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jogin1's review against another edition
dark
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
robotswithpersonality's review against another edition
As long as I remember the early books in this series were written in the '70s, there's actually interesting discussions going on, rather than just antiquated views on sex work, masculinity. Spenser has some moments of vulnerability and more of snappy wit and self-deprecation, and that also helps balance out when things get a little, well, sexist. Apparently illegal gambling and blackmail, facilitating mystery solving, are what I need to make a story grounded in the sport of baseball compelling (sorry sports fans!). Overall the series continues to deliver quick entertaining reads, a nostalgia vibe similar to rewatching somewhat problematic 80s and 90s action movies. ⚠️ Fatphobia
slapshottechnology's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Typical Spenser book. Probably not as high as most. Reminded me about Major League. Lots of finding out what Spenser is eating and being with Susan, although we see him with another woman in this one.
boleary30's review against another edition
4.0
Another great effort, same funny stuff and it is tied around baseball.
gon8go's review against another edition
3.0
This is one of the best Spenser books I've read so far, he's casually dating Susan and hawk isn't in the books yet but Spenser is a more human character. He gets scared, even doubts himself at times and feels remorse about killing the bad guys.
scott_a_miller's review against another edition
5.0
It looks like these Spencer books are pretty solid too. A baseball mystery, perfect read just before The Fourth. Excellent story, good villains and not quite a happy ending. Parker did a great job.
martyfried's review against another edition
4.0
I'm enjoying this series more as I read further and get to know Spenser better. The wisecracks are becoming more natural, and the character seems more likable; he shows himself to be a good, likable, mature guy who is not perfect, but realizes when he does something that is not 100% right. He might beat up or even kill a bad guy, but he doesn't feel good about it. He also believes in helping people, even if it means losing money. He's willing to quit a case and give up the money if he can't do what he believes is right.
This one should interest the baseball fans out there, although it will also interest those who couldn't care less about the sport. The story was good, the characters were interesting, and the ending was satisfying.
This one should interest the baseball fans out there, although it will also interest those who couldn't care less about the sport. The story was good, the characters were interesting, and the ending was satisfying.
nikchick's review against another edition
4.0
Something about the smartass detective quietly mulling over his lonely life in between mouthing off to gangsters and tough guys, drinking prodigiously, casually dating two gorgeous and liberated 70s women, and listing off the results of his epicurean tastes for meals and his hip, fashionable love of flared pants and ankle boots has completely won me over to this series.
critterbee's review against another edition
3.0
Pretty modern for the time, and also this early Parker novel is a sneak peek of his love for baseball.