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In Pursuit of Spenser: Mystery Writers on Robert B. Parker and the Creation of an American Hero
When Robert B. Parker passed in early 2010, the world lost two great Parker himself, iconic American crime writer whose books have sold more than 6 million copies worldwide, and his best-known creation, Spenser. Parker's Spenser series not only influenced the work of countless of today's writers, but is also credited with reviving and forever changing the genre.
In Pursuit of Spenser offers a look at Parker and to Spenser through the eyes of the writers he influenced. Editor Otto Penzler-- proprietor of one of the oldest and largest mystery specialist bookstores in the country, New York's The Mysterious Bookshop, and renowned mystery fiction editor whose credits include series editor for the Best American Crime Writing and Best American Mystery Stories, among many others (and about whom Parker himself once wrote, "Otto Penzler knows more about crime fiction than most people know about anything")-- collects some of today's bestselling mystery authors to discuss Parker, his characters, the series, and their impact on the world.
From Hawk to Susan Silverman to Jesse Stone and Sunny Randall, from the series' Boston milieu to Parker's own take on his character, In Pursuit of Spenser pays tribute to Spenser, and Parker, with affection, humor, and a deep appreciation for what both have left behind.
In Pursuit of Spenser offers a look at Parker and to Spenser through the eyes of the writers he influenced. Editor Otto Penzler-- proprietor of one of the oldest and largest mystery specialist bookstores in the country, New York's The Mysterious Bookshop, and renowned mystery fiction editor whose credits include series editor for the Best American Crime Writing and Best American Mystery Stories, among many others (and about whom Parker himself once wrote, "Otto Penzler knows more about crime fiction than most people know about anything")-- collects some of today's bestselling mystery authors to discuss Parker, his characters, the series, and their impact on the world.
From Hawk to Susan Silverman to Jesse Stone and Sunny Randall, from the series' Boston milieu to Parker's own take on his character, In Pursuit of Spenser pays tribute to Spenser, and Parker, with affection, humor, and a deep appreciation for what both have left behind.
247 pages, Paperback
First published February 14, 2012
131 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
About the author
Otto Penzler
370 books539 followersOtto Penzler is an editor of mystery fiction in the United States, and proprietor of The Mysterious Bookshop in New York City, where he lives.
Otto Penzler founded The Mysteriour Press in 1975 and was the publisher of The Armchair Detective, the Edgar-winning quarterly journal devoted to the study of mystery and suspense fiction, for seventeen years.
Penzler has won two Edgar Awards, for The Encyclopedia of Mystery and Detection in 1977, and The Lineup in 2010. The Mystery Writers of America awarded him the prestigious Ellery Queen Award in 1994, and the Raven--the group's highest non-writing award--in 2003.
Otto Penzler founded The Mysteriour Press in 1975 and was the publisher of The Armchair Detective, the Edgar-winning quarterly journal devoted to the study of mystery and suspense fiction, for seventeen years.
Penzler has won two Edgar Awards, for The Encyclopedia of Mystery and Detection in 1977, and The Lineup in 2010. The Mystery Writers of America awarded him the prestigious Ellery Queen Award in 1994, and the Raven--the group's highest non-writing award--in 2003.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
September 26, 2012
I figured a book of essays from mystery writers about Spenser could consist of repeated analysis of why Susan sucks so much, but they took the high road and covered other subjects, too.
As a long time Spenser fan and fairly vocal critic of Robert B. Parker in his later years, I got a lot out of this. I tend to get wrapped up in the negative, (I know you’re shocked.) so it was good to read writers like Lawrence Block, Loren Estleman, Ace Atkins, Dennis Lehane and others explain just how groundbreaking and influential Spenser was because it reminded me of the many positive aspects of the series.
They bring up things I hadn’t considered, like Spenser was really the first modern tough guy detective where readers didn’t have to overlook racism as in the Philip Marlow books or sexism like Travis McGee regularly dispensed. There’s also several personal and funny stories about the writers interacting with RBP.
I enjoyed getting validation on several things I think about Spenser. For example, Dennis Lehane and I agree about what were the best books of the series. (He also admitted to something I’ve long suspected, his first chapter of A Drink Before the War was a complete rip-off of Parker.)
In addition to discussing Spenser’s place in crime fiction and RBP’s writing, the essays cover a wide variety of Spenser related topics ranging from his sense of humor, his love of food, his friend Hawk, the Spenser For Hire series and more. Plus, S.J. Rozan delivers a write-up that starts, “Ah, Susan Silverman. The girlfriend we all love to hate.” (Although she does go on to point out that while Susan was often irritating, just the notion of Spenser having a steady independent girlfriend was important for the genre.)
There’s even a nice examination of Spenser’s character from RBP himself in the form of a story where the detective is interviewed by an academic doing a paper on people in dangerous professions.
It does seem like there’s a missed opportunity because while many mention the influence of Raymond Chandler and Ross MacDonald on RBP, there’s no essay examining that while there are two about Spenser’s love of gourmet food which seemed a bit much.
The collection is a great tribute to RBP, and a must-read for Spenser fans.
As a long time Spenser fan and fairly vocal critic of Robert B. Parker in his later years, I got a lot out of this. I tend to get wrapped up in the negative, (I know you’re shocked.) so it was good to read writers like Lawrence Block, Loren Estleman, Ace Atkins, Dennis Lehane and others explain just how groundbreaking and influential Spenser was because it reminded me of the many positive aspects of the series.
They bring up things I hadn’t considered, like Spenser was really the first modern tough guy detective where readers didn’t have to overlook racism as in the Philip Marlow books or sexism like Travis McGee regularly dispensed. There’s also several personal and funny stories about the writers interacting with RBP.
