- Case
- The Red Box
- Year Published
- 1937
- Case Introduction
- 30 March - 4 April 1936. Archie maneuvers Wolfe into leaving the brownstone to investigate the murder of a model for the Boyden McNair Agency. Essential clues in the case are believed to be in a mysterious red box, which is missing. Wolfe, Archie and the police must find the box to solve the mystery.
- Notes
- Resolution
-
Boyden McNair's daughter Glenna wasn't the child who died in Europe; it had been Calida Frost's daughter, Helen Frost, who died not long after birth in France. Calida bought Glenna from McNair (who was destitute and whose wife had just died) and passed her off as Helen almost from infancy to retain control of her late husband's estate. McNair -- no longer financially desperate, racked with guilt, and missing his daughter -- pressed Calida for more access to his daughter. The proof of Glenna's identity was in the red box, which would ultimately be found at his family home in Scotland. In the meantime, Wolfe used a fake red box for its psychological effect on Calida who killed herself with the poison that had been placed inside (as Cramer looked on).
Characters in the case:
Ch. 14 - Archie observes Alloway leaving Cramer's office.
Character descriptionNYPD Deputy Commissioner.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 8 - mentioned by Archie, recalling the day Wolfe made a dunce of him (presumably in the Fer-de-lance case) while he sat in the same chair Boyden McNair occupied.
Character descriptionDistrict Attorney for Westchester County. Married money; a rich man with professional ambitions, and no fool. History with Wolfe goes back five years, to the Goldsmith case, when Anderson was an assistant D.A. and ungraciously deprived Wolfe of due credit. Archie regards his ethics as questionable.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 6 - interviewed by Archie.
Character descriptionBoyden McNair Inc. employee.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 1 - signed a letter presented by Lew Frost to encourage Wolfe to investigate the murder of Molly Lauck.
Character descriptionAccomplished orchid grower.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 14 - represents Wolfe when Collinger comes to the office to discuss McNair's will.
Character descriptionWolfe's 1st lawyer.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 1 - mentioned by Archie, comparing Wolfe's objections to travelling in a taxi to the dramatic performances of Booth & Barrett.
Character descriptionLate 19th century Shakespearean stage actor.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 1 - mentioned by Archie, comparing Wolfe's objections to travelling in a taxi to the ranting of Booth & Barrett.
Character descriptionLate 19th century Shakespearean stage actor.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 1 - mentioned by Archie, describing Wolfe's affinity for Fritz's cooking.
Ch. 6 - plans meals with Wolfe as a relapse begins.
Ch. 11 - receives orders from Wolfe regarding stretching lunch to include Helen and Lew Frost.
Character descriptionMaster chef in Wolfe's kitchen, has a small apartment in the basement. (In "Fer-De-Lance," his apartment is across from the plant room, not in the basement.) Swiss; native French speaker, served in WWI. Uninterested in murder, except whether a client is in the offing; gets anxious about household finance when Wolfe isn't working. Doesn't like to talk while cooking. Changes to his old slippers at 9 pm because of "things left on his feet by the war to remember it by". Implied he was a member of the Swiss Alpine Patrol during WWI.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 3 - an engraving of Brillat-Savarin is mentioned by Archie as he describes the comforts of Wolfe's office. Presumably Stout injects him into the office because he was an early French gastronome. His name is mis-spelled Brilliat-Savarin in the book.
Character descriptionJean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin (1755-1826) was a French lawyer and politician, who, as the author of "The Physiology of Taste" ("Physiologie du Goût"), gained fame as an epicure and gastronome. He served as a deputy to the Estates-General during the French Revolution (1789). His name is mis-spelled Brilliat-Savarin in "The Red Box."
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 9 - takes instructions regarding the search for the red box from Insp. Cramer who calls from Archie's phone in the office.
Ch. 14 - Archie encounters Burke at police headquarters on a visit to see Cramer and check up on Gebert.
Character descriptionWorks for Cramer in NYPC Homicide.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 11 - Orrie and Saul are the first operatives lined up to search McNair's country estate, Glennanne, for the red box. Both come to the office and receive their instructions.
Ch. 12 - interrupted along with Fred and Saul while searching McNair's country estate for the red box; holds the fort with Saul while Fred calls Wolfe to report the arrival of authorities.
Ch. 13 - Archie arrives at the cottage and tells Orrie to sing, to cover the sound of his conversation with Perron Gebert. "He cleared his throat and started it up. Orrie had a pretty good voice."
Character descriptionSecond in line behind Saul Panzer when Nero and Archie need extra manpower.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 3 - mentioned by Wolfe as he articulates to Archie how he must observe phenomena to do his job.
Ch. 9 - mentioned by Archie as an example of how Wolfe uses psychology to discover facts (in this case, the whereabouts of the red box).
Character descriptionAuthor, Harvard graduate. Handicapped.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 6 - interviewed by Archie along with Insp. Cramer and Capt. Dixon. She shrieked when presented with the opportunity to select a candy. Archie said she was "phony."
Character descriptionStage actress.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 9 - Insp. Cramer gives instructions to a colleague that Collinger, Boyden McNair's lawyer, is to be asked about the whereabouts of the red box.
Ch. 11 - calls to discuss the McNair's will with Wolfe.
Ch. 14 - Archie mentions that Collinger naturally expects Wolfe (as executor of McNair's estate) to attend the funeral and also that he was scheduled to come to the office to discuss the will.
Ch. 15 - present at McNair's funeral.
Character descriptionLawyer.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 5 - mentioned by Cramer, noting the famous people present when Molly Lauck was murdered.
Character descriptionApparently, a famous person in NYC in the 1930's. No actual historical reference can be found.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 3 - Desperate enough to call Wolfe up and ask for a friendly chat as soon as Purley reported seeing Wolfe at the offices of Boyden McNair, Inc.
