I always have a soft spot for Robert B. Parker's Spenser series. I just thought I should mention that before sharing thoughts on his novel, Hush Money.
Spenser is smart, witty, compassionate and very strong. I like to think I'm all of those things - well, except the strong one - so when a new Spenser book comes out I invariably read it, living vicariously through him.
There is a criticism of Parker's Spenser series which is sadly true: the books are going downhill. Bring out the stock characters - his long-time girlfriend, Susan, and his buddy, Hawk - and a few new antagonists and, presto!, a new Spenser story is born.
It's almost like having your favorite uncle come to town. Sure, he tells some of the same jokes but you still like having him around.
It's also true that each book seems to be a faster read, more like browsing a comic book than a novel. But they're also damn funny in parts, such as this exchange between Susan, a therapist, and Spenser where he is explaining how he will solve the case.
"'And if that doesn't work?' she asks.
"I'll ask you," I said.
"For some psychoanalytic theory?"
"Can't hurt."
"What I think we should do is go take a shower and brush our teeth and lie on my bed and see what kind of theory we can develop."
'"I'm pretty sure I know what will develop.
Should we shower together?' Susan said.
"If we do, things may develop too soon.'"
"Good point."
Parker also manages to avoid having Spenser become just another tough guy private detective. How many books of this genre delve into the question of what makes a person a stalker?
Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
very nice review Scott, thanks! I haven't read any of these books in at least 20 years, but you brought back some great memories.
Virtually all series get stale - that is their curse.
We have an interview with Robert B. on the site, conducted by Eric B
2 - Temple Stark
>>In Hush Money, Spenser's long-time friend, Hawk, asks him for a favor: determine if Robinson Nevins, the son of Hawk's boyhood mentor, was denied tenure at college because he is black, because he may have been dating a gay activist who committed suicide or what the real reason is.
WOw, bet Parker never thought he'd be writing that plotline.
This is the same as Spenser for Hire correct?
Thanks for adding in the interview link, too
3 - Scott Butki
Thanks, Temple and Eric.
4 - Bill Wallo
I've enjoyed Spenser for years, and yes, I read each one as they come out as well. But I'd say he probably jumped the shark back with A Catskill Eagle, where Spenser and Hawk team up to take Susan back from an obsessive millionare and oh, by the way, end up CIA assassins in the process.
The books after that have often been uneven, and Parker is (I think) clearly uncertain how to handle the aging process with a character who was 40 when the first book (The Godwulf Manuscript) came out in the early 1970s (add thirty years, and Spenser is a 70+ former Korean War vet roaming the streets of Boston). He had Spenser aging a while, and now he, Hawk, and Susan all sort of exist in a bubble while others age around them.
Still, what can I say: while the pleasure may have been diminished somewhat, a new Spenser book is still a pretty fun ride.
5 - Scott Butki
Thanks for the post and response.
Yes, even Parker on a bad day is more entertaining and interesting than Stephen King or Tom Cruise on a good day.
6 - Scott Butki
Robert Parker is doing something very interesting with his latest novel. I haven't
decided whether I like it or consider it a gimmick or what. I'll withhold judgement
until I finish the book and write up a review.
In two of his recent books I noticed he was starting to have characters from his Spenser
series appear as characters in his Jesse Stone series and vice versa.
Now with his latest he's gone hog wild with the protagonist of his Sunny Randall series
not only meeting but romancing Jesse Stone of his own series.
And who does Sunny have as her own therapist to talk about such life developments?
Why Susan Silverman - Spenser's squeeze - of course.
Anyone else read this? I'm curious on what others think about having characters moving
from series to series?
7 - Scott Butki
I'm doing the happy dance today. Why? Robert Parker, one of my long-time favorite crime writers, has agreed to let me interview him.
In my email to his publicist I wrote that I've been lucky enough to interview many of his colleagues, from Michael Connelly to Robert Crais to Ian Rankin to Donald Westlake but my life as an interview won't be complete until I can interview Mr. Parker.
Do you think I came on a little strong?:)
I'm listening to his most recent one on audio then reading an advance copy of his next book.
8 - Scott Butki
So if you have one burning question you want someone to ask Robert Parker, ask me and I'll consider asking him.