What’s Wrong with the Detective in Fool Me Once?
Fool Me Once, a thriller novel by Harlan Coben, has been praised for its gripping plot and well-crafted characters. However, one character in particular has been criticized for their flaws and inconsistencies: the detective, Kermit Williamson. In this article, we will explore what’s wrong with the detective in Fool Me Once and how his flaws affect the story.
Lack of Investigation
One of the most glaring issues with Kermit is his lack of investigation skills. Despite being a detective, he seems to rely more on instinct and coincidence than actual detective work. He fails to properly investigate the crime scene, ignore crucial evidence, and neglects to follow up on leads. This lack of thoroughness not only hinders the progress of the investigation but also raises questions about his competence as a detective.
Inconsistent Characterization
Kermit’s character is also marred by inconsistency. At times, he is portrayed as a by-the-book detective who is meticulous and thorough, while at other times, he is shown to be careless and sloppy. He switches between these two extremes without any clear motivation or justification. This lack of consistency makes it difficult to understand his character and how he approaches his work.
Lack of Clarity
Another issue with Kermit is his unclear motives and actions. Throughout the novel, he seems to be hiding something, but it’s unclear what that is or why. He provides vague and contradictory statements, leaving the reader confused and frustrated. This lack of clarity not only affects the plot but also makes it difficult to connect with Kermit as a character.
Inadequate Communication
Kermit’s communication skills are also lacking. He fails to effectively communicate with his team, partners, and even the reader. He often doesn’t provide important information, and when he does, it’s often in a vague or cryptic manner. This lack of transparency and clear communication creates confusion and frustration, especially when trying to piece together the mystery.
Overemphasis on Emotion
Finally, Kermit’s character is often driven by emotion rather than reason. He lets his personal feelings and biases cloud his judgment, leading to reckless decisions and mistakes. This overemphasis on emotion not only makes him an unreliable narrator but also compromises the integrity of the investigation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the detective in Fool Me Once, Kermit Williamson, has several flaws that affect the story and his character. His lack of investigation, inconsistent characterization, lack of clarity, inadequate communication, and overemphasis on emotion all contribute to a lack of trust and credibility. While the novel still manages to be engaging and entertaining, the character’s flaws are significant enough to detract from the overall quality of the story.
Table: Key Flaws of Kermit Williamson
| Flaw | Description |
|---|---|
| Lack of Investigation | Fails to properly investigate the crime scene, ignores crucial evidence, and neglects to follow up on leads |
| Inconsistent Characterization | Switches between being meticulous and sloppy without clear motivation or justification |
| Lack of Clarity | Provides vague and contradictory statements, leaving the reader confused and frustrated |
| Inadequate Communication | Fails to effectively communicate with team, partners, and reader, often leaving important information unclear |
| Overemphasis on Emotion | Lets personal feelings and biases cloud judgment, leading to reckless decisions and mistakes |
What Can Be Done?
To improve the character of Kermit Williamson, the author could have:
- Given him a clear motivation: What drives Kermit to solve the case? Is it a personal connection, a sense of duty, or something else? A clear motivation would help explain his actions and decisions.
- Provided a consistent characterization: Stick to a consistent portrayal of Kermit’s personality, skills, and flaws. Avoid sudden changes or contradictions that confuse the reader.
- Improved his communication skills: Make sure Kermit clearly and effectively communicates with his team, partners, and the reader. Provide important information in a timely and transparent manner.
- Toned down his emotions: While it’s natural for Kermit to feel emotions, he should be able to separate his feelings from his investigation. This would help him make more rational decisions and avoid mistakes.
By addressing these issues, the character of Kermit Williamson could have been more believable, relatable, and effective, leading to a more engaging and satisfying story.
