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duparker's review against another edition
2.0
Nothing stands out here, other than the lack of Boston. I really didn't find much to enjoy in this entry which felt like an exercise of the Spencer playbook.
papidoc's review against another edition
4.0
One of the best imitations of Parker's writing that I've read. There are others so bad that I quit part way through the book, but Atkins has done a pretty good job of following in Parker's tradition of Spenser, the literate detective. Formulaic, but the formula is one I like.
abibliofob's review against another edition
4.0
This was another great Spenser adventure, although I miss Boston it was really nice of Joe Pike to make an appearance. Does Robert Crais know that? I found the references Spenser made while in Hollywood really funny. As I read through the book I kept waiting for Hawk but had to settle for Chollo and Bobby Horse. Turns out they didn't need Hawk. Great book.
annieb123's review against another edition
5.0
Originally published on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Angel Eyes is the 47th (!!!) Spenser novel. Originally written by the inimitable Robert B. Parker, this (and the previous 5) installments in the series have been written by Ace Atkins channeling the very spirit of the sadly departed Mr. Parker. Released 19th Nov 2019 by Penguin on their G.P. Putnam imprint, it's pages and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.
I've been in love with this series since book 1 (The Godwulf Manuscript) and I was really sad when the author passed, thinking that I would have to confine myself to re-reads to get my Spenser/Hawk fix. I was nervous about someone else taking over the writing, but have been really impressed and happy with the newest books in the series.
Other reviewers (and the book's blurb) have set up the plot quite well. I'll just add that all of the elements which made us fall in love with Spenser & co. from the start are here also. It's pure joyride entertainment with the good guys going toe-to-toe with sleazy Hollywood movie industry exploiters, nasty Armenian gang thugs, and crazy religious fanatics.
It's a solidly written PI murder mystery with an indelible American flavor. I love Spenser's relationship with Susan (smart, funny, capable, and real) and the interplay between Spenser and his compatriots. I love the sarcastic wit and real humor and repartee in the dialogue. I loved the denouement and the riding off east into the sunrise. I'm obviously a solid fan of this series, and my opinion wasn't dented one tiny bit by this latest adventure.
Five stars for fans of the series. Probably four to five for new readers who enjoy gritty American PI adventures.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Angel Eyes is the 47th (!!!) Spenser novel. Originally written by the inimitable Robert B. Parker, this (and the previous 5) installments in the series have been written by Ace Atkins channeling the very spirit of the sadly departed Mr. Parker. Released 19th Nov 2019 by Penguin on their G.P. Putnam imprint, it's pages and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.
I've been in love with this series since book 1 (The Godwulf Manuscript) and I was really sad when the author passed, thinking that I would have to confine myself to re-reads to get my Spenser/Hawk fix. I was nervous about someone else taking over the writing, but have been really impressed and happy with the newest books in the series.
Other reviewers (and the book's blurb) have set up the plot quite well. I'll just add that all of the elements which made us fall in love with Spenser & co. from the start are here also. It's pure joyride entertainment with the good guys going toe-to-toe with sleazy Hollywood movie industry exploiters, nasty Armenian gang thugs, and crazy religious fanatics.
It's a solidly written PI murder mystery with an indelible American flavor. I love Spenser's relationship with Susan (smart, funny, capable, and real) and the interplay between Spenser and his compatriots. I love the sarcastic wit and real humor and repartee in the dialogue. I loved the denouement and the riding off east into the sunrise. I'm obviously a solid fan of this series, and my opinion wasn't dented one tiny bit by this latest adventure.
Five stars for fans of the series. Probably four to five for new readers who enjoy gritty American PI adventures.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
jonmhansen's review against another edition
4.0
He raised his eyebrows. “When did you get Instagram?”
“Yesterday.”
“And your handle is Pearl the Wonder Dog?”
“She already has twenty followers,” I said. “Don’t tell her. She’ll get cocky.”
“Yesterday.”
“And your handle is Pearl the Wonder Dog?”
“She already has twenty followers,” I said. “Don’t tell her. She’ll get cocky.”
njhokie14's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
nonna7's review against another edition
4.0
When Robert B. Parker died, I thought that his iconic series were ending. I'm not a fan of westerns, but I always enjoyed Spenser (so much that I named a cat after him) and his other characters, Jesse Stone and Sunny Randall. I really enjoyed the Sunny Randall books, but apparently I'm a minority. She is a tough Spenser like woman with an interesting love life and a strong moral code. Jesse Stone is a former baseball player now a law enforcement official in a small New England town.
This book is the latest in the Spenser series by Ace Atkins. This series is probably the most successful post Parker series and that is a testament to Ace Atkins. He has managed to breathe new life into Spenser. Let's face it. As he got older, Parker's books became less and less detailed. It got to the point where the books were printed in very large print and wide spacing. A 300 page book was really more like 200 or so it seemed. Atkins has brought back more of the detail and the nuance that made Parker such a wonderful writer when he was in his prime.
In this book, Spenser goes to Los Angeles to find the daughter of a friend of Susan, his lover and best friend. He enlists the help of his former protege, Zebulon Sixkill, who is now established as a private investigator in Los Angeles as well as a host of other colorful characters who operate outside the law like Chollo who can disappear and never misses a shot.
The young woman, Gabby, is a Boston University graduate who went west seeking fame and fortune. She learns that being intelligent and beautiful really don't count much as she is used and abused by a well known producer. Then she gets involved with a cult whose founder has a shady past. Spenser finds her, but she insists she's fine. Then Susan arrives saying that it's time for an intervention.
This was really an interesting book with shades of #metoo echoing throughout. I enjoyed this book. It's a fun and light read.
This book is the latest in the Spenser series by Ace Atkins. This series is probably the most successful post Parker series and that is a testament to Ace Atkins. He has managed to breathe new life into Spenser. Let's face it. As he got older, Parker's books became less and less detailed. It got to the point where the books were printed in very large print and wide spacing. A 300 page book was really more like 200 or so it seemed. Atkins has brought back more of the detail and the nuance that made Parker such a wonderful writer when he was in his prime.
In this book, Spenser goes to Los Angeles to find the daughter of a friend of Susan, his lover and best friend. He enlists the help of his former protege, Zebulon Sixkill, who is now established as a private investigator in Los Angeles as well as a host of other colorful characters who operate outside the law like Chollo who can disappear and never misses a shot.
The young woman, Gabby, is a Boston University graduate who went west seeking fame and fortune. She learns that being intelligent and beautiful really don't count much as she is used and abused by a well known producer. Then she gets involved with a cult whose founder has a shady past. Spenser finds her, but she insists she's fine. Then Susan arrives saying that it's time for an intervention.
This was really an interesting book with shades of #metoo echoing throughout. I enjoyed this book. It's a fun and light read.
tartancrusader's review against another edition
4.0
It's Spenser. Those who know, know that's enough.
bisthesu's review against another edition
2.0
The story got lost among the flimsy jokes and bravado attitude. It was worth finishing, but only barely.