Robert B. Parker's Hot Property

Spenser #51

by Mike Lupica, Robert B. Parker

From a #1 New York Times bestselling author: When one of Boston’s fiercest lawyers — and Spenser’s close friend — is shot during a snowstorm, the list of suspects is long. To save her, Spenser must navigate a tangled web of lies, secrets, and deception to uncover the culprit before it’s too late. ✳Read by an Audie Award finalist.

Spenser investigates a case that hits dangerously close to home in this latest installment of Robert B. Parker’s beloved series.

Spenser is waiting out the latest Boston snowstorm when he gets word that Rita Fiore has been shot. Rita’s always been a tricky flirting with Spenser for years, she’s an ever-present figure that transcends friendship in Spenser’s circle. But at the end of the day, Rita is family. And family will always be protected.

Both a pit bull in the courtroom and provocateur outside it, Rita is no stranger to controversy. But as one of the city’s toughest lawyers, Spenser knows that there’s no short list of suspects who might want to enact revenge. With Rita’s life hanging in the balance, it’s up to him to get to the bottom of things, even if it means unearthing some unsavory secrets that might just lead him into an age-old game of lies and deceit.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Detective, Audiobook

352 pages, Hardcover

First published November 26, 2024

About the author

Michael Lupica is an author and American newspaper columnist, best known for his provocative commentary on sports in the New York Daily News and his appearances on ESPN.

Reviews

[PamG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robert B. Parker’s Hot Property by Mike Lupica is a solid mystery full of investigation and occasional action. Add in a few twists and sarcasm plus literary, music, and baseball references and you have a winning combination.

Private investigator Spenser gets word that Rita Fiore has been shot. While their relationship has been awkward at times, she’s considered family, not just a friend. Family will always be protected. While Rita is no stranger to controversy as a tough criminal defense lawyer, there is a long list of potential suspects. Rita’s life is touch and go. Who shot her? With so many suspects, it’s up to Spenser, with help from some friends, to narrow the field.

Spenser is self-reliant, protects those he cares about fiercely, and confident. He’s a strong protagonist with a level of determination that many lack. He’s also a tough guy who cooks and loves baseball and old movies. Psychologist Susan Silverman is his long-time girlfriend and sounding board. It was great to also catch up with other familiar characters from the series.

This is the first book in the series that I’ve read by Mike Lupica. I felt the characters felt true to the original. That, combined with the author’s own writing style and voice as well as a fresh plot and great prose made this a fun book to read. The world-building is great with Boston as the scene for most of the novel. From weather to food to neighborhood bars to politicians to the police, readers find themselves immersed in the imagery.

The writing is effective and crisp, with characters who are emotionally rich, snappy dialogue, and conflicts that move the story forward through some unsettling events. The narrative lured me in and made me want to stay longer with old friends. The well-crafted and suspenseful story hooked me from the beginning. With multiple believable suspects who have realistic motives, can Spenser discover the killer? The story unfolds with tension that builds up and keeps you invested in the outcome. Themes include friendship, found family, lies, attempted murder, and more.

Overall, this is a solid and enjoyable mystery with familiar characters filled with intense moments and some action that kept me turning the pages. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Those who enjoy crime mystery and private detective stories will likely enjoy this book with its engrossing plot, fast pace, and snappy dialogue.

PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G. P. Putnam’s Sons and Mike Lupica provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for November 26, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.09 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Won't that make even more trouble for you?" -- Susan Silverman, quizzical but concerned

"Trouble is my business, sweetheart." -- Spenser, mimicking Humphrey Bogart for the win