I enjoyed getting validation on several things I think about Spenser. For example, Dennis Lehane and I agree about what were the best books of the series. (He also admitted to something I’ve long suspected, his first chapter of A Drink Before the War was a complete rip-off of Parker.)
In addition to discussing Spenser’s place in crime fiction and RBP’s writing, the essays cover a wide variety of Spenser related topics ranging from his sense of humor, his love of food, his friend Hawk, the Spenser For Hire series and more. Plus, S.J. Rozan delivers a write-up that starts, “Ah, Susan Silverman. The girlfriend we all love to hate.” (Although she does go on to point out that while Susan was often irritating, just the notion of Spenser having a steady independent girlfriend was important for the genre.)
There’s even a nice examination of Spenser’s character from RBP himself in the form of a story where the detective is interviewed by an academic doing a paper on people in dangerous professions.
It does seem like there’s a missed opportunity because while many mention the influence of Raymond Chandler and Ross MacDonald on RBP, there’s no essay examining that while there are two about Spenser’s love of gourmet food which seemed a bit much.
The collection is a great tribute to RBP, and a must-read for Spenser fans.
July 10, 2013
Otto Penzler and a slew of writers give their thoughts on Robert B. Parker and his ground-breaking detective, Spenser.
I grabbed this off of Netgalley. Thank you, Netgalley!
Penzler and the gang (Ace Atkins
Lawrence Block, Reed Farrel Coleman, Max Allan Collins, Matthew Clemens, Brendan DuBois, Loren D. Estleman, Lyndsay Faye, Ed Gorman, Parnell Hall, Jeremiah Healy, Dennis Lehane, Gary Phillips, and S.J. Rozan) tell stories about Robert B. Parker's and/or Spenser's influence on them and crime fiction in general.
I'm not as big of a fan of Spenser as some reviewers. In fact, I've only made it as far as Looking For Rachel Wallace and actually prefer Robert Crais's take on the wise-cracking detective and his deadly partner. Still, I do enjoy Spenser and gave this a try.
It's pretty interesting. It reads like a bunch of eulogies at times. Actually, Lawrence Block's reminds me of Bob Newhart's eulogy of Krusty the Klown in that classic Simpsons's episode where Krusty fakes his own death.
The individual entries range from okay to pretty good. My favorites were Dennis LeHane's story about a rude kid at a party he and Parker were attending and Ace Atkin's story about how reading Spenser taught him how to be a man.
Things got a little repetitive once I passed the halfway mark, however. It seems like everyone talked about Hawk, Spenser's cooking, westerns, and the same few Spenser books. A little more on how earlier detectives influenced Parker and Spenser would have been nice.
Still, it was an interesting read and any fan of Robert Parker and/or Spenser should read it.
I grabbed this off of Netgalley. Thank you, Netgalley!
Penzler and the gang (Ace Atkins
Lawrence Block, Reed Farrel Coleman, Max Allan Collins, Matthew Clemens, Brendan DuBois, Loren D. Estleman, Lyndsay Faye, Ed Gorman, Parnell Hall, Jeremiah Healy, Dennis Lehane, Gary Phillips, and S.J. Rozan) tell stories about Robert B. Parker's and/or Spenser's influence on them and crime fiction in general.
I'm not as big of a fan of Spenser as some reviewers. In fact, I've only made it as far as Looking For Rachel Wallace and actually prefer Robert Crais's take on the wise-cracking detective and his deadly partner. Still, I do enjoy Spenser and gave this a try.
It's pretty interesting. It reads like a bunch of eulogies at times. Actually, Lawrence Block's reminds me of Bob Newhart's eulogy of Krusty the Klown in that classic Simpsons's episode where Krusty fakes his own death.
The individual entries range from okay to pretty good. My favorites were Dennis LeHane's story about a rude kid at a party he and Parker were attending and Ace Atkin's story about how reading Spenser taught him how to be a man.
Things got a little repetitive once I passed the halfway mark, however. It seems like everyone talked about Hawk, Spenser's cooking, westerns, and the same few Spenser books. A little more on how earlier detectives influenced Parker and Spenser would have been nice.
Still, it was an interesting read and any fan of Robert Parker and/or Spenser should read it.
October 6, 2013
With the death of Robert B. Parker in 2010, fans of crime fiction lost one of the genre's most prolific writers. While Parker wrote a variety of books, including a handful of westerns, and crime series featuring two other protagonists, he will be best remembered for his most enduring and appealing character, Boston P.I., Spenser. Over the course of forty novels, Spenser would become one of the most popular private investigators ever conceived.
In this book, Otto Penzler has gathered together essays about Spenser and his creator written by some of the biggest names in the crime fiction field, including Lawrence Block, Ed Groman, Ace Atkins, Dennis Lehane, Loren Estleman and several others.
In particular, Ace Atkins, who is taking over the Spenser series, writes about his nearly life-long attraction to the books. Lawrence Block writes about Parker's great voice; Ed Gorman examines Parker's westerns, and S.J. Rozan writes about Susan Silverman, Spenser's long-time love interest and the woman that so many crime fiction fans love to hate.
All of the essays, though, are all well-written and very entertaining and thus this book should be a must-read for any of Parker's legion of fans.
In this book, Otto Penzler has gathered together essays about Spenser and his creator written by some of the biggest names in the crime fiction field, including Lawrence Block, Ed Groman, Ace Atkins, Dennis Lehane, Loren Estleman and several others.
In particular, Ace Atkins, who is taking over the Spenser series, writes about his nearly life-long attraction to the books. Lawrence Block writes about Parker's great voice; Ed Gorman examines Parker's westerns, and S.J. Rozan writes about Susan Silverman, Spenser's long-time love interest and the woman that so many crime fiction fans love to hate.
