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Joe Bain #1
The Fox Valley Murders
Ace Paperback
190 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1966
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50 people want to read
About the author
John Holbrook Vance
20 books6 followersBetter known as Jack Vance.
Library of Congress Authorities:
Vance, Jack, 1916-2013,
Vance, John Holbrook, 1916-2013 [legal name],
and other names
Do not confuse with Vance, Jack, 1915-1958 (a pseudonym of Henry Kuttner)
Library of Congress Authorities:
Vance, Jack, 1916-2013,
Vance, John Holbrook, 1916-2013 [legal name],
and other names
Do not confuse with Vance, Jack, 1915-1958 (a pseudonym of Henry Kuttner)
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 31, 2013
Jack Vance was a genius in the SFF field, but he also wrote mysteries, including two books about Sheriff Joe Bain. This first one introduces the setting and Bain himself, a ne'er-do-well who's found himself as a lawman. After a convicted killer gets out on parole, things start to go wrong, and it's up to Bain to figure it all out before the upcoming local elections.
Bain is a likable character, and the mystery is well constructed. It's fair, with clues provided and several people to suspect. The resolution is satisfying, though there's a strange little unneeded coda to wrap up loose ends.
All the same, the story falls a bit flat, in the end. I wavered between three stars and four, and on BookLikes, I've given 3.5, which is what it deserves. The mystery genre just doesn't give Vance a chance to bring out his quirky, eerie nature, nor the extravagant language that makes him so great. It does mean that the characters are more natural and fully drawn than the Vancian norm, but it's not a fair trade.
If you're looking for a good, logical mystery with some intriguing human nature, this is a good read. If you're looking for another side of Vance, this is it. But if you're looking for the classic Vance you know from his best known books, you may be a little disappointed.
CVIE V
Bain is a likable character, and the mystery is well constructed. It's fair, with clues provided and several people to suspect. The resolution is satisfying, though there's a strange little unneeded coda to wrap up loose ends.
All the same, the story falls a bit flat, in the end. I wavered between three stars and four, and on BookLikes, I've given 3.5, which is what it deserves. The mystery genre just doesn't give Vance a chance to bring out his quirky, eerie nature, nor the extravagant language that makes him so great. It does mean that the characters are more natural and fully drawn than the Vancian norm, but it's not a fair trade.
If you're looking for a good, logical mystery with some intriguing human nature, this is a good read. If you're looking for another side of Vance, this is it. But if you're looking for the classic Vance you know from his best known books, you may be a little disappointed.
CVIE V
May 28, 2024
The Fox Valley Murders is a mystery novel that was written in 1964 and published in 1966 under the name John Holbrook Vance. This is the real name of the famous writer Jack Vance. It is available in a very nice Spatterlight paperback and as a Subterranean Press hardcover titled Desperate Days: Selected Mysteries Volume Two. (Along with The Pleasant Grove Murders and The Dark Ocean.)
For the most recent review and other Vance reviews please see:
https://vancealotjackvanceinreview.bl...
The Fox Valley Murders introduces the character, Joe Bain, the acting sheriff in the fictional county of San Rodrigo "a few hours drive south east of San Francisco." Here almost everybody knows each other, nothing is secret for very long and a person's history is readily recalled. Joe, for example, was not the most well behaved teenager when he grew up in the area so many people are surprised that he has become the acting sheriff.
Joe is the acting sheriff because the elected one died a few days ago. While he would never have run against the incumbent sheriff, Joe now decides to run for the position. In the upcoming election he will be opposed by a former San Francisco attorney, Lee Gervase, who is young, progressive, energetic, determined, slick, and very ambitious and wants to bring major changes to the county including replacing the historic courthouse with a new modern building. Joe loves the old courthouse and does not advocate growth or modernization. Instead he represents "honest, efficient law enforcement without fear of favoritism." The local newspaper, the Chamber of Commerce and several well to do citizens want more economic growth and change so they strongly support the opposing candidate Gervase. The local newspaper reporter, Griselda, will not even write anything positive about Joe in the paper because he supports Gervase. Griselda, along with Bain’s daughter and mother, appear again as characters in the second and final Joe Bain mystery, The Pleasant Grove Murders.
Many of the residents vividly recall the murder of a thirteen year old local girl that happened sixteen years ago. A local man, Ausley Wyett, was convicted and sent to prison. News has been released that Wyett has just been paroled from San Quentin after having served sixteen years. Even though Wyett claims he was falsely convicted, many people in town are unhappy or even outraged that he is returning to the area.
