Author:	Ron Goulart
Copyright:	1970
Date Reviewed:	4/14/85
Rating:	5.0

Synopsis: "After Things Fell Apart", the world became a very cruel place to live in. The United States government collapsed into many local political enclaves and Southern California was conquered by China. However, as always, people adjusted. One person who does well for himself is Jim Haley. Haley works for the Private Inquiry Office, and is contracted out by the San Francisco enclave to track down the Lady Day raiders, a group of women who are trying to assassinate all men with political power. In his investigation, Haley meets up with the Amateur Mafia (no Italians allowed), rock stars working at the Nixon Institute, former FBI agents running a motel, and a lady named Penny whom he falls in love with.

Review: "After Things Fell Apart" is a very forgettable little comedy, and I use the term loosely. Its starts out as a comedy with the various odd and hostile organizations, but unfortunately it's just not funny. Perhaps I wasn't in the mood for laughter but I got only about two chuckles. The fun stuff lasts for all of three chapters and then settles down to become a very poor if a little odd, detective story. Mr. Goulart's only other credits are three "Battlestar Galactica" books, co-authored by Glen A. Larson plus one other. If I had noticed this in the bookstore I probably would have put it back. Too bad. As of now, the last four science fictions I read were all 5 and below which is very poor. I desperately need a good one!