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A review by capernex
Looking For Rachel Wallace by Robert B. Parker
4.5
I never thought that I would pick up a Robert P. Parker novel. I've seen them around before (you can't work in libraries and bookstores without seeing them) but I thought of them as just another old detective series that wouldn't be my thing. My dad recommended this one to me, after he reread it himself. And after having listened to the audiobook, I am quite impressed.
The Rachel Wallace referred to in the title is a no-nonsense lesbian feminist who has gotten threats after the publication of her new book. She hires Spenser to be her bodyguard, but has reservations about him. Too much machismo! They start to get along, but she ultimately fires him for being too aggressive in his attempts to protect her. But then she is kidnapped and Spenser spends the rest of the book trying to find her.
Honestly, the first 40% of this (before Rachel is kidnapped) would be 5 stars from me. Spenser and Rachel's dynamic is witty and very entertaining, but also tactful, especially for the 1980s. I think Rachel, while very no-nonsense and very feminist, is a great portrayal of a lesbian woman for the time. She is unapologetic, out and proud, and the book clearly supports her and derides the many homophobic characters who pop up.
Spenser is also an excellent character. Even though I think his dynamic with Rachel was the best part, he works very well on his own as well and I would consider reading more of this series in the future. His dry wit and sarcastic personality plays very well with with Rachel's blunt personality. I very much enjoyed the conversations they had about feminism and their back and forth repartee. In particular I was very moved by the conversation they had after Rachel had the terrible TV interview, where Spenser told her to not let them make her ashamed and they held hands in the car.
After Rachel was kidnapped, I was a little worried that I would enjoy it much less, but that didn't end up to be the case. Like I said, Spenser still holds the story by himself, and his girlfriend Susan pops in and out to be another female character and someone for Spenser to talk to. They are a little too lovey-dovey, but I like her. Also, what's better than Spenser beating up KKK members and intimidating homophobes?
The ending was a little bit disappointing, with Rachel completely reduced to a damsel in distress, being rescued by Spenser and even carried out in his arms. Later, she apologizes to him and tells him she loves him and kisses him, but still reiterates she's a lesbian. Odd choice, and it didn't sit super well with me, but I forgive it as it was written in the 80's, and it's still a great book. (My dislike of it is also purely from a doyalist perspective, showing the lesbian character as being kidnapped after she refused to let a man protect her, and then saying she loved him and was sorry. From a watsonian perspective, I love their friendship.)
All in all, a surprisingly wonderful read. I wish Rachel was a recurring character, as I would gladly read a series of her and Spenser solving crimes and investigating together.
The Rachel Wallace referred to in the title is a no-nonsense lesbian feminist who has gotten threats after the publication of her new book. She hires Spenser to be her bodyguard, but has reservations about him. Too much machismo! They start to get along, but she ultimately fires him for being too aggressive in his attempts to protect her. But then she is kidnapped and Spenser spends the rest of the book trying to find her.
Honestly, the first 40% of this (before Rachel is kidnapped) would be 5 stars from me. Spenser and Rachel's dynamic is witty and very entertaining, but also tactful, especially for the 1980s. I think Rachel, while very no-nonsense and very feminist, is a great portrayal of a lesbian woman for the time. She is unapologetic, out and proud, and the book clearly supports her and derides the many homophobic characters who pop up.
Spenser is also an excellent character. Even though I think his dynamic with Rachel was the best part, he works very well on his own as well and I would consider reading more of this series in the future. His dry wit and sarcastic personality plays very well with with Rachel's blunt personality. I very much enjoyed the conversations they had about feminism and their back and forth repartee. In particular I was very moved by the conversation they had after Rachel had the terrible TV interview, where Spenser told her to not let them make her ashamed and they held hands in the car.
After Rachel was kidnapped, I was a little worried that I would enjoy it much less, but that didn't end up to be the case. Like I said, Spenser still holds the story by himself, and his girlfriend Susan pops in and out to be another female character and someone for Spenser to talk to. They are a little too lovey-dovey, but I like her. Also, what's better than Spenser beating up KKK members and intimidating homophobes?
The ending was a little bit disappointing, with Rachel completely reduced to a damsel in distress, being rescued by Spenser and even carried out in his arms. Later, she apologizes to him and tells him she loves him and kisses him, but still reiterates she's a lesbian. Odd choice, and it didn't sit super well with me, but I forgive it as it was written in the 80's, and it's still a great book. (My dislike of it is also purely from a doyalist perspective, showing the lesbian character as being kidnapped after she refused to let a man protect her, and then saying she loved him and was sorry. From a watsonian perspective, I love their friendship.)
All in all, a surprisingly wonderful read. I wish Rachel was a recurring character, as I would gladly read a series of her and Spenser solving crimes and investigating together.