ROBERT B. PARKER’S SHOWDOWN

5 stars out of 5

Has it really been 25 years since Spenser series creator Robert B. Parker passed away? And (whew!) 52 books since the series debut with The Goodwulf Manuscript? Even more unbelievable to me is that both my late husband and I have been there all the way (alas, for him until this installment). And this one, too, doesn’t disappoint, and I know he would have loved reading it probably even more than I did.

Of course, we’ve read all of Parker’s books that have been written by other writers; most have done exemplary jobs. With Spenser, though, I was happy to see one of our favorites – Mike Lupica – take the reins of the series, which is our favorite of the bunch. The reason, at least in my mind, is that he makes it seem (almost) as though Parker never left the building. And so far, he’s the only one who has been able to put realistic dialog in the mouth of Spenser sidekick Hawk. Maybe it’s the sports writer connection – ya know what I’m sayin’?

Anyway, this one brings at least a mention of several favorite characters – first and foremost drop-dead-gorgeous Rita Fiore, who has long had the hots for Spenser, Susan Silverman (Spenser’s main and only squeeze who will never be replaced by anyone, even Rita), the aforementioned Hawk, and even Maine police chief Jesse Stone, long a Spenser friend and the star of another long-running Parker series.

It is Rita, in fact, that provides Spenser’s involvement in this story. She wants him to meet Daniel Lopez, a college-age kid, who when going through his late mother’s belongings came to believe he’s the son of Vic Hale. That’s not necessarily a big deal, except that Hale is a bigly popular podcaster - one who spews hatred and racism to all who listen. Hale is also about to ink a deal that will shoot him into the financial stratosphere; understandably, admitting that he has a son – the result of a dalliance with an immigrant like those he rails about in his podcasts – would put the kabosh on the deal.

For his part, Daniel has no intention of backing down; he’s not in it for the money, he insists – just wants an admission that Vic is his father. Problem is, when Spenser and his buddies start to investigate, the bad guys start revving up; threats, both mental and physical, begin flying in from all directions – some of them a bit unexpected (as only the threat of losing tons of money will do). Spenser turns to his old frenemy Tony Marcus for help, which may or may not turn out to be a good thing; on the side of the law, other old friends like cop Frank Belson prove good to have around.

In the end, it’s quite an adventure, with danger lingering around every dark corner. Through it all, Spenser and Hawk maintain their allegiance (and amazing survival ability), Susan remains a gorgeous sounding board and some of the bad guys get their comeuppance. All told, it’s another winner – and I’m already looking forward to the next adventure. Meantime, many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy.

Robert B. Parker’s Showdown by Mike Lupica (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, November 2025); 346 pp.

ROBERT B. PARKER'S HOT PROPERTY

4 stars out of 5

Ah, Spenser. The Boston private eye has held the No. 2 spot on my Top 10 list of book heroes since, well, forever. And after original author Robert B. Parker's death in 2010 at the age of 77, my favorite takeover author - by a country mile - is the author of this guy (Mike Lupica). Why? Well, I've been impressed with his sports knowledge for many years. But more to the point, besides making Spenser seem like Parker never left the building, he's the only one so far who, in my eyes, has been able to put realistic dialog into the mouth of Spenser sidekick Hawk (who would be on my Top 10 list of heroes except that he's a sidekick).

This one begins with a snowstorm of epic proportions, followed by the unwelcome news that Spenser's old and dear friend, hotshot attorney Rita Fiore, has been shot. With her very life hanging in the balance, there's no shortage of possible suspects. In fact, she'd just come off of a trial defending TV anchorman Brian Tully, who ultimately was acquitted on charges of sexual harrassment by fellow TV journalist Shannon Miles. She - and many others who are upset with Rita for "unjustly" freeing someone they consider guilty as sin - have plenty of motive for making sure she never sees the inside of a courtroom again.

But thinking isn't proving; Spenser and Hawk have a lot of investigating to do before the person who put Rita in ICU can be held accountable. The chase leads to a local hot-shot politician and friend of Rita's, some prominent and well-connected real estate developers vying for a lucrative project and even some of the mobsters with whom Spenser has had run-ins (both bad and good) over the years and who will be familiar to regular series readers.

