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duparker's review
4.0
Certainly one of the better entries in the series, both from Atkins and from Parker. I always felt that the surrogate son Paul was a character we needed to learn more about. Hasn't happened, too much, but here we get the return and some depth of another surrogate. There are similarities to other surrogates from the past, but here the differences stand out and feel realistic.
The dialog is classic Spencer, the inclusion of Hawk is judiciously used, and the atmospheric vibes are on point. Only the inclusion of puppy training felt meh. Pretty minor and more one off than not, so not a big deal. Rekindles my desire to read this series.
The dialog is classic Spencer, the inclusion of Hawk is judiciously used, and the atmospheric vibes are on point. Only the inclusion of puppy training felt meh. Pretty minor and more one off than not, so not a big deal. Rekindles my desire to read this series.
pensivepelican's review
5.0
I’ve always been a big Robert B Parker fan — my dog is named Spenser. I’ve shied away from the Ace Atkins books because I wasn’t sure if anyone could pick up the mantle. Horrible things have been done to Spenser (Marky Mark? Really?). I heard Ace on a podcast and he won me over. I gotta say I was pleasantly surprised.
abibliofob's review against another edition
4.0
I have read Someone to watch over me, the latest Spenser adventure from Ace Atkins. I must start with a thank you to #GPPutnamsSons #PenguinPublishingGroup and #Edelweiss for giving me this entertaining book. The subject matter in this book is a good one for this kind of hero and his friends. Although Spenser is getting older he still has it and it's a great addition with Mattie, oh I almost forgot Hawk, he is ... well he is Hawk as usual. I am really glad that the character created by the late Robert B. Parker has found a way to live on. Much recommended.
annieb123's review
5.0
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Someone to Watch Over Me is the 48th (!!) Spenser novel, and the 9th (by my count) written by Ace Atkins after Mr. Parker's death. Due out 12th Jan 2021 from Penguin Random House on their G.P. Putnam's Sons imprint, it's 400 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.
I've been in love with this series since book 1 (The Godwulf Manuscript) and I was really sad when the author passed, thinking that I would have to confine myself to re-reads to get my Spenser/Hawk fix. I was nervous about someone else taking over the writing, but have been really impressed and happy with the newest books in the series.
Other reviewers (and the book's blurb) have set up the plot quite well. I'll just add that all of the elements which made us fall in love with Spenser & co. from the start are here also. The characters (trigger warning, exploitation of minors, and sexual exploitation are themes) are ripped from recent news headlines (including a "fantasy island" which hearkens to the relatively recently departed unlamented Jeffry Epstein and his henchpeople). Because the theme is so triggering and horrific, I will say there's no direct graphic sexual content, but there are descriptions of abuse (not graphic) during interviews with victims which were somewhat difficult for me to read. I mostly skimmed over those. They certainly weren't used egregiously, they were integral to the plot, but they were rather difficult to see.
It's a solidly written PI murder mystery with an indelible American flavor. Boston's local atmosphere and settings are a vital part of the book. I love Spenser's relationship with Susan (smart, funny, capable, and real) and the interplay between Spenser and his compatriots. I loved the sarcastic wit and real humor and repartee in the dialogue. I'm obviously a solid fan of this series, and my opinion wasn't dented one tiny bit by this latest adventure. Ace Atkins isn't Robert B. Parker, but he's pretty darned close.
Five stars for fans of the series. Probably four to five for new readers who enjoy gritty American PI adventures.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Someone to Watch Over Me is the 48th (!!) Spenser novel, and the 9th (by my count) written by Ace Atkins after Mr. Parker's death. Due out 12th Jan 2021 from Penguin Random House on their G.P. Putnam's Sons imprint, it's 400 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.
I've been in love with this series since book 1 (The Godwulf Manuscript) and I was really sad when the author passed, thinking that I would have to confine myself to re-reads to get my Spenser/Hawk fix. I was nervous about someone else taking over the writing, but have been really impressed and happy with the newest books in the series.
Other reviewers (and the book's blurb) have set up the plot quite well. I'll just add that all of the elements which made us fall in love with Spenser & co. from the start are here also. The characters (trigger warning, exploitation of minors, and sexual exploitation are themes) are ripped from recent news headlines (including a "fantasy island" which hearkens to the relatively recently departed unlamented Jeffry Epstein and his henchpeople). Because the theme is so triggering and horrific, I will say there's no direct graphic sexual content, but there are descriptions of abuse (not graphic) during interviews with victims which were somewhat difficult for me to read. I mostly skimmed over those. They certainly weren't used egregiously, they were integral to the plot, but they were rather difficult to see.
It's a solidly written PI murder mystery with an indelible American flavor. Boston's local atmosphere and settings are a vital part of the book. I love Spenser's relationship with Susan (smart, funny, capable, and real) and the interplay between Spenser and his compatriots. I loved the sarcastic wit and real humor and repartee in the dialogue. I'm obviously a solid fan of this series, and my opinion wasn't dented one tiny bit by this latest adventure. Ace Atkins isn't Robert B. Parker, but he's pretty darned close.
Five stars for fans of the series. Probably four to five for new readers who enjoy gritty American PI adventures.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
sling's review against another edition
3.0
Got much better when it wasn't quite so ripped from the headlines.
jonmhansen's review
4.0
"Makes as much sense as anything," Susan said.
"True."
"And this system of yours, knowing when she'll be born and where to find her, is secret."
"Known only to me and Hawk."
"And what does Hawk think?"
"Hawk believes all white people are crazy."
"Hawk may have a point."
"True."
"And this system of yours, knowing when she'll be born and where to find her, is secret."
"Known only to me and Hawk."
"And what does Hawk think?"
"Hawk believes all white people are crazy."
"Hawk may have a point."
nonna7's review
4.0
Dare I say that the late Robert B. Parker had become a tad predictable as he got older? His books got shorter necessitating print that nearly fit the Large Print category. Ace Atkins is a worthy successor and continues the tradition in accordance with the estate of the late writer. After all the characters were definitely Parker's and are still among the best around. Atkins has taken a fresh approach cautiously. It's obvious he pays attention to Boston and uses the news as his inspiration. In this book Spenser is drawn into a case involving missing girls who are lured into a life of high end prostitution by a hedge fund manager who uses his association with the rich and famous as leverage. So we have Jeffrey Epstein but with a twist. It's interesting and well done. I won't say much more than to say it was a terrific book with a lot of twists and turns and an unusual and unexpected ending. I liked it a lot.