Locals become even more upset when Wyett arrives home and immediately sends letters to five local men who testified against him at his trial. Although the five identical letters are not threatening, they do mention how "dreadful" prison was and ask each recipient, "How do you plan to make this up to me?" When one of these men die in what appears to be an accident, Wyett is suspected of possibly being involved with his death. When a second of the five former witnesses subsequently dies in an unusual accident, local citizens become even more alarmed. They pressure Joe, as acting sheriff, to do something.
Joe, in the meantime, has been busy investigating why somebody put water in Bus Hacker's gas tank forcing him to walk to the post office to pick up some important mail. Then a local house burns down in what looks like arson and a large group of local boys get into a fight with another group of boys who live in a strict religious commune called Nazareth. In addition, the office manager at the police station, Mrs. Rostvolt, is resistant to Joe's new leadership, listens in on his phone conversations, tries to make decisions that the sheriff should be making and appears to be taking bribes from a local restaurant that supplies meals for the prisoners. He even finds out that she has been taking kick backs from the sponsors of local cockfights. Everyone knows, after all, that the previous sheriff encouraged these sort of things by accepting money and favors from others.
Vance creates a fascinating, old fashioned portrait of a small rural community with its down to earth, homespun characters. (He provided an even more detailed portrait of such people in his subsequent Joe Bain book, The Pleasant Grove Murders.) The novel is full of quaint interactions such as when Joe is offered a beer while on duty. He eventually agrees to have a drink after his friends in the bar joke with him that, "You might get the church vote by staying sober, but you lose the confidence of the drunks." The narrative and characters are down to earth and often humorous and there is an intricate plot along with vivid descriptions of an atmospheric time and place.
As Joe investigates the murders he also does his best not to lose too many votes by upsetting citizens. His opponent offered to let Joe maintain his job if he did not run for sheriff but Joe decided to run anyhow. If he loses the election Gervase has indicated he would fire Joe. So won’t just lose a promotion if he is not elected sheriff. He will also become unemployed.
This is the third time I have carefully read this novel and, as with many Vance writings, I found that I liked it even better after rereading it. The plot is improbable and the conclusion seems rushed, but the characters are interesting and Vance's charm is there. I’ve read this novel three times so far. I had initially rated it a 3 "liked it" after the first reading but am now rating it a Goodread's 4 which means "really liked it." The Fox Valley Murders is recommended to Jack Vance fans, mystery readers and those who appreciate skillful writing, with humor, an intriguing plot and a picturesque, rural, folksy, small town setting in a bygone era.
For the most recent review and other Vance reviews please see:
https://vancealotjackvanceinreview.bl...
The Fox Valley Murders introduces the character, Joe Bain, the acting sheriff in the fictional county of San Rodrigo "a few hours drive south east of San Francisco." Here almost everybody knows each other, nothing is secret for very long and a person's history is readily recalled. Joe, for example, was not the most well behaved teenager when he grew up in the area so many people are surprised that he has become the acting sheriff.
Joe is the acting sheriff because the elected one died a few days ago. While he would never have run against the incumbent sheriff, Joe now decides to run for the position. In the upcoming election he will be opposed by a former San Francisco attorney, Lee Gervase, who is young, progressive, energetic, determined, slick, and very ambitious and wants to bring major changes to the county including replacing the historic courthouse with a new modern building. Joe loves the old courthouse and does not advocate growth or modernization. Instead he represents "honest, efficient law enforcement without fear of favoritism." The local newspaper, the Chamber of Commerce and several well to do citizens want more economic growth and change so they strongly support the opposing candidate Gervase. The local newspaper reporter, Griselda, will not even write anything positive about Joe in the paper because he supports Gervase. Griselda, along with Bain’s daughter and mother, appear again as characters in the second and final Joe Bain mystery, The Pleasant Grove Murders.
Many of the residents vividly recall the murder of a thirteen year old local girl that happened sixteen years ago. A local man, Ausley Wyett, was convicted and sent to prison. News has been released that Wyett has just been paroled from San Quentin after having served sixteen years. Even though Wyett claims he was falsely convicted, many people in town are unhappy or even outraged that he is returning to the area.
