What's the Name of That Book??? discussion

This book I got through SciFi Book club, could have been in the early 90s. I thought it was by Norman Spinrad but I searched all his titles with no luck. The cover was shades of dark blue with spider web like background, and a humanoid looking being, dark, almost like a silhouette. It was about a researcher on an alien planet who stopped reporting and a man was sent to investigate. Turns out he was experimenting on the dying out native species by becoming like them, and mating with the females. It was NOT a sexy story, but about the oddity of being on a alien planet. In addition, the story is told by the person sent to find the researcher and bring him home. Thanks!

Hi, I didn't get any responses so bumping in hopes of finding this book. Carolyn wrote: "This book I got through SciFi Book club, could have been in the early 90s. I thought it was by Norman Spinrad but I searched all his titles with no luck. The cover was shades of dark blue with spider we..."

Maybe The Color of Distance?

Sounds like an SF version of "Heart of Darkness" - Robert Silverberg wrote one of those, called "Downward to Earth" Downward to the Earth

Thank you Sarah, that is not it, though it sounds like a great read. I will put it on my list.

Thanks Andy, but that is not it. These aliens were apelike humanoids, though very different from Earth primates.

How about Transfigurations by Michael Bishop Transfigurations

Andy! You are my hero! This is it. However did you know this was the one? Thank you so much

Glad to help. Anthropological SF is relatively rare, and I happened to remember that Bishop wrote some; the rest is luck...