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fictionaddictions_amanda's review against another edition
4.0
Another great book in Robert B Parker's Spenser series!
ravenbelasco's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I only picked this book up because a friend noted it was set in the town in which I'm currently residing. I never saw the show "Spenser for Hire" nor read any of this series.
I was so pleasantly surprised! I love the writing: crisp prose with occasional lines of sheer poetry.
I really cannot go into why I loved it so much without too many spoilers, but suffice it to say that I ended up taking the day off and reading the book cover to cover. If you are looking for a book that gets you thinking in surprising ways, has a wonderful and strong Black character even though it was written in 1981 by a white man, and just leaves the action about halfway through to go build a house in the woods (don't worry, plenty of action follows!), then go get this book. It's honestly a lovely, refreshing surprise. I wish I had more spare time right now, or I would plough through this entire series right away.
I was so pleasantly surprised! I love the writing: crisp prose with occasional lines of sheer poetry.
I really cannot go into why I loved it so much without too many spoilers, but suffice it to say that I ended up taking the day off and reading the book cover to cover. If you are looking for a book that gets you thinking in surprising ways, has a wonderful and strong Black character even though it was written in 1981 by a white man, and just leaves the action about halfway through to go build a house in the woods (don't worry, plenty of action follows!), then go get this book. It's honestly a lovely, refreshing surprise. I wish I had more spare time right now, or I would plough through this entire series right away.
hoboken's review against another edition
3.0
Spenser is amusing, and the premise of this book is heartwarming, but he's too glib, too brash, has too many convenient talents, and too many reprobate friends with hearts of gold. We forgive Sherlock Holmes for always being right in his deductions b/c his stories are so romantically perfect. Don't know that Spenser's are good enough to justify his getting out of every tight spot with unerring anticipation, unmatched derring-do, and clever repartee. The other characters are pretty flat foils to highlight his star turn. I've only read one book, so I may be misjudging, but this was recommended as one of the best.
stevem0214's review against another edition
5.0
Unbelievable but aren't a lot of good books? Paul' s transformation from a scared abused kid ito the man he will become takes about 75 pages. But Paul is a great character later. Great book!
dantastic's review
4.0
When Spenser is hired by a divorcee to bring back her kidnapped son from his father, he gets more than he bargained for. Paul's parents are using him as a pawn and neither really want him around. Spenser winds up taking the kid under his wing and soon has someone gunning for him...
Of the Spensers I've read so far, this one is in the top three. While it has all the Spenser hallmarks, like a long description of cooking a meal, wisecracks, discussions of Spenser's code, and Hawk being the baddest mother since Shaft, it also has an offbeat plot. When Spenser sees what a callow slacker Paul is and decides to mentor the kid, the book starts firing on all cylinders.
Paul's parents are both human garbage and deserving of kicks to the crotch. Paul and his attitude irritated the crap out of me (and Spenser) at the beginning but the kid grew on me toward the end. Hawk was in fine form, although I could have used a little more of him. I still can't decide if Parker includes Hawk as a mirror to hold Spenser up against or someone to do his dirty work. Possibly a combination of both. Susan Silverman was more tolerable than usual but I found her jealousy and bitchiness toward Spenser spending time with Paul kind of juvenile.
The book shows its age a little but not enough to cost it any stars. It's clear the book was written in the early 80's with its references to self-actualization and disco. Also, Paul would be on the internet or playing video games all the time if it were written today.
This Parker guy might have a future in the book business. I'll pick up the next one. Four out of five stars.
Of the Spensers I've read so far, this one is in the top three. While it has all the Spenser hallmarks, like a long description of cooking a meal, wisecracks, discussions of Spenser's code, and Hawk being the baddest mother since Shaft, it also has an offbeat plot. When Spenser sees what a callow slacker Paul is and decides to mentor the kid, the book starts firing on all cylinders.
Paul's parents are both human garbage and deserving of kicks to the crotch. Paul and his attitude irritated the crap out of me (and Spenser) at the beginning but the kid grew on me toward the end. Hawk was in fine form, although I could have used a little more of him. I still can't decide if Parker includes Hawk as a mirror to hold Spenser up against or someone to do his dirty work. Possibly a combination of both. Susan Silverman was more tolerable than usual but I found her jealousy and bitchiness toward Spenser spending time with Paul kind of juvenile.
The book shows its age a little but not enough to cost it any stars. It's clear the book was written in the early 80's with its references to self-actualization and disco. Also, Paul would be on the internet or playing video games all the time if it were written today.
This Parker guy might have a future in the book business. I'll pick up the next one. Four out of five stars.
gsatori's review against another edition
4.0
Probably one of the better Spenser novels. It focuses on the detective's attempt to help a teenager develop a sense of self while dealing with his selfish parents.
annieb123's review against another edition
5.0
Everything I read Spenser books for. Bad guys, knight in tarnished armour, witty repartee, intelligent plotting and a groovy retro vibe. And Hawk. Mustn't forget Hawk. They're just really good escapist reading. I enjoyed this one very much. Definitely in my top 5 favourite Spensers.
bookhawk's review against another edition
4.0
Great detective series that has aged well with good action, characters and social commentary reflective of the era. Looking forward to book 8.