The Fall: Library Edition

by David Fulmer

A fascinating and character-driven thriller, this novel delves into the deepest bonds of friendship, all accompanied by a rock 'n' roll beat. After Richard Zale receives news of the death of a childhood friend, he returns to their hometown to pay his respects. It isn't long, however, before old frictions and a new puzzle emerge, drawing him deeper into the mystery of his friend's demise.

Audio Cassette

First published March 15, 2010

About the author

David Fulmer has been a writer and producer for over twenty-five years.

Series:
* Valentin St. Cyr Mystery
* Eddie Cero Mystery

Reviews

[LJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Sentence: Later, after it was all over, I spent some time thinking about how it was for him at the end.

Actor and voice-over artist Richard Zale makes the trip back to his hometown after learning about the death of a childhood friend. While guilt of having been out of touch for so long may have drawn him back, questions about his friend’s death keep him there. Why would someone terrified of heights commit suicide by jumping from an outcrop of rock?

The common man in an uncommon situation is a theme I appreciate, when done well, and Fulmer does it very well. At the same time, he wisely gave his protagonist, Richard Zale, skills to survive, having been a Vietnam veteran and a former boxer. It’s those types of details I appreciate as it makes the character’s actions logical and reasonable. Yet he balances the survival attributes off with a man who is questions his career and can look at his current life in relationship to his past. This makes the character interesting and compelling to read.

Zale is not, however, the only well-developed character. The supporting characters not only come to life under Fulmer’s deft hand, but ultimately provide the adage that people are not always what they seem.

This leads to the plot; one which starts with memories triggered by an old song. It is not a story of high action, but one earmarked by subtlety and answers which lead to more questions and with just the right bitter sweetness in the relationships. Perceived motives change and tension increases nicely with the story to a suspenseful and unexpected conclusion.

As in all his books, Fulmer takes us to the location of his characters and allows us to hear their voices. His dialogue is natural and easy.

Fulmer makes a very successful transition from historical mysteries to the contemporary in this very good character-driven story. I highly recommend this book, and every book this man writes.

THE FALL (Mystery-Richard Zale-NYC/Pennsylvania-Cont) – VG
Fulmer, David – Standalone
Five Stones Press, ©2010, US Trade Paper – ISBN: 9780977672936

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[Harvey · Rating 3 out of 5]

David Fulmer is a fine (and underappreciated) writer. I did enjoy this but was disappointed that it was not up to the standard of his New Orleans/Storyville series. This one takes place in 2002 and tries to make a point about the US in a post-9-11 world. I'll definitely keep seeking his work out.

[Katie]

enjoyable read featuring a setting where I spent some of teen years

[Cherrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as his other books.