Rex Stout (1886-1975) is best known of course for his Nero Wolfe/Archie Goodwin Series. In total, Stout wrote 33 novels and 39 novellas or short stories featuring the pair between 1934 and 1975.

I have read a lot of them. But certainly not all of them.

“The Santa Claus Beat” was a complete surprise. Quite unlike his Nero Wolfe stories except in having the same humorous tone.

The story features an ambitious young detective who has just been promoted from working the beat. His goal in life is to work the Murder Squad. So when he gets sent to a small warehouse he is hoping for a good Christmas murder to solve.

I loved this story. There were a few nice surprises and a “Happy Ending” of sorts. I highly recommend it. And any and all work by Rex Stout.

This was another story I found in the excellent anthology, Merry Murder. I recommend both!