Her Forbidden Knight

The loyal legions of Nero Wolfe fans (as well as the fans of his many erudite sidekicks and companions) will find continued enthusiasm for this exciting title in the long-running detective series. It also features a bonus story, "Out of the Line," never before published. New York's swanky Lamartine Hotel is the setting for this spunky tale of an attractive telegrapher and the precarious situation she finds herself placed at the center of by overeager suitors -- possibly corruptors. Luckily, the innocent Lila Williams, coveted by a member of an unlikely group of "knights" finds herself swept off her feet and into protection and rescue, or is that destruction?From Library JournalThis is the first hardcover edition of an early Stout mystery that was brought back as a mass-market paperback in 1997. An early work in Stout's career, this pre-Nero Wolfe mystery was first serialized in All Story during the 1920s. The plot follows innocent Lila Williams who accidentally gets involved with counterfeiters. Severn House books can be ordered at a discount at 800-830-3044.Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. From BooklistWhat a pleasant surprise for Stout fans. A hitherto-unpublished work has been uncovered, and the book is a prime example of why Stout's popularity has endured. A motley gang of gentlemanly ne'er-do-wells hangs about in the lobby of Manhattan's Lamartine Hotel, casting ardor-filled glances at beauteous Miss Lila Williams and regaling each other with tales of their impressive--and mostly fictional--exploits. The gentlemen know Miss Lila would never return their admiration, but at least they can protect her from less well intentioned swains. Imagine their chagrin when handsome John Knowlton arrives on the scene and immediately gains Lila's doe-eyed admiration. When the gang finds a shady secret in his past, they try to force him to vamoose. What happens next is touching, sweet, funny, and thoroughly delightful. Stout transports readers back to a time when the world seemed more innocent, a man's good name was a valuable asset, and happily-ever-after was a reasonable goal. An unexpected treasure from one of the grand masters of mystery, this vintage Stout is a fine acquisition for all collections. Emily Melton