All of the essays, though, are all well-written and very entertaining and thus this book should be a must-read for any of Parker's legion of fans.
November 25, 2019
I don't know how you guys do your own Goodreading, but with most books I read, I don't look at anyone else's reviews until I've finished mine, and then I tend to read my friends reviews, then skim over a few others. But with the Spenser series, I tend to delve a bit deeper into the reviews, probably because I don't know any real live people who share my devotion to Boston's toughest, smartest, funniest gumshoe. I was introduced to the books by my dad, and he's been gone a long time now, so I look forward to reading how folks in here feel about the stories. So, when I discovered (on someone else's Goodreads page) there was a book full of writers talking about nothing but Spenser, I couldn't order it fast enough.
It's an entertaining read, filled with anecdotes from people who met Robert B Parker, or were just inspired by his writing. There are chapters devoted to his Spenser's love of cooking; his love for Susan (and how she tends to annoy the majority of readers); a discussion of Hawk, Spenser's smooth, deadly sidekick; as well as delving into other Parker creations like small town police chief Jesse Stone, and the Western novels, featuring Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch (I've never read any of the Cole & Hitch books, but I'm looking forward to getting around to them). One thing I really enjoyed was a couple of different people pointing out that Spenser was the first fictional macho private detective who wasn't also either a drunk, a womaniser, or a bigot. Parker broke all the rules with Spenser, making him a progressive, well rounded, self-educated individual. There's even a chapter at the end written by Parker himself, where Spenser is interviewed by a writer who is penning a book about men whose work takes them into dangerous situations; it's short, but I learned a couple of things about Spenser that I hadn't known before. It's a book for fans, and it delivers the goods, big time.
It's an entertaining read, filled with anecdotes from people who met Robert B Parker, or were just inspired by his writing. There are chapters devoted to his Spenser's love of cooking; his love for Susan (and how she tends to annoy the majority of readers); a discussion of Hawk, Spenser's smooth, deadly sidekick; as well as delving into other Parker creations like small town police chief Jesse Stone, and the Western novels, featuring Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch (I've never read any of the Cole & Hitch books, but I'm looking forward to getting around to them). One thing I really enjoyed was a couple of different people pointing out that Spenser was the first fictional macho private detective who wasn't also either a drunk, a womaniser, or a bigot. Parker broke all the rules with Spenser, making him a progressive, well rounded, self-educated individual. There's even a chapter at the end written by Parker himself, where Spenser is interviewed by a writer who is penning a book about men whose work takes them into dangerous situations; it's short, but I learned a couple of things about Spenser that I hadn't known before. It's a book for fans, and it delivers the goods, big time.
August 31, 2015
Really 3.5 stars
Robert B. Parker and his Spenser series were and are a huge influence on my own work, so when I stumbled across this book on Amazon I had to give it a read. I had hoped for some insights on Parker's success and/or Spenser's character, but as well-written as In Pursuit was it didn't tell me anything I didn't already know.
In Pursuit is 95% effusive praise for Parker's work, but for once I did not mind that. Parker earned every accolade he ever received and then some; when he started the Spenser series in the mid-70s he legitimately did rescue the private-eye genre from an early grave, and even a mediocre Parker novel is better than most wordsmiths (myself included) can do on their best day . I didn't have a problem with over a dozen established authors getting starry-eyed about somebody who'd clearly influenced their life and work.
Another fun part of Pursuit were the recollections of authors who'd met Bob Parker in person. Apparently he was down-to-earth, funny and as much of a wiseass as his famous hero. He was also always willing to help other authors find their way to the spotlight, although his advice tended to take the form of glib one-liners. Go figure.
The only essays which stood out for me were the ones that discussed the Spenser series' relationship to feminism (which was complex but on balance positive) and the titular character's relationship with Susan Silverman, who has always been a divisive character among fans. Some love her, some hate her, and two of the essays get into the reasons for both. As a fan who is on the fence about Susan - sometimes she's a great addition, other times I want her to shut up so Spenser can get back to work - I found the examination of both positions even-handed and compelling.
My rating for In Pursuit remains relatively low because again, it didn't tell me anything I wasn't already aware of and I was hoping for greater insights. However, a superfan who isn't a writer would quite likely enjoy the hell out of it, and I do recommend it for crime fans, Parker fans and anyone else who wants to read about a for-legit legendary author.
Robert B. Parker and his Spenser series were and are a huge influence on my own work, so when I stumbled across this book on Amazon I had to give it a read. I had hoped for some insights on Parker's success and/or Spenser's character, but as well-written as In Pursuit was it didn't tell me anything I didn't already know.
In Pursuit is 95% effusive praise for Parker's work, but for once I did not mind that. Parker earned every accolade he ever received and then some; when he started the Spenser series in the mid-70s he legitimately did rescue the private-eye genre from an early grave, and even a mediocre Parker novel is better than most wordsmiths (myself included) can do on their best day . I didn't have a problem with over a dozen established authors getting starry-eyed about somebody who'd clearly influenced their life and work.
Another fun part of Pursuit were the recollections of authors who'd met Bob Parker in person. Apparently he was down-to-earth, funny and as much of a wiseass as his famous hero. He was also always willing to help other authors find their way to the spotlight, although his advice tended to take the form of glib one-liners. Go figure.
The only essays which stood out for me were the ones that discussed the Spenser series' relationship to feminism (which was complex but on balance positive) and the titular character's relationship with Susan Silverman, who has always been a divisive character among fans. Some love her, some hate her, and two of the essays get into the reasons for both. As a fan who is on the fence about Susan - sometimes she's a great addition, other times I want her to shut up so Spenser can get back to work - I found the examination of both positions even-handed and compelling.