Ch. 5 - Cramer discusses Wolfe's appearance at Boyden McNair, Inc. and his knowledge of Molly Lauck's murder in the office with Wolfe. He confesses to Wolfe, "I came here because I'm licked."
Ch. 6 - agrees to execute Wolfe's plan with Archie at Boyden McNair Incorporated to find out who knew about the poisoned box of candy.
Ch. 9 - Cramer arrives along with "a couple of dicks" and a medical examiner after Boyden McNair collapsed in the office. Discusses the investigation with Wolfe, describing the wide net he's throwing. Reviews the contents of McNair's will, pointing out that it indicates Wolfe was told where the red box is. Cramer leaves after issuing orders to his men to search for the red box, using Archie's phone.
Ch. 14 - receives Archie in his office at police headquarters and allows him to participate in the interrogation of Gebert. After the interrogation, tells Archie that he thinks Wolfe is withholding key evidence and that he (more than) resents it.
Ch. 15 - calls the office looking for Helen Frost, wanting to see her immediately.
Ch. 17 - stops by the brownstone looking for information from Wolfe and the red box; he also mentions that Frisbie is pretty upset with Archie. He describes the method used to kill Gebert (a small hammock with nitrobenzene taped to the roof of his car). Cramer grudgingly accepts Wolfe's offer to solve the case after Saul drops by with a package put in the safe.
Ch. 18 - arrives at the office with Purley Stebbins. Later, Cramer does not hesitate when Wolfe tells him to take Calida Frost's bag, and he tells her to stay for a while.
Character descriptionInspector with NYPD, Homicide. Has tolerate / hate relationship with Wolfe. He respects Wolfe, but is greatly irritated by his eccentricities. Habitually chews (but rarely lights) cigars. Notably, Cramer lights a cigar in Wolfe's office during "Instead of Evidence" in which the murder weapon is an exploding cigar! First name is given as Fergus one time, but generally accepted as Lionel. Had a son in the Army Air Corps during WWII. Archie has called Mrs. Cramer on the phone more than once to reach the Inspector at home. Archie's favorite alias for him is "the man about the chair" or "any name with a double "d", e.g., Mr. Judd".
At no time is Inspector Cramer ever referred to in the books as "Lionel T." Cramer; his first name is given as "Fergus" in "Where There's a Will." There is a lone later reference to him as L.T.C. (The Silent Speaker), but never Lionel. Stout's biographer, John McAleer, asked Stout to explain the "Fergus"/"L.T.C" discrepancy; Stout replied: "No significance. Laziness. I didn't bother to check on whether he already had a first name. Of course, all discrepancies in the Nero Wolfe stories are Archie Goodwin's fault." (from "Royal Decree; Conversations with Rex Stout)
He is featured in a book by Stout called Red Threads, first published 1939, tracking down a killer with a young fashion designer. There is no reference to Nero Wolfe.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 8 - mentioned by Boyden McNair, who married Anne in Paris in 1913 (as explained to Wolfe by McNair). McNair goes on to tell that Anne died in childbirth.
Character descriptionAmerican woman who lived in Paris in early 20th century.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 1 - signed a letter presented by Lew Frost to encourage Wolfe to investigate the murder of Molly Lauck.
Character descriptionOrchid fancier.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 6 - present at Boyden McNair Incorporated with Cramer, Slim Foltz, and others to execute Wolfe's plan. Dixon is present in the small room with Cramer and Archie during the questioning; he is not particularly friendly towards Archie and seems generally skeptical of the mission.
Character descriptionWorks for Cramer in Homicide.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 11 - with Saul and Orrie, engaged by Wolfe to search the cottage and grounds at McNair's country estate, Glennanne, 50 miles upstate in Brewster, NY. Later, he calls to report that he has taken possession of Glennanne and that no one was there when they arrived.
Ch. 12 - at Saul's direction, Fred reports from Brewster, NY where he and Saul are searching McNair's cottage for the red box, to report that Gebert arrived followed by Rowcliff and state troopers.
Character descriptionHired hand used by Wolfe and Archie when extra manpower is needed. Not the best, but can tail better than anybody but Saul. The favorite "irregular" after Saul - Fritz: "I'm glad it's Orrie instead of Saul or Fred"; Archie: "Such a chore for Saul or Fred of course, but I didn't like doing it for Orrie."; Mr Wolfe: "He doesn't have the dignity of a man who has found his place and occupies it, as you have, Fred."
Bald, burly, 5'10, 190 lbs; moves like a bear. Married with four children. Archie: "You can trust him to hell and back."
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 7 - mentioned by Wolfe, speaking with Helen Frost.
Ch. 11 - Wolfe alludes to Fiore (who had observed a newspaper with an article cut out) as he explains the types of questions that he will be asking Helen Frost.
Character descriptionAccording to Archie, "Homely kid about twenty with skin like stale dough, and she looked like she'd been scared in the cradle and never got over it."
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 6 - is guarding the elevator at Boyden McNair Inc. when Archie arrives to execute Wolfe's plan with Cramer; the two exchange pleasantries.
Character descriptionHomicide detective detailed to the district attorney's office. On a first name basis with Archie.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 9 - mentioned by Insp. Cramer as an example of Wolfe concealing essential aspects of a case.
Ch. 17 - mentioned by Archie, that Asst. DA Frisbie handled the Clara Fox larceny case.
Character descriptionAge 26, decodes cables and telegrams at the Seaboard Products Corporation. Had considered a career as an adventuress.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 14 - Cramer mentions to Archie that Frisbie attempted to go after Wolfe through a court action but could not find a legal loophole by which to do it.
Ch. 17 - arrives at the brownstone (sent by Skinner) unannounced and insists on seeing Wolfe. When Wolfe declines to leave the plant rooms to receive him, he tells Archie he won't wait until Wolfe comes down from the plant rooms and threatens to have him served. "And I'll see that his license is revoked...he can't get away with this kind of crooked underhanded... " Archie slaps him and tells him, "Git."