Former sportswriter/commentator Lupica now essays his second Spenser book and - no lies detected - I discern no noticeable drop in quality with this sophomore effort entitled Hot Property. If there was a part that was somewhat predictable it was that old chestnut of a storyline starter "this time, it's personal" (cue the musical stinger!), as our singly-named Beantown private eye tackles a case that indeed cuts close to home. Fiery-haired friend Rita Fiore, an ace attorney who has been a sturdy supporting character throughout the many years of the series (and harbors some obvious unrequited amorousness for the starring investigator, though only reflected in snappy dialogue) is badly wounded in a drive-by shooting. This sets Spenser - along with usual cohorts Hawk and Boston cops Quirk and Belson - on the investigative trail which first leads to a charismatic local politician who had recently died under mysterious circumstances - certainly just a coincidence that he was dating Ms Fiore, Esq., right?! - and also two real estate developers who have all the subtlety of sledge hammers. Much like the U.S. Postal Service motto, Spenser will brave 'snow, rain, and gloom of night' throughout (as it's set firmly during winter in Boston) and tirelessly work to achieve justice for his injured friend. Other than a quick and perhaps little too-tidy conclusion, author Lupica achieved a Parkeresque quality with this one and I intend that to be a high compliment.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 51 in the Spenser series, started by the late Robert B. Parker and now written by Mike Lupica, authorized by the Parker estate. Parker's formula for his books: Short sentences, short chapters and snappy dialogue. Lupica writes pretty much along these lines, although sometimes his chapters/sentences are a little longer, his books are still in keeping with Spenser's character. This book would work as a stand alone, although I have read all the previous books in the series.
The book opens with Rita Fiore, a high profile defense attorney, and a friend of Spenser, asking him to help with a former boyfriend who is stalking her and has compromising pictures of her. He has threatened to make the pictures public. Spenser solves this problem, but then gets a phone call from Boston PD friend Quirk. Rita has been shot and may not survive. Spenser resolves to find out who shot her. He does find out, but there are several suspects and false clues. It makes for a satisfying mystery. I recommend it to Parker fans and private investigator fans.
Some familiar characters make appearances in this Book:
Susan Silverman, Spenser's lover
Hawk, Spenser's friend and sidekick
Quirk, Boston PD Chief of Detectives
Frank Belson Boston PD detective
Jesse Stone, Paradise Police Chief and subject of a separate Parker series
All of the above help solve the mystery.
This was a library book.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining, but could have used a better end.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book finished in 2024, and properly enjoyed.
I first discovered this writer who continued Jesse Stone which I prefer in the Robert B Parker series. And I enjoyed his work on mentioned title.
So I aquired this Spenser title curious if Lupica could keep up his good work. And I can tell you hé did very well.
Rita Fiore gets shot and this sits not well with Spenser, neither does it with chief Jesse Stone, the Boston PD and Hawk.
It is Spenser who starts sniffing around and soon people start dying and yet it takes time for Spenser and friends to find out what happened and who shot their friend Rita.
An excellent book with enough tension and wittism to resemble Parkers' creations.

Lupica brings Parkers' world to life with all the ingredients that made the original books fun and a pleasure to read. You cannot steer wrong with this one if you are a fan of Robert B Parker.

[Abibliofob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spenser has sure had a long life solving crime in Boston and the series has had it's ups and downs but Hot Property by Mike Lupica is one of the best in a long while. We get to meet some of our favorite characters created by the great Robert Parker. This book was actually one where I didn't constantly think about how old Spenser must be. It is a well written story with a good mystery and I am glad I still read these books. I must thank Penguin Random House , G.P. Putnam's Sons and Edelweiss for supplying me with this advance copy.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read this entire series, these are not up to par ! I do appreciate Mike Lupica trying though. The slick one liners and the relationships between everyone just aren’t the same, but I did enjoy the mystery.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Who’s classic rock song declares the line “Meet the new boss, Same as the old boss.”

That feels pretty apropos in relation to the handoff of the “Spenser” legacy from Ace Atkins to Mike Lupica last year. This was more than the passing of a proverbial torch. The legacy of Spenser is the gold standard in the world of mystery fiction. The holy grail. The big Kahuna. Spenser has become the classic PI that all other modern day fictional mystery detectives owe a serious debt of gratitude for his influence on the genre. Taking on responsibility for Spenser is an incredible endeavor, made even harder by the quality and success that Atkins brought in reenergizing Spenser and his historic city of Boston.

