13 October 2009
Okay, so you guys know I'm a fan of Parker's work. That said, I'm starting to think that Spenser may be getting a little long in the tooth for his series to continue. Of course, Parker experimented with a book about Spenser as a teenager and maybe there's an on-going young adult market there. (My youngest son took a quick liking to that particular book) But really, a 60+ year old private investigator? Even so, it was a good read. Classic Spenser as he finds out few people are telling him the truth and the case he thought was blackmail is turning out to be murder.
Like many a Spenser novel does, the book opens with an attractive woman walking into Spenser's office. (How does Susan keep putting up with this?) As it turns out, the woman is an attorney who represents a group of women who have been, ah... indiscreet in their marriage and now find themselves the target of blackmail. What does the lawyer want from Spenser? Well, she was a classmate of Rita Fiore's and Rita recommended Spenser to the group of ladies. Obviously, they aren't interested in his services as an escort (because they've got that covered) but they do want him to make the blackmailer go away - harshly if necessary.
Spenser's investigation leads him into the mysterious background and fake names of a few of the characters and then - low and behold - the conspiracy is discovered.
As always, Susan helps Spenser figure out a few things; some legitimately good people along the way help him out. Those he's attempting to help aren't necessarily helping him to help them (the truth might be too hard for one of them) and then there's the one who just enjoys men so much she offers to get she and Spenser a room while he's trying to interview her about the case. (Again, I ask: how does Susan put up with this?)
This is classic Spenser... classic Parker. I guess in pace with Spenser's graceful aging, there's not so much action in this one. Between that and the layout that allowed me to read this whole book in about three hours, one has to wonder if Parker is going to slowly dwindle the series into nothing - or if he'll find a way to recharge it.
While I certainly consider the book an entertaining read, I wish I'd waited for it in paperback. It would have been worth that price. If you haven't picked it up yet - wait for the paperback or borrow the book from your local library. As I said, a good entertaining read, yes. Worth $20+? Not so much.
Sorry, Mr. Parker. I think your Spenser series is starting to get a little lax. Sit back... take a breather... and put together something along the lines of The Catskill Eagle. Bring Spenser back - or send him out - with a bang!
