Fletch Won
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Books |
Fletch Won is a mystery-comedy novel published in 1985 by American writer Gregory Mcdonald. Although it is the eighth installment featuring the character Fletch, the narrative acts as a prequel, taking place prior to the events of the initial seven books. The title cleverly references its chronological placement, with "won" phonetically resembling "one." The plot centers on Irwin "Fletch" Fletcher during the early phase of his journalism career, when he is moved from covering obituaries and wedding notices to conducting his first significant interview. However, after the interviewee is discovered deceased in the newspaper’s parking area, Fletch embarks on an investigation that initiates his dual career as both reporter and detective.
A movie adaptation has been in various stages of development with multiple contributors involved.
Plot summary
While working as a junior reporter for the News-Tribune, Fletch finds it challenging to gain approval from his editor Frank, who frequently reassigns him to less desirable tasks. When local attorney Donald Habeck schedules an interview to announce a $5 million contribution to a museum, Fletch is tasked with covering the story—only for Habeck to be discovered dead in the newspaper’s parking lot.
Frank removes Fletch from the investigation, handing it over to an experienced journalist and instead assigns Fletch to report on a brothel. Undaunted, Fletch continues probing the suspicious death of Habeck and exposes corruption within Habeck’s law firm.
Characters
- I. M. Fletcher (Fletch) – main character, a novice reporter who becomes an investigator
- Frank Jaffe – editor at the News-Tribune
- Donald Habeck – attorney whose death sparks the central investigation
Reception
Patrick Taggart of the Austin American-Statesman observed that although the book "feels more like a screenplay than a novel," it provides a "bright, easy read" for interested audiences. Tom De Haven from The Philadelphia Inquirer criticized the novel for its "notably weak suspense," "awkward pacing," and prose that was "often overly coy," yet still deemed it "worth reading."
Release details
- 1985, USA, Warner Books (), hardcover (First edition)
- 1985, USA, Gollancz (), hardcover
- 1988, USA, Outlet (), hardcover
- 1989, USA, Warner Books (), paperback
- 1993, USA, Thorndike Press (), hardcover (Large Print edition)
- 2002, USA, Vintage Books (), paperback