Rated of 5
by Robert Disappointing read
I was disappointed by this novel. The setting and some of the major characters had a lot of promise, and I was hoping for a fast-paced comic mystery. But the plot never got off the ground. For one thing, the author’s style was embellished with too many descriptive details about events and props that didn’t seem to matter very much. And then minor characters would appear without making any clear impact. I would say the book lacked focus. There were some witty exchanges and clever observations, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
Rated of 5
by Wendy The Fisher Boy
Author Stephen Anable has crafted a unique and intriguing mystery with a myriad of characters, each with their own foibles and quirks. The novel takes awhile to get off the ground as the author sets the stage for the events to come. Mark Winslow is the naïve and curious protagonist, who at times I found a little exasperating but still likable. Anable packs quite a few different plot threads throughout the novel that will keep the reader guessing right up until all is revealed at the end. Suspenseful with a teaspoon of romance, The Fisher Boy is an entertaining novel.
Rated of 5
by Susan Engaging, but not for every book group
I liked the book and thought it was well-written, especially the descriptions of the characters and the setting. The plot was full of twists and kept me engaged right to the end. Because the setting and much of the plot concern the predominantly gay community of Provincetown, this isn't the right choice for all book groups. That aside, this book could lead to good discussions about cults and other groups.
Rated of 5
by Beverly Mystery, love story, travelogue ?
I had a very difficult time with this first novel. The plot is convoluted to the point that I had a problem trying to sort through all the main characters. Each chapter brings another element into the plot with expansive, even rambling description that does nothing to move the story along. I felt I was being exposed to the author's diligent research. I would not recommend this book.
Rated of 5
by Barb A so-so book
I found the first part of this book hard to get into, and the gay aspects of the story bothered me, not because I'm anti-gay, but in the way that gratuitous sex in any book would bother me. However, the second half of the book was much better, and once the story picked up, it was hard to put the book down. I enjoyed following Mark around, trying to help him figure out who was behind the nasty goings-on in Provincetown while trying to keep himself out of harm's way, and was as surprised as he was when the murderer was finally revealed.
Rated of 5
by Anne The Fisher Boy
I had a really hard time with the first half of this book but the second half rolled out like a great murder mystery. As another reviewer said, there are many references to the gay characters' relationships and their preferences which will be a turn off for some readers. What drove my rating of the book was the uneven plot and character development; and that the upscale New England beach town had more presence than the characters in the first half of the book. In the second half it was the exact opposite. Whether this is a deficiency or the intention of the author the reader can only guess but I much preferred the pace and the characters in the second half when it turned into a race to the finish to find out who dun it and see who would survive.
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