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aelwood's review
5.0
I really appreciated the depth of the character development in this book. It’s the first time we hear about the main character’s background, which helps the reader appreciate them even more. This was one of the best of the series, and I wished more were like this.
cemoses's review
3.0
Despite providing information about Spenser, I have read better Spenser mysteries.
stevem0214's review
5.0
Read this last back in 2015. Good book and it explains Spenser's past (and present) and his relationship with Joe Broz. Also the arrival of Pearl the Wonder Dog
bookhawk's review
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The Spenser series is outstanding. Parker provided more background on Spenser in this installment. As usual, thoughtful writing with action and mystery. 4 stars.
gsatori's review
4.0
A different sort of Spencer novel. It reeks of middle age and melancholy, and Parker works hard at character development and tone.
This is not a novel for anyone who is new to the series. Parker makes many assumptions about his reader and expects he or she will come to the table with set expectations and background.
This is not a novel for anyone who is new to the series. Parker makes many assumptions about his reader and expects he or she will come to the table with set expectations and background.
pensivepelican's review
4.0
Spenser is my favorite Robert B Parker Character. One of my favorite mystery characters all around. I even named my dog after him. This was a fun book for Spenser fans because there was a lot of back story about how Susan and Spenser got Pearl and Spenser's upbringing in an all-male household. There was, of course, the usual gunplay, tough guy posturing and sardonic humor. Spenser shows a bit of his paternal side here helping young Paul locate his absentee mother who has taken up with the wrong sort of man yet again. Not the best book for a Spenser neophyte to start with, but aficionados will enjoy.
bmlowry8's review
dark
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
scott_a_miller's review
4.0
Paul G. got to headline this one, and Gerry Broz. The main crew were supporting cast. It was very good. Spenser really showed compassion and self control at the end. I’m not sure it won’t come back to haunt him. Pearl is the newest member of the family. The fact that Spenser is a dog lover makes him even more likable.
jurassicreader's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
brianlokker's review
3.0
The primary value that Pastime brings to the Spenser canon lies in the revelations it provides about Spenser's background. We learn new things about his childhood, his teenage years, and the origin of his friendship with Hawk. Why and how did Spenser learn to cook? Now we know. Why does Hawk respect Spenser and why is he willing to go to the wall for him? Now we know that too. We even get an answer to the basic question of why Spenser lives in Boston.
A central focus of the book is the deepening of Spenser's quasi-father-son relationship with Paul Giacomin, the teenager whom he rescued from neglectful parents in Early Autumn. It's now 10 years later. Paul is thinking about getting married, but he wants to see his mother before he commits himself. The problem is, she's gone missing without a word to Paul or anyone else. Naturally, Spenser agrees to help, but tracking her down turns out to be pretty difficult. Along the way, Spenser has to deal with mobster Joe Broz and his son Gerry.
The book scores points with me for several good scenes with Hawk, complete with some classic repartee between the two friends. And there's some interesting character development for another familiar face, Vinnie Morris.
But Pastime loses at least one star from me because there's too much Susan. The book starts off with an especially treacly scene between Spenser and Susan in the first chapter, and some of their subsequent interactions aren't much easier to take. I'm not thrilled, either, with the introduction of Pearl, the dog whom Susan has inherited from her ex-husband. Just as Susan is the quintessential archetype of the smart and sexy woman, apparently Pearl is the quintessential archetype of the loyal and lovable dog. Sorry, but we need more Hawk, less Pearl, and a whole lot less Susan.
A central focus of the book is the deepening of Spenser's quasi-father-son relationship with Paul Giacomin, the teenager whom he rescued from neglectful parents in Early Autumn. It's now 10 years later. Paul is thinking about getting married, but he wants to see his mother before he commits himself. The problem is, she's gone missing without a word to Paul or anyone else. Naturally, Spenser agrees to help, but tracking her down turns out to be pretty difficult. Along the way, Spenser has to deal with mobster Joe Broz and his son Gerry.
The book scores points with me for several good scenes with Hawk, complete with some classic repartee between the two friends. And there's some interesting character development for another familiar face, Vinnie Morris.
But Pastime loses at least one star from me because there's too much Susan. The book starts off with an especially treacly scene between Spenser and Susan in the first chapter, and some of their subsequent interactions aren't much easier to take. I'm not thrilled, either, with the introduction of Pearl, the dog whom Susan has inherited from her ex-husband. Just as Susan is the quintessential archetype of the smart and sexy woman, apparently Pearl is the quintessential archetype of the loyal and lovable dog. Sorry, but we need more Hawk, less Pearl, and a whole lot less Susan.