Locals become even more upset when Wyett arrives home and immediately sends letters to five local men who testified against him at his trial. Although the five identical letters are not threatening, they do mention how "dreadful" prison was and ask each recipient, "How do you plan to make this up to me?" When one of these men die in what appears to be an accident, Wyett is suspected of possibly being involved with his death. When a second of the five former witnesses subsequently dies in an unusual accident, local citizens become even more alarmed. They pressure Joe, as acting sheriff, to do something.
Joe, in the meantime, has been busy investigating why somebody put water in Bus Hacker's gas tank forcing him to walk to the post office to pick up some important mail. Then a local house burns down in what looks like arson and a large group of local boys get into a fight with another group of boys who live in a strict religious commune called Nazareth. In addition, the office manager at the police station, Mrs. Rostvolt, is resistant to Joe's new leadership, listens in on his phone conversations, tries to make decisions that the sheriff should be making and appears to be taking bribes from a local restaurant that supplies meals for the prisoners. He even finds out that she has been taking kick backs from the sponsors of local cockfights. Everyone knows, after all, that the previous sheriff encouraged these sort of things by accepting money and favors from others.
Vance creates a fascinating, old fashioned portrait of a small rural community with its down to earth, homespun characters. (He provided an even more detailed portrait of such people in his subsequent Joe Bain book, The Pleasant Grove Murders.) The novel is full of quaint interactions such as when Joe is offered a beer while on duty. He eventually agrees to have a drink after his friends in the bar joke with him that, "You might get the church vote by staying sober, but you lose the confidence of the drunks." The narrative and characters are down to earth and often humorous and there is an intricate plot along with vivid descriptions of an atmospheric time and place.
As Joe investigates the murders he also does his best not to lose too many votes by upsetting citizens. His opponent offered to let Joe maintain his job if he did not run for sheriff but Joe decided to run anyhow. If he loses the election Gervase has indicated he would fire Joe. So won’t just lose a promotion if he is not elected sheriff. He will also become unemployed.
This is the third time I have carefully read this novel and, as with many Vance writings, I found that I liked it even better after rereading it. The plot is improbable and the conclusion seems rushed, but the characters are interesting and Vance's charm is there. I’ve read this novel three times so far. I had initially rated it a 3 "liked it" after the first reading but am now rating it a Goodread's 4 which means "really liked it." The Fox Valley Murders is recommended to Jack Vance fans, mystery readers and those who appreciate skillful writing, with humor, an intriguing plot and a picturesque, rural, folksy, small town setting in a bygone era.
June 2, 2025
Well-paced old-fashioned mystery
Vance is a tidy and ingenious writer, and his characters are well-drawn and interesting. Dry humor and not much of it.
Vance is a tidy and ingenious writer, and his characters are well-drawn and interesting. Dry humor and not much of it.
September 19, 2016
The way Vance wrote about the Californian county, the small towns this story is set was so rich in sense of place, smell of the peach trees, the mountains and the small town dryness of the setting. It is not really hardboiled enough to compare to Ross MacDonald’s Lew Archer but the first book in that series was somewhat in similar small Californian county,setting.
Vance changed completely his prose style, mannerism, techniques he uses for his fantastical worlds, stories. I enjoyed Joe Bain, most of the characters who had down to earth, real feel that fit their time, place. Joe Bain was really not at similar to any of the usual Vance protagonist, he was a colourful for his setting but pretty mundane Sheriff that fit the small town he patrolled. I liked that he grew up in of the small town he patrolled.
The plot in the end, the climax to the story didnt do the story justice. The ending was rushed, i expected better having read SF Mysteries written by Vance.
Vance changed completely his prose style, mannerism, techniques he uses for his fantastical worlds, stories. I enjoyed Joe Bain, most of the characters who had down to earth, real feel that fit their time, place. Joe Bain was really not at similar to any of the usual Vance protagonist, he was a colourful for his setting but pretty mundane Sheriff that fit the small town he patrolled. I liked that he grew up in of the small town he patrolled.
The plot in the end, the climax to the story didnt do the story justice. The ending was rushed, i expected better having read SF Mysteries written by Vance.
May 25, 2024
The Fox Valley Murders is a mystery novel that was written in 1964 and published in 1966 under the name John Holbrook Vance. This is the real name of the famous writer Jack Vance. It introduces the character, Joe Bain, the acting sheriff in the fictional county of San Rodrigo "a few hours drive south east of San Francisco." Here almost everybody knows each other, nothing is secret for very long and a person's history is readily recalled. Joe, for example, was not the most well behaved teenager when he grew up in the area so many people are surprised that he has become the acting sheriff.
