Nearly Nero

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Nearly Nero by Loren D. Estleman tells the story of  "The Adventures of Claudius Lyon, the Man Who Would Be Wolfe."

Nero Wolfe has always been a favorite of mine and Nearly Nero had me laughing out loud. Claudius Lyon, a rotund wannabe fancies himself Brooklyn's version of Nero Wolfe. His go-to guy is Arnie Woodbine, and if you say it fast enough it sounds like Archie Goodwin. His chef produces only kosher foods, some of which are nonrecognizable, and practically inedible.

Best of all, while Wolfe raises difficult to grow orchids, Lyon raises tomatoes - not so difficult to grow! Oh yes and Lyon doesn't have a private detective's license, so he cannot accept a fee for his services or Captain Stoddard of the Brooklyn police will try to arrest him. No problem, Claudius is independently wealthy from an invention created by his father.

In this collection of short stories, even if you are diehard fan of

Nero Wolf, you will laugh at the parallels and contrasts. I have always loved the Nero Wolfe books, but Nearly Nero is such a fun parody. Although it helps if you have read some of Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe books, Nearly Nero is fun even to a novice.

The mysteries are mostly brainteasers (no murders) and the most trouble Claudius and Arnie get into is keeping Stoddard from arresting them for practicing without a license.

If you need a laugh in these gloomy, snowy winter days, Nearly Nero is the book for you.