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johnny92m's review
5.0
Fun fact about this book to start this review. When I was initially getting into the Spenser series, I didn’t have a Goodreads account or any real smart phone access to find out series order. I picked this up along with the second book in the series. It has sat on my shelf, waiting to be read until I was able to fill in the gaps. It’s been such a long time coming, there’s still a price tag sticker from Borders on my copy.
I must say, this book was quite worth the wait. Classic Parker dialogue, with a new paternal side of Spenser coming to life throughout this book. A beautiful advancement in the overall world of these books. Now to continue onward!
I must say, this book was quite worth the wait. Classic Parker dialogue, with a new paternal side of Spenser coming to life throughout this book. A beautiful advancement in the overall world of these books. Now to continue onward!
gossamerwingedgazelle's review
4.0
I was surprised by the plot of this book. It almost seems more like a character sketch than a novel. Still, it was satisfying. I agree with another review who pointed out Susan's bitchiness. It was _really_ strange coming from someone who is supposed to care about kids. The scene in the gym with Spenser and Hawk was fantastic. It is nice to read a series that is pretty consistently good.
ravenbelasco's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I only picked this book up because a friend noted it was set in the town in which I'm currently residing. I never saw the show "Spenser for Hire" nor read any of this series.
I was so pleasantly surprised! I love the writing: crisp prose with occasional lines of sheer poetry.
I really cannot go into why I loved it so much without too many spoilers, but suffice it to say that I ended up taking the day off and reading the book cover to cover. If you are looking for a book that gets you thinking in surprising ways, has a wonderful and strong Black character even though it was written in 1981 by a white man, and just leaves the action about halfway through to go build a house in the woods (don't worry, plenty of action follows!), then go get this book. It's honestly a lovely, refreshing surprise. I wish I had more spare time right now, or I would plough through this entire series right away.
I was so pleasantly surprised! I love the writing: crisp prose with occasional lines of sheer poetry.
I really cannot go into why I loved it so much without too many spoilers, but suffice it to say that I ended up taking the day off and reading the book cover to cover. If you are looking for a book that gets you thinking in surprising ways, has a wonderful and strong Black character even though it was written in 1981 by a white man, and just leaves the action about halfway through to go build a house in the woods (don't worry, plenty of action follows!), then go get this book. It's honestly a lovely, refreshing surprise. I wish I had more spare time right now, or I would plough through this entire series right away.
hoboken's review
3.0
Spenser is amusing, and the premise of this book is heartwarming, but he's too glib, too brash, has too many convenient talents, and too many reprobate friends with hearts of gold. We forgive Sherlock Holmes for always being right in his deductions b/c his stories are so romantically perfect. Don't know that Spenser's are good enough to justify his getting out of every tight spot with unerring anticipation, unmatched derring-do, and clever repartee. The other characters are pretty flat foils to highlight his star turn. I've only read one book, so I may be misjudging, but this was recommended as one of the best.
stevem0214's review
5.0
Unbelievable but aren't a lot of good books? Paul' s transformation from a scared abused kid ito the man he will become takes about 75 pages. But Paul is a great character later. Great book!
dantastic's review against another edition
4.0
When Spenser is hired by a divorcee to bring back her kidnapped son from his father, he gets more than he bargained for. Paul's parents are using him as a pawn and neither really want him around. Spenser winds up taking the kid under his wing and soon has someone gunning for him...
Of the Spensers I've read so far, this one is in the top three. While it has all the Spenser hallmarks, like a long description of cooking a meal, wisecracks, discussions of Spenser's code, and Hawk being the baddest mother since Shaft, it also has an offbeat plot. When Spenser sees what a callow slacker Paul is and decides to mentor the kid, the book starts firing on all cylinders.
Paul's parents are both human garbage and deserving of kicks to the crotch. Paul and his attitude irritated the crap out of me (and Spenser) at the beginning but the kid grew on me toward the end. Hawk was in fine form, although I could have used a little more of him. I still can't decide if Parker includes Hawk as a mirror to hold Spenser up against or someone to do his dirty work. Possibly a combination of both. Susan Silverman was more tolerable than usual but I found her jealousy and bitchiness toward Spenser spending time with Paul kind of juvenile.
The book shows its age a little but not enough to cost it any stars. It's clear the book was written in the early 80's with its references to self-actualization and disco. Also, Paul would be on the internet or playing video games all the time if it were written today.
This Parker guy might have a future in the book business. I'll pick up the next one. Four out of five stars.
Of the Spensers I've read so far, this one is in the top three. While it has all the Spenser hallmarks, like a long description of cooking a meal, wisecracks, discussions of Spenser's code, and Hawk being the baddest mother since Shaft, it also has an offbeat plot. When Spenser sees what a callow slacker Paul is and decides to mentor the kid, the book starts firing on all cylinders.
Paul's parents are both human garbage and deserving of kicks to the crotch. Paul and his attitude irritated the crap out of me (and Spenser) at the beginning but the kid grew on me toward the end. Hawk was in fine form, although I could have used a little more of him. I still can't decide if Parker includes Hawk as a mirror to hold Spenser up against or someone to do his dirty work. Possibly a combination of both. Susan Silverman was more tolerable than usual but I found her jealousy and bitchiness toward Spenser spending time with Paul kind of juvenile.
The book shows its age a little but not enough to cost it any stars. It's clear the book was written in the early 80's with its references to self-actualization and disco. Also, Paul would be on the internet or playing video games all the time if it were written today.
This Parker guy might have a future in the book business. I'll pick up the next one. Four out of five stars.
gsatori's review
4.0
Probably one of the better Spenser novels. It focuses on the detective's attempt to help a teenager develop a sense of self while dealing with his selfish parents.