For the most recent review and other Vance reviews please see:
https://vancealotjackvanceinreview.bl...
Joe is the acting sheriff because the elected one died a few days ago. While he would never have run against the incumbent sheriff, Joe now decides to run for the position . In the upcoming election he will be opposed by a former San Francisco attorney, Lee Gervase, who is young, energetic, determined, slick, very ambitious and wants to bring major changes to the county including replacing the historic courthouse with a new modern building. Joe loves the old courthouse and does not represent change but only "honest, efficient law enforcement without fear of favoritism." The local newspaper, the Chamber of Commerce and several well to do citizens want more economic growth and change so they strongly support Gervase. The local newspaper reporter, Griselda, will not even write anything positive about Joe in the paper because he supports Gervase.
Many of the locals vividly recall the murder of a thirteen year old local girl that happened sixteen years ago. A local man, Ausley Wyett, was convicted and sent to prison. News has been released that Wyett has just been paroled from San Quentin after having served sixteen years. Even though he claims he was falsely convicted, many people in town are unhappy that he is returning to the area.
Locals become even more upset when Wyett arrives home and immediately sends letters to five local men who testified against him at his trial. Although the five identical letters are not threatening, they do mention how "dreadful" prison was and ask each recipient, "How do you plan to make this up to me?" When one of these men die in what appears to be an accident, Wyett is suspected of possibly being involved with his death. When a second of the five former witnesses subsequently dies in an unusual accident, local citizens become even more alarmed. They pressure Joe, as acting sheriff, to do something.
Joe, in the meantime, has been busy investigating why somebody put water in Bus Hacker's gas tank forcing him to walk to the post office to pick up some important mail. Then a local house burns down in what looks like arson and a large group of local boys get into a fight with another group of boys who live in a strict religious commune called Nazareth. In addition, the secretary at the police station, Mrs. Rostvolt, is resistant to Joe's new leadership, listens in on his phone conversations, tries to make decisions that the sheriff should be making and might even be taking bribes from a local restaurant that supplies meals for the prisoners. He even suspects that she might taking kick backs from the sponsors of local cockfights. Everyone knows, after all, that the previous sheriff encouraged these sort of things.
Vance creates a fascinating, old fashioned portrait of a small rural community with its down to earth, homespun characters. (He provided an even more detailed portrait of such people in his subsequent Joe Bain book, The Pleasant Grove Murders.) The novel is full of quaint interactions such as when Joe is offered a beer while on duty. He eventually agrees to have a drink after his friends in the bar joke with him that, "You might get the church vote by staying sober, but you lose the confidence of the drunks." The narrative and characters are down to earth and often humorous and there is an intricate plot along with vivid descriptions of an atmospheric time and place.
This is the second time I have carefully read this novel and, as with many Vance writings, I found that I liked it even better after rereading it. The plot is improbable and the conclusion seems rushed, but the characters are interesting and Vance's charm is there. I had initially rated it a 3 "liked it" but am now rating it a Goodread's 4 which means "really liked it." The Fox Valley Murders is recommended to Jack Vance fans, mystery readers and those who appreciate skillful writing, with humor, an intriguing plot and a picturesque, rural, folksy, small town setting in a bygone era.
For the most recent review and other Vance reviews please see:
https://vancealotjackvanceinreview.bl...
Joe is the acting sheriff because the elected one died a few days ago. While he would never have run against the incumbent sheriff, Joe now decides to run for the position . In the upcoming election he will be opposed by a former San Francisco attorney, Lee Gervase, who is young, energetic, determined, slick, very ambitious and wants to bring major changes to the county including replacing the historic courthouse with a new modern building. Joe loves the old courthouse and does not represent change but only "honest, efficient law enforcement without fear of favoritism." The local newspaper, the Chamber of Commerce and several well to do citizens want more economic growth and change so they strongly support Gervase. The local newspaper reporter, Griselda, will not even write anything positive about Joe in the paper because he supports Gervase.
Many of the locals vividly recall the murder of a thirteen year old local girl that happened sixteen years ago. A local man, Ausley Wyett, was convicted and sent to prison. News has been released that Wyett has just been paroled from San Quentin after having served sixteen years. Even though he claims he was falsely convicted, many people in town are unhappy that he is returning to the area.
