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zmull's review
3.0
This is my first Spenser novel. I got what I was expecting. Macho talk, violence, quips. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon. I'll read another.
stevem0214's review against another edition
5.0
Great as always, this one has Hawk in it which is always a huge plus!!
sandin954's review against another edition
4.0
Classic Parker. Spencer is back in Boston with Susan (who has yet to become annoying) and Hawk doing what he does best. The previous book in the series ([b:A Savage Place|69617|A Savage Place (Spenser Book 8)|Robert B. Parker|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1320468692s/69617.jpg|207844]) was my least favorite but this one was among the best. Listened to the audio version read by the competent if slightly boring Michael Prichard
dantastic's review against another edition
3.0
When a troubled teenager named April Kyle is seen hooking in Boston, her parents want her brought back. While Spenser won't work for the father at any price, he takes the case for the princely sum of one dollar from April's mother. Spenser, Hawk, and Susan soon find themselves caught in a web of underage prostitution and pornography. But what do you do when a runaway prostitute doesn't want to come back home?
After reading the most recent Ace Atkins Spenser book, I decided it was time to fill in more of the gaps of the series.
Ceremony is the darkest Spenser I've yet read but things can't be rosey when a teen prostitute is the focus of Spenser's case. As per usual, Spenser, sometimes with Hawk in tow, walks around, pissing people off and stirring up shit, until the pot bubbles over.
One thing that I thought was really cool about this book was that Spenser toned down the wisecracks for this outing. One thing that sometimes bugs me about crime books is the smart ass that doesn't know when to shut up and Spenser blessedly knew when not to make jokes.
Spenser and Hawk were in fine form, going up against pimps, a crime boss, a pornographer, and an entire house party that was one big orgy. I question the logic of bringing Susan along to the final showdown, however.
There were a few things I didn't like about this book, however. As with a lot of Spenser books, there was a lot of talk of Spenser's code and how Hawk fits into things. Also, there was way too much Susan Silverman for my liking. The thing I really thought was strange was Spenser's logic that if April wanted to be a whore, he should put her to work for a madam he knew. I thought that came out of left field.
Fun fact: The pornographer's name in this book is Mitchell Poitras. Robert Crais' Elvis Cole's friend on the police force is named Lou Poitras. Since Robert Crais' Elvis Cole started as a Spenser ripoff (even though Crais claims Ernest Hemingway is his biggest influnece), I'd say that's where Lou's name comes from.
It may be tantamount to blasphemy but I might actually prefer Ace Atkin's version of Spenser to the original. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
After reading the most recent Ace Atkins Spenser book, I decided it was time to fill in more of the gaps of the series.
Ceremony is the darkest Spenser I've yet read but things can't be rosey when a teen prostitute is the focus of Spenser's case. As per usual, Spenser, sometimes with Hawk in tow, walks around, pissing people off and stirring up shit, until the pot bubbles over.
One thing that I thought was really cool about this book was that Spenser toned down the wisecracks for this outing. One thing that sometimes bugs me about crime books is the smart ass that doesn't know when to shut up and Spenser blessedly knew when not to make jokes.
Spenser and Hawk were in fine form, going up against pimps, a crime boss, a pornographer, and an entire house party that was one big orgy. I question the logic of bringing Susan along to the final showdown, however.
There were a few things I didn't like about this book, however. As with a lot of Spenser books, there was a lot of talk of Spenser's code and how Hawk fits into things. Also, there was way too much Susan Silverman for my liking. The thing I really thought was strange was Spenser's logic that if April wanted to be a whore, he should put her to work for a madam he knew. I thought that came out of left field.
Fun fact: The pornographer's name in this book is Mitchell Poitras. Robert Crais' Elvis Cole's friend on the police force is named Lou Poitras. Since Robert Crais' Elvis Cole started as a Spenser ripoff (even though Crais claims Ernest Hemingway is his biggest influnece), I'd say that's where Lou's name comes from.
It may be tantamount to blasphemy but I might actually prefer Ace Atkin's version of Spenser to the original. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
gsatori's review against another edition
3.0
Spenser takes a job for a dollar: to find a teen runaway in Boston. It's not going to end well. He knows it. But that doesn't mean he can walk away.
This is a good entry into the Spenser series. The characters work, and the description of the Combat Zone and its denizens depressing.
I am reading all the Parker novels over the next couple years. Looking forward to his westerns, too.
This is a good entry into the Spenser series. The characters work, and the description of the Combat Zone and its denizens depressing.
I am reading all the Parker novels over the next couple years. Looking forward to his westerns, too.
bookhawk's review against another edition
4.0
Fantastic series. Great action in this book. Spenser, Hawk and Susan take on human trafficking.
cnorbury's review against another edition
3.0
My first Robert B. Parker read. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Fast-paced, taut prose, authentic dialogue, good MC and supporting characters. The MC, Spenser, is just enough a wise ass to make him humorous, but still serious and not overplayed just to create the humor.
I read this in a day, which is good and bad. Character development is minimal at best, setting is often overlooked as are character descriptions and backstory, and the plot was straightforward with minimal twists or surprises.
A great book if you just want to devour an entertaining story while enjoying a day at the beach or curled up in front of a cozy fire.
I read this in a day, which is good and bad. Character development is minimal at best, setting is often overlooked as are character descriptions and backstory, and the plot was straightforward with minimal twists or surprises.
A great book if you just want to devour an entertaining story while enjoying a day at the beach or curled up in front of a cozy fire.
gon8go's review against another edition
4.0
That was pretty dark for a Spenser book, I loved the fight at the end and the resolution was odd. Not even Spenser is sure if he saved her or not. Definatley one of the classic good ones.
scott_a_miller's review against another edition
4.0
Typically well above average Parker tale. Interesting subject matter and solution. Spenser, Suze and Hawk continue to grow into wonderful characters.
cmcahill's review against another edition
3.0
Spenser and Hawk help Susan Silverman break up a child prostitution ring that involves politicians at the highest level and those responsible for education in the state. The title comes from a Yeats quote
"The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned..."
"The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned..."