THE RED BOX

This early adventure showcases Stout's immortal, fat detective, Nero Wolfe. Our hero is confronted by an apparently accidental poisoning and an elusive leather box that could contain the key to the entire case. All the trappings of Wolfe's universe are in place, from the orchids to the peevishness. The talented Michael Prichard puts some excitement into his voice but does not differentiate the characters very well, except for Wolfe himself. For Wolfe, he reads in an understated, deep, rich intonation that allows the listener to visualize that one-seventh of a ton, creased-faced genius. The other men and women in the tale are mostly unmemorable. D.W. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 02]