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What Members Thought

Aug 27, 2011
Ami
rated it
really liked it
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review of another edition
Shelves:
mystery-suspense-thriller,
lgbtq-fiction
This book is short in my standard, since I read other mystery novels that are twice long. However, even short, it packs a punch. The writing is profound. Using short sentences, I find it to be lyrical. For example, when Dave describes his memory of Rod, it is melancholic without being sappy.
The mystery is good -- I enjoy the investigation and the issue of homosexuality that surrounds the mystery. I admire Mr. Hansen since this book is written in the 1970's and his character, Dave Brandstetter, ...more
The mystery is good -- I enjoy the investigation and the issue of homosexuality that surrounds the mystery. I admire Mr. Hansen since this book is written in the 1970's and his character, Dave Brandstetter, ...more

Without question, Hansen is a master. If gay fiction of any sort interests you, you will most likely be drawn in to this story. While Fadeout is a classic example of the "California detective" genre, it is also a deeply human book. The main character, insurance investigator Dave Brandstetter, is easy to care for and more than that he is easy to admire. Few authors inspire me, but Hansen has made the list.
...more

Lovely writing.
[ETA] - the narrator for this book, Keith Szarabajka, is perfect. He has the right voice and timber I'd give the character myself. ...more
[ETA] - the narrator for this book, Keith Szarabajka, is perfect. He has the right voice and timber I'd give the character myself. ...more

I really enjoyed this book and the look it gave me into the 60's, when it was written. Dave Brandstetter is a very likeable character. There will be further books of this series in my future.
P.S.: I thought it was funny how much smoking and drinking was going on in the book. ;) ...more
P.S.: I thought it was funny how much smoking and drinking was going on in the book. ;) ...more

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This book is the first Joseph Hansen Brandstetter Series. I loved it from the get go. It has a very dark feel and yet the character's make it real. i HAVE READ IT IN THE BOOK, THE KINDLE EDITION AND THE AUDIO VERSION AND ALL THEM STILL APPEAL TO ME. HANSEN WAS ONE OF THE FIRST GAY MYSTERY WRITERS I EVER READ.
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Apr 09, 2009
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