My rating for In Pursuit remains relatively low because again, it didn't tell me anything I wasn't already aware of and I was hoping for greater insights. However, a superfan who isn't a writer would quite likely enjoy the hell out of it, and I do recommend it for crime fans, Parker fans and anyone else who wants to read about a for-legit legendary author.
March 10, 2014
When Robert B. Parker died in 2010, I was greatly affected. It felt like I was losing a friend because reading his novels were like reading personal letters twice a year. Invariably, I would begin one of his novels (usually a Spenser novel) in the evening with the intention of reading a few chapters, only to finish the entire book as dawn approached the next day (the only way to enjoy a sleepless night). This book is a great collection of essays on the late author that includes personal recollections, the television adaptations of his work and examinations of his writing style. Just writing this review makes me want to read them all over again.
June 22, 2020
I was quite a fan of the Spenser series and was sad when Parker passed. I don't usually do the reboots. I was interested to read this set of essays. It covered a lot of territory. Ace Atkins talked about why he does the sequels; another author discussed the importance of tone; a couple of essays discussed Spenser's love of food. I'm familiar with Boston, so the essay on Parker's sense of place was enjoyable. I loved the essay on the TV series, because I thought Robert Urich and Avery Brooks were perfectly cast. Worth reading if you're a fan of the series.
May 20, 2012
Update: I really enjoyed the essays by other mystery authors on how RBP affected their works and writing careers. Ace Atkins is a real student of Parker's and knows the stories, characters and histories inside and out, as well as crediting Parker's work with helping him 'grow up' after his father died.
There were a couple essays by nationally known mystery authors as well as lesser known regional authors. It was fun to read some of the stories of how the younger authors met RBP and the advice he gave them.
Again, it was a bit of a letdown not to have Crais, Coben and the others who imitated Parker's style submit anything.
-------------------------------------------------------
In the fall of 1986, I was an 18 year old freshman who had left home for the first time. Ian Kennedy, one of my new friends let me borrow a Robert B. Parker book entitled The Judas Goat, and suddenly I was hooked. The next weekend, I discovered a used bookstore in the small town of Delaware, Ohio, and purchased nine other Spenser books, which I finished over Thanksgiving and Christmas vacations.
Though the works are all detective fiction and will never win true literary awards, I found them to be inspirational and almost essential in forming me during that final few years before adulthood. Many of the themes of being an individual, doing what is right, being tolerant of those who are different, and the musings of what makes a good person were underlying themes within the books. In Looking for Rachel Wallace which was published in 1980, Spenser is hired to guard an activist lesbian author who has been threatened by bigots and hate mongers, and at times, Spenser muses on why he should pass judgment because of someone's sexual orientation. In 1980, this topic was not as mainstream as it is today.
One last flashback to the fall of 1986. I was taking a humanities class entitled "Devil, Hero, God" which had us reading One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Fahrenheit 451 The Natural, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, where the main theme was comparing the protagonists to the "Adamic Man", one who excels due to his purity or innocence, or who falls due to the loss thereof. At the time, I couldn't help but think that the character of Spenser should be included in the reading material.
Though the book is a compilation of essays by mystery authors on the influence Robert Parker's Spenser had on crime fiction and their own writing, I will say that I am disappointed that Harlan Coben, Robert Crais and some of the dozens of other mystery writers who imitate Parker didn't write an essay.
Wow, this is my longest review and I haven't even started the book yet!
There were a couple essays by nationally known mystery authors as well as lesser known regional authors. It was fun to read some of the stories of how the younger authors met RBP and the advice he gave them.
Again, it was a bit of a letdown not to have Crais, Coben and the others who imitated Parker's style submit anything.
-------------------------------------------------------
In the fall of 1986, I was an 18 year old freshman who had left home for the first time. Ian Kennedy, one of my new friends let me borrow a Robert B. Parker book entitled The Judas Goat, and suddenly I was hooked. The next weekend, I discovered a used bookstore in the small town of Delaware, Ohio, and purchased nine other Spenser books, which I finished over Thanksgiving and Christmas vacations.
Though the works are all detective fiction and will never win true literary awards, I found them to be inspirational and almost essential in forming me during that final few years before adulthood. Many of the themes of being an individual, doing what is right, being tolerant of those who are different, and the musings of what makes a good person were underlying themes within the books. In Looking for Rachel Wallace which was published in 1980, Spenser is hired to guard an activist lesbian author who has been threatened by bigots and hate mongers, and at times, Spenser muses on why he should pass judgment because of someone's sexual orientation. In 1980, this topic was not as mainstream as it is today.
One last flashback to the fall of 1986. I was taking a humanities class entitled "Devil, Hero, God" which had us reading One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Fahrenheit 451 The Natural, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, where the main theme was comparing the protagonists to the "Adamic Man", one who excels due to his purity or innocence, or who falls due to the loss thereof. At the time, I couldn't help but think that the character of Spenser should be included in the reading material.
Though the book is a compilation of essays by mystery authors on the influence Robert Parker's Spenser had on crime fiction and their own writing, I will say that I am disappointed that Harlan Coben, Robert Crais and some of the dozens of other mystery writers who imitate Parker didn't write an essay.
Wow, this is my longest review and I haven't even started the book yet!
May 23, 2013
TITLE: IN PURSUIT OF SPENSER
Subtitle: Mystery Writers on Robert B. Parker and the Creation of an American Hero
Do you want to read a bunch of authors expounding on some part of Robert "Bob" Parker's writing? If you are the type to like a could literary round of debate, this book is for you. If you want to read about an American Hero, you might as well skip this collection of essays. If you find the back and forth of dialogue about Parker and Spenser, you might just want to read this. I gave it 3 stars because, while I read the whole thing, I did not always enjoy it.
