A review by vividaway
Double Play: A Thriller by Robert B. Parker

dark emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

The first couple of chapters are an interesting introduction into the book. I’m not quite sure how to explain it, but i kind of like it, kind of don’t. The writing style is different than what I’m used to. The racism in this book is CRAAAAAZY like im so close to DNF’ing. There’s a whole racist rant explicitly using the N-word multiple times as an example. I know “times were different” but it’s just wild. Lauren and Burke getting together provides and interesting dynamic because he’s her bodyguard and is looking out for her in a mob sort of way. Him killing people leads into him being a morally grey character. I do think the growth of Burkes racism-to-not-racist pipeline is portrayed a bit inaccurate, and doesn’t describe why he changed. One thing i do like is the box score’s being included, and I just think its a little memento that’s cool to add in. It is interesting that Burke has to protect a black man after going through his racist rant at the start of the book, all to point out how “different” and “colorblind” he is. Obviously this isn’t how that works in reality. Racism is racism, protecting black people or not. But, as i’ve said previously-- set in 1940s. things were different. The concept that Burke cant be seen in black only locations IS an interesting part to the story, because Burke himself ~doesnt~ care where he’s seen. He’s just there to protect Robinson and himself. Lauren and Louis getting together, and his father having a talk with Burke was an interesting scene and i’d like to see where it goes in the future. I like the drama that happens and co-exists. The break in scene was so shocking and i wasn’t expecting to see how Burke handles an intruder like that, and is just, in general, a morally gray character. He has a job to do, and he’s going to do it. The hit against Robinson being paused for the time being is also interesting to me because i don’t see how this is going to play out. I can’t predict the ending. Louis threatening to kill robinson is a twist i wasn’t expecting but it totally makes sense. The reveal that this is a set up between multiple people to try to kill Burke and Robinson, but Cash doesn’t want to, is honestly a big one. I like Cash’s morality in this, and how he plays by his own rules. The ending was a bit anticlimactic but I can see how this works in the mob sense. Louis wants to stay alive so he listens to his father. Lauren and Burke being end game was interesting because i wasn’t expecting a relationship to form! The ending was nice, and I’m glad that Jackie Robinson and Burke stay “Friends” afterwards.