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jurassicreader's review
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
brianlokker's review
4.0
This is a very enjoyable Spenser mystery. Spenser's investigation of the murder of Olivia Nelson, an upper-class woman who is killed in a hammer attack on the street in Boston, leads him in some unexpected directions. Before he can discover the identity of the murderer, he must first learn the identity of the victim: who was Olivia Nelson, really?
In the course of the murder investigation, Spenser encounters racial prejudice, police corruption, and sexual assault. Spenser knows that he can't set everything right, but as usual he tries to do what's best to protect the people who are the most innocent. And he also has the opportunity to demonstrate his empathy to a gay cop who often feels the sting of homophobia.
Paper Doll treats readers to a nice helping of Spenser's wit and erudition. He quotes Emerson to his client. But later on, Lieutenant Martin Quirk surprises him with a great reference to Hemingway.
Thankfully, Susan Silverman's usual cloying self-regard, along with Spenser's attraction to it, is not featured in this book as much as it has been in other recent entries in the series. That alone makes this one a favorite.
In the course of the murder investigation, Spenser encounters racial prejudice, police corruption, and sexual assault. Spenser knows that he can't set everything right, but as usual he tries to do what's best to protect the people who are the most innocent. And he also has the opportunity to demonstrate his empathy to a gay cop who often feels the sting of homophobia.
Paper Doll treats readers to a nice helping of Spenser's wit and erudition. He quotes Emerson to his client. But later on, Lieutenant Martin Quirk surprises him with a great reference to Hemingway.
Thankfully, Susan Silverman's usual cloying self-regard, along with Spenser's attraction to it, is not featured in this book as much as it has been in other recent entries in the series. That alone makes this one a favorite.
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