Review of Fool's Errand

[Nzube Chizoba Okeke]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Fool's Errand" by Jeffrey S. Stephens.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Fool's Errand is a novel that rubs off on you excellently. All elements of a good novel are done the right way. Jeffrey S. Stephens takes you back to America in 1979 and unravels the mystery in the life of bookmaker Blackie's son.

Blackie's son found himself with a letter from the grave sent by his father. This letter started his journey across the globe, looking for answers to decades-long questions. This led to the formation of new acquaintances, uncovering of hidden truth, and the discovery of love while searching for oneself. Could he handle the truth, and what choice would be made with his newfound knowledge?

The storyteller's full name was never mentioned, which I found interesting because it created a sort of vacuum I could fill with whoever I wanted. Blackie was the phantom main character of this novel because he foreshadowed every scene and instigated the main plot. The beginning was exciting; it established the tone the book took, alongside the light humor.

The foundation of realism was appropriate. For a book dealing with the 'Mob,' the violence was downplayed while focusing more on the humane side. As I saw during one of the reminiscences of the past, "Blackie was a mass of contradictions." He was a violent yet altruistic fellow that introduced his son into his world while teaching him valuable life lessons the hard way.

The romance aspect fitted the plot. It significantly brought suspense to the story; suspicion and doubt crept into the lovers' minds as the plot thickened toward the end. There was the monologue of Blackie's son on how unrealistic romantic movies changed his perception and helped him make the right moves in his relationship.

I loved the character of Blackie the most. He was one of those fellows that could be more than what he was, but reality had other plans. He was an all-around character, from his big dreams of becoming a writer of his war escapades to settling down as a bookmaker. He played the hand life dealt him. He was such a lovable character.

Although the end-game story is limited in choices, the closure is satisfying. There are also some life lessons to be learned in it. You don't choose your relatives, but you can always choose your friends. This isn't Jeffrey S. Stephen's first novel, and he has mastered his craft to give us this beautiful piece.

There is not a thing I don't like about this book. The editing is professional, as it has only a few minor errors. Therefore, I give Fool's Errand 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend it to crime and fiction enthusiasts.

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Fool's Errand
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[Edit_or]

I enjoyed this review and I have no doubt I would also love the book. Thanks for this clarifying review.

[Hue-Morningstar]

Suspense really intrigues my mind. Makes me feel lively when reading a story. Fool's errand deserves to be in my to read shelf.

[Amy Luman]

I’d never thought about a story without the narrator having a name, but it was a good choice. As you said, it gave a chance for imagination. I guess that the romance and the unexpectedness of it was a plus for this book.

[Ifesi]

This review sounds interesting. The author did a nice job in presenting the book to be interesting and easy to understand. Thanks for a wonderful and intriguing review. Looking forward to reading this book.

[Nwankwo GC]

Crime fiction is not my go-to genre, so I'll pass on this one for lovers of the genre. It seems like a well-written book with a brilliant storyline. Great review.

[Uwe Neufeld]

Strange story in deed! Maybe thats the heart of all fiction. What really mathers how the authors to develops and unravels situations and characters.
Great review!