The good news is that Lupica has been up to the challenge. He’s only two books into his run, he’s warming up to it like it’s an old worn hat he’s been wearing for a long time. After finishing his run of writing the Sunny Randall and Jessie Stone novels, Lupica’s second Spenser novel – “Hot Property” – continues to build on Spenser’s world in a nostalgic way that will please most of his hardcore fans. It certainly warmed my cockles of my Spenser addiction.

“Hot Property” starts off with Boston experiencing a serious February snowstorm and Spenser is lamenting the lack of a case to work on when he receives a call from Martin Quirk that pushes him over the edge. Rita Fiore, a very successful, take no prisoners lawyer, and friend, has been brutally shot. She’s in emergency surgery, fighting for her life.

Rita and Spenser have a long and complicated relationship. She has been his client many times over the years, always flirting and constantly trying to get Spenser to consummate their relationship one way or another. However, his commitment to his longtime love, Susan Silverman, has always kept him from succumbing to her physical advances, but that has not kept them from enjoying a strong working relationship and a personal friendship that became family over the years. When you attack Spenser’s friends, you attack his family, and his need to protect kicks into full gear.
With Rita’s life hanging in the balance. the question for Spenser is who would try and kill Rita? Unfortunately, with her pit bull history in the courtroom and a long list of ex-boyfriends, there is no shortage of suspects who might seek revenge. That doesn’t stop Spenser, and his best friend, Hawk, from searching for the shooter, and more importantly, finding the person who hired the shooter.

The good news is Spenser and Hawk are on the hunt. They are not afraid to step outside the law to get what they need, nor rely on some dangerous tactics to find their target. The bad news is the trail is pretty lean and the clues scarce.

But hell hath no fury like an angry Spenser and a focused Hawk…

For me, Lupica did several things right in capturing Spenser, his world of Boston, and an ever-growing cast of superb and unique characters. His strengths overcome some weaknesses that arises with a series that’s lasted over fifty books and almost fifty years. That’s a long time and a lot of books.

Let’s start with strong plotting. Although we’ve had the Spenser get shot and almost die in a previous book, as well as Hawk getting shot by a Ukrainian mob and almost die, going to the well one more time with having Rita Fiore getting shot still works on several levels, especially the emotional drama it triggers for Spenser and several of his supporting characters. She’s not like Spenser and Hawk, who when they survived, sought personal and professional revenge. Rita, if she survives is not capable of any kind of physical revenge. She has to rely on Spenser and Hawk’s unique skills and drive to not only protect her, but to find out who did this to her and punish them with prejudice.

For me, what made it even more powerful was how Lupica used this storyline to explore Spenser’s relationship with Rita (and Susan) on a higher and more personal level. Lupica really peals the onion like a master chef as Spenser is confronted and forced to deal with his feelings for Rita on a personal level. Although he’s spent years avoiding her attempts at a physical relationship, the truth is he truly loves her and she is family to him. Lupica treats these feelings with a simple tenderness and respect. Spenser has been capable of taking care of himself, but now he’s having to deal with the mortality of someone else. Someone who he considers part a small circle of people he considers his family. And he cannot control whether she lives or not. I especially appreciated Spenser’s scenes with Susan and the crucial role she played as he worked through things, as well as how she dealt with her own issues with Rita. It was classic Susan and showed why she is the queen of Spenser’s world.

Lupica also did a great job with the dialog and banter between the characters. Spenser and Hawk. Spenser and Susan. Spenser and Quirk. Spenser and Belson. Spenser and Rita. Spenser and Jesse Stone. Pretty much Spenser and everyone he interacts with. It is so freaking hard to capture the magic and conversational mastery that the late great Robert B. Parker created and established with his characters. The rhythm, timing, creativity, and underlying sarcasm is incredible. Not just any writer can recapture or repeat it. It’s the secret sauce. And what makes it so good in this one is how well the other characters give it back to Spenser. I absolutely loved Hawk’s, Quirk’s, and Belson’s take no crap responses to Spenser throughout the book, as well as Rita’s and Susan’s. Lupica has captured their voices in a superb way that delights even the most traditional Spenser groupie.