Locals become even more upset when Wyett arrives home and immediately sends letters to five local men who testified against him at his trial. Although the five identical letters are not threatening, they do mention how "dreadful" prison was and ask each recipient, "How do you plan to make this up to me?" When one of these men die in what appears to be an accident, Wyett is suspected of possibly being involved with his death. When a second of the five former witnesses subsequently dies in an unusual accident, local citizens become even more alarmed. They pressure Joe, as acting sheriff, to do something.
Joe, in the meantime, has been busy investigating why somebody put water in Bus Hacker's gas tank forcing him to walk to the post office to pick up some important mail. Then a local house burns down in what looks like arson and a large group of local boys get into a fight with another group of boys who live in a strict religious commune called Nazareth. In addition, the secretary at the police station, Mrs. Rostvolt, is resistant to Joe's new leadership, listens in on his phone conversations, tries to make decisions that the sheriff should be making and might even be taking bribes from a local restaurant that supplies meals for the prisoners. He even suspects that she might taking kick backs from the sponsors of local cockfights. Everyone knows, after all, that the previous sheriff encouraged these sort of things.
Vance creates a fascinating, old fashioned portrait of a small rural community with its down to earth, homespun characters. (He provided an even more detailed portrait of such people in his subsequent Joe Bain book, The Pleasant Grove Murders.) The novel is full of quaint interactions such as when Joe is offered a beer while on duty. He eventually agrees to have a drink after his friends in the bar joke with him that, "You might get the church vote by staying sober, but you lose the confidence of the drunks." The narrative and characters are down to earth and often humorous and there is an intricate plot along with vivid descriptions of an atmospheric time and place.
This is the second time I have carefully read this novel and, as with many Vance writings, I found that I liked it even better after rereading it. The plot is improbable and the conclusion seems rushed, but the characters are interesting and Vance's charm is there. I had initially rated it a 3 "liked it" but am now rating it a Goodread's 4 which means "really liked it." The Fox Valley Murders is recommended to Jack Vance fans, mystery readers and those who appreciate skillful writing, with humor, an intriguing plot and a picturesque, rural, folksy, small town setting in a bygone era.
December 16, 2017
Een plaatsvervangende sheriff, een vrijgekomen gevangene, een reeks mysterieuze ongelukken en een aankomende verkiezingsstrijd. Ga mee naar een Western-setting waarin plaatsvervangend sheriff Joe Bain stemmen probeert te winnen voor de verkiezingen terwijl hij tegelijkertijd een verdachte reeks ongevallen probeert op te lossen. Geen zaak voor tere zieltjes. Amerika, Amerika!
Het Verhaal
Een Western-style detective waarin de protagonist ernaar streeft om sheriff te worden van het Californische dorpje Marblestone; hij heeft het druk met zijn nieuwe taken die vooral bestaan uit het opbreken van ruzies en het verbieden van illegale hanengevechten. Maar er heerst onrust. Recent is Ausley Wyatt voorwaardelijk vrijgekomen na zestien jaar in de gevangenis te hebben gezeten voor moord en verkrachting van de toen dertienjarige Tissie McAllister. Uiteraard is de locale bevolking niet blij met zijn terugkeer naar hun dorp. Dat Ausley de vijf getuigen in de zaak tegen hem een dubieuze brief stuurt zorgt voor nog meer onrust. Wanneer de eerste van deze getuigen sterft voor de ogen van Joe Bain vermoed hij dat er iets niet in de haak is met deze zaak.
Sheriff als Detective
De charme in dit verhaal zit hem in de setting en de schrijfstijl van Jack Vance. Een typisch Amerikaanse Western setting wordt geschetst, en het is in deze sfeer dat de lezer mee wordt genomen op avontuur met de protagonist Joe Bain. De uitzonderlijke situaties van de sterfgevallen zorgen ervoor dat de lezer geïnteresseerd blijft. Verder is het verhaal vooral een van dialogen. Veel van de gebeurtenissen krijgt de lezer te horen van karakters die met Joe Bain in gesprek gaan, en daarom is het veelal gissen of Joe de waarheid hoort of dat hem slechts wat wordt voorgeschoteld. En ook de ontknoping wordt vooral door de hoofdkarakters en de dader verteld. Doordat Joe niet veel observeert wordt de zaak wat gerekt en kunnen er, helaas, dus ook meer dodelijke slachtoffers vallen. Maar dat zorgt wel weer voor de spanning in het verhaal. En net als elke goede detective ligt niet alles voor de hand. Gelukkig maar, want als lezer wil je graag meedenken en gissen naar de juiste oplossing van de zaak.
