Fletch (novel)

Fletch is a 1974 comic mystery novel by Gregory Mcdonald, the first in a series of eleven novels featuring the sardonic and resourceful investigative reporter Irwin Maurice Fletcher, nicknamed "Fletch."

The novel revolves around Fletch's attempt to uncover a story about drug use on the beaches of Los Angeles. While investigating, he is approached by a man named Alan Stanwyk who offers Fletch $50,000 to murder him. Stanwyk claims he is terminally ill with bone cancer and wants to spare his wife and himself the pain and financial burden of a prolonged decline. Fletch, suspicious of Stanwyk's motives and detecting inconsistencies in his story, pretends to accept the offer while simultaneously investigating Stanwyk's background and the true reason for his desperate request.

Fletch is known for its fast-paced plot, witty dialogue, and Fletch's use of disguises and aliases. The novel satirizes Southern California culture and the wealthy elite while providing a compelling mystery. It established Fletch as a popular and enduring literary character.

The novel was adapted into a successful 1985 film starring Chevy Chase as Fletch. It spawned a sequel film, Fletch Lives, in 1989, also starring Chase.