Novels based on the Fringe universe were always going to be a problematic conundrum, after all the show has ended and while it was on, it presented an ever evolving, complex narrative in which it would be difficult to shoehorn another story.

Fringe: Sins of the Father (2014. 307 pages), written by Christa Faust, has taken the only route possible and entered this world at a time before we had met any of the characters.

The book concentrates on Peter Bishop, at a time when he was estranged from his father and running scams around the world. Other characters do get a look in, via flashbacks, which are effective at touching base with some fan favourites, while at the same time furthering the plot.

I think that the book has a number of problems. For a start, although he was pivotal in the series, Peter was never the most interesting character, that accolade was won by his father, Walter. Also all the action in the book does contain an extraordinary amount of running and dodging bullets, being set prior to the creation of the Fringe Division, makes the overall story not feel very "Fringey".

The character of Peter was introduced to the viewers as someone living on the edge of the law and more than a little morally grey and in this respect Faust has captured his turbulent past well. We meet Peter during another of his scams, trying to get the money he owes Big Eddie, before little Eddie catches up with him and prematurely terminates his life for the outstanding debt. Of course, things do not go as planned; otherwise this would be a pamphlet, not a novel. A quick switch of vital cases and Peter ends up in the possession of a viral cure for epilepsy, not the case full of cash he thought he was holding.

Responding like a marionette, Peter predictably contacts the virus’s owner hoping to make some finder’s fee cash. However, Doctor Lachaux is not who she pretends to be and so the mystery roles on. For someone who is supposed to make his living meticulously depriving other people of their money, too much of the plot relies on him actually behaving against type. He rarely seems to do any background checks or searches for useful ancillary information.

The story is not really designed for readers who have not seen the show, there are many glancing references to such things as silver blood which will mean something to fans, but are likely to bemuse a casual reader as little to no explanations are given.

Whilst the book is well written, Faust’s noir pulp sensibilities do not sit well within a fantasy/science fiction genre, which is probably why the book feels like you could just replace Peter's name with another. You would still have an enjoyable read, but not an essential addition to the Fringe universe.

7

Charles Packer