Character descriptionNYC Assistant District Attorney. Archie describes him as, "the window-dummy type - high collar, clothes pressed very nice, and embalmed stiff and cold."
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 1 - mentioned by Lew Frost as he describes the cast of characters to Wolfe. Calida, he explains, is Helen Frost's mother and is an old friend with Boyden McNair.
Ch. 2 - arrives at the Boyden McNair, Inc. offices to purchase clothing; her presence seems to have a profound impact on Boyden McNair when he is informed of her visit.
Ch. 3 - along with Dudley Frost, comes to the office to confer with Wolfe (Lew Frost had summoned them to address the emergency of Insp. Cramer learning what Wolfe had uncovered about Helen Frost's knowledge of the box of candy).
Ch. 7 - calls Wolfe's office and talks to Helen Frost.
Ch. 11 - mentioned by Helen Frost who said Calida encouraged her not to outright reject Gebert's advances.
Ch. 12 - is indignant towards Archie during his visit and his asking questions about McNair's death.
Ch. 14 - Cramer informs Archie that Frost has been paying Gebert $1000 per month for the last 5 years, but he does not know why.
Character descriptionMother of Helen Frost
Reserved notes for this caseCh. 18 - takes the opportunity to commit suicide after Wolfe lays out the information he has gathered against her (and presents her with an old red box with a bottle of oil of bitter almonds inside).
Her late husband made her sign away her dower rights to his estate in exchange for not divorcing her for infidelity.
Ch. 4 - along with Calida Frost and after being summoned by Lew Frost, comes to the office to confer with Wolfe. Archie reports he talked Wolfe to a frazzle.
Ch. 7 - calls Wolfe's office and rudely demands to talk to Wolfe and to Helen Frost. Archie hangs up on him and threatens to straighten his nose if he calls again.
Ch. 12 - becomes combative when Archie questions the Frosts about McNair's death.
Character descriptionGray hair with a trimmed gray moustache; weighs 200 lbs. from size rather than fat; father of Lew Frost and trustee of Helen Frost's inheritance.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 1 - Lew Frost mentions that Helen is his ortho-cousin and he wants her "out of that murder hole" (a reference to the family business).
Ch. 2 - along with Thelma Mitchell, Helen is the first to be interviewed by Wolfe. Frost stumbles during the interview and reveals that she knew the contents of the mysterious box of candies.
Ch. 6 - interviewed by Archie with Cramer and Dixon; she didn't want to try any candy and was pale.
Ch. 7 - agrees to accompany Archie to the office to talk things over with Wolfe.
Ch. 8 - leaves the brownstone (without Boyden McNair realizing she was there) after visiting the plant rooms with Wolfe.
Ch. 10 - arrives unannounced with Lewellyn Frost at the brownstone and accepts Wolfe's chastisement for hiding information that could have saved Boyden McNair's life. She becomes Wolfe's client, telling Wolfe "I'll pay you anything to find out who killed Uncle Boyd."
Ch. 11 - affirms that she will keep her word and support Wolfe's investigation of Boyden McNair. She goes on to answer many questions about her family's history.
Ch. 12 - at Wolfe's request, Helen invites Archie to tea with her family and Gebert.
Ch. 14 - telephones during lunch and asks Archie to go to police headquarters to check on the treatment Gebert is receiving.
Ch. 15 - after Archie sees her at McNair's funeral, Helen arrives unannounced at the brownstone. After Cramer calls looking for her, Archie takes her to the Frost residence.
Character descriptionModel for McNair, ortho-cousin of Lew Frost, daughter of Edwin and Calida Frost.
Reserved notes for this caseCh. 15 - informs Wolfe and Archie that Gebert is dead.
Ch. 18 - after Wolfe informs her that her real name is Glenna McNair, that Calida Frost bought her from Boyden McNair, and that she killed him to conceal the fact, Helen / Glenna confronts Calida Frost, "He was my father, and you killed him. You killed my father. Oh!"
Ch. 1 - Frost irritates Wolfe with his request that he take a taxi to the offices of Boyden McNair, Inc. to investigate the murder of Molly Lauck.
Ch. 2 - receives Wolfe and Archie at the Boyden Mcnair, Inc. offices and introduces them Mr. McNair and others. Lew attends Wolfe's interview of Thelma Mitchell and Helen Frost.
Ch. 3 - comes to the office and asks Wolfe to halt the investigation and accept payment. After overhearing Archie invite Inspector Cramer to the office, Frost summons his father and Aunt Callie to Wolfe's office for an emergency conference.
Ch. 4 - under threat of giving Insp. Cramer information regarding Helen Frost's knowledge of the poisoned candies, Frost signs a document that Wolfe is to continue the investigation (unhappy with their collective dilemma, Lew's father and Aunt Calida watch him sign).
Ch. 9 - arrives unannounced at the brownstone, announced by Fritz.
Ch. 10 - apologizes to Wolfe for his past transgressions (interfering with the investigation), but then becomes confrontational when Wolfe asserts that Lew wants to marry his cousin, Helen.
Ch. 11 - reluctantly affirms his support of Helen Frost in her pursuit of Boyden McNair's murderer.
Character description29, theater producer - son of Dudley Frost.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 1 - mentioned by Lew Frost as he describes the cast of characters to Wolfe. Frost refers to him as a "dope."
Ch. 5 - mentioned by Cramer discussing the case with Wolfe; Gebert is an improbable suspect.
Ch. 6 - interviewed by Archie.
Ch. 7 - arrives at the brownstone uninvited, intending to take Helen Frost home.
Ch. 9 - Cramer mentions Gebert was formerly a member of the Parisian royalist political gang, Camelot du roi.
