Picture a Chicago-born wordsmith who revived a legendary detective and spun his own thrilling tales—meet Robert Goldsborough! With a journalist’s knack for detail and a lifelong love for mysteries, Goldsborough has captivated readers by continuing Rex Stout’s iconic Nero Wolfe series and crafting his own Snap Malek adventures. His stories blend gritty historical settings with clever whodunits, earning him awards and a loyal following.
Born in 1937, Goldsborough’s journey from newsroom to novelist is a tale of passion and persistence. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this master of mystery, whose pen has kept detective fiction alive and kicking.
The Making of Robert Goldsborough
Robert Gerald Goldsborough was born on October 3, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois, to an architect father and a mother who sparked his love for reading. As a teenager, he grumbled about having “nothing to do,” and his mother handed him a Rex Stout Nero Wolfe story. Hooked on the corpulent detective and his wisecracking sidekick, Archie Goodwin, Goldsborough devoured Stout’s entire series. This early obsession laid the foundation for his future as a mystery writer. After graduating from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism with bachelor’s and master’s degrees, he embarked on a 45-year journalism career, including stints at the Associated Press, Chicago Tribune, and Advertising Age.
His newsroom experience sharpened his ability to write fast and vividly, skills that would later define his fiction. But it was a personal project—a Nero Wolfe novel written as a 1978 Christmas gift for his mother—that set him on the path to authorship. That manuscript, Murder in E Minor, would change everything.
Robert Goldsborough’s Unforgettable Stories
Goldsborough’s literary career took off with Murder in E Minor (1986), his first authorized continuation of Rex Stout’s Nero Wolfe series. Approved by Stout’s estate, the novel won a Nero Award and introduced readers to Goldsborough’s knack for capturing Stout’s voice. Over the years, he penned 17 Nero Wolfe mysteries, including standouts like Death on Deadline (1987), where Wolfe saves his favorite newspaper, and Archie Meets Nero Wolfe (2012), a prequel exploring the duo’s origins. His prose mirrors Stout’s wit and elegance, with Archie’s sharp narration and Wolfe’s armchair sleuthing at the heart of each tale.
In 2005, Goldsborough ventured into original territory with the Snap Malek series, set in 1930s and 1940s Chicago. The first novel, Three Strikes You’re Dead, follows Tribune reporter Steve “Snap” Malek as he investigates a murder amid the 1938 Cubs’ pennant race. Blending real historical figures like Al Capone and Harry Truman with fictional intrigue, the series—five novels and a novella collection—earned accolades, including a Love is Murder Award. Goldsborough’s style is meticulous yet lively, grounding his mysteries in Chicago’s gritty past while keeping readers guessing.
Whether reviving Nero Wolfe or crafting Snap Malek’s adventures, Goldsborough excels at weaving historical detail into suspenseful plots. His journalism-honed discipline lets him paint vivid scenes in short bursts, making every page a delight.
Why Robert Goldsborough Matters
Robert Goldsborough’s impact lies in his ability to bridge classic and modern detective fiction. By continuing Nero Wolfe, he preserved a beloved series for new generations, earning praise from critics and fans who marvel at his “supernatural” fidelity to Stout’s characters. His Snap Malek series, meanwhile, showcases his originality, offering a fresh take on historical mysteries that resonate with Chicagoans and crime fiction buffs alike. Awards like the Nero and Lovey reflect his skill, but his true legacy is the joy he brings to readers who crave smart, immersive mysteries.
Goldsborough’s work also highlights the power of persistence. From a typescript gift for his mother to a celebrated career, he proves that passion can transform a side project into a literary legacy.
About Robert Goldsborough
- Born: October 3, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois
- Key Works: Murder in E Minor, Three Strikes You’re Dead, Archie Meets Nero Wolfe
- Awards: Nero Award (1986), Love is Murder Award (2006), Lovey Award (2012)
- Career: 45 years as a journalist at Chicago Tribune and Advertising Age
Ready to crack open a clever mystery? Snag Murder in E Minor or Three Strikes You’re Dead and dive into Robert Goldsborough’s thrilling world of detectives and danger!