From the Bookshelf of Q&A with Josh Lanyon…

Fadeout (Dave Brandstetter, #1)

Joseph Hansen

Start date: August 1, 2013

Finish date: August 31, 2013

Discussion: Book of the Month Club

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Book of the Month Club

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What Members Thought

Sep 04, 2011 Lady*M rated it really liked it

Shelves: mystery, glbt

I feared that this book would be terribly outdated. Also, I am always a bit wary of books deemed "classics" especially when they are less than half a century old. But, it was unnecessary.

Both the mystery and the writing are tight - there is no redundant words here - although Hansen's style takes some time to get used to. But, the real strength of the novel is Dave. He is written in a matter-of-fact way which little authors can manage - even today. He is shown through actions and interactions wi ...more

8 likes · Like · see review

Jul 02, 2013 Deanna rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery, classics

Hanson's descriptive phrases bring the scenes and people alive in the mind of the reader. His MC Dave Brandstetter is cut in the mold of Dashiell Hammett's detectives. He is tough. He is smart. He is determined. He is relentless. He is more. He has money. He is gay at a time when he could still be arrested for nothing more than loving another. He is a intriguing character and unforgettable. This is a wonderfully written mystery that is still worth reading 40 years later.

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4 likes · Like · see review

Mar 28, 2012 Jordan Lombard rated it it was amazing

Shelves: bom-jl-group, bpl-staff-pick, a-own, a-favorites, bpl-qlr-read, g-mys-gay-vintage, a-own-audio, a-own-print, a-own-ebook, g-classic

2nd Review 2019
Title/Author: Fadeout by Joseph Hansen, Narrated by Keith Szarabajka
Series/Standalone: Dave Brandstetter Mysteries book 1 of 12
Genre/sub-genre: Mystery
Book Format: eaudiobook
Length: 187 pages/5 hours & 7 minutes
LGBTQ+ Orientation: Gay
Violence: Off page
Well written/Editor Needed: Well written
Would I Recommend?: YES!
Personal thoughts: I read this series for the first time just a few years ago and absolutely loved it. The main character is unapologetically gay and very comfortab ...more

3 likes · Like · see review

Feb 04, 2012 Paola rated it it was amazing

Shelves: owned-as-print

I love Joseph Hansen's elegant, evocative prose, but that's only one of the many reasons I'm drawn to this series and simply can't put these books down. Dave Brandstetter is a great character creation, and my only complaint is that we tend to get only glimpses of his personal life, because the focus of these stories is the murder mystery Dave investigates each time and the way his quiet persistence, his dignity and moral integrity, and his compassion affect his indefatigable quest for the truth. ...more

2 likes · Like · see review

Aug 14, 2013 HJ rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Excellent. V good mystery and characterisation.

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Aug 03, 2013 HJ rated it really liked it

Shelves: m-m, mystery, brandstetter

Excellent. Very good mystery and characterisation.

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Oct 23, 2011 Lora rated it it was amazing

I'm not reading very fast, especially considering how much I am enjoying Fadeout. Digital is so much easier...
Well written mystery. Dave Brandstetter is a terrific character and I look forward to eleven more novels. ...more

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