Ch. 11 - mentioned by Helen Frost as Wolfe questions her about her family's past. Helen said he was "...attentive and amusing..." but in other ways disliked him extremely. Helen's mother encouraged her to focus on his good points. We also learn Boyden formally requested that Helen not marry Gebert, but he continued to pursue her.
Ch. 12 - seems to enjoy the commotion caused by Archie's visit to the Frost residence. Later, Gebert is apprehended by Saul, attempting to break into Glennanne.
Ch. 13 - agrees to leave with Archie as Jerry Martin but is recognized by Detective Bill Northrup, and Archie gives him up after a bit of
banter with Rowcliff.
Ch. 14 - is roughly interrogated by two of Cramer's men but tells them nothing; Archie witnesses some of it and is disgusted. Cramer finally releases him after Calida Frost's attorney applies pressure.
Ch. 15 - Archie sees Gebert with the Frost family at McNair's funeral.
Character description"almost" fiancee of Helen Frost - friend of Calida Frost
Reserved notes for this caseCh. 15 - Helen Frost reports to Wolfe and Archie that Gebert is dead, collapsing after the funeral.
Ch. 16 - Helen Frost goes on to tell Wolfe that after the funeral, Gebert went to his car, ran from it, shouting Calida's name, then collapsed and died on the sidewalk.
Ch. 1 - mentioned by Lew Frost; signed a letter to encourage Wolfe to investigate the murder of Molly Lauck.
Ch. 2 - mentioned by Archie as the main reason Wolfe agreed to leave the brownstone. Glueckner, Archie explains, had recently acquired a very rare orchid and had refused to sell any to Wolfe.
Character descriptionOrchid grower. Sells specialty orchids to Wolfe.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 1 - reveals that he engineered the scheme (getting orchid growers whom Wolfe admires to sign a letter encouraging his involvement) used by Llewellyn Frost to draw Wolfe into the case.
Ch. 2 - returns to the brownstone from questioning employees at Boyden McNair Inc. and finds Wolfe on the verge a major relapse -- and averts it: "It was the first time I had ever stopped a relapse after it had got as far as the menu stage."
Ch. 5 - convinces Lew Frost to sign an affidavit agreeing to continue the investigation (despite his own reservations and those of his father, Dudley Frost, and Aunt Calida Frost).
Ch. 6 - meets Insp. Cramer at Boyden McNair Inc. to execute Wolfe's plan. After returning to the office, finds Wolfe on the threshold of a relapse, planning meals with Fritz. Archie takes fast action to avert a full-fledged relapse.
Ch. 7 - retrieves Helen Frost for Wolfe to interview.
Ch. 8 - receives Boyden McNair in the office while Wolfe is in the plant rooms with Helen Frost (distracts McNair with the radio and typing as Wolfe escorts Helen out of the house; Wolfe winks at him for his efforts as he enters the office).
Ch. 12 - at Wolfe's direction, goes with Helen and Lew Frost to the Frost apartment to observe the family's reaction upon learning that Helen has hired Wolfe to investigate the murder of Boyden McNair and to determine if any of them know the whereabouts of the red box.
Ch. 13 - heads to Glennanne with great haste to reinforce Saul, Fred, and Orrie. Archie considers sneaking Gebert out to discuss matters with Wolfe but feels Gebert is too slick to take the chance after NYC Det. Northrup recognizes him; Archie hands him over to Rowcliff and leaves for the brownstone.
Ch. 14 - at Helen Frost's request, Archie goes to NYPC headquarters to check on Gebert. Archie finds him being brutally interrogated by two of Cramer's men. Archie is invited to participate but leaves disgusted. After returning to the brownstone to report to Wolfe, Archie leaves again to attend McNair's funeral.
Ch. 15 - representing the executor of the estate, attends McNair's funeral at the Belford Memorial Chapel where he finds the Frost family and friends mourning in a private parlor in "dreary and hushed obeisance to the grisly terror."
Ch. 16 - while listening to Wolfe and Helen Frost discuss the events after McNair's funeral, Archie takes a call from a "sap with a voice like a foghorn" and then Cramer who wants to see Helen. He takes her to the Frost residence and hands her over to him.
Ch. 17 - receives Asst. D. A. Frisbie in the office, whom Wolfe declines to see. Archie ends up smacking him after Frisbie becomes upset and offensive.
Character descriptionNero Wolfe's tough and witty assistant.
Reserved notes for this caseCh. 8 - catches Boyden McNair as he collapses in the office and announces, "I think he's gone."
Ch. 2 - mentioned by Archie, comparing a Boyden McNair, Inc. saleswoman with Guinan.
Character descriptionFamous actress and NYC prohibition-era speakeasy proprietor.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 12 - Wolfe mentions that he has engaged Hitchcock to have an agent make inquiries in the town of Cartagena, Spain (on the Mediterranean cost in south-eastern Iberia).
Ch. 14 - Archie receives a coded cable from Hitchcock which indicates that the red box cannot be found but his search continues.
Character descriptionPrivate investigator in England.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 3 - Holbein's paintings are mentioned by Archie describing the comforts of Wolfe's office.
Character descriptionNoteworthy painter from the 16th century. Famous for his portraits commissioned across Europe, including for English King Henry VIII.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 5 - mentioned by Cramer because Hombert is applying pressure to solve the Molly Lauck murder case. Wolfe replies that Hombert "is a disagreeable noise."
Character descriptionPolice commissioner. Unfriendly.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 11 - not immediately available, so he misses the opportunity to join Saul and Orrie for the search for the red box at Glennanne, McNair's country estate.
When not working for Wolfe (on this day he was working for Del Pritchard), Johnny had formed the habit on phoning in every morning to give Archie his whereabouts in case he is needed. In the time it took to type an authorization for Saul to take charge of McNair's cottage and grounds, Fred Durkin called in -- and Archie had his search party; no need for Keems.