I want to be a writer. This is a book for of essays by a bunch of writers about Robert "Bob" Parker and his creations. Some authors write well in this compilation, some abominably. Some bring fresh-faced enthusiasm, some quite obviously do not. This is at once a tribute to Robert Parker's many novels, and an opportunity for other writers in the mystery genre to air all sorts of feelings that may not feel like a tribute. Many authors have small anecdotes about meeting with him. A surprising number of them all wax on about the same novels within the Spenser cannon, like a communal echo as you read.
Sadly, A select few authors bored me to tears. One author flat out warned of a spoiler that I shouldn't read if I hadn't read a particular novel, which meant I had to quickly find another essay and move on. Even if I never read that novel in my future, the sense of "get me out of here" was tangible. Fortunately, I still found the other essays fun to read and salvaged the task.
Parker didn't invent the private detective. He didn't write in a vacuum, and some earlier writers clearly had an impact. His creation of Spencer brought a whole new dynamic to his Private Eye -- not just a gumshoe as jaded as Sam Spade, but a man who was open to love, and who follows his inner compass. Not only that, but Parker didn't just write Spenser novels. And there was more than Jesse Stone, too. Parker wrote Westerns, and he wrote all of these with a sense of the Romantic.
What is acknowledged by all: Parker wrote about men who lived with a code of right and wrong, and who deliberated where the lines were, what actions to right wrongs were truly right. Like Samurai or Knights Errant, these characters live and breathe their code of honor. Spenser is his idealized character. Jesse Stone is a little more flawed, a little more of "a work in progress."
When all essays were said and done, the reading complete, I wanted to turn back to some of the enthusiastic ones and take notes, and begin reading all the titles to watch for the magic that Parker created. I might even read the Westerns he wrote, which otherwise I am not sure would be in my normal repertoire. I just have this unassailable belief that Parker hasn't let me down yet, so I might just try a little more than I usually do!
END: There are other authors continuing the Spenser books and the Jesse Stone screenplays carrying the characters forward after Parker has passed.
Tags: Robert Parker, Mystery, Private Investigator, P.I., Spenser, Spenser: For Hire, Hawk, Westerns, Code of Honor, Honor, Personal Code, Justice, Susan Silverman
Permalink: http://martysreads.blogspot.com/2013/...
Subtitle: Mystery Writers on Robert B. Parker and the Creation of an American Hero
Do you want to read a bunch of authors expounding on some part of Robert "Bob" Parker's writing? If you are the type to like a could literary round of debate, this book is for you. If you want to read about an American Hero, you might as well skip this collection of essays. If you find the back and forth of dialogue about Parker and Spenser, you might just want to read this. I gave it 3 stars because, while I read the whole thing, I did not always enjoy it.
I want to be a writer. This is a book for of essays by a bunch of writers about Robert "Bob" Parker and his creations. Some authors write well in this compilation, some abominably. Some bring fresh-faced enthusiasm, some quite obviously do not. This is at once a tribute to Robert Parker's many novels, and an opportunity for other writers in the mystery genre to air all sorts of feelings that may not feel like a tribute. Many authors have small anecdotes about meeting with him. A surprising number of them all wax on about the same novels within the Spenser cannon, like a communal echo as you read.
Sadly, A select few authors bored me to tears. One author flat out warned of a spoiler that I shouldn't read if I hadn't read a particular novel, which meant I had to quickly find another essay and move on. Even if I never read that novel in my future, the sense of "get me out of here" was tangible. Fortunately, I still found the other essays fun to read and salvaged the task.
Parker didn't invent the private detective. He didn't write in a vacuum, and some earlier writers clearly had an impact. His creation of Spencer brought a whole new dynamic to his Private Eye -- not just a gumshoe as jaded as Sam Spade, but a man who was open to love, and who follows his inner compass. Not only that, but Parker didn't just write Spenser novels. And there was more than Jesse Stone, too. Parker wrote Westerns, and he wrote all of these with a sense of the Romantic.
What is acknowledged by all: Parker wrote about men who lived with a code of right and wrong, and who deliberated where the lines were, what actions to right wrongs were truly right. Like Samurai or Knights Errant, these characters live and breathe their code of honor. Spenser is his idealized character. Jesse Stone is a little more flawed, a little more of "a work in progress."
When all essays were said and done, the reading complete, I wanted to turn back to some of the enthusiastic ones and take notes, and begin reading all the titles to watch for the magic that Parker created. I might even read the Westerns he wrote, which otherwise I am not sure would be in my normal repertoire. I just have this unassailable belief that Parker hasn't let me down yet, so I might just try a little more than I usually do!
END: There are other authors continuing the Spenser books and the Jesse Stone screenplays carrying the characters forward after Parker has passed.
Tags: Robert Parker, Mystery, Private Investigator, P.I., Spenser, Spenser: For Hire, Hawk, Westerns, Code of Honor, Honor, Personal Code, Justice, Susan Silverman
Permalink: http://martysreads.blogspot.com/2013/...
May 13, 2013
I've read some books in the Spenser series by Robert B. Parker (he wrote 39 of them) and enjoyed them ... so that's why this book caught my eye. I wasn't a fan of his Jesse Stone series and hadn't heard of his Sunny Randall series.
Parker died suddenly in January 2010 and his estate has hired Ace Atkins to continue on with the series ... it should be interesting to see if he can carry on in the same spirit (I hope so).
Each of the contributors added an essay about Parker and/or Spenser. I found that some were more interesting than others. It was good to learn more about Parker ... for example, he and his wife, Joan, got married in 1956. They discovered, though, that the only way they could "live together" is if she lived on one floor of their townhouse and he lived on another and they shared the rest of the house.