Lupica’ second outing is an improvement from the first one. He’s relaxed and letting the writing go, not trying so hard at times, nor having those moments that don’t work as well or go to far over the top. He’s hitting his groove, capturing the magic and essence of our hero and his world pretty dang well.

Lupica knows Spenser’s world. He’s lived in since he began reading Spenser’s books back in his early years and grew to be close friends with Robert B. Parker and his family. He is a true insider, in many ways. Lupica knows the characters intimately. He knows the city of Boston and its history. More importantly he knows Spenser inside and out, his character, what drives him to be the Knight Errant, and his personal relationships with Susan and Hawk.

I also enjoy the appearances and references to other characters from Spenser’s universe, like Vinnie, Joe Broz, Belson, Quirk, and Henry to name a few. That was a nice touch. I also liked the descriptions and history of Boston sprinkled throughout the book, which is such a big part of Spenser’s universe.

Overall, Lupica delivers a winner. He speaks the Spenser language, understands what drives Spenser, and the all-star cast that surrounds him and makes him better. I just hope that he keeps moving our detective hero and his partners forward in new engaging and challenging ways. I need Spenser, his friends, and his city of Boston in my life each year. I really do!

[Monnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, Spenser. The Boston private eye has held the No. 2 spot on my Top 10 list of book heroes since, well, forever. And after original author Robert B. Parker's death in 2010 at the age of 77, my favorite takeover author - by a country mile - is the author of this guy (Mike Lupica). Why? Well, I've been impressed with his sports knowledge for many years. But more to the point, besides making Spenser seem like Parker never left the building, he's the only one so far who, in my eyes, has been able to put realistic dialog into the mouth of Spenser sidekick Hawk (who would be on my Top 10 list of heroes except that he's a sidekick).

This one begins with a snowstorm of epic proportions, followed by the unwelcome news that Spenser's old and dear friend, hotshot attorney Rita Fiore, has been shot. With her very life hanging in the balance, there's no shortage of possible suspects. In fact, she'd just come off of a trial defending TV anchorman Brian Tully, who ultimately was acquitted on charges of sexual harrassment by fellow TV journalist Shannon Miles. She - and many others who are upset with Rita for "unjustly" freeing someone they consider guilty as sin - have plenty of motive for making sure she never sees the inside of a courtroom again.

But thinking isn't proving; Spenser and Hawk have a lot of investigating to do before the person who put Rita in ICU can be held accountable. The chase leads to a local hot-shot politician and friend of Rita's, some prominent and well-connected real estate developers vying for a lucrative project and even some of the mobsters with whom Spenser has had run-ins (both bad and good) over the years and who will be familiar to regular series readers.

The thrill of the chase remains a thrill here, especially since Spenser gets some help from a couple of old friends from Paradise, Maine, who as good luck would have it happen to be friends of Rita as well. It's wonderful to see them all together again, and I think long-time readers of Parker's various series will agree. At this point, all I can say is more, please - and thank you to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy.

[francis kingzett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a terrible book. Lupica does a passable job with Spenser, not quite as good as Ace Atkins' previous attempts but a readable story from the Spenser universe. But all of them have been weak imitations of Parker's writing style.

Parker's heirs have done the series no favors by trying to keep it going long after Parker himself died. The books have the same characters and the same locations but they lack Parker's style. The characters don't act the same, speak the same or behave the same. They are pale imitations of the originals.

If you read the Spenser books from the beginning you will learn Spenser fought in the Korean War and would be in his 90's about now. Some things are better to suffer a natural death then be kept alive artificially.

[James P. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Barely okay.