Character descriptionReserve manpower called in periodically. Looks like a Princeton boy with his face washed. With his satisfied handsomeness, Johnny unquestionably wants Archie's job, Archie believes; but Archie knows Wolfe would never be able to stand him.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 2 - appears during Wolfe's visit to the McNair offices, asking if Helen Frost could attend to other matters and seeing if Wolfe wanted to interview her. Wolfe declines to interview her and asserts he has made "excellent progress."
Ch. 7 - Helen Frost mentions calling her to let her know she'd be at Wolfe's office.
Character descriptionSecretary at Boyden McNair, Inc.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 9 - mentioned by Cramer, who tells Wolfe that Lanzetta called the Police Commissioner to suggest that Wolfe was pulling a fast one regarding McNair's murder.
Character descriptionWorks in the D.A.'s office. According to Cramer (in "The Red Box"), he hates Wolfe's epidermis ever since the "Fairmount business."
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 1 - mentioned by Lew Frost who wants Wolfe to come to his office to investigate her death.
Character descriptionModel, 1st killed that sparks Wolfe's investigation
Reserved notes for this caseCh. 18 - Wolfe reveals that her murder was accidental, and that the intended victim was Boyden McNair.
Ch. 7 - accompanies Lew Frost to Wolfe's office to help him extract Helen Frost from Wolfe's questioning.
Character descriptionAttorney; Archie describes him as a, "plump little duck...with a round plump face and quick smart eyes."
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 1 - Wolfe inquires why Martin didn't sign the letter with the other growers. Llewellen Frost indicates that Glueckner told him not to include him because Wolfe considers him an inferior grower. Wolfe announces that he would have thrown the letter away if Martin's signature had been on it (because he splits bulbs).
Character descriptionProlific orchid grower.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 3 - in explaining his fee for halting the investigation to Lew Frost, Wolfe compares the works of Matisse with his own genius when investigating murder.
Character descriptionMatisse (1869-1954) was a famous French artist (famous primarily his impressionist paintings, but also his sculptures, drawings, and prints).
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 1 - mentioned by Lew Frost as he describes the cast of characters to Wolfe. Helen Frost calls him "Uncle Boyd."
Ch. 2 - meets Wolfe and Archie at his corporate office but is very impatient with the premise of the investigation. McNair seems to be on the verge of a breakdown from overwork.
Ch. 6 - stops by the interview room and discusses the situation briefly with Cramer.
Ch. 7 - calls the office while Lew Frost, Ben Leach, and Perren Gebert all are trying to get Helen away from Wolfe.
Ch. 8 - impatiently waits for Wolfe in the office, then asks Wolfe to be the executor of his estate and asks that Wolfe accept an unspecified "job." McNair begins to tell his life story to explain the extraordinary request and fate intervenes.
Ch. 11 - mentioned by Helen Frost; Boyden was adamantly against her marrying Gebert.
Character descriptionScottish, rags-to-riches story. Owner of Boyden McNair Agency.
Reserved notes for this caseCh. 8 - dies from poisoned aspirin in Wolfe's office.
Ch. 18 - learns her true identity in the office as Wolfe reveals the murderer of Molly Lauck, Boyden McNair, and Perron Gebert.
Character descriptionBoyden McNair's daughter.
Reserved notes for this caseCh. 18 - after Wolfe informs her that her real name is Glenna McNair (not Helen Frost), that Calida Frost bought her from Boyden McNair, and that she killed him to conceal the fact, Glenna confronts Calida Frost, "He was my father, and you killed him. You killed my father. Oh!"
Ch. 9 - mentioned by Insp. Cramer as he describes all people in Boyden McNair's orbit, all possible suspects. Isabel is mentioned in Boyden's will.
Character descriptionBoyden McNair's sister; lives in Camfirth, Scotland.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 2 - along with Helen Frost, Thelma is the first to be interviewed by Wolfe regarding Molly Lauck's murder; she describes the scene of her death.
Ch. 6 - interviewed by Archie; selects three candies.
Character descriptionModel for Boyden McNair, Inc.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 17 - as a compliment to Wolfe, Cramer mentions that he doesn't stop by Mollew's office to talk about tough cases.
Character descriptionPrivate detective.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 17 - mentioned by Asst. D. A. Frisbie, that Morely wouldn't be able to save Wolfe if Frisbie and Skinner go after him with criminal charges for obstruction.
Character descriptionFriendly contact in the NYC DA Office.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 17 - mentioned by Archie (that Asst. DA handled Muir's interests in the Clara Fox larceny case).
Character descriptionSenior vice president of the Seaboard Products Corporation. Among other duties, Muir makes large cash payments to representatives of foreign countries for "certain privileges."
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 13 - identifies Gebert as Archie attempts to sneak him out of Glennanne as "Jerry."
Character descriptionNYC Homicide detective.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 1 - signed a letter presented by Lew Frost to encourage Wolfe to investigate the murder of Molly Lauck.
Character descriptionAccomplished orchid grower.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 11 - summoned by Wolfe to search the house and grounds at Glennanne, McNair's country estate in Brewster, NY; comes to the office to receive instructions, and Wolfe sends him to Glennanne with a document providing legal authority to "take complete charge of the house and ground of Glennanne."
Ch. 12 - Durkin reports from a phonebooth in town that he, Orrie, and Saul successfully held off Lt. Rowcliff, cops, state troopers and the assistant DA of Putnam County from entering McNair's country estate -- they had no search warrant.
Ch. 14 - Saul is present in the office when Archie returns from NYPD headquarters and is giving Wolfe a lesson on the Irish sweepstakes; he departs with $20 for upcoming expenses.
Ch. 17 - calls the office and talks with Wolfe (who shooed Archie off the line). Later, Saul arrives at the office with a wrapped package which Archie puts in the safe (nearly causing Cramer to explode, assuming it is the red box).
