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Rex Stout: Nero Wolfe is a big detective (weighing close to 300 pounds) in NYC who never leaves his home on business. His assistant, Archie Goodwin does his legwork. Wolfe has absolutely no interest in women, but he is passionate about good food, good books and orchids.

He is somewhat lazy and Archie, who also handles their finances, often has to drive him to take a case. Archie also has to round up witnesses and bring them to the house, where Wolfe questions them and solves the mystery.

A special treat with all the books is the descriptions of the food that the chef, Fritz, prepares. Also, in one book, Wolfe scrambles eggs in a double boiler, which takes him 45 minutes. Someday, I do want to try that.

There was a television series based of the characters - I only watched it one time. I did not want my enjoyment of the books to be influenced by the images they chose for the characters and location. (I feel the same about "Cold Mountain. Will not watch that movie, ever.)

Too interesting things about Nero Wolfe. My first exposure to him was actually a tribute story of sorts in Analog SF/SF (with an A.I. in Nero's place). I finally picked up a copy at a library sale after hearing more about him from other people. Oddly enough, it was the one book where Wolfe actually felt the need to leave his house. I was stunned.