S.J. Rozan focused on Spenser's love interest, Susan Silverman. I've never been a fan of Susan's and it was good to know that I wasn't the only one who found her annoying (Rozan is a fan of Susan's, though). Gary Phillips focused on the character of Hawk (I always enjoyed the exchange between Spenser and Hawk).
There is also an essay comparing the books to the series and made-for-TV movies (which I've never seen). I must say that when I envisioned Spenser while reading the books, I pictured him more like Parker than Robert Urich.
You'll enjoy this book if you are a fan of Parker and/or Spenser.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2013/05...
Parker died suddenly in January 2010 and his estate has hired Ace Atkins to continue on with the series ... it should be interesting to see if he can carry on in the same spirit (I hope so).
Each of the contributors added an essay about Parker and/or Spenser. I found that some were more interesting than others. It was good to learn more about Parker ... for example, he and his wife, Joan, got married in 1956. They discovered, though, that the only way they could "live together" is if she lived on one floor of their townhouse and he lived on another and they shared the rest of the house.
S.J. Rozan focused on Spenser's love interest, Susan Silverman. I've never been a fan of Susan's and it was good to know that I wasn't the only one who found her annoying (Rozan is a fan of Susan's, though). Gary Phillips focused on the character of Hawk (I always enjoyed the exchange between Spenser and Hawk).
There is also an essay comparing the books to the series and made-for-TV movies (which I've never seen). I must say that when I envisioned Spenser while reading the books, I pictured him more like Parker than Robert Urich.
You'll enjoy this book if you are a fan of Parker and/or Spenser.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2013/05...
February 2, 2013
I don't remember the first Spenser book I read, but it was an early one, probably Mortal Stakes. I really enjoyed it, went back and picked up the rest of the books I didn't have and I now have all 40 of the books on my shelves. Over the years I've been know to go back and reread the series from start to finish, not a hard job since the books are quite short and easily read in a sitting. I've read the other series as well, and particularly liked his western series. I understood the lineage of Spenser ... from the round table, through the western, the Continental Op and then Spenser ... who single handed resurrected the genre. This book, which is as much an hommage to Parker as it is to a study of Spencer, brought back the reasons I enjoyed the series, and provided some new insights into the books and the characters. Most of the essays focus on Parker/Spenser, but there are the occasional forays in Hawk and Susan, as well as explorations of the Jesse Stone series and his westerns.
I can't say that I like them all, but they all provided good reading.
Anyone who has read a couple of the Spenser novels and is still on the fence, give this a read. I think you'll go back to the others in the series. If you're a long-time reader, then this is certainly something you should take a look at.
I can't say that I like them all, but they all provided good reading.
Anyone who has read a couple of the Spenser novels and is still on the fence, give this a read. I think you'll go back to the others in the series. If you're a long-time reader, then this is certainly something you should take a look at.
May 19, 2012
Too many of my good friends contributed to In Pursuit of Spenser, a collection of essays about Robert B. Parker and his writing, for me to be unbiased or, conversely, too critical in my review.
The line-up of authors that editor Otto Penzler assembled for the book includes Loren D. Estleman, Parnell Hall, Brendan DuBois, Gary Phillips, Lawrence Block, Dennis Lehane, Max Allan Collins, SJ Rozan, Jeremiah Healy, Ed Gorman, Reed Farrel Coleman, and Spenser's new author, Ace Atkins.
I'll just say that some of the essays are much stronger than others and don't quite jell as a whole. There's a great, indepth book to be written about Parker and his work and this isn't quite it. For the most part, this book just skims the surface, but I get the sense that's exactly what Penzler was going for. Something as breezy and light as Parker's fiction.
At times, the book reads more like an extended memorial, what friends and admirers might have stood up at the podium to say at Parker's service, had they been given the chance. And it's those essays in particular, the more personal ones from Lehane and Block, that are the most entertaining and revealing. Block obviously admired Parker's craftmanship but also didn't pull any punches.
The line-up of authors that editor Otto Penzler assembled for the book includes Loren D. Estleman, Parnell Hall, Brendan DuBois, Gary Phillips, Lawrence Block, Dennis Lehane, Max Allan Collins, SJ Rozan, Jeremiah Healy, Ed Gorman, Reed Farrel Coleman, and Spenser's new author, Ace Atkins.
I'll just say that some of the essays are much stronger than others and don't quite jell as a whole. There's a great, indepth book to be written about Parker and his work and this isn't quite it. For the most part, this book just skims the surface, but I get the sense that's exactly what Penzler was going for. Something as breezy and light as Parker's fiction.
At times, the book reads more like an extended memorial, what friends and admirers might have stood up at the podium to say at Parker's service, had they been given the chance. And it's those essays in particular, the more personal ones from Lehane and Block, that are the most entertaining and revealing. Block obviously admired Parker's craftmanship but also didn't pull any punches.
May 30, 2013
Loved this book. It was great to see the influence Robert Parker and his characters had on other mystery writers. The writers, give inside to the characters from the books, and even delve into the TV series. The series is what made me read Parker's books, seeing Robert Urich & Avery Brooks as Spenser and Hawk, helped make the characters more alive for me. It let me hear Parker's words in recognizable voices. The authors who contributed to this book gave me back the excitement I felt when I first read the books. With Parker no longer with us, I thought his tales were over and would be relegated to a completed file. Reading of his influence on others, makes me want to reread his original stories, plus the new ones that are being written by the new author. It also gave me names of new authors to check out. Never read his Jesse Stone books, but love the movies. Guess I'll have to read those, knowing when I do that Jesse will sound a lot like Tom Selleck. Long live Robert B Parker and his great works. It was nice to read about Parker himself, and see the admiration of this wonderful author on many of his friends and colleagues.
May 5, 2012
These authors reminded me what I loved about Robert B. Parker's Spenser and Hawk and Susan (yes, I also found Susan annoying at times). It was lovely to read about books I also loved by authors who loved them, too--and the reviews and excerpts make me want to reread Parker. I didn't know he had a Ph.D. in English and taught at the college level before he succeeded as a writer. I admire him for never forgetting what a privilege it was to be a popular writer. It was a privilege for me to enter his world. Never read his Westerns. Not planning to read them either. Well, maybe. And maybe his histories, too.
May 18, 2015
As with all books of essays, it is uneven. That said, a collection of essays provides something for everyone. I was particularly fond of the essays by Gary Phillips (his is on Hawk) and S. J. Rozan (on Susan Silverman, for whom I never particularly cared, an affliction I share with many). The Spenser profile at the end was written by Parker himself, and in it, a reader can see the both efficiency and depth of the man's dialogue. He was a master, and Spenser is a great character.
May 21, 2012
I've been a fan of Parker/Spenser from the early books, less so later, though my interest was restored with the Jesse Stone books. This collection of remembrances and analysis is very well done, if not overly critical of Parker. The breadth of contributors is impressive, and their insights are deep and thoughtful.
December 18, 2023
I am generally very reluctant to read literary commentary/criticism, for I tend to dislike having people tell me what books and characters are about. As a very experienced reviewer, I prefer making my own decisions regarding the underlying fundamentals of stories and characters.
However, in this case I am very happy that I went against that general principle. The Roberrt B. Parker character is the second best character in detective fiction, trailing only Sherlock Holmes. The mystery writers that dissect and interpret the Spenser character do so in a manner that contains the right number of plaudits along with some dissection/criticism.
With few exceptions, the commentators do not plunge deep into the more formal literary criticism, they write as fans of Parker and the Spenser universe he created. They also note how Spenser and the supporting characters have evolved over time. Specifically, how the characters of Hawk and Susan complement Spenser and his traits. Every fan of Spenser should read this book.
However, in this case I am very happy that I went against that general principle. The Roberrt B. Parker character is the second best character in detective fiction, trailing only Sherlock Holmes. The mystery writers that dissect and interpret the Spenser character do so in a manner that contains the right number of plaudits along with some dissection/criticism.
With few exceptions, the commentators do not plunge deep into the more formal literary criticism, they write as fans of Parker and the Spenser universe he created. They also note how Spenser and the supporting characters have evolved over time. Specifically, how the characters of Hawk and Susan complement Spenser and his traits. Every fan of Spenser should read this book.
July 23, 2017
Some of these essays about Spenser were wonderful - some disappointing - some only finished because I'm stubborn - and all pale in the end . . . the last entry in this book is by Robert B. Parker, and titled, clearly, 'Spenser: A Profile'
Parker uses a colleague of Susan's to put Spenser on the spot . . . as the sample profile to sell a book titled "Men Who Dare". He's not enthusiastic, but Susan asked him to meet with and help her friend, Amy. Through Amy's questions and responses, Parker allows Spenser to explain what and why he does what he does. what influences he allows to affect him and to what degree. If you are a fan of the sensitive, gourmet, loyal detective, than this last bit - the final 15 or so pages - is what reading this book rewards you with at the end.
Parker uses a colleague of Susan's to put Spenser on the spot . . . as the sample profile to sell a book titled "Men Who Dare". He's not enthusiastic, but Susan asked him to meet with and help her friend, Amy. Through Amy's questions and responses, Parker allows Spenser to explain what and why he does what he does. what influences he allows to affect him and to what degree. If you are a fan of the sensitive, gourmet, loyal detective, than this last bit - the final 15 or so pages - is what reading this book rewards you with at the end.
March 24, 2020
This collection of essays in honour of Robert B Parker starts with a bang: Ace Atkins and Dennis Lehane blow the covers off with personal reminiscences about Parker that were funny, touching, revelatory and, by themselves, worth the cost of the book. Atkins talks about how the Spenser series influenced him as he grew to be a man. Lehane shared a very funny story about a football game he once watched with Parker. Both men write with energy and honesty and I felt that they paid grand tribute to Parker.
Laurence Block said he was probably not a good choice to write about Parker, an assessment with which I agree.
Parnell Hall, Loren D Estleman, Jeremiah Healy, Brandon Dubois and Lyndsay Faye talked about Boston, and cooking and Spenser's sense of humour, and how Parker revived the detective story in the 1970s. They were all good essays.
Gary Phillips talked about Hawk and the literary antecedents and descendents of this black male character. I was very interested to read some of the history of other similar characters, information that was new to me.
S J Rozan takes on the controversial subject of Susan Silverman, a character that is much hated, although she is written to be loved and admired. Rozan puts up a very good defense for Susan. Although I never HATED Susan, I have found her an irritating interruption to the fun of a Spenser novel. I think Rozan's essay makes me more sympathetic to Susan's role.
Max Allan Collins and Matthew Clemens talk about the T.V. and movie Spenser. I never watched the show, but I saw a couple of the movies. The books are better.
Reed Farrel Coleman talks about the Jesse Stone series, and how it is different from Spenser. Ed Gorman did a great essay on Parker's westerns, which made me want to read them all (the only work by Parker that I have not fully read).
The last word was given over to Parker himself in a funny scene where Spenser is being interviewed by one of Susan's Harvard friends. Made me miss Parker all over again.
And of course, to end at the beginning, Otto Penzler edited and wrote the introduction. Overall, I would say that this book is a must read for Parker fans.
Laurence Block said he was probably not a good choice to write about Parker, an assessment with which I agree.
Parnell Hall, Loren D Estleman, Jeremiah Healy, Brandon Dubois and Lyndsay Faye talked about Boston, and cooking and Spenser's sense of humour, and how Parker revived the detective story in the 1970s. They were all good essays.
Gary Phillips talked about Hawk and the literary antecedents and descendents of this black male character. I was very interested to read some of the history of other similar characters, information that was new to me.
S J Rozan takes on the controversial subject of Susan Silverman, a character that is much hated, although she is written to be loved and admired. Rozan puts up a very good defense for Susan. Although I never HATED Susan, I have found her an irritating interruption to the fun of a Spenser novel. I think Rozan's essay makes me more sympathetic to Susan's role.
Max Allan Collins and Matthew Clemens talk about the T.V. and movie Spenser. I never watched the show, but I saw a couple of the movies. The books are better.
Reed Farrel Coleman talks about the Jesse Stone series, and how it is different from Spenser. Ed Gorman did a great essay on Parker's westerns, which made me want to read them all (the only work by Parker that I have not fully read).
The last word was given over to Parker himself in a funny scene where Spenser is being interviewed by one of Susan's Harvard friends. Made me miss Parker all over again.
And of course, to end at the beginning, Otto Penzler edited and wrote the introduction. Overall, I would say that this book is a must read for Parker fans.
October 29, 2017
I cried reading this. My best friend was a Spenser fan and she would have loved it. I enjoyed exploring Boston one day looking at Spenser's haunts. So, its not just another tribute book. Ace Atkins leads off the memories and analysis with his usual aplomb. Many other authors pay tribute with awe. Thanks Otto Pensler. So worth buying, reading, and keeping.
September 30, 2018
A bit repetitive at times but given the multi-author nature of the work I suppose that's to be expected. A nice little companion piece to Parker's work. Also good to see his lesser-known, but still excellent, Westerns getting some love.
May 31, 2022
Especially fun was the "profile" of Spenser written by Parker himself, though all essays were interesting. It was also nice to read about the TV series & movies, as well as Jesse Stone and other Parker creations.
September 5, 2022
Really uneven series of essays on Robert B. Parker's sterling detective, RBP's narrative style, influences, etc... Some of the essays were deep and well written - especially RBP's own essay on what makes Spenser tick... Most of them though were sloppy, wordy, or IMO missed the point(s) entirely...
July 18, 2018
Dan Simmons said more about the Spenser series in one paragraph in a Joe Kurtz novel than anybody does here. Everybody brings up Early Autumn, which was the last good Spenser novel in retrospect.
April 23, 2020
Warning, will make you want to go reread one or two Spensers of your choice almost immediately. Also to eat a good meal and drink a good drink in Bob Parker's name.
June 12, 2020
Very insightful
January 4, 2024
Generous critical appreciation and assessment of Robert B Parker's detective fiction by peers and fans.
January 25, 2015
I've been a long-time fan of Robert B. Parker and have read almost all of his books. (Have not read "Gunman's Rhapsody" which was his first western about Wyatt and Virgil Earp and the gunfight at the OK Corral.) Parker's detective, Spenser, (no first name, just Spenser, spelled like the poet) has set the bar very high for all the other mystery writers out there and this book showed why. Each chapter was by a different mystery writer (many familiar names contributed including another of my favorites, Lawrence Block) and covered a different aspect of Spenser's personality from his love of cooking and good food to Susan. Ah, Susan. The character so many of us love to hate -- one person wrote a Blog at some point about ways of killing the annoying Susan. A few excerpts were included. I suspect it was a very popular Blog! One chapter was devoted to Hawk,as popular and likable as Susan was not.
The Jesse Stone novels and the 4 Westerns featuring Virgil Cole and Everett Hicks also had chapters as did some of the made for TV movies and the "Spenser for Hire" TV series. The Sunny Randall novels were not mentioned at all and I'm really not sure why they weren't included. I liked all of those and Sunny and Jesse Stone worked together a time or two and it appeared a relationship was in the offing.
I enjoyed this book a lot. I spent a long time on it since it was easy to put down after a section and take it up again later. I likely will read parts of this many times in the future.
The Jesse Stone novels and the 4 Westerns featuring Virgil Cole and Everett Hicks also had chapters as did some of the made for TV movies and the "Spenser for Hire" TV series. The Sunny Randall novels were not mentioned at all and I'm really not sure why they weren't included. I liked all of those and Sunny and Jesse Stone worked together a time or two and it appeared a relationship was in the offing.
I enjoyed this book a lot. I spent a long time on it since it was easy to put down after a section and take it up again later. I likely will read parts of this many times in the future.
February 13, 2017
An enjoyable must-read for fans of Parker's work.
March 16, 2013
I discovered Robert B. Parker's Spenser about 20 years ago. In a way, that is sad because I could have been enjoying Spenser for a lot more years. But, in a way it was fantastic because I had so many Spenser books to read to catch up and there were new ones coming out regularly. For years I was able to read or listen to his books as quickly as I wanted. But, eventually I caught up and had to just wait for the new ones. Sadly, in 2010 Parker died so all of his series came to an end.
In Pursuit of Spenser is an attempt to honor the long and noteworthy career of Robert B. Parker. Editor Otto Penzler has collected 14 essays by such writers as Lawrence Block, Loren D. Estleman and Dennis Lehane (and one work by Parker himself that explains Spenser) in a must-read for any fan. Although the focus is on Parker and Spenser...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2013/...
In Pursuit of Spenser is an attempt to honor the long and noteworthy career of Robert B. Parker. Editor Otto Penzler has collected 14 essays by such writers as Lawrence Block, Loren D. Estleman and Dennis Lehane (and one work by Parker himself that explains Spenser) in a must-read for any fan. Although the focus is on Parker and Spenser...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2013/...
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