Mike Lupica has another go at keeping the Robert Parker/Spenser franchise alive. And unfortunately really comes up short. The plot is serviceable. Spenser’s old friend but not and never flame, Attorney Rita Fiore, is shot and critically wounded. Spenser, Susan, Hawk, Quirk, Belson, and even Paradise Police ChiefJesse Stone along with his Deputy Chief Molly Crane are on the case. We are looking at a dead State Senator, an ever rising body count, possible large scale land development corruption, and what may be an exceptionally talented young politico or a George Santos fraud. Spenser and company charge ahead. There are a couple of rather poorly written gunfights but none of Spenser and Hawk’s pugilistic skill set. Perhaps they are aging out.
The dialogue is Parker like because the sentences are short, declarative, and active voice. The chapters are also short. Unfortunately the dialogue, especially what I refer to as the filler conversations, which Parker used so skillfully to create the characters and develop their relationships just isn’t very good. The Spenser/Hawk banter is forced and unnatural. Hawk’s ability to move from street to educated, articulate renaissance man just doesn’t work. Spenser’s literary references clutter up the book. The descriptions of Boston in winter and Boston landmarks don’t flow naturally. It seems like Lupica is creating Spenser’s Boston because he has to set the story somewhere.
This isn’t a kind review, But I’ve been reading Spenser (and Jesse Stone) from the beginning….The Godwulf Manuscript and Night Passage. Robert Parker was an excellent writer. The Boston he created and the characters who inhabit that Boston were interesting and colorful. The dialogue was often funny and exceptionally well written. But, sadly, Robert Parker died almost twenty years ago. I understand the family’s desire to keep these franchises alive. Some of the authors chosen to continue the stories have actually been pretty good. But they simply are not Robert Parker. I think it’s time to retire the entire crew.
And, finally (full disclosure)when reading the books, I visualize Robert Urich and Avery Brooks. The series was excellent and it is still available on streaming.

[R L HERSKOWITZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spenser is back. YAY 😃‼️
Many of Spenser’s friends make appearances
in this book, too.
Good book, especially if you’re a Spenser fan.
I did notice several spelling errors in this
book 😕.

[Robb R · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read! Mr. Parker would be pleased!

[Jerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spencer always a fun read. Although not has good as his last one, still doesn't disappoint . Really love the ending

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Robert B. Parker’s Hot Property” by Mike Lupica was another terrific book in the Spencer series. I am a huge fan of this series and this book has all our favorite characters back. Spencer is on the lookout for his next case when dear friend and colleague Rita Fiore is shot and almost killed. What seems at first to be an unsolvable crime leads Spencer & Hawk into the criminal world of Boston politics and its shady villains. A fun read!

Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Laura Wonderchick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great continuation of this series. I was sad when RBP passed away because I had always enjoyed this series and his others but the authors that have taken them over have done so well with them. Spenser still has his quirky sense of humor that makes him such a lovable character and the storylines continue just as they had. Thanks to the publisher for this copy for read and review

[Tana · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC from Edelweiss. Rita is shot and Spenser,Hawk,Belson and Quick are on the case. Throw in Jesse Stone and a cast of other known players and you have a fun mystery with great banter and of course the good guys win. Love this series.

[Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Either I am over this series or they are just not nearly as good as when Parker was writing them.

[Paul Sand · Rating 4 out of 5]

The official title of this book is Robert B. Parker's Hot Property. With those first three words being the largest font on the cover. This is a convention the books have followed ever since other authors took over writing duties after Mr. Parker died fifteen years ago.

So to clarify the title: the property in question was not owned by Mr. Parker. (It is, in fact, not a house either, let alone one on fire.)

So this convention is confusing and lame. But (sigh) I assume it's been focus grouped as an optimal way to squeeze the maximum amount of cash from people (like me) who remember Mr. Parker fondly, designed to take cold advantage of our weird psychological urge to find out what's up with our favorite fictional characters. Like Spenser, Mr. Parker's ageless wisecracking private investigator.

So I e-plunked down $14.99 for the Kindle version.

An opening act has Spenser and (the equally ageless) Hawk visiting a cad who's been hassling Rita Fiore, a beautiful, libidinous defense attorney who's also one of Spenser's longtime friends. But then Rita is near-fatally shot. The cops (Quirk, Belson) are on the case. But Spenser and Hawk are too. And others from the Parker universe soon join in: Susan, Henry Cimoli, Vinnie Morris, even Jesse Stone. It takes a village.

(Which is something Spenser says on page 283.)

