“The Man Who Change Colors” by Bill Fletcher Jr. (★★★★☆)
Hard Ball Press │ February 5, 2023 │ 360 pages
The Man Who Changed Colors elevates Fletcher’s craft with a confident and layered sequel that deepens both character and thematic scope. Building on the groundwork of The Man Who Fell From the Sky, this novel follows investigative journalist David Gomes as he returns to Cape Cod to uncover the truth behind a suspicious death. Here, Fletcher’s skilful, understated prose evokes the clear, purposeful pacing of great mystery writers — careful not to overstate but always precise in revealing the identity of characters.
Again, we have a narrative that gives us who to suspect within the first pages with the speed of an Elmore Leonard novel. But like Walter Mosley, you learn quickly this isn’t about the details of the murder — it’s about the historical tensions between local labor, Portuguese fascist elements, and Cape Verdean communities — leading us to ponder how broken cohesion and oppressive politics lead to death. Fletcher’s own life-long experience with labor and justice movements infuses the story with authenticity, grounding political and social contexts without turning the novel into a lecture.
Complex relationships, moral ambiguities, and evolving stakes keep the plot absorbing. What’s most rewarding about this installment is how it challenges readers to consider the shades of justice and revenge, and how pursuit of truth can reshape a person. The writing style remains stark, and this is where it seems to fall short of a 5-star review, the majority will find Fletcher’s controlled clarity and layered storytelling deeply satisfying. The Man Who Changed Colors is a gripping, thoughtful read that sharpened my appreciation for Fletcher’s evolving voice and narrative precision.
Star Review Breakdown:
Classic Literature: ★★★☆☆
Message Quality: ★★★★½
Entertainment Value: ★★★★★
Star Value: 4.2 Stars