Antiheld en Vance Stijl
De typische karakters en interacties waar Vance geroemd om is zijn ook in dit verhaal aanwezig. Leuk, want Vance is vooral bekend om zijn fantasy en scifi verhalen en deze detective wijkt daar vanaf door de realistische setting en het genre van het verhaal op zich.
Al is Joe Bain dan geen echte antiheld, een typische held zoals de protagonist in veel Amerikaanse detectives is, dat is hij ook niet. Sterker nog, Joe observeert niet zoveel als je zou willen en is ook nog eens lomp. Misschien een overblijfsel van de tijdsgeest - het verhaal komt origineel uit 1966 - maar zo is Joe vader van een zestienjarige dochter, heeft zijn vrouw hem verlaten toen zijn dochter nog een baby was, en woont zijn dochter in bij zijn moeder zodat hij carrière kon maken. Met deze achtergrondinformatie verzaakt hij afspraken met zijn eigen gezin - niet op tijd terug voor eten etc - om indruk te kunnen maken op een vijfentwintig jarig en zeer knap meisje. Dat zij totaal geen interesse in hem heeft komt niet bij hem aan. Als vrouwelijke lezer kon ik mij meer met de liefdesinteresse verenigen dan met Joe en wou ik hem af en toe wel een klap verkopen.
Dat Joe niet tactisch is zorgt ook wel voor enige humor hier en daar. Het is duidelijk dat hij alles op alles zet om verkozen te worden tot nieuwe sheriff, maar zijn pogingen om stemmen te werven zijn soms knarsetandend en worden meerdere malen opgevolgd met de gedachte dat hij wel een stem of twee kwijt zal zijn geraakt. Zijn manier van omgang maakt hem niet per se geliefd bij de bevolking en het is duidelijk dat hij meer en meer stemmen kwijtraakt.
De Ommekeer
Dat Joe niet altijd even aardig is tegen ieder karakter dat hij tegenkomt wordt gelukkig goed gemaakt met de ontknoping van het verhaal. Het einde heeft enkele verassingen en ook het lot van enkele karakters zijn bevredigend.
Is dit een sterke detective? Het heeft een goede western sfeer, een wonderlijke zaak, een fijn einde en geeft een bevredigend gevoel. Is de oplossing waterdicht? Er is veel giswerk in de ontknoping en al wordt er nog wat duidelijk hier en daar, er zit veel speculatie in van Joe die nogal onhandig gepresenteerd lijkt te worden. Wat dat betreft is dit een vermakelijk boek maar niet te vergelijken met de fantasy van Vance, die een indrukwekkendere impressie achterlaat.
Wanneer je houdt van kabbelende zaken, misdaad puzzels waarbij je moet uitknobbelen wie de dader is, niet vies bent van misdaad romans en houdt van detectives met een Amerikaanse tint of historische sfeer dan is De Fox Valley Moorden een zeer vermakelijk boek. Ook voor fans van Jack Vance is dit een pareltje om gelezen te hebben en te zien wat de grootmeester kan wanneer hij uit het fantasy genre stapt.
Het Verhaal
Een Western-style detective waarin de protagonist ernaar streeft om sheriff te worden van het Californische dorpje Marblestone; hij heeft het druk met zijn nieuwe taken die vooral bestaan uit het opbreken van ruzies en het verbieden van illegale hanengevechten. Maar er heerst onrust. Recent is Ausley Wyatt voorwaardelijk vrijgekomen na zestien jaar in de gevangenis te hebben gezeten voor moord en verkrachting van de toen dertienjarige Tissie McAllister. Uiteraard is de locale bevolking niet blij met zijn terugkeer naar hun dorp. Dat Ausley de vijf getuigen in de zaak tegen hem een dubieuze brief stuurt zorgt voor nog meer onrust. Wanneer de eerste van deze getuigen sterft voor de ogen van Joe Bain vermoed hij dat er iets niet in de haak is met deze zaak.
