“The Man Who Fell From the Sky” by Bill Fletcher Jr.(★ ★ ★ ★)
Hard Ball Press │ August 2, 2018 │ 350 pages
Bill Fletcher Jr.’s The Man Who Fell From the Sky is a compelling mystery that transcends genre boundaries by fusing social history, racial identity, and classic investigative tension. Fletcher’s prose is crisp and culturally layered — reminiscent of the character and location fidelity found in the works of Walter Mosley and Chester Himes, balanced with the methodical pacing of a traditional detective novel — yet he carries his narrative with a rhythmic intentionality that keeps pages turning.
David Gomes, a young Cape Verdean American journalist is the ideal guide into this world: curious, perceptive, and thrust into danger as he pursues truth amid simmering racial and intergenerational tension. The story’s emotional core lies in how Gomes’ investigation peels back not only a murder but also the tangled legacies of family and community, inviting readers to wrestle with identity and belonging. We know what’s happening in Fletcher’s mysteries from the outset — or we think we do — as the grounding in socio‑political realities is necessary in unravelling the crime. These historical and political truths don’t weigh the story down - to the contrary; the reader is enriched by the context, lending a sense of rootedness in contemporary reality. This is truly a refreshing read, as many detective tales are so concerned with the “whodunit” the story becomes cartoonish..
While some readers may prefer more poetic or descriptive flourish; the strength here lies in how Fletcher lets the facts of people’s lives — their choices, contradictions, and histories — carry the narrative with urgency and weight. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Star Review Breakdown:
Classic Literature: ★★★½
Message Quality: ★★★★☆
Entertainment Value: ★★★★☆
Star Value: 4/5 Stars