Character descriptionTop hired hand Nero and Archie look to for manpower. Hosts regular Thursday night poker game at eight pm at his apartment in Brooklyn. Rust-colored hair, 5'7, 145 lbs, big nose and flat ears.
In the "Rubber Band" (ch. 6) Archie tells us that Panzer has a photographic memory when it comes to faces.
Reserved notes for this caseAs for the object of the search -- "No sign of it. All cubic inches accounted for," Saul tells Archie; "Since it was Saul, that settled it." Later, Saul arrives at the office with a parcel, about the size of cigar box, wrapped in brown paper; Wolfe asks Archie to put it in the safe. Archie describes Saul as "a little crestfallen, but not exactly downhearted." It had appeared more than likely to Wolfe that the confounded box would never be found, so he had sent Saul on a different errand.
Ch. 5 - Perry (see "The Rubber Band" case) is mentioned by Insp. Cramer in Wolfe's office, recalling the last case he had that required Wolfe's help to solve.
Character descriptionPresident of Seaboard Products Company.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 1 - signed a letter presented by Lew Frost to encourage Wolfe to investigate the murder of Molly Lauck.
Ch. 14 - Archie mentions that Wolfe called Plehn.
Character descriptionAccomplished orchid grower.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 1 - Lew Frost mentions that he initially hired Pritchard to investigate Lauck's murder, but he was not up to the task.
Ch. 11 - mentioned by Archie; Pritchard had engaged Johnny Keems prior to Wolfe's need for his services.
Ch. 17 - as a compliment to Wolfe, Cramer mentions that he doesn't stop by Pritchard's office to talk about tough cases.
Character descriptionPrivate investigator.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 7 - mentioned as an example of a person well questioned by Wolfe (during the "Diplomacy Club business"); Archie is impatient at Wolfe's apparent lack of progress questioning Helen Frost.
Character descriptionOnce effectively interviewed by Wolfe.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 6 - is present at Boyden McNair Inc. and assists Cramer with the interviews.
Ch. 12 - Fred reports that Rowcliff (and lots of reinforcements) arrived at Glennanne, McNair's country estate, to look for the red box but had no search warrant (thus, Saul did not admit him).
Character descriptionLieutenant in NYPD. Has antagonistic relationship with Archie and Wolfe.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 6 - mentioned by Wolfe in a conversation with Fritz during the onset of a relapse.
Ch. 9 - mentioned again by Wolfe that Archie is to go get a freshly butchered kid from Salzenbach.
Character descriptionButcher from Garfield, NY.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 1 - signed a letter presented by Lew Frost to encourage Wolfe to investigate the murder of Molly Lauck.
Character descriptionOrchid rival. In "Some Buried Caesar," Archie describes him as "a short fat person in a dirty unpressed mohair suit with little keen black eyes and two chins."
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 17 - Asst. D. A. Frisbie tells Archie that Skinner sent him to deal with Wolfe's obstruction in the case.
Character descriptionDistrict attorney. Unfriendly.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 2 - expresses shock at seeing Wolfe out of the house; described by Archie as having a scarred face.
Character descriptionInitially an employee in N.Y. D.A.'s office. Later Cramer's man.
Detective (sergeant). Unfriendly.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 14 - makes no progress interrogating Gebert with morally questionable tactics.
Character descriptionNYPD Homicide detective; works for Cramer.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 8 - summoned to the office by Wolfe where Boyden McNair has collapsed.
Character descriptionM.D. Wolfe's consultant where a physician is needed.
Wolfe likes him. Always accepts a beer when he calls in the evenings. He leaves abruptly after business is finished. His house and office is one minute (60 yards)from the brownstone. His brownstone still has a vestibule (Mr Wolfe removed his years ago to make the front hallway bigger). Once signed a medical certificate that Mr Wolfe was batty. Once took 22 stitches in Archie's side when a character "went wide enough but not deep enough".
Short. Spectacled.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 6 - Archie notes her presence at Boyden McNair Inc.
Ch. 9 - mentioned by Insp. Cramer as a possible murder suspect. Wolfe calls his suspicion, "Tommyrot!"
Character descriptionApparently, a fictional member of Czech nobility.
Reserved notes for this case
Ch. 1 - Wolfe is irritated by Llewellyn Frost's urging that he travel by taxicab to handle a problem for him just 20 blocks away.
It takes a personal plea from several respected orchid men to get him out of the house on business.
Ch. 2 - Wolfe "engaged and grim, wearing overcoat, scarf, gloves, stick...and a black felt pirate's hat" leaves with Archie to the offices of Boyden McNair, Inc. Wolfe has to resort to threatening involving Cramer to get cooperation from McNair. During an interview with Helen Frost, discovers that she had information regarding the mysterious box of chocolates.
Ch. 3 - receives Lew Frost in the office.
Ch. 4 - receives Dudley and Calida Frost in the office; threatens Dudley with being put out after he made an insulting comment to Wolfe.
Ch. 5 - receives Insp. Cramer and discusses the case with him; Wolfe has an idea and proposes working together.
Ch. 6 - while Archie is out of the office, Wolfe has a relapse and begins planning meals with Fritz.
Ch. 7 - compels Helen Frost to talk about the case after threatening to involve Insp. Cramer.
Ch. 8 - winks at Archie as he enters the office (acknowledging his efforts to distract Boyden McNair who is waiting in the office); Wolfe and McNair then go on to discuss the box of candy and Molly Lauck's murder.
Ch. 9 - self-indignant after McNair's murder in the office, Wolfe takes Insp. Cramer's taunts and insinuations, finally asking Cramer, "...please don't yell at me like that."
Ch. 10 - chastises Lewellyn and Helen Frost (see quotation) after they arrive unannounced.