Sheriff als Detective
De charme in dit verhaal zit hem in de setting en de schrijfstijl van Jack Vance. Een typisch Amerikaanse Western setting wordt geschetst, en het is in deze sfeer dat de lezer mee wordt genomen op avontuur met de protagonist Joe Bain. De uitzonderlijke situaties van de sterfgevallen zorgen ervoor dat de lezer geïnteresseerd blijft. Verder is het verhaal vooral een van dialogen. Veel van de gebeurtenissen krijgt de lezer te horen van karakters die met Joe Bain in gesprek gaan, en daarom is het veelal gissen of Joe de waarheid hoort of dat hem slechts wat wordt voorgeschoteld. En ook de ontknoping wordt vooral door de hoofdkarakters en de dader verteld. Doordat Joe niet veel observeert wordt de zaak wat gerekt en kunnen er, helaas, dus ook meer dodelijke slachtoffers vallen. Maar dat zorgt wel weer voor de spanning in het verhaal. En net als elke goede detective ligt niet alles voor de hand. Gelukkig maar, want als lezer wil je graag meedenken en gissen naar de juiste oplossing van de zaak.
Antiheld en Vance Stijl
De typische karakters en interacties waar Vance geroemd om is zijn ook in dit verhaal aanwezig. Leuk, want Vance is vooral bekend om zijn fantasy en scifi verhalen en deze detective wijkt daar vanaf door de realistische setting en het genre van het verhaal op zich.
Al is Joe Bain dan geen echte antiheld, een typische held zoals de protagonist in veel Amerikaanse detectives is, dat is hij ook niet. Sterker nog, Joe observeert niet zoveel als je zou willen en is ook nog eens lomp. Misschien een overblijfsel van de tijdsgeest - het verhaal komt origineel uit 1966 - maar zo is Joe vader van een zestienjarige dochter, heeft zijn vrouw hem verlaten toen zijn dochter nog een baby was, en woont zijn dochter in bij zijn moeder zodat hij carrière kon maken. Met deze achtergrondinformatie verzaakt hij afspraken met zijn eigen gezin - niet op tijd terug voor eten etc - om indruk te kunnen maken op een vijfentwintig jarig en zeer knap meisje. Dat zij totaal geen interesse in hem heeft komt niet bij hem aan. Als vrouwelijke lezer kon ik mij meer met de liefdesinteresse verenigen dan met Joe en wou ik hem af en toe wel een klap verkopen.
Dat Joe niet tactisch is zorgt ook wel voor enige humor hier en daar. Het is duidelijk dat hij alles op alles zet om verkozen te worden tot nieuwe sheriff, maar zijn pogingen om stemmen te werven zijn soms knarsetandend en worden meerdere malen opgevolgd met de gedachte dat hij wel een stem of twee kwijt zal zijn geraakt. Zijn manier van omgang maakt hem niet per se geliefd bij de bevolking en het is duidelijk dat hij meer en meer stemmen kwijtraakt.
De Ommekeer
Dat Joe niet altijd even aardig is tegen ieder karakter dat hij tegenkomt wordt gelukkig goed gemaakt met de ontknoping van het verhaal. Het einde heeft enkele verassingen en ook het lot van enkele karakters zijn bevredigend.
Is dit een sterke detective? Het heeft een goede western sfeer, een wonderlijke zaak, een fijn einde en geeft een bevredigend gevoel. Is de oplossing waterdicht? Er is veel giswerk in de ontknoping en al wordt er nog wat duidelijk hier en daar, er zit veel speculatie in van Joe die nogal onhandig gepresenteerd lijkt te worden. Wat dat betreft is dit een vermakelijk boek maar niet te vergelijken met de fantasy van Vance, die een indrukwekkendere impressie achterlaat.
Wanneer je houdt van kabbelende zaken, misdaad puzzels waarbij je moet uitknobbelen wie de dader is, niet vies bent van misdaad romans en houdt van detectives met een Amerikaanse tint of historische sfeer dan is De Fox Valley Moorden een zeer vermakelijk boek. Ook voor fans van Jack Vance is dit een pareltje om gelezen te hebben en te zien wat de grootmeester kan wanneer hij uit het fantasy genre stapt.
June 10, 2022
Když už tak pokračuju v plánu přečíst komplet Jacka Vance, sáhl jsem i po jeho detektivce. Ano, v těch starých dobách si scifisti museli přivydělávat i tak ponižujícím pracemi, jako psaním detektivek. Vance rozjel celou sérii, ze které sice napsal jen dva díly (třetí zůstal nedokončený a neví se proč), ale rozhodně stojí za pozornost.
