Fade to Black : Book Review

"Fade to Black" by Robert Goldsborough is a captivating mystery novel that continues the adventures of iconic detective Nero Wolfe, originally created by Rex Stout. Set in 1970s New York City, the story follows Wolfe and his trusted sidekick, Archie Goodwin, as they investigate a murder at a prestigious theater. With its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and meticulous attention to detail, Goldsborough successfully captures the essence of Stout's original series while adding his own unique touch.

Goldsborough's writing style pays homage to Stout's work by seamlessly blending the old with the new. He effortlessly recreates the sharp wit and banter between Wolfe and Goodwin, making it feel genuine and true to the beloved characters. Moreover, his descriptive prose brings the bustling, gritty atmosphere of 1970s New York to life, immersing readers in the time period.

The murder mystery itself is intricately constructed, filled with clever twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. Goldsborough skillfully weaves together multiple plot threads, creating a suspenseful and engrossing narrative. As the investigation unfolds, the author introduces a wide range of intriguing characters, each with their own motives and suspicions, adding depth and complexity to the story.

One of the strengths of "Fade to Black" is Goldsborough's ability to maintain the essence of Stout's characters while giving them a fresh and modern feel. Nero Wolfe remains as eccentric and brilliant as ever, with his unconventional methods and insatiable appetite. Goodwin, on the other hand, is a charming and resourceful narrator, providing a relatable perspective for readers.

Overall, "Fade to Black" is a satisfying addition to the Nero Wolfe series, offering an engaging mystery and a nostalgic trip back to the beloved characters created by Rex Stout. Robert Goldsborough's talent for capturing the spirit of the original novels shines through, ensuring that fans of the series will find themselves thoroughly entertained. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the world of Nero Wolfe, this book is certain to captivate mystery lovers and leave them eagerly awaiting the next installment.

What are readers saying?

Fade to Black by Robert Goldsborough has garnered a range of responses from readers. While some have praised it for successfully continuing the Nero Wolfe series and capturing the essence of the original stories, others have expressed disappointment with aspects such as the writing style and character development.

One enthusiastic reviewer lauded Goldsborough for effectively replicating the beloved Nero Wolfe series. They found the plot compelling and felt that the author did justice to the iconic characters of Wolfe and Archie Goodwin. This positive review emphasized the book's nostalgic value and its ability to transport readers back to the world created by Rex Stout.

However, some readers found the writing style in Fade to Black lacking compared to Stout's original works. One reviewer noted that the prose lacked the finesse and elegance typically associated with the series. Additionally, they felt that Goldsborough failed to capture Nero Wolfe's distinctive voice and that the dialogue didn't possess the same sharp wit as in Stout's novels.

Another common criticism of Fade to Black centered around the character development. Some readers felt that the characters lacked depth and their interactions weren't as engaging as in Stout's books. In particular, one reviewer noted that Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin felt flat and inconsistent with their established personalities.

The pacing of the novel was also a point of contention among readers. Some found the plot to be slow, lacking in suspense and tension. Consequently, this diminished their overall enjoyment of the book.

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