The thrill of the chase remains a thrill here, especially since Spenser gets some help from a couple of old friends from Paradise, Maine, who as good luck would have it happen to be friends of Rita as well. It's wonderful to see them all together again, and I think long-time readers of Parker's various series will agree. At this point, all I can say is more, please - and thank you to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy. 

Robert B. Parker's Hot Property by Mike Lupica (G.P. Putnam's Sons, November 2024); 352 pp.

ROBERT B. PARKER'S BROKEN TRUST

5 stars out of 5

Of all the characters in the late Robert B. Parker's arsenal of books, Spenser is - by far - my favorite. And in the years following Parker's death in 2010, I've continued to read (and for the most part enjoyed) those that were carried on by other writers (all of whom, for the most part, did admirable jobs). But now, a favorite author has tackled Spenser - and I couldn't be happier.

Much of that comes because the others never quite got the hang of Hawk, Spenser's sometime sidekick; in some of the books he was conspicuous in his absence, and I always suspected that was because it was so hard to find Hawk's "voice." This time, though, it rang true (well, as true as it can get minus Parker himself). It also hits a timely topic as Laura Crain, the wife of the world's sixth richest man - and an acquaintenance of Spenser's longtime main squeeze, psychologist Susan Silverman - walks into Spenser's office. Her hubby Andrew, she claims, hasn't been himself lately and she wants to know why. His longtime business partner, Ethan Lowe, is honchoing a major merger with a Canadian company - one that could push the combo into the financial stratosphere (or possibly in the opposite direction).

But with the ink on Laura's retainer check barely dry, disaster strikes; now Spenser is even more intrigued and, like a dog with a bone, doesn't want to let go of the case. As his investigation progresses, he gets to interact with old friends from the Boston Police Department and frenemies who are not - plus, of course, the aforementioned Hawk - all of whom should be familiar to loyal readers of this series. For details, though, you'll just have to read the book. Already, I'm chomping at the bit for the next installment, and I heartily thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the privilege of reading and reviewing a pre-release copy of this one.   

Robert B. Parker's Broken Trust by Mike Lupica (G. P. Putnam's Sons, November 2023); 400 pp.

ROBERT B. PARKER'S BYE BYE BABY

5 stars out of 5

Yes! Although I've read and enjoyed all the Spenser book written by this author since original author Robert B. Parker's passing, there always seemed to be something missing. For one thing, the "voice" of Spenser's pal Hawk never seemed quite right (and too often, he didn't get enough page space for my liking - he's a favorite recurring character). Well, I'm delighted to report that both my complaints went down the drain in this entertaining adventure; both Spenser and Hawk sound very much like they used to, and Hawk appears enough to keep me satisfied (well, almost).

To be sure, the topic is timely as well; asked by her chief of staff to help with protection, Spenser takes on guardian duties of Carolina Garcia-Ramirez, an incumbent congresswoman of color who's in the middle of a reelection campaign. In the primary, she's trying to hold off one of the "establishment" - meaning an old white man. Problem is, she's been getting death threats that her chief of staff thinks she isn't taking seriously enough. Carolina doesn't believe she needs extra protection and Spenser isn't sold on the job, but his longtime squeeze Susan Silverman is a huge fan of the congresswoman so offers some encouragement. 

Just in case (and because he can't be everywhere at once, Spenser brings Hawk into the security detail - and later, another familiar character, Zebulon Sixkill, a brute of a guy who got his training courtesy of Spenser and Hawk. The whole thing turns deadly serious when someone tries to run down Carolina and her boyfriend; Spenser's team, and the FBI (who, needless to say, aren't thrilled that Spenser is on the case) chalk up most of the threats to a group called The Minutemen - white supremacists at their finest led by a Harvard grad turned gun-toting anti-establishment guru.

A few other characters from previous books will be familiar to fans as well, including the late Joe Broz, with whom Spenser had a sort of hold hands to keep from fighting relationship. This time, though, he tangles with the gangster's wayward son, Gerry - whose hand Spenser has no intention of holding. And in the midst of all this, Hawk asks Spenser for a favor that no doubt will make its way to the next book and beyond.

Spenser's usual humorous banter seems even more on target than usual (I hope the line about '50s heartthrob Pat Boone stays in the final version - it's a hoot, so watch for it). The most recent incarnation of Spenser and Susan's dog, Pearl, adds a bit of fun to lighten the story's darker side. All told, this one grabbed and held my attention throughout - so much so that I polished it off in a single day (which, of course, made me sorry the next day that I hadn't tried to make it last). Thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for giving me the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy. 