Ch. 11 - accepts Helen Frost as his new client and questions her and Lewellyn Frost regarding the whereabouts of the red box (to no avail). Upon learning of McNair's country estate, Glennanne, Wolfe summons Saul, Orrie, Fred, and Johnny to search it. Sends Archie to have tea with the Frosts to observe their reactions after Helen's visit to the brownstone and to learn if any of them have ever seen the red box.
Ch. 12 - questions Archie after his visit to the Frost residence, in particular "Mr. Gebert's vaudeville." Wolfe indicates that Gebert (indirectly) told Archie who killed McNair.
Ch. 14 - Wolfe expresses frustration at his inability to demonstrate who the murderer is (without searching the globe for the red box).
Ch. 15 - discusses the events after McNair's funeral with Helen Frost.
Ch. 17 - offers to solve the case for Cramer if he brings the Frost family to the office at 2pm.
Character descriptionMaster detective. Genius. Estimated weight: 1/7 ton. Carries a large platinum watch in his vest pocket. Sends a check every month to his mother in Budapest ("Fer-de-lance, ch. 13)..
Reserved notes for this caseCh. 8 - Wolfe is self-indignant for not foreseeing McNair's murder, telling Archie, "I was wrong. Death did stalk him here. I'm an imbecile."
Ch. 15 - tells Helen Frost that Gebert was a murder victim.
Meals in the case:
Ch. 3
Sausage with ten kinds of herbs.
Meal noteLunch as prepared by Fritz with materials from a Swiss supplier in Chappaqua who made them himself from "home-made pigs."
Ch. 6
Rice Fritters with black currant jam and endive salad with tarragon.
Meal noteWolfe describes this lunch that Archie will have to miss in order to retrieve Helen Frost by 2pm.
Ch. 6
During a relapse, Wolfe proposes shish-kabob, marinated slices of lamb in red wine and spices.
Meal noteThis proposed meal may never have come to fruition after Archie's disruption of the relapse and the meal plans associated with it.
Ch. 7
A couple of ham sandwiches and two glasses of milk.
Meal noteArchie's lunch at a drug store counter while he waits for Helen Frost.
Ch. 7
Pork and beans with a glass of milk.
Meal noteArchie's lunch at Moreland's (a restaurant on Madison) with Helen Frost (who ordered "some kind of goo with hot tea"); Archie ends up abandoning the meal to allow Helen to consider his invitation to go to the office to talk with Wolfe.
Ch. 11
Fricandeau with lettuce and endive salad with oil, and a '28 Marcobrunner (a celebrated Rhine wine).
Meal noteWolfe orders Fritz to "stretch" this lunch to accommodate two guests (Helen and Lew Frost).
Ch. 12
Goulash.
Meal noteArchie indicates the goulash was as good as Fritz ever made. Wolfe discussed T. E. Lawrence and Arab attitudes toward women during dinner.
Ch. 14
Pancakes.
Meal noteArchie mentions eating pancakes for breakfast.
Ch. 14
Souffle.
Meal noteFritz calls Wolfe and Archie to lunch early as the souffle chose to ignore the clock.
Ch. 17
Four eggs cooked in black butter and sherry cooked under a cover over a slow fire along with a pile of toast.
Meal noteArchie's breakfast.
Orchids in the case:
Coelogyne pandurata (pink)
Orchid noteCh. 1 - Archie explains that these never before seen orchids obtained by Winold Glueckner were coveted by Wolfe, and that Wolfe hopes that by solving the case (at Glueckner's request) would encourage Glueckner to sell some to Wolfe.
Laeliocattleya luminosa aurea
Orchid noteCh. 9 - Wolfe passes time inspecting this orchid's pollinia after Insp. Cramer's visit.
Quotations in the case:
Ch. 1
Sir, I would not enter a taxicab for a chance to solve the Sphinx's deepest riddles with all the Nile's cargo for my reward! Good God. A taxicab...You observe my bulk. I am not immovable, but my flesh has a constitutional reluctance to sudden, violent, or sustained displacement.
Quotation noteWolfe responds to Llewellen Frost's effrontery and suggestion that he travel twenty blocks via taxicab to help him solve a problem.
Ch. 3
I don't trust you; you are incensed; the flame of fear and resentment is burning in you.
Quotation noteWolfe explains to his client, Lew Frost, who wishes to halt the investigation, why he does not trust an uncertified check in payment for his efforts.
Ch. 4
Put him out, Archie.
Quotation noteWolfe responds to an insulting comment made by Dudley Frost.
Ch. 6
I should have had more sense. If that fat rhinoceros is kidding me, I'll make him eat his license...
Quotation noteCramer expresses his frustration at the lack of obvious progress after interviewing Boyden McNair, Inc. employees regarding their candy preferences.
Ch. 7
You're a dirty fat beast.
Quotation noteHelen responds to Wolfe's statement, "Do you imagine this is a friendly chat we are having. By no means. It is a very one-sided affair. I am forcing you to reply to questions by threatening to turn you over to the police if you don't."
Ch. 8
I was wrong. Death did stalk him here. I am an imbecile.
Quotation noteWolfe rebukes himself after witnessing Boyden McNair dying in the office.
Ch. 8
Language: Of course, I couldn't hear anything either, so I kept glancing at the office door without letting my fingers stop, and at length it opened and Wolfe entered. Observing the mise en scene, he winked with his right eye and steered for his desk.
Quotation noteArchie describing the scene in the office (radio turned on and Archie typing loudly) as he provides cover for Wolfe escorting Helen Frost from the plant rooms out of the brownstone such that Boyden McNair does not detect her presence.
In French "mise en scene" is a theatrical reference for the orchestration and direction of a scene as Archie has done here.
Ch. 8
Vocabulary: Boyden McNair ... sat near Wolfe's desk in the dunce's chair, yclept that by me on the day that District Attorney Anderson of Westchester sat in it while Wolfe made a dunce of him.