Do malého amerického města se vrací člověk, který byl před šestnácti lety odsouzený za vraždu malé holčičky. A je celkem jasné, že není zrovna přijímaný s nadšením. A bude hůř. Lidé, co proti němu před šestnácti lety svědčili, začínají umírat na podezřelé nešťastné náhody. Pěkně jeden za druhým.
Celý případ řeší místní šerif Joe Bain… respektive prozatímní zástupce šerifa. Ten původní zemřel, takže než proběhnou volby, je ta práce na něm. A tady už nastupuje klasické Jack Vanceovské téma – prachy. Jelikož je funkce šerifa lépe placená, rozhodne se Joe Bain po dlouhé úvaze investovat asi dvě stě dolarů do kandidatury (s krvácejícím srdcem… je to přece jen hrdina Jacka Vance) a začít bojovat o post. Což znamená, že se za každé situace snaží lidi upozorňovat na to, že by ho měli volit a každý výslech podezřelého bere, jestli se mu povedlo získat nebo ztratit voliče. Ta kandidatura je tady zajímavější než samotný případ… ostatně, celé finální odhalování zločinu je využito především k získání co největšího počtu nových voličů.
Zápletka i řešení je celkem solidní, dneska už nijak ohromující, ale funkční. Je fakt, že na Vancovi se mi líbí mix bizarních nápadů a společenství se silnou podehraností a účelností a pragmatičností hlavních hrdinů – což tahle kniha splňuje perfektně.
Do malého amerického města se vrací člověk, který byl před šestnácti lety odsouzený za vraždu malé holčičky. A je celkem jasné, že není zrovna přijímaný s nadšením. A bude hůř. Lidé, co proti němu před šestnácti lety svědčili, začínají umírat na podezřelé nešťastné náhody. Pěkně jeden za druhým.
Celý případ řeší místní šerif Joe Bain… respektive prozatímní zástupce šerifa. Ten původní zemřel, takže než proběhnou volby, je ta práce na něm. A tady už nastupuje klasické Jack Vanceovské téma – prachy. Jelikož je funkce šerifa lépe placená, rozhodne se Joe Bain po dlouhé úvaze investovat asi dvě stě dolarů do kandidatury (s krvácejícím srdcem… je to přece jen hrdina Jacka Vance) a začít bojovat o post. Což znamená, že se za každé situace snaží lidi upozorňovat na to, že by ho měli volit a každý výslech podezřelého bere, jestli se mu povedlo získat nebo ztratit voliče. Ta kandidatura je tady zajímavější než samotný případ… ostatně, celé finální odhalování zločinu je využito především k získání co největšího počtu nových voličů.
Zápletka i řešení je celkem solidní, dneska už nijak ohromující, ale funkční. Je fakt, že na Vancovi se mi líbí mix bizarních nápadů a společenství se silnou podehraností a účelností a pragmatičností hlavních hrdinů – což tahle kniha splňuje perfektně.
September 18, 2021
Engaging story, unique and original. Fun mystery, kept me guessing and the solution was believably revealed. I enjoyed this short novel very much and will continue to read the Jack Vance mysteries. I believe there are only a few.
March 19, 2025
My video review of The Fox Valley Murders can be found by clicking the following link: https://youtu.be/6GnpE4_yuGA?si=JkR9S...
August 25, 2015
Apart from Sf and Fantasy, Jack Vance also wrote several mysteries and even one horror story (for which he won the Edgar Allan Poe award). This is the first Joe Bain story, set in an era and environment where I would like to live. A world with no Facebook, Internet and whatsapp. Long, warm summers and an easy way of life. But then people start dying under unusual circumstances. In his own pace and time, Joe manages to solve the case and even gets elected as sherif. You have to love these kind of stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2013
Great characters, brilliant dialogue and a wonderfully evocative setting. Fascinating to compare the 'real' world venue with his SF and fantasy work. Would be 5 stars if the story hadn't seemed too hurriedly wrapped up with exposition at the end. Some truly sublime writing, as usual, and definitely worth reading.
Want to read
December 31, 2018Synopsis: a convicted killer is paroled and Sheriff Joe Bain sees a connection with problems that develop.
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