Reviews

Valediction by Robert B. Parker

aelwood's review

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3.0

It took me awhile to get through this one. I don’t know if it was the writing, or the transition(s) that Spenser was experiencing, or maybe what was going on in the author’s life at the time, but the book felt a little rambling until the last few chapters and it all came together in a powerful way.

ayaktruk's review

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5.0

A reread -- maybe third or fourth time actually. I have all of RBP's Spenser novels on my shelf and when I'm between other books and lamenting the passing of RBP, it's good to revisit old friends in printed form.

stevem0214's review

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4.0

Good read, but not one of my favorites. Seeing Spenser as someone depressed is hard to take.

danielv64's review

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4.0

One of the more interesting Spenser books where he deals with his own personal loss. For such a self contained character this is a great look into him and in the end makes him seem realer.

sandin954's review against another edition

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3.0

Spencer is a bit out of sorts during this book and the body count seemed particularly high but I found it to be an enjoyable listen. So far, after eleven books, I have not yet felt that the series has lost steam. The audio was read by Michael Prichard with his usual workmanlike style.

gsatori's review

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4.0

This is Spenser at his most vulnerable and also one of the best of Parker's novels. The detective is suffering from depression and is separated from his partner of several years. He's directionless and suicidal.

A man of principle and rigid values that almost destroy him.

flipso's review

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adventurous dark emotional 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? Yes

3.75

bookhawk's review

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4.0

The Spenser series is a gem. Parker layered his books well to provide action and depth.

pianizza's review

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Not really my cup of tea

gon8go's review

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4.0

this was one of the best Spenser books I've read so far. I could relate to what he was going through with Susan even though I wanted him to tell her to kiss off. She's a selfish b@#ch. you could tell Parker was pulling heavily from real life experience on this one. the way susan keeps spenser dangling is the real story here, the mystery is not nearly as good.
having read the jesse stone book night passage I can see that a lot of it came from this part of his life too, the writing is very similar.

I can't wait to read A catskills eagle.