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A review by brianlokker
Chance by Robert B. Parker
4.0
This is a very enjoyable Spenser novel. When Spenser agrees to take on a missing-person case for mob boss Julius Ventura, he’s pretty sure things aren’t as they seem. And of course, he’s right.
The search leads him to Las Vegas, with the welcome (to me) assistance of Hawk and the less-welcome (to me) accompaniment of Susan. Although they locate the target, the situation is much more complex than the way Ventura presented it. It involves double-dealing mobsters, cheating spouses, and a murder. Spenser and Hawk have lots of questions about what’s been happening, but no answers. And to top it all off, a woman whom they attempt to save in a typical Spenser-style chivalrous gesture doesn’t seem particularly grateful for their efforts on her behalf.
I guess one could argue that having Spenser and Hawk spinning their wheels for a while doesn’t do much to advance the plot, but I enjoyed watching their growing frustration and their efforts to deal with it and turn things around. It was kind of like a gambler going for one more spin of the wheel, waiting for the score.
As usual, Susan is pretty annoying, especially when it comes to her interactions with “the baby,” a.k.a. “Pearl the Wonder Dog.” But I will give Parker credit this time around, as he gives her an important role in a pivotal scene.
Meanwhile, Hawk and Spenser exchange their usual witter banter while they have each other’s backs, which is one of the delights of the series. And the book is populated by a large array of other colorful characters, including regulars like Vinnie Morris, Joe Broz, and Lennie Seltzer, as well as some newcomers, including tough-guy Marty Anaheim, topless waitress Dixie Walker, and Las Vegas private eye Bernard J. Fortunato. I found this one to be a lot of fun.
The search leads him to Las Vegas, with the welcome (to me) assistance of Hawk and the less-welcome (to me) accompaniment of Susan. Although they locate the target, the situation is much more complex than the way Ventura presented it. It involves double-dealing mobsters, cheating spouses, and a murder. Spenser and Hawk have lots of questions about what’s been happening, but no answers. And to top it all off, a woman whom they attempt to save in a typical Spenser-style chivalrous gesture doesn’t seem particularly grateful for their efforts on her behalf.
I guess one could argue that having Spenser and Hawk spinning their wheels for a while doesn’t do much to advance the plot, but I enjoyed watching their growing frustration and their efforts to deal with it and turn things around. It was kind of like a gambler going for one more spin of the wheel, waiting for the score.
As usual, Susan is pretty annoying, especially when it comes to her interactions with “the baby,” a.k.a. “Pearl the Wonder Dog.” But I will give Parker credit this time around, as he gives her an important role in a pivotal scene.
Meanwhile, Hawk and Spenser exchange their usual witter banter while they have each other’s backs, which is one of the delights of the series. And the book is populated by a large array of other colorful characters, including regulars like Vinnie Morris, Joe Broz, and Lennie Seltzer, as well as some newcomers, including tough-guy Marty Anaheim, topless waitress Dixie Walker, and Las Vegas private eye Bernard J. Fortunato. I found this one to be a lot of fun.