A review by jbonifant
Fadeout by Joseph Hansen

2.0

There's obviously historical significance to a mystery novel from over 50 years ago having an openly gay protagonist and detective, but this did not deliver. The narrative is incredibly disjointed and most characters blend together under generic names and descriptions, not to mention the blurred settings, which are crucial to the plot. The clarity inside Dave's mind and his flagrant acceptance of himself are the highlights, but what nearly ruins his character is his relations with Anselmo, the teenager who adores him, whom he properly rebuffs on account of the 26-year age gap, before succumbing by the end.