Robert B. Parker's Bye Bye Baby by Ace Atkins (G.P. Putnam's Sons, January 2022); 320 pp.

ROBERT B. PARKER'S SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME

 5 stars out of 5

Spenser is one of my all-time favorite book

characters (and one of very few who translated well to the small screen, IMHO). When this author took over from the late Robert B. Parker, I was skeptical; but he's done an exemplary job of staying true to the original. My only "complaint," if you will, is that I've seen little of Spenser's cohort Hawk - another favorite character - and when he did appear, he didn't quite "sound" like himself. Well, folks, Hawk's back in this one - both in person and voice. . Spenser is his usual self, although he did seem more inclined to respond in quotes from literary works than usual.

Several years ago, Spenser helped teenager Mattie Sullivan; since then, she's attached herself to Spenser to learn the investigation business. Now, one of her childhood friends left a backpack containing a laptop at a posh club when she ran out after being coerced into giving an elderly gentleman a "massage." Mattie promised to get it back and asks Spenser for advice on making that happen. When he goes to the club to ask for the return of the backpack, he gets a decidedly frosty response that convinces him there's far more to the story than meets the private eye.

On the home front, Spenser's long-time love, Susan, is trying to adapt to the third iteration of Pearl, their lovable dog (the second Pearl died recently). Spenser swears the two recent dogs are the original Pearl reincarnated, but Susan isn't quite ready to buy into that theory. She also doesn't quite buy into the need for Spenser to get involved with Mattie's case.

After a bit more investigation, Spenser and Mattie learn that the club is frequented by a billionaire who has properties and important contacts all over the world and an apparent taste for girls not yet old enough to drive a car. The guy turns out to be a hedge fund manager with at least one getaway outside U.S. jurisdiction, where he treats his friends to illicit meetups with smuggled-in girls, some recruited by his female accomplice. Needless to say, that rankles Spenser, who asks Hawk to help him get the girls out safely and put the Jeffrey Epstein wannabe behind bars. But soon enough, Spenser learns it may not be a walk in the park; the couple they're after are in cahoots with the so-called Gray Man, a hired assassin who nearly killed Spenser not long ago - and Spenser isn't exactly itching for a rematch.

All in all, it's another fast-paced, easy-to-read adventure that should satisfy most Spenser enthusiasts. For sure I'm happy, and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read an advance copy.

Robert B. Parker's Someone to Watch Over Me by Ace Atkins (G.P. Putnam's Sons, November 2020); 320 pp.

ROBERT B. PARKER'S ANGEL EYES

5 stars out of 5

When it comes to carrying on the legend

of the late Robert B. Parker's Spenser, Ace Atkins hit the ground running from the git-go; almost always, I'm impressed with the similarities to the originals and always look forward to the latest installment. In this one, I'd say he's hit it out of the park in that regard.

Here, Spenser goes Hollywood, hired by a friend of his main squeeze, psychologist Susan Silverman, to find her missing daughter. Far from his familiar Boston haunts, Spenser hooks up with former apprentice Zebulon Sixkill, who headed about as far west from Massachusetts as he could to ply the trade he learned from the master.  

The girl, Gabrielle Leggett, hasn't spoken with her mother in 10 days, and a search of her trashed apartment raises suspicions of foul play. Spenser and "Z" learn that Gabby had been dating a high-powered movie mogul, who in turn may have ties to a local Armenian mob and/or a shady self-help group with which Gabby has become enamored (willingly or not, that is the question).

None of this bodes well, of course, but despite threats of fates worse than death if they continue to investigate, the coastal private-eye pair keep on digging (with a little help from Chollo, another old friend. There are ups and downs, ins and outs, but in the end, they manage to get to the bottom of things as usual. I was especially happy to see more of Susan, who surprisingly gets personally involved in the investigation. Conspicuous by his absence once again is Spenser's loyal sidekick Hawk - perhaps my only disappointment because I love the guy. That said, he's the only character from Parker's books whose personality and dialogue Atkins never quite nailed down, IMHO, so maybe that's a good thing. 

Bottom line? Well-written, intriguing story that serves the series well - so Spenser fans, don't skip this one. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review an advance copy.