Quotation note"Yclept" means so-called (i.e., the dunce's chair is so-called because Archie named it that after the incident with Anderson).
Ch. 9
I confess that I have on occasions quibbled with you and played with double meanings, but you have never known me to tell you a direct and categorical lie. Never, sir. I tell you now that I have never seen Mr. McNair's red box, I have no idea where it is or was, and I have no knowledge whatever of its contents.
Quotation noteWolfe responding to Insp. Cramer's insinuation that he has possession of McNair's red box.
Ch. 10
And you, sir, who engaged me to solve a problem and then proceeded to hamper me aa soon as I made the first step - now you are quick on the trigger to resent it if I do not show tenderness and consideration for your cousin's remorse and grief. I show none because I have none. If I offer anything for sale in this office that is worth buying, it certainly is not a warm heart and maudlin sympathy for the distress of spoiled obtuse children.
Quotation noteWolfe chastises Lewellen and Helen Frost after the murder of Boyden McNair and their unannounced appearance at the brownstone.
Ch. 11
It is legally mine. Defend it.
Quotation noteWolfe's instructions to Saul regarding the red box, if Saul should find it.
Ch. 11
Dear me. As cynical as that about it? But a brave cynicism which is of course proper. Nothing is more admirable than the fortitude with which millionaires tolerate the disadvantages of their wealth.
Quotation noteWolfe responding to Helen Frost's comment that many men (Gebert among them) have pursued her for her money.
Ch. 11
Culture: I have a house in Egypt which I haven't seen for twenty years. It has Rhages and Veramine tiles on the doorway.
Quotation noteWolfe tells Helen Frost about his home in Egypt after she mentions living in Egypt as a child. Rhages is both a vintage style of tile and also the name of a beautiful lavender orchid. Veramine is a traditional middle eastern styled pattern used in rugs and tiles.
Ch. 11
History: Early in 1916. She was afraid to stay in Paris, on account of the war.
Quotation noteFrost answers Wolfe question regarding when her mother left Paris for Spain. January 29, 1916 - a German Zeppelin bombs Paris (possibly a diversion for the coming land invasion). February 21, 1916 - On the Western Front, the German 5th Army attacks the French 2nd Army north of the historic city of Verdun, following a nine-hour artillery bombardment. The Germans under Chief of the General Staff, Erich Falkenhayn, seek to "bleed" the French Army to death by targeting the cherished city.
Ch. 11
History: Restaurant? I know nothing of restaurants; short of compulsion, I would not eat in one were Vatel himself the chef.
Quotation noteVatel (1631-1671) served French nobility and was known for his meticulous attention to detail in matters concerning the serving of food. He reportedly committed suicide over the delay in the arrival of seafood he was to have served at a banquet.
Ch. 11
We're combing a meadow for a mustard seed ... Tell me.
Quotation noteWolfe encourages Helen Frost to describe a recurring dream she has about her father.
Ch. 12
Culture: My Dear Helen! You've engaged Mr. Wolfe? Are you one of the Erinyes? Alecto? Megaera? Tisiphone? Where's your snaky hair? So one can really buy anything with money, even vengeance?
Quotation noteThe Erinyes, also known as the Furies, were female chthonic (things related to the underworld) deities of vengeance in ancient Greek religion and mythology.
Ch. 12
Culture: I was reminded of a quotation from Norboisin - the girl Denise gasps it as she expires, "Au moins, je meurs ardemment."
Quotation noteNorboisin seems to be a fictitious French author. The French translates to "At least, I die ardently."
Ch. 12
Culture: Archie observes that Wolfe is re-reading the 'Seven Pillars of Wisdom' in the office. Later, at dinner, Wolfe (approvingly) attributes Lawrence's success in Arabia to his personal attitude toward women being aligned with traditional Arabian attitudes, but he is not specific regarding exactly what that attitude is.
Quotation note'Seven Pillars of Wisdom' is the autobiographical account of the experiences of British Army Colonel T. E. Lawrence who served as a military advisor to Bedouin forces during the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Turks from 1916 to 1918. The book was completed in February 1922, but first published in December 1926. The title comes from the King James Bible, Book of Proverbs (9:1): "Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars."
Ch. 12
History: You might have thought I was Dillinger.
Quotation noteFred describes how the police reacted to seeing him on the grounds of the McNair estate, drawing their guns. John Herbert Dillinger (June 22, 1903 – July 22, 1934) was an American gangster during the Great Depression. He led a group known as the "Dillinger Gang", which was accused of robbing 24 banks and four police stations. Dillinger was imprisoned several times but escaped twice. He was charged, but not convicted, of the murder of an East Chicago, Indiana, police officer who shot Dillinger in his bullet-proof vest during a shootout; it was the only time Dillinger was charged with homicide.
Ch. 13
History: Haile Selassie.
Quotation noteArchie identifies himself as Selassie when challenged for his identity upon arriving at Glennanne. Haile Selassie I, born Tafari Makonnen; 23 July 1892 – 27 August 1975, was Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974. Prior to his coronation, he had been the Regent Plenipotentiary of Ethiopia from 1916. He is a defining figure in modern Ethiopian history, and the key figure of Rastafari, a religious movement in Jamaica which emerged shortly after he became emperor in the 1930s. He was a member of the Solomonic dynasty which claims to trace lineage to Emperor Menelik I, supposedly the son of King Solomon and Makeda the Queen of Sheba.
Ch. 15
It's discipline. It fortifies me to put up with ordinary inanities for days. I gladly confess that after listening to the Pearls of Wisdom your conversation is an intellectual and esthetic delight. It's the tops.
Quotation noteWolfe explains to Archie why he listens to the Pearls of Wisdom Hour on the radio (during which he sits eyes closed with an awful grimace on his face).