FLETCH, TOO

by Gregory Mcdonald ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 22, 1986

Fletch, newlywed, goes to Africa for a Kafka-esque reunion with the father he never knew--which results in a series of atmospheric mini-expeditions and some psychological musing. . .but little in the way of mystery or Fletch-style comedy. Amid Fletch's flakily surreal wedding, you see, he receives an all-expense-paid invitation to Kenya from Fletch, Sr., a pilot who didn't die (as Fletch's mom always said) in a crash on the day Fletch was born. Thus, though all ready for a Colorado honeymoon, impulsive Fletch and his highly reluctant bride Barbara jet off to Nairobi, lugging skis, snowsuits, etc.--and nm into trouble. First, Fletch witnesses a murder in the airport men's room, but somewhat understandably keeps mum about it. Then, Fletch, Sr., fails to show up, is reported under arrest (for brawling), and refuses to receive a jail visit from Fletch, Jr. And so the honeymooners spend their time instead in the fairly interesting company of Fletch, Sr.'s bush-pilot pal Peter Carr--an amateur archaeologist who provides dangerous sightseeing trips, insights into native customs, and quixotic searches for Roman ruins. Despite lingering questions about that airport murder and Fletch, Sr.'s whereabouts (answered with a couple of forseeable yet satisfying twists), the mystery is negligible here. More serious is the shortage of laughs--though newlyweds Fletch and Barbara spar amusingly, with lots of gags about their inappropriate ski-vacation outfits. Still, Fletch fans will probably want to check this out anyway--because of the modest travelogue charms, because of the offbeat father/son reunion, and because Fletch, Too is billed as the closing episode in the Fletch series.

Pub Date: Oct. 22, 1986

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Warner

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 1986

Categories: FICTION