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stevem0214's review against another edition
5.0
I don't remember reading this one before. Great novel that takes place mostly in Las Vegas. Hawk is in this one, so I get plenty of the dialogue I love! Great last book for 2015!
aaronreadabook's review against another edition
4.0
Oh, this was a lot of fun. I decided to jump into the Spenser novels in the middle (there are 48 more of these!) because sometimes the first books in a pulp crime series can be a bit ropey. Spenser is your typical Philip Marlowe-type Private Investigator, always ready with a witty reply or a quick punch, but secretly with a heart of gold. Brought into the 80s or early 90s as a setting. He is aided by an intimidating but irresistible gun for hire called Hawk, who shares his dry humour and fighting ability. His girlfriend Susan, a psychologist, and his dog, Pearl the Wonder Dog, fill out the rest of the main cast.
The plot is fairly unimportant here, you have your typical missing person, dealing with gang bosses, red herrings, etc. What really stood out to me is how funny this book was, it's the funniest crime book I've ever read. The characters are a joy to be around and I can't wait to go back to the beginning and start making my way through the rest of these.
The plot is fairly unimportant here, you have your typical missing person, dealing with gang bosses, red herrings, etc. What really stood out to me is how funny this book was, it's the funniest crime book I've ever read. The characters are a joy to be around and I can't wait to go back to the beginning and start making my way through the rest of these.
jurassicreader's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
scott_a_miller's review against another edition
4.0
The longest Spenser novel, still excellent though. They have become more thinking mysteries and less thriller. I’m okay with that. I started Parker with the Stone books and I see the similarities now. Waiting on Sunny Randall (sp?) to appear.
brianlokker's review against another edition
4.0
This is a very enjoyable Spenser novel. When Spenser agrees to take on a missing-person case for mob boss Julius Ventura, he’s pretty sure things aren’t as they seem. And of course, he’s right.
The search leads him to Las Vegas, with the welcome (to me) assistance of Hawk and the less-welcome (to me) accompaniment of Susan. Although they locate the target, the situation is much more complex than the way Ventura presented it. It involves double-dealing mobsters, cheating spouses, and a murder. Spenser and Hawk have lots of questions about what’s been happening, but no answers. And to top it all off, a woman whom they attempt to save in a typical Spenser-style chivalrous gesture doesn’t seem particularly grateful for their efforts on her behalf.
I guess one could argue that having Spenser and Hawk spinning their wheels for a while doesn’t do much to advance the plot, but I enjoyed watching their growing frustration and their efforts to deal with it and turn things around. It was kind of like a gambler going for one more spin of the wheel, waiting for the score.
As usual, Susan is pretty annoying, especially when it comes to her interactions with “the baby,” a.k.a. “Pearl the Wonder Dog.” But I will give Parker credit this time around, as he gives her an important role in a pivotal scene.
Meanwhile, Hawk and Spenser exchange their usual witter banter while they have each other’s backs, which is one of the delights of the series. And the book is populated by a large array of other colorful characters, including regulars like Vinnie Morris, Joe Broz, and Lennie Seltzer, as well as some newcomers, including tough-guy Marty Anaheim, topless waitress Dixie Walker, and Las Vegas private eye Bernard J. Fortunato. I found this one to be a lot of fun.
The search leads him to Las Vegas, with the welcome (to me) assistance of Hawk and the less-welcome (to me) accompaniment of Susan. Although they locate the target, the situation is much more complex than the way Ventura presented it. It involves double-dealing mobsters, cheating spouses, and a murder. Spenser and Hawk have lots of questions about what’s been happening, but no answers. And to top it all off, a woman whom they attempt to save in a typical Spenser-style chivalrous gesture doesn’t seem particularly grateful for their efforts on her behalf.
I guess one could argue that having Spenser and Hawk spinning their wheels for a while doesn’t do much to advance the plot, but I enjoyed watching their growing frustration and their efforts to deal with it and turn things around. It was kind of like a gambler going for one more spin of the wheel, waiting for the score.
As usual, Susan is pretty annoying, especially when it comes to her interactions with “the baby,” a.k.a. “Pearl the Wonder Dog.” But I will give Parker credit this time around, as he gives her an important role in a pivotal scene.
Meanwhile, Hawk and Spenser exchange their usual witter banter while they have each other’s backs, which is one of the delights of the series. And the book is populated by a large array of other colorful characters, including regulars like Vinnie Morris, Joe Broz, and Lennie Seltzer, as well as some newcomers, including tough-guy Marty Anaheim, topless waitress Dixie Walker, and Las Vegas private eye Bernard J. Fortunato. I found this one to be a lot of fun.
pizzamcpin3ppl3's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
cheriekg's review against another edition
4.0
One of the best Spensers I've read in a while. Not too much Susan, lots of Hawk (though he wasn't given much to do) and an actual compelling plot. One star taken off for that continued fetish with how Susan eats. I do like how Parker allows their relationship to mature, however.
avrbookstuff's review against another edition
5.0
I've been having a lot of trouble getting my head into any new reads except trashy crime, including these re-reads. I don't know where all this spare time people keep mentioning is coming from!
janels03's review against another edition
5.0
I love that Robert B Parker's spenser books are fast, witty and readable in one day. They are a real pick me up when feeling the winter blues particularly. Just love his writing style, plots and characters. Enjoyed this reread very much. Great way to spend a weekend.
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