Review of The Frank Gould Mystery Series : Introductory Quad Complete

[Nzube Chizoba Okeke]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Frank Gould Mystery Series : Introductory Quad Complete" by Alan Asnen.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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The Frank Gould Mystery Series: Introductory Quad Complete by Alan Asnen consisted of four parts with the titles: "But Tell It Slant," "We Must An Anguish Pay," "Then The List Is Done," and "A Riddle At Last." The central character in the series was Frank Gould. Frank grew up with a strict father that took any opportunity to use his fist. As an older man in his sixties, Frank, a former academic, became a private investigator, mainly locating missing cats and dogs. One day, a woman named Astraea Donaldson 'Tre' walked into his office and wanted him to investigate a superfluous claim. Personally intrigued by the circumstances of the case, especially since Tre was referred to him by a friend of his called Vera Martens, he decided to investigate. Frank didn't know at the time that his investigations would uncover conspiracies that would affect him personally and likely endanger the whole country.

The writer's storytelling was quite interesting. He seemed to oscillate between different memory lanes. The story alternated between two timelines in Frank Gould's life. This style of writing managed to build intrigue as readers would eagerly attempt to reconcile the character's life as a teenage boy and as an older man. The tone of the writing came through as almost hilarious in certain places and philosophical in others. The storytelling was quite intense, and lots of profane words were used. There was an aura of classic exoticness that pointed out that the writer was well-educated and pondered on life's deep dynamics. This class of storytelling might appeal to only some.

Frank's character had a weird sense of humor. However, he was often on the receiving end of biting remarks by friends and acquaintances, which he took in stride. His bluntness was surprisingly endearing. For some reason, he reminded me of Agatha Christie's famous character, Hercule Poirot. However, underneath all his crankiness, readers would get the sense that he was a kind and sensitive man when he needed to be.

I felt like all the characters in this book stood for something — some idea or a societal shortcoming being overlooked. Taylor, the ex-marine, seemed to symbolize the struggles that military veterans go through privately and socially in trying to reintegrate into society. Terry represented the easily misunderstood, Frank Terpil represented the ruthless manipulators, and Paula highlighted the struggles of the LGTBQ+ communities.

A rude, old, cranky detective with clinical depression, a transsexual ex-military intelligence agent, an ex-marine suffering from PTSD, and Melissa, a middle-aged, cranky writer, made up an odd character set. But despite their differences, I fell in love with these characters. Each part was a long read; the best way to read this book would be one part at a time. To find the main story plots across the parts, readers might have to sift through the various reflections of the writer on diverse ideas like morality, religion, decency, politics, intelligence, and people's dispositions towards the use of masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I found The Frank Gould Mystery Series: Introductory Quad Complete to be an exciting read. The author's tone made the storytelling unique, and the mystery that trailed the story plot was intriguing. The book was well-edited, and I found nothing to dislike. Therefore, I'd rate it five out of five stars. I'd recommend it to readers enthralled by thrillers and mystery.

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The Frank Gould Mystery Series : Introductory Quad Complete
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[Joseph Nyakundih]

mystery books are my thing, and this one sounds good, can't wait to add it to my shelf, nice review

[Grace Elkana]

Frank must have had an eventful life. I guess all the experiences with his dad contributed in making him the man he became. I like that he was a humorous character.

[Amy Luman]

It’s hard to know what you, like Frank, will uncover, especially when dealing with something small. I think that he deserves the right to be cranky.

[Ogunkoya Mayowa]

A crime book that talks about how Frank grew up with a strict father. The story also talks about how Frank embarks on an investigation that would affect him personally and likely endanger the whole world. The story was unique and the story plot was intriguing. Thanks for the great review.

[Israel10]

I found The Frank Gould Mystery Series: Introductory Quad Complete to be an exciting read. The author's tone made the storytelling unique, and the mystery that trailed the story plot was intriguing.

[Grace Lee Rose]

The book cover is pleasing to the book eyes. This would be the first book I'm coming across which centers on finding missing animals. Would would he discover in the course of his investigation that would impact his personal life and even the country? My curiosity level has passed the roof top

[CrossK]

Wow, what a fantastic book kudos to the author of the book. kudos to frank's dad, who contributed in his way to making his son great.nice review

[Annas Felix]

I like that all the characters stood for something. That will make their role in the narrative relevant.

[NetMassimo]

The mystery seems interesting but I need to be in the right mood to read a novel with characters who are going through different kinds of struggle adding so much drama to the story. Regardless, thank you for your great review!

[Victor Ayub Migos]

I believe that understanding your past is a key to mastering your future. Also the things that happen to us in our childhood and teenage life may affect certain behavioral patterns in our adulthood.Frank Gould has is a good example of this.

[Shedrack A]

Frank's personality is endearing. Thanks for a well-written review.