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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
Ace Atkins does a good job with Spenser. They're not quite the same as Parker's, but Atkins does a good job giving just a little more backstory than Parker would have. Also, the return of Hawk couldn't come soon enough. Very nearly as satisfying as the original series.
I'm always read for a new Spenser. I'm even MORE ready now that Ace Atkins is writing the books. He writes like the old Parker - the one that actually wrote longer books with more going on and not double spaced large print. Mr. Parker was obviously getting tired and obviously unwell. Perhaps he should have taken on a ghost writer - kind of like James Patterson who apparently doesn't write most of his books. James MIchener, supposedly, didn't write a lot of what was penned under his name from what I've read. The fact is that this isn't great literature. It's strictly escapist. Bad guys vs. good guys and the good guys always win. We need that. In this latest book, Spenser is approached by a member of the New England Patriots because he thinks somebody is following him around. It soon becomes obvious that there is far more going on. When his son is kidnapped with no ransom demands, Spenser investigates. For a long time it's fruitless. Then things start to come together.... Hey, this is fun reading. Our brains need it. For me, it's better than a romance!
Ace Atkins has finally hit stride with Spenser. Solid mystery with focus on the plot and not the chit-chat among Spenser, Susan, Hawk and Z to prove he can take on the job. Keep writing them, Ace!
Another good Spenser novel. Not a huge fan of this one, but pretty good. Did not really like the agent of the football player and some of the other characters.
As they say in the comics...THBPBBTH!!!
Atkins has taken Parker's Spenser, and made him his own, and not in a good way. Very sad, and a knock on whomever from Robert B.'s estate who approved Atkins as his successor.
Atkins has taken Parker's Spenser, and made him his own, and not in a good way. Very sad, and a knock on whomever from Robert B.'s estate who approved Atkins as his successor.
I've always waffled between liking and disliking Robert B Parker's Spenser novels. The style can be irksome and Pearl the Wonderdog and the petite and perfect Susan irritate me but I'm a sucker for a flawed white knight.
On the other hand, I've enjoyed Ace Atkins' books, so I was curious to see how this one would work. The good news, I guess, is that this book irritated me just as much as the originals, but Spenser still abides by his own inner compass and does what he can to save the day.
On the other hand, I've enjoyed Ace Atkins' books, so I was curious to see how this one would work. The good news, I guess, is that this book irritated me just as much as the originals, but Spenser still abides by his own inner compass and does what he can to save the day.
Spenser to the rescue again. A boy has been kidnapped, but no ransom is requested for several days. No leads to speak of and all bets are off on the case until the father, a professional football player, shakes things up by offering a reward to someone with information about the kidnappers.
The subject of celebrity and football is really interesting. Especially in light of all the scandals in the NFL. However, this book just makes me miss Robert Parker. His writing, while very specific to the genre seemed effortless. It was a fast, fun read. However, Atkins seems trying so hard to channel Parker and that effort shows. It feels like listening to Muzak of a favorite song-- The bones are there, but the essence is missing.