For my full review, please visit Casual Debris.George C. Chesbro's semi-popular dwarf private detective, lecturer and criminologist Dr. Robert Frederickson, better known as retired circus acrobat "Mongo the Magnificent," first appeared in various magazines in the early 1970s, most notably Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine and Mike Shayne's Mystery Magazine. Chesbro was fundamentally a mystery writer, but much of his work was infused with elements of the supernatural, as were the Mongo novels. AHMM was not averse to publishing mysteries that contained elements of the supernatural, and featured many mixed genre mystery stories, including a handful by Chesbro himself. The novella that was the basis for the first Mongo novel, Shadow of a Broken Man, was titled "Strange Prey" (Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine, August 1970), and featured the plight of telepathic New York architect Victor Rafferty. The novella predates "Mongo," and did not feature an investigating detective of any kind, but instead pursued Rafferty's plight from agents wanting to recruit him for talents that could help transform him into a natural, undetectable super-spy.Shadow of a Broken Man is set several years following the events of "Strange Prey." Detective Mongo is hired to find the missing architect. For those reading the novel without having read the novella, the secret to Rafferty's disappearance is one discovered alongside our detective's own investigations, while those who have read the novella are aware of many of the facts Mongo is in the process of unveiling, and there is less suspense offered to the reader. I had read "Strange Prey" a number of years ago, but was not aware of its connection to the novel, and only when I was well into the book did I realize that the elusive Victor Rafferty was the sympathetic character in Chesbro's novella, which as a pre-teen was among my favourite AHMM stories.Most striking between the two narratives is the perception of character. In the shorter version we read of Rafferty's experiences coping with his new powers, whereas in the novel we are quite removed from the man, and he comes across as cold and confident, not at all the sympathetic anti-hero of the earlier version. Of course the novel is set years later when Rafferty has taken on a new identity, has properly trained himself to control his powers and, most importantly, has found a purpose in life for his new, "improved" self. Moreover, this change is actually properly in tune with where Rafferty, having made a decision to take charge of his fate at the end of "Strange Prey," is expected to find himself years later. Otherwise the stories are closely connected, and the novel for most part, even in smaller details, follows the events of "Strange Prey" quite accurately.Shadow of a Broken Man begins as a conventional mystery, as Mongo is hired by the former Mrs. Rafferty's new husband to investigate the possibility that Mr. Rafferty is still alive. Our detective follows the expected path in interviewing and investigating, and it isn't until we're quite drawn into the case that the reader becomes aware that there is a supernatural element involved, and even later as to the extent of that element. The work is quite solid and satisfying, and though I like "Strange Prey" and loved it as a kid, I do wonder how I would have responded to the novel not knowing the nature of our mysterious Rafferty; namely how I would have responded to the supernatural element and its introduction into the mystery.To be continued...For my complete review, please visit Casual Debris.
I have never heard of this series before, only coming to it because there was a mention this will be made into a cable series with Peter Dinklage (from Game of Thrones).I was taken in with the style and quality of Mr. Chesbro's writing. It laid things out, set up the basics for the character of Mongo and his lifestyle. What I appreciated was that this was not an "origin" story but one where we are already plunged into the midst of Mongo's life and his "legend." Set in the early/mid 70's (it was published in '77), it was also fun to revisit a more modern time without all the electronic devices we have. A pulp-ish noir novel that really shows how far we've come in such a short period of time. The main mystery is so-so, and the reason I did not give this a higher rating. I understand that the later books just get better and better, so that's good. I will look for the next Mongo book.
What do You think about Shadow Of A Broken Man (1999)?
Robert Frederickson is a professor of criminology at a university located in New York City. He's also a private detective. He's also a dwarf who is a former circus performer, a tumbler and acrobat called Mongo. He's also wry, intelligent, witty, caring, and insightful.A week before his much needed vacation, he is hired to verify the death of a very famous architect who died very dramatically some years before. The man's wife, now remarried, has become convinced he is still alive. What seems to be a routine case becomes extremely complex and frightening very quickly. As he delves deeper, the mystery becomes complex and dangerous. An exciting page-turner with very good well-drawn characters.
—Gail
The first Mongo mystery. It was hard to know what to expect going in, knowing that the detective hero of the story is not only a dwarf, but a black belt with a Phd in Criminology.Surprising, Chesbro plays it straight. While elements of the plot are over-the-top, the characters emotions are grounded in reality. The fact that Mongo is a dwarf rarely comes into play during the course of the story, beyond affecting his personality. It's much more traditional than I expected.The story is a cross-genre mix, much like the pulps of the thirties and forties, combining a traditional mystery structure with elements of the supernatural. Much like The X-Files, the world is real with mysterious shadows.It's good and definitely intriguing enough to see where he takes Mongo in the next book.
—Johnny
I read several 'Mongo the Magnificent'-mysteries by George C. Chesbro in the 80s and liked them, but never managed to find Shadow of a Broken Man, the first book in the series. I liked this novel, but I'm sure I would have liked it more back then. It's not just the different political scenario – which is important for this novel – we had regarding the US, the USSR and the UN (unintentional U-alliteration), but also the role and the behaviour of the protagonist. An author of Chesbro's abilities would not write mysteries like this anymore.
—Tom Loock
