meaningful way that Wolfe fans will enjoy.
September 20, 2025
Another enjoyable entry in the Nero Wolfe saga.
October 9, 2025
Great fun. Goldsborough does a wonderful job of capturing Stout’s voice.
December 16, 2025
A different Wolfe book. Nero Wolfe not only leaves the brownstone but travels to Geneva.
December 30, 2025
confusing crime.
I couldn’t understand what the actual crime was, that the rest of the story was wrapped around. Is it a crime to make watches?
I couldn’t understand what the actual crime was, that the rest of the story was wrapped around. Is it a crime to make watches?
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews