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Spenser #16
Playmates
Spenser goes back to school--to investigate corruption in college town. Taft University's hottest basketball star is shaving points for quick cash. And if Spenser doesn't watch his own footwork, the guilty parties will shave a few years off his life...
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 1989
871 people are currently reading
1188 people want to read
About the author
Robert B. Parker
489 books2,296 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database named Robert B. Parker.
Robert Brown Parker was an American writer, primarily of fiction within the mystery/detective genre. His most famous works were the 40 novels written about the fictional private detective Spenser. ABC television network developed the television series Spenser: For Hire based on the character in the mid-1980s; a series of TV movies was also produced based on the character. His works incorporate encyclopedic knowledge of the Boston metropolitan area. The Spenser novels have been cited as reviving and changing the detective genre by critics and bestselling authors including Robert Crais, Harlan Coben, and Dennis Lehane.
Parker also wrote nine novels featuring the fictional character Jesse Stone, a Los Angeles police officer who moves to a small New England town; six novels with the fictional character Sunny Randall, a female private investigator; and four Westerns starring the duo Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch. The first was Appaloosa, made into a film starring Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen.
Robert Brown Parker was an American writer, primarily of fiction within the mystery/detective genre. His most famous works were the 40 novels written about the fictional private detective Spenser. ABC television network developed the television series Spenser: For Hire based on the character in the mid-1980s; a series of TV movies was also produced based on the character. His works incorporate encyclopedic knowledge of the Boston metropolitan area. The Spenser novels have been cited as reviving and changing the detective genre by critics and bestselling authors including Robert Crais, Harlan Coben, and Dennis Lehane.
Parker also wrote nine novels featuring the fictional character Jesse Stone, a Los Angeles police officer who moves to a small New England town; six novels with the fictional character Sunny Randall, a female private investigator; and four Westerns starring the duo Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch. The first was Appaloosa, made into a film starring Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 261 reviews
August 20, 2019
My favorite Spensers—I believe the best Spensers—are the ones where The detective is committed to saving a young person enmeshed in an adult world of selfishness and criminality. He can solve the murders easily—and there are always murders—but it is the rescue of the next generation that requires the most ingenious—and often extra-legal—solutions.
Ceremony and Early Autumn are the classic examples of this theme. Playmates--like God Save the Child—just misses being up to their level, but it is still a very good book.
Spenser is hired by Taft University to investigate a disturbing rumor: somebody on the basketball team—their best chance to win the NCAA in years—may be shaving points. (The investigation must be “hush hush” of course; no need to cause a scandal.) Spenser discovers that someone is indeed shaving points: their star player Dwayne Woodcock. Spenser also discovers other things: 1) Dwayne is mixed up with some sort of mob, and 2) Dwayne can’t read.
This really bothers Spenser, that a sophomore in college can pass all his classes and still not be able to read. So he decides to protect Dwayne from scandal, break off his mob ties, and make him learn to read—even if he has to blackmail the stubborn young man to do it.
All this for the sake of basketball and literacy? Well, there is one other thing. Dwayne may be a pain in the ass, but he has a beautiful and intelligent, loving and loyal girlfriend. Her name is Chantel, and Spenser thinks she is “a woman and a half.”
November 25, 2023
This is part of a series but each offering can be read as a stand alone novel. In this one there are allegations of a college basketball team shaving points in their games. Spenser is hired to see if these allegations are true.
Immediately I was immersed in this book. I have stated how these books take place in my neck of the woods. This one was the author's take on the true happenings of a college around here and their scandal many years ago. I remember that scandal so I was anxious of how the author would handle it. I knew while reading this book that it would not be straightforward and it isn't. Spenser has a moral dilemma on his hands as his investigation progresses and I enjoyed this development. I cannot have a Spenser book without Hawk and once again he is present. I seriously believe I could read a whole book with these two characters just talking over a drink. With all these facets being present why only a two star rating then? The conclusion ruined this book for me. It was so anti climatic and readily agreed by all of the characters that it took all drama out of the situation. I am still wondering why the antagonist agreed to it so quickly without any deliberation. It sort of came across as the author painted himself into a situation and did not know how to have all the characters come out of this situation in the place he wanted them to be. So he went with this and it was disappointing.
That is back to back books in this series that had potential but failed to deliver. For the majority of this book I was really enjoying it. The interaction between characters was on point and the plot hit home with me. Then the climax happened. It was a dud and seriously affected my rating. Not the best book from this long running series.
Immediately I was immersed in this book. I have stated how these books take place in my neck of the woods. This one was the author's take on the true happenings of a college around here and their scandal many years ago. I remember that scandal so I was anxious of how the author would handle it. I knew while reading this book that it would not be straightforward and it isn't. Spenser has a moral dilemma on his hands as his investigation progresses and I enjoyed this development. I cannot have a Spenser book without Hawk and once again he is present. I seriously believe I could read a whole book with these two characters just talking over a drink. With all these facets being present why only a two star rating then? The conclusion ruined this book for me. It was so anti climatic and readily agreed by all of the characters that it took all drama out of the situation. I am still wondering why the antagonist agreed to it so quickly without any deliberation. It sort of came across as the author painted himself into a situation and did not know how to have all the characters come out of this situation in the place he wanted them to be. So he went with this and it was disappointing.
That is back to back books in this series that had potential but failed to deliver. For the majority of this book I was really enjoying it. The interaction between characters was on point and the plot hit home with me. Then the climax happened. It was a dud and seriously affected my rating. Not the best book from this long running series.
October 16, 2010
Spenser gets hired to check out an accusation that a star athlete is screwing with the outcome of games for gambling purposes. When he investigates, he finds that the athlete is with a good woman that he truly loves, and that he is in way over his head with shady people. Spenser decides to confront the gamblers and help the couple out rather than destroy the athlete’s career.
“Wait a second, Kemper. You mixed up your books. That’s the plot from Mortal Stakes where Spenser is hired by the Red Sox to check out their star pitcher. This review is supposed to be about Playmates. ”
Sadly, I have not made a mistake. The basic plot is the same for both books. Parker did make changes so that the stories have differences, but it is disappointing that he started recycling plots at this point.
Taft University hires Spenser to check out a story that someone on their highly ranked basketball team is shaving points. Spenser quickly figures out that Dwayne Woodcock, one of the best players in the country, is in on the scheme. Dwayne is arrogant and spoiled, but he has a good woman in his life. Spenser can’t bear to see her suffer for Dwayne’s idiocy so rather than trash Dwayne’s career, he doesn’t report what he knows to the college and starts trying to find a way to pry Dwayne free from the gamblers.
This isn’t a bad story. In fact, it’s a pretty good Spenser adventure. There’s some funny stuff with Hawk, and Spenser gets to annoy a loudmouth Bobby Knight-style coach. (I hate Bobby Knight so that bonus feature may not tickle all readers.) Parker flips his usual theme of a ‘good’ man with a ‘bad’ woman to a quality woman making a pain-in-the ass man worth saving. However, I have never been able to get over similarity in plot to the superior Mortal Stakes.
With my 2010 cynical nature about sports, I found it highly funny that the 1989 Spenser is shocked and outraged to find out about academic fraud done to keep Dwayne eligible to play. It's kind of quaint.
Next up: Spenser goes Hollywood in Stardust.
“Wait a second, Kemper. You mixed up your books. That’s the plot from Mortal Stakes where Spenser is hired by the Red Sox to check out their star pitcher. This review is supposed to be about Playmates. ”
Sadly, I have not made a mistake. The basic plot is the same for both books. Parker did make changes so that the stories have differences, but it is disappointing that he started recycling plots at this point.
Taft University hires Spenser to check out a story that someone on their highly ranked basketball team is shaving points. Spenser quickly figures out that Dwayne Woodcock, one of the best players in the country, is in on the scheme. Dwayne is arrogant and spoiled, but he has a good woman in his life. Spenser can’t bear to see her suffer for Dwayne’s idiocy so rather than trash Dwayne’s career, he doesn’t report what he knows to the college and starts trying to find a way to pry Dwayne free from the gamblers.
This isn’t a bad story. In fact, it’s a pretty good Spenser adventure. There’s some funny stuff with Hawk, and Spenser gets to annoy a loudmouth Bobby Knight-style coach. (I hate Bobby Knight so that bonus feature may not tickle all readers.) Parker flips his usual theme of a ‘good’ man with a ‘bad’ woman to a quality woman making a pain-in-the ass man worth saving. However, I have never been able to get over similarity in plot to the superior Mortal Stakes.
With my 2010 cynical nature about sports, I found it highly funny that the 1989 Spenser is shocked and outraged to find out about academic fraud done to keep Dwayne eligible to play. It's kind of quaint.
Next up: Spenser goes Hollywood in Stardust.
September 19, 2020
Clearly inspired by the Boston College men's basketball point shaving betting scandal of '79, which involved mobsters James Burke and Henry Hill of Lufthansa heist/Goodfellas fame. Playmates is a quick read without a very big twist or surprise as to who was doing what to whom. Parker does his best to avoid the white savior trappings, but it's difficult when your hero is a middle-aged white detective and the victim in need of saving is a young black basketball player. Still, this is a decent addition to the Spenser series, which should keep fans chugging along to the next book.
January 12, 2014
This was a "mellow" case this time for Spenser. The action was not present as in the past. This one showed his ever present wit, gourmet cooking skills and the his compassion really shines in this one. Another fun, quick read...from this great series. 3.5 stars.
December 10, 2025
This is Spenser at his best. This is the 3rd or 4th book where he gets involved in a case involving a young person is trouble. The solution evolves slowly as Spenser works his magic.
May 23, 2017
(The word "maroon" appears twice in this novel)
3.5 stars
It's a bit uneven in places, but ends satisfyingly... and without a massive gunfight ... a new concept for Parker, perhaps °͜°
I must say that enjoy far more the grateful young people that Spenser saves, rather than those who are sullen... But hey, what are you gonna do?
The relationship between Susan and Spenser in this book feels more stable, a bit happier, a sense that joy is still possible, along with passion and repartée.
See my review of Crimson Joy for more Spenser Series opinion...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
3.5 stars
It's a bit uneven in places, but ends satisfyingly... and without a massive gunfight ... a new concept for Parker, perhaps °͜°
I must say that enjoy far more the grateful young people that Spenser saves, rather than those who are sullen... But hey, what are you gonna do?
The relationship between Susan and Spenser in this book feels more stable, a bit happier, a sense that joy is still possible, along with passion and repartée.
See my review of Crimson Joy for more Spenser Series opinion...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
November 6, 2021
Another typically good Spenser novel. Good but nothing special.
April 17, 2018
Meh... that pretty much sums up my thoughts on Playmates, the 16th book in the Spenser series.
I never got into this series (after reading the first two novels), so now I'm just reading the books that I own and sadly Playmates wasn't a big hit.
My biggest problem was that there was a lack of mystery and suspense. There is a potential scandal at Taft University where the star basketball player may be shaving points (scoring less points at the end of the game to not cover the spread). Spenser is hired to investigate if such a thing is occurring.
There is some intensity in the later half of the novel, but for me, it just wasn't that interesting. It was mostly reading about Spenser talking to different people and trying to come up with the best outcome for all parties.
I never got into this series (after reading the first two novels), so now I'm just reading the books that I own and sadly Playmates wasn't a big hit.
My biggest problem was that there was a lack of mystery and suspense. There is a potential scandal at Taft University where the star basketball player may be shaving points (scoring less points at the end of the game to not cover the spread). Spenser is hired to investigate if such a thing is occurring.
There is some intensity in the later half of the novel, but for me, it just wasn't that interesting. It was mostly reading about Spenser talking to different people and trying to come up with the best outcome for all parties.
September 21, 2019
Lateish Parker, but I still liked it...
April 13, 2025
Boston PI Spencer is hired by local Taft University to investigate the college paper's claim that the basketball team is involved in a point-shaving gambling scheme. Spencer's investigation leads first to the team's star power forward Dwayne Woodcock who is projected to go quite high in the upcoming NBA draft and who passes all of his classes without attending.
Spencer, the woman-ogling antihero, has his unseemly mannerisms and high-handed bully style, but his nobly righteous attempt to find all the pieces of the puzzle and set things right make him kind of a middle-ground avenger for bad guys against worse guys, or perhaps a defender of folks on the fence from bad guys who might do them harm, all while earning a buck.
"Playmates" (1989) is the 16th book in the Spencer series but is a good stand-alone caper; I didn't sense I was missing anything important from a prior book despite not reading all but one before it.
Verdict: A short, fun crime investigation and also a smirking modern-day indictment of the college industrial complex and race guilt business in a clever private eye noir mystery, "Playmates" is a really good detective mystery.
Jeff's Rating: 4 / 5 (Very Good)
movie rating if made into a movie: R
Spencer, the woman-ogling antihero, has his unseemly mannerisms and high-handed bully style, but his nobly righteous attempt to find all the pieces of the puzzle and set things right make him kind of a middle-ground avenger for bad guys against worse guys, or perhaps a defender of folks on the fence from bad guys who might do them harm, all while earning a buck.
"Playmates" (1989) is the 16th book in the Spencer series but is a good stand-alone caper; I didn't sense I was missing anything important from a prior book despite not reading all but one before it.
Verdict: A short, fun crime investigation and also a smirking modern-day indictment of the college industrial complex and race guilt business in a clever private eye noir mystery, "Playmates" is a really good detective mystery.
Jeff's Rating: 4 / 5 (Very Good)
movie rating if made into a movie: R
May 9, 2024
Dwayne the point shaver was very unsympathetic AND he was nothing like Paul who Spenser saved in a previous book and now we never hear from him anymore. Hmmmm Paul is probably better off.
This book wasn’t as good as I had hoped it would be. Spenser and Hawk mixing it up with a NY gangster and a call back to Gerry Bozz who I figured must be dead but he pops up like a bad penny.
A hit is put out on Spenser but luckily the hit man is Hawk 🤣🤣🤣. The NY gangster is out of his element in Boston and truly underestimates Spenser at every turn. I guess this ends on a hopeful note but meh on the plot and the truly unlikeable characters, ugh 😣 AND a few plot holes 🫣🫣🫣
This book wasn’t as good as I had hoped it would be. Spenser and Hawk mixing it up with a NY gangster and a call back to Gerry Bozz who I figured must be dead but he pops up like a bad penny.
A hit is put out on Spenser but luckily the hit man is Hawk 🤣🤣🤣. The NY gangster is out of his element in Boston and truly underestimates Spenser at every turn. I guess this ends on a hopeful note but meh on the plot and the truly unlikeable characters, ugh 😣 AND a few plot holes 🫣🫣🫣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2022
Spencer is hired to investigate and allegation of points shaving by a star basketball player. In typical Parker style it is not as simple as it sounds and Spencer finds himself knee deep in corruption and moral dilemma's. Another great addition to the Spencer universe.
November 2, 2012
Reading the Spenser series, along with about six other series in order, has been a challenge but a fun one.
When I first began reading Playmates I was thinking about how much I missed Spenser's wise ass remarks, being, not trying to be but actually being funny, by my warped sense of humor standards.
The farther along I read, the more I was thinking to myself, I've read this before and about a quarter through, read a couple of reviews (without spoilers) to determine if I was correct. Reading the first review by a Goodreads reviewer who was not a GR friend, he was saying that Playmates was nothing but a re-write of Mortal Stakes which was about baseball. I continued reading because I was enjoying it, but it was sounding so very familiar. Was close to the point of knowing what was going to happen on the next page because I had 'read' it before.
So, it wasn't just me! If so, it was me and another fellow who felt the same way; this was a re-write of sorts with basketball being substituted for baseball. Oh, well, the book didn't take that long and it was enjoyable albeit familiar.
Not sure either, whether I'm over Susan's past actions. She was so disappointing to me in an earlier book that I'm still finding it hard to forgive her as easily as Spenser obviously did. If someone had just picked up this book and read as standalone, they would never know what a difficult wishy-washy woman she can be. Perhaps she's found her feet solid in reality, maybe not. I'm not totally trusting of her, yet, sorry about that Spenser. And her waxing romantic about love? Come on now, Susan. Remember when you said...blah, blah, blah?
Spenser though, continues on in his quest to 'save' one person at a time and with Hawk's help, he may just have. Love Hawk, everything about him; I could read an entire book devoted only to Hawk, provided it wasn't a re-hash.
Spenser's such a unique guy but I hope that this isn't the beginning of the end for Parker's so far, great plots.
I'm continuing on my quest to read them all in order, but hope this doesn't happen again. Won't know unless I pick up the next book. There are many Harry Bosch, Dimas Hardy, Lucas Davenport, Dave Robicheaux and in the future, Elvis Cole's that I need to read first. And then I want to read for the third time around, my good buddy, Travis McGee in 2013 who is always a joy.
Moving forward...
When I first began reading Playmates I was thinking about how much I missed Spenser's wise ass remarks, being, not trying to be but actually being funny, by my warped sense of humor standards.
The farther along I read, the more I was thinking to myself, I've read this before and about a quarter through, read a couple of reviews (without spoilers) to determine if I was correct. Reading the first review by a Goodreads reviewer who was not a GR friend, he was saying that Playmates was nothing but a re-write of Mortal Stakes which was about baseball. I continued reading because I was enjoying it, but it was sounding so very familiar. Was close to the point of knowing what was going to happen on the next page because I had 'read' it before.
So, it wasn't just me! If so, it was me and another fellow who felt the same way; this was a re-write of sorts with basketball being substituted for baseball. Oh, well, the book didn't take that long and it was enjoyable albeit familiar.
Not sure either, whether I'm over Susan's past actions. She was so disappointing to me in an earlier book that I'm still finding it hard to forgive her as easily as Spenser obviously did. If someone had just picked up this book and read as standalone, they would never know what a difficult wishy-washy woman she can be. Perhaps she's found her feet solid in reality, maybe not. I'm not totally trusting of her, yet, sorry about that Spenser. And her waxing romantic about love? Come on now, Susan. Remember when you said...blah, blah, blah?
Spenser though, continues on in his quest to 'save' one person at a time and with Hawk's help, he may just have. Love Hawk, everything about him; I could read an entire book devoted only to Hawk, provided it wasn't a re-hash.
Spenser's such a unique guy but I hope that this isn't the beginning of the end for Parker's so far, great plots.
I'm continuing on my quest to read them all in order, but hope this doesn't happen again. Won't know unless I pick up the next book. There are many Harry Bosch, Dimas Hardy, Lucas Davenport, Dave Robicheaux and in the future, Elvis Cole's that I need to read first. And then I want to read for the third time around, my good buddy, Travis McGee in 2013 who is always a joy.
Moving forward...
May 30, 2014
I've recently begun rereading the Spenser series in order, and when I got to Playmates I noticed something rather refreshing. As I review various tomes in the series, I'm going to do my best to refrain from Susan-bashing. Not that I don't agree with the Susan-bashers, it's just that I can't think of much new to say on that subject. But that's exactly what I noticed about halfway through Playmates.
In this one, Susan really isn't all that bad. She actually fits into the plot, contributes something relative to her "sweet patootie's" efforts, and doesn't come of nearly as starry-eyed and cloying as she usually does.
In short, Susan's kind of cool in this one.
I think this happens for two reasons. First, she doesn't really appear until about halfway through and doesn't become actually involved in the plot until the last third. So she's not that constant, irritating presence, like a gnat hovering around you that you can't brush away.
But even more important, she has an honest-to-goodness role to play in the plot. Her academic background and training comes in helpful, so most of when the reader sees her she's acting like a professional, not a flighty debutante. (Man, it is hard to keep away from the bashing.)
In one of the main confrontations towards the end, she hovers in the background, observes the actions of the participants, and manages through subtle expressions to guide Spenser in his interactions with the others. In other words, she actually does something.
My only regret is that in most of the later books Parker couldn't have found equally positive ways to make use of one of his main characters.
In this one, Susan really isn't all that bad. She actually fits into the plot, contributes something relative to her "sweet patootie's" efforts, and doesn't come of nearly as starry-eyed and cloying as she usually does.
In short, Susan's kind of cool in this one.
I think this happens for two reasons. First, she doesn't really appear until about halfway through and doesn't become actually involved in the plot until the last third. So she's not that constant, irritating presence, like a gnat hovering around you that you can't brush away.
But even more important, she has an honest-to-goodness role to play in the plot. Her academic background and training comes in helpful, so most of when the reader sees her she's acting like a professional, not a flighty debutante. (Man, it is hard to keep away from the bashing.)
In one of the main confrontations towards the end, she hovers in the background, observes the actions of the participants, and manages through subtle expressions to guide Spenser in his interactions with the others. In other words, she actually does something.
My only regret is that in most of the later books Parker couldn't have found equally positive ways to make use of one of his main characters.
October 11, 2016
This is the 16th book of Robert Parker's Spenser series.
I am a big sports fan so I enjoyed the underlying connection of this book to basketball and oint shaving. Spenser is hired by Taft University (Boston College) to investigate the rumor that someone on the Taft team is shaving points. Spenser finds out it is a couple different players but one of them is Dwayne Woodcock who is Taft's best player and will be a first round NBA draft pick. Dwayne is an arrogant college student who is great at basketball but can't read. How did he get to be a Senior? Spenser meets his girlfriend Chantel and his tutor. He also finds out who is paying Dwayne to shave points.
Spenser can bring the whole thing down but he doesn't want to hurt Dwayne (more accurately Chantel because as mentioned, Dwayne is not too likeable). How can he bust the crooked bookie and keep Dwayne out of it? That is the true story behind this.
I have no doubt there are college athletes that get padded GPA's and probably even some that can't read. I enjoyed Dwayne's coach Dixie Dunham who is a very successful coach who is used to getting his way. Think Bobby Knight when you read this.
Fun enjoyable story with a dash of Hawk thrown in and limited Susan added.
I am a big sports fan so I enjoyed the underlying connection of this book to basketball and oint shaving. Spenser is hired by Taft University (Boston College) to investigate the rumor that someone on the Taft team is shaving points. Spenser finds out it is a couple different players but one of them is Dwayne Woodcock who is Taft's best player and will be a first round NBA draft pick. Dwayne is an arrogant college student who is great at basketball but can't read. How did he get to be a Senior? Spenser meets his girlfriend Chantel and his tutor. He also finds out who is paying Dwayne to shave points.
Spenser can bring the whole thing down but he doesn't want to hurt Dwayne (more accurately Chantel because as mentioned, Dwayne is not too likeable). How can he bust the crooked bookie and keep Dwayne out of it? That is the true story behind this.
I have no doubt there are college athletes that get padded GPA's and probably even some that can't read. I enjoyed Dwayne's coach Dixie Dunham who is a very successful coach who is used to getting his way. Think Bobby Knight when you read this.
Fun enjoyable story with a dash of Hawk thrown in and limited Susan added.
January 4, 2020
In typical Spenser fashion, he is hired to investigate a misdeed, which he uncovers, then is promptly fired for his efforts (more so for his attitude than his work product.)
And that is why I continue to read Robert B. Parker's series - consistent and evolving characters, engaging plot lines, and recurring staples of the series: Boston landscapes, Food Network-level food pairings, and a solid crime fighting duo- Spenser and Hawk.
Spenser's heart seems to be on his sleeve in this story, and for the betterment of the character. He sees beyond the façade of bravado and male machismo, not his own, to the greater good of someone else who would benefit from the hardships endured.
Captivating and surprisingly relevant story that comes across as entirely possibly even in the time in which it is set. Made for a fast read with a palatable resolution. Ironic statement considering the topic of the central figure in the investigation.
Crosses, double-crosses, and gun play included at no extra cost ;)
Thanks for reading.
And that is why I continue to read Robert B. Parker's series - consistent and evolving characters, engaging plot lines, and recurring staples of the series: Boston landscapes, Food Network-level food pairings, and a solid crime fighting duo- Spenser and Hawk.
Spenser's heart seems to be on his sleeve in this story, and for the betterment of the character. He sees beyond the façade of bravado and male machismo, not his own, to the greater good of someone else who would benefit from the hardships endured.
Captivating and surprisingly relevant story that comes across as entirely possibly even in the time in which it is set. Made for a fast read with a palatable resolution. Ironic statement considering the topic of the central figure in the investigation.
Crosses, double-crosses, and gun play included at no extra cost ;)
Thanks for reading.
January 1, 2025
Robert B. Parker at his best - a witty, fun detective novel, and I can say that, despite having no interest in basketball, which is at the heart of the investigation. Spenser is hired to investigate the rumour that a star college basketball player is shaving points off games. The player, Dwayne Woodcock, is young, black and arrogant, and depending on his prowess as a player to dig himself out of poverty. Other than his talent, his one advantage in life is his loyal girlfriend, Chantal. It isn't long before Spenser determines that Dwayne is in fact shaving points, but he's considerably more upset by his discovery that Dwayne, a college senior, can't read. This revelation gives Parker a chance to discuss the shortcomings of academia (one of Parker's favourite targets). There are several strands involved in this plot and Spenser needs to balance many moral issues against each other as he comes up with a way out of a substantial mess. I thoroughly enjoyed this outing, laughed out loud several times, and it felt like old times to have classic Parker as my reading material.
February 1, 2022
Another Spencer novel. He writes smooth crime and does it with such ease it hurts.
March 19, 2017
Playmates
Classic Spenser. Great graphic descriptions. Subtle but picturesque. Have to read it all in one day cause you just can't stop.
Classic Spenser. Great graphic descriptions. Subtle but picturesque. Have to read it all in one day cause you just can't stop.
September 7, 2012
An all-around solid Spenser novel.
December 10, 2024
Duane Woodcock is a six foot nine inch, 250 pound college senior playing power forward for Taft U. He is the best college basketball player in the country, a prime first round draft pick waiting for a lucrative contract with the pros. His future seems so bright he ought to wear shades. Except for the fact that he can't read and has been shaving points for a mobbed-up slick talking guy from New York who has promised to represent him to the pros and look out for his interests. Yeah, sure.
Spencer is hired to investigate the point-shaving possibility, since no one has been able to prove it or figure out how it's being done. Yet, our intrepid PI gets to the bottom of this trickery but finds a soft spot for Duane (well, for his bright, caring girlfriend, anyway). He uncovers a much larger plot involving several others, including a University employee and knows that exposing the scheme will sink this young man's future for sure. And he's a one-trick pony-- basketball is what makes him special. Otherwise, he's an illiterate, over sized kid from a ghetto with no future whatsoever.
The usual wise cracks, action, and a somewhat limited volume of Susan Silverman related gag-worthy paragraphs make this a very enjoyable entry in the series. Fans will want to be sure to read it and it functions as a stand alone as well.
Spencer is hired to investigate the point-shaving possibility, since no one has been able to prove it or figure out how it's being done. Yet, our intrepid PI gets to the bottom of this trickery but finds a soft spot for Duane (well, for his bright, caring girlfriend, anyway). He uncovers a much larger plot involving several others, including a University employee and knows that exposing the scheme will sink this young man's future for sure. And he's a one-trick pony-- basketball is what makes him special. Otherwise, he's an illiterate, over sized kid from a ghetto with no future whatsoever.
The usual wise cracks, action, and a somewhat limited volume of Susan Silverman related gag-worthy paragraphs make this a very enjoyable entry in the series. Fans will want to be sure to read it and it functions as a stand alone as well.
November 4, 2020
I blast through one of these in less than a day -- thick paper, generous leading, lots of dialogue make a Parker book a quick read, and I don't mind at all. I already look forward to the next one -- they're like palate cleansers for the brain.
September 14, 2021
My favorites are the ones with Hawk in them!!
March 30, 2024
Easy read while on vacation - found on the book shelf in rental. Fun story.
June 24, 2025
Being illiterate is just sad. So many ways to get taken advantage of.
May 8, 2022
Sixteen down, thirty-three to go!
December 31, 2017
Interesting - learned about "shaving points" in basketball. As always this author writes a great plot!
July 29, 2022
Spenser’s trying to figure out whether a college kid is shaving points and … whether or not to turn the kid on vs doing what he was hired to do and providing proof. It heats up when he barely starts sniffing around only to be threatened … the threatener tries to hire Hawk to kill him, so things get really fun and proceed in the usual Spenser fashion.
While it’s not necessarily super different from other Spenser novels, it’s no less fun. In fact, it’s even more fun once Spenser purposely acts even MORE annoying than usual (if you can imagine!).
Overall: great.
5 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Audio:
This narrator … is okay. While he does NOT bother with a Boston accent, there is a vibe to his vintage-y sound and being 5 books in now, I’m getting used to him. :)
First edition cover:
Spenser Reading Order:
1. The Godwulf Manuscript (1973)
2. God Save the Child (1974)
3. Mortal Stakes (1975)
4. Promised Land (1976)
5. The Judas Goat (1978)
6. Looking for Rachel Wallace (1980)
7. Early Autumn (1980)
8. A Savage Place (1981)
9. Ceremony (1982)
10. The Widening Gyre (1983)
11. Valediction (1984)
12. A Catskill Eagle (1985)
13. Taming a Seahorse (1986)
14. Pale Kings and Princes (1987)
15. Crimson Joy (1988)
16. Playmates (1989)
17. Stardust (1990)
18. Pastime (1991)
19. Double Deuce (1991)
20. Paper Doll (1993)
21. Walking Shadow (1994)
22. Thin Air (1995)
23. Chance (1996)
24. Small Vices (1997)
25. Sudden Mischief (1998)
26. Hush Money (1999)
27. Hugger Mugger (2000)
28. Potshot (2001)
29. Widow's Walk (2002)
30. Back Story (2003)
31. Bad Business (2004)
32. Cold Service (2005)
33. School Days (2005)
34. Dream Girl (2006)
35. Now and Then (2007)
36. Rough Weather (2008)
36.5 Chasing the Bear (2009)
37. The Professional (2009)
38. Painted Ladies (2010)
39. Sixkill (2011)
39.5 Silent Night (2013)
Spenser: A Mysterious Profile (2022)
continued in the series by Ace Atkins
While it’s not necessarily super different from other Spenser novels, it’s no less fun. In fact, it’s even more fun once Spenser purposely acts even MORE annoying than usual (if you can imagine!).
Overall: great.
5 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Audio:
This narrator … is okay. While he does NOT bother with a Boston accent, there is a vibe to his vintage-y sound and being 5 books in now, I’m getting used to him. :)
First edition cover:
Spenser Reading Order:
1. The Godwulf Manuscript (1973)
2. God Save the Child (1974)
3. Mortal Stakes (1975)
4. Promised Land (1976)
5. The Judas Goat (1978)
6. Looking for Rachel Wallace (1980)
7. Early Autumn (1980)
8. A Savage Place (1981)
9. Ceremony (1982)
10. The Widening Gyre (1983)
11. Valediction (1984)
12. A Catskill Eagle (1985)
13. Taming a Seahorse (1986)
14. Pale Kings and Princes (1987)
15. Crimson Joy (1988)
16. Playmates (1989)
17. Stardust (1990)
18. Pastime (1991)
19. Double Deuce (1991)
20. Paper Doll (1993)
21. Walking Shadow (1994)
22. Thin Air (1995)
23. Chance (1996)
24. Small Vices (1997)
25. Sudden Mischief (1998)
26. Hush Money (1999)
27. Hugger Mugger (2000)
28. Potshot (2001)
29. Widow's Walk (2002)
30. Back Story (2003)
31. Bad Business (2004)
32. Cold Service (2005)
33. School Days (2005)
34. Dream Girl (2006)
35. Now and Then (2007)
36. Rough Weather (2008)
36.5 Chasing the Bear (2009)
37. The Professional (2009)
38. Painted Ladies (2010)
39. Sixkill (2011)
39.5 Silent Night (2013)
Spenser: A Mysterious Profile (2022)
continued in the series by Ace Atkins
August 10, 2017
Spenser is a private detective in Boston. When the Taft University school newspaper reports a rumour there is point-shaving going on in the basketball team, Spenser is hired to find out if it's true. He determines that the star player, Dwayne, is doing just that.
When Spenser confronts Dwayne about it, he discovers that Dwayne is illiterate but has a caring girlfriend. Rather than turn Dwayne in and ruin his (and the girlfriend's) future, Spenser instead decides to stop the people who are profiting from Dwayne's actions.
This is the sixteenth in the Spenser series (there are currently 46, with the last six written by Ace Atkins after Parker's death in 2010). I've read many over the years (and have liked the series) and have started reading them from the beginning of the series. Though it is part of a series, it works as a stand alone.
I thought the story was interesting with Spenser trying to protect a kid who didn't want to be protected, especially after Spenser kept stressing that Dwayne is an adult. I would have been inclined to let Dwayne take care of himself and accept the consequences of his actions, especially since Dwayne was involved in Spenser almost being killed. He wasn't grateful for anything Spenser did.
I liked the writing style ... I found it humorous at times. Spenser is a tough guy with a wisecracking sense of humour. It's written in first person perspective in Spenser's voice. As a head's up, there is swearing.
I'm not a fan of Susan, Spenser's love interest ... she has become picky and princessy. Though Spenser and Susan have been together for about 15 years, they talk like teenagers about their relationship, which I don't find realistic given their age and how long they've been together ... "I love you." "I love you." "I love you more." "No, I love you more." "I can't imagine my life without you." "I can't imagine MY life without YOU."
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2017/08...
When Spenser confronts Dwayne about it, he discovers that Dwayne is illiterate but has a caring girlfriend. Rather than turn Dwayne in and ruin his (and the girlfriend's) future, Spenser instead decides to stop the people who are profiting from Dwayne's actions.
This is the sixteenth in the Spenser series (there are currently 46, with the last six written by Ace Atkins after Parker's death in 2010). I've read many over the years (and have liked the series) and have started reading them from the beginning of the series. Though it is part of a series, it works as a stand alone.
I thought the story was interesting with Spenser trying to protect a kid who didn't want to be protected, especially after Spenser kept stressing that Dwayne is an adult. I would have been inclined to let Dwayne take care of himself and accept the consequences of his actions, especially since Dwayne was involved in Spenser almost being killed. He wasn't grateful for anything Spenser did.
I liked the writing style ... I found it humorous at times. Spenser is a tough guy with a wisecracking sense of humour. It's written in first person perspective in Spenser's voice. As a head's up, there is swearing.
I'm not a fan of Susan, Spenser's love interest ... she has become picky and princessy. Though Spenser and Susan have been together for about 15 years, they talk like teenagers about their relationship, which I don't find realistic given their age and how long they've been together ... "I love you." "I love you." "I love you more." "No, I love you more." "I can't imagine my life without you." "I can't imagine MY life without YOU."
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2017/08...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 261 reviews