Robert B. Parker's Angel Eyes by Ace Atkins (G.P. Putnam's Sons, November 2019); 320 pp.

ROBERT B. PARKER'S OLD BLACK MAGIC

4 stars out of 5


I won't say I liked the plot in this book as well as others I've read, but my husband and I - both long-time fans of the Spenser series - agree that the Boston private eye's "voice" here is more true to that of original series author, the late Robert B. Parker. In 2011, Parker's estate chose Ace Atkins to carry on the legacy, and he's written - if my research is correct - six Spenser books prior to this one (all of which we've read and enjoyed).

Twenty years after an extremely valuable El Greco painting was stolen from a ritzy Boston art museum, it's whereabouts remain unknown. One of Spenser's old friends who's spent years trying to solve the case is dying, and he doesn't want to exit this world amid unfinished business. So, he asks Spenser to take on the case and insists that the museum director and chief board member go along with the arrangement. Uppity creatures that they are, they hold their noses and agree - or so it appears. Sweetening the pot is the chance at a $5 million reward, and the lengths to which some characters will go to get a piece of that action isn't surprising.

The trail leads to some very shady characters, several with mob connections and not-so-pleasant past encounters with Spenser, who gets capable assistance from Vinnie Morris - a criminal Spenser has come to (for the most part) trust. Conspicuous in his absence, though, is Spenser's long-time pal and back-up guy, Hawk, who's said to be somewhere in South America cavorting with a woman (despite the fact that the book description at Amazon inexplicably claims Spenser gets help from both Vinnie and Hawk). Since Hawk's presence has been rather limited in the last couple of books in the Atkins series, I can't help but suspect that he's being phased out. Frankly, IMHO, Hawk hasn't been the same since his words were crafted by his creator; still, I love the guy and hope he's just on hiatus.

Most of the book is just Spenser doing what he does best; following leads, chowing down (sometimes with his girlfriend, Susan Silverman), interjecting amusing one-liners and trying his best not to get killed. The investigation puts him in contact with old police colleagues and members of the aforementioned mob, most of whom would never get invited to Spenser's wedding (should he and Susan ever decide to tie the knot, which is unlikely). Along the way, the list of characters with names ending in "i" or "o" grew too long for me to keep them straight, but in the end, Spenser prevails as usual (and with a little twist, yet).

Bottom line? A quick and easy read and another solid entry in an excellent series.

Robert B. Parker's Old Black Magic by Ace Atkins (G.P. Putnam's Sons, May 2018); 336 pp.

ROBERT B. PARKER'S LITTLE WHITE LIES

4.5 stars out of 5


The author has done a commendable job taking over the late, great Robert B. Parker's Spenser series, IMHO. Most of what I've missed is the snappy banter between Spenser and his faithful sidekick Hawk (and to some extent, between Spenser and his main squeeze, Dr. Susan Silverman). That, and the occasional interjections of humor, seem better here. When Spenser visits a service in a Georgia mega-church and listens to the music from a rock band and a gospel choir, for instance, he quips that it "was a bit like Andrew Lloyd Webber meets Three Dog Night."

The adventure begins when Spenser gets a visit from Connie Kelly, a woman not only scorned, but ripped off. Her handsome and much older lover - whom she met online and trusted because he's a "talking head" TV networks - has flown her coop along with the nearly $300,000 she gave him to invest in a "sure thing." Distraught, she discussed her feelings with her shrink - you guessed it, Susan - who in turn recommended that she bring the matter to Spenser's attention.

 All Connie wants is for Spenser to find the man who done her wrong, M. Brooks Welles, and get her money back. But almost immediately, Spenser learns Welles is far from what he claims to be; his hot-shot military and espionage experience, Harvard degree and even his name are nothing more than hot air. But wait, there's more: it seems he's to in cahoots with some very dangerous characters from the Atlanta area who don't take kindly to a Boston private eye poking around in their territory. What's more, they, too, have set their sights on finding Welles; apparently, Connie isn't the only person he ripped off. 

Even after some twists and turns that mean he could turn his back on the whole mess and walk away, Spenser remains determined to carry out Connie's directive and recoup her money. To help, he calls in the super-capable Hawk and even his old pal Teddy Sapp; but will they be able to get to the bottom of things before at least one of them gets seriously wounded or even killed? 

Ah, you'll just have to find that out for yourself. It's short, sweet and snappy - what I call perfect summer reading. 

Robert B. Parker's Little White Lie by Ace Atkins (G.P. Putnam's Sons, May 2017); 310 pp.

SLOW BURN

4 stars out of 5

Taking over where another fiction writer left off has to be one of the toughest jobs there is. Not only are you "stuck" with the same locations and characters, you've got to make it all read as if you didn't write it - or face the wrath of hundreds of angry fans of the original author. So when the estate named Ace Atkins to keep Parker's popular Spenser series alive (Parker had penned 37 of them at the time of his death in 2010 and unless I missed one I don't know about, I've read them all), I was among the skeptics. 

This one, I believe, is the fifth for Atkins, and I've read all of them as well. And while I'd be the first to say he's never quite reached the same level as Parker, they've all been quite good and mimic the originals close enough for horseshoes, as we natives of Indiana say. What's different? Mostly, IMHO, the banter among the major characters - Boston private investigator Spenser, his main squeeze Susan Silverman and his pal Hawk - seems less snappy than when Parker was writing the dialogue.

The plots, though, are on the whole done well; in this one, arson is the hot topic after an old Catholic church is burned to the ground, killing three firefighters who became trapped inside. Originally deemed a tragic accident, a year later a string of fires take place, each more serious than the last. One long-time Boston firefighter, who lost his best friend in the church fire and always suspected it was arson, wonders if there's any connection and asks Spenser to look into it. 

Following the trail to identify the firebug (or bugs) puts Spenser at odds with some unsavory characters from Boston's underworld who have a burning desire to see him and Hawk six feet under. The race is on: Can Spenser find who is setting the fires before the gangsters make good on their threats? 

Robert B. Parker's Slow Burn by Ace Atkins (G.P. Putnam's Sons, May 2016); 316 pp.

ROBERT B. PARKER'S KICKBACK

4 stars out of 5

I doubt I'm the first to say that I'll never enjoy the Spenser books as written by Ace Atkins nearly as much as those by the late, great Robert B. Parker. Because of that alone, it's unlikely that any of the post-Parker books will earn 5 stars from me. But doggone it, I enjoyed this one - and I remain happy that Mr. Atkins got the nod to continue the series. 

But regrets? I've got a few, starting with a more subdued Susan - private investigator Spenser's main (make that only) - squeeze. And then there's the formidable sidekick Hawk, who seems to have lost a lot of the witty, irreverent banter of years past - with a few notable exceptions like this one:

Hawk to Spenser as they drive past an IHOP: "You eat here?"

Spenser: "God, no."

Hawk: "Good, 'cause there's a limit to the sh** I'll do for you."

Conversation aside, Hawk also is a major presence (or should be), and it's very disappointing to me that he doesn't make an appearance until halfway through this book - give or take a chapter or two. 

Another complaint is that this one - which focuses on the mistreatment of young boys who are sentenced to a private "tough love" island prison mostly on the whim (and personal financial enrichment) of a couple of corrupt judges - borders on the preachy in spots. I haven't decided which kind of prison system is better - that operated by the government or privately owned - I'm convinced only that neither works very well. But I got the distinct feeling that the author has made up his mind and is intent on converting the rest of us. I read the Spenser books for enjoyment, so save the lectures for a non-fiction effort, if you please.

The book begins as the Boston-based Spenser is hired by the mother of a 17-year-old who was sent to the Boston Harbor prison because he set up a Twitter account on which he ridiculed his high-school vice-principal. The corrupt judge, known for his zero tolerance policy on youthful miscreants, sentences the kid to the island prison. His mother understandably is upset, and when mama ain't happy, nobody's happy; even the hard-nosed Spenser caves when she insists he look into the case even though it's on a pro bono basis.

Of course, proving that a respected local judge (and a higher-up) are acting illegally isn't easy - especially true when the dots connect with heavy-duty mobsters who aren't exactly Spenser's close and personal friends. Collecting the evidence takes Spenser and Hawk from frigid Boston to sunny Florida and back, with their lives - and perhaps those of the young prisoners - in the balance every mile of the way. In the end, it may not be the perfect Parker, but it's pretty sweet nonetheless.

Robert B. Parker's Kickback by Ace Atkins (G.P. Putnam's Sons, May 2015); 304 pp.