Eventually, it becomes evident that there's a tie between Rita's shooting and the drowning, allegedly accidental, of a charismatic politician, one of Rita's (many) ex-lovers. And (finally) there's a connection to the titular Hot Property, down in Southie, on which some shady folks want to build a casino. (Widett Circle. which turns out, to be an actual place.)

Plenty of suspects. And more bodies pile up. The bad guys seem to think the easiest way to get what they want is to shoot people who might be problematic.

It's pretty formulaic. Doesn't matter, I've been hooked.

Stylistic note: the largest Boston paper is referred to throughout as "The Globe". "The" italicized with an uppercase T. That looks weird to me! I would have thought it more conventional to say "the Globe": lowercase t, "the" unitialicized. Any editorial mavens want to weigh in on this?

[Maryann Forbes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robert B. Parker's Hot Property by Mike Lupica is a newly released,, November 26, 2024, Spenser novel. What can I say about Spenser, Susan, his love,Hawk, his best friend and frequent partner,, Martin Quirk, Boston PD Commander and Detective Frank Belson other than they are great, and that I thoroughly enjoy this series. Some of you may remember the ;TV show Spenser for Hire featuring Robert Urich as Spenser.; I was a fan so as I read I envisioned the characters as they appeared in the show- very fun! Hot Property is a typical Spenser novel filled with intrique, suspense,and interesting characters The storyline is well crafted; it's definitely a page turner and an entertaining read. Thank you to NetGalley, GP Putnam & Sons\Penquin Random House Publishing and Mike Lupica for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of Robert B. Parker's Hot Property; the review reflects my honest opinion.

[Monzell Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good Mike Lupica book, one basic story this time ,but it moved along well. One of Spencer's cop friends get in with the wrong guy in this one.

[Brandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fifty-one down and zero to go! I finally finished this series! Wahoo!

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyric delivers the goods again. As with Sherlock Holmes books, Spenser novels are driven not by plot but by milieu. It’s the talk and the relationships that matter, and Lupica has it down pat. This novel is his second Spenser book, and it fits in seamlessly with the feel of the good Spenser’s before it.

[Debra B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding! Joe Mantegna is so perfect as the narrator of the Spenser books.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spenser is back and on the case in Mike Lupica's 2nd entry into the long-running series!

When Rita Fiore is shot and gravely injured, Spenser will pull out all the stops to find out who did it and if he happens to find out why along the way, that will be good too.

Though she has spent a long time flirting with Spenser, Rita is a dear friend and her connections to Quirk, Belson and Hawk will have them on board with finding the shooter as well.

But the simple act of finding out who shot Rita begins to sprawl out almost immediately as Spenser, et. al find themselves tangled up with Boston politics, blue blood law firms, bitter lawsuits, missing persons and another body along the way.

Mike Lupica, having written both of Robert B. Parker's other characters (Sunny Randall and Jesse Stone) is well versed in the lore of Spenser's Boston and all the supporting characters. He's got the snappy dialogue down perfectly as well. But I really enjoyed the way he spun out this particular plot as it dealt with politicians, lawyers, two power player land developers and any number of lies...and more lies.

In the end, the resolution to this case is both simple and complicated. The reveal of certain truths behind various lies will leave a mark on one character or another but as always, Spenser will not stop for threats, bullets or bullies until he tracks down the truth. And with a winning story and all that snappy dialogue between the characters, it makes for yet another winning book in the Spenser series!

[Leane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good sequel to the Parker legacy with Lupica’s interpretation of Spenser and company pretty close to dead on. See my previous review of 2023’s Broken Trust for more. The gang is all here and Spenser interacts with all the stalwart series regulars, Quirk, Belson, Farrell, as well as Jesse Stone & Molly from Paradise, and of course, Susan and Hawk, as he and they investigate the attempted murder of defense attorney and series regular Rita Fiore. Dialogue and humor drive the narrative as one layer of investigation leads to another and red herrings get discarded. Boston and environment are well-drawn as the snow flies and the traffic snags. Lupica understands the importance of integrating CH, Setting, and procedural detail with food, drink, and local color. I did feel that there was a little dissonance in the dialogue in the first few chapters but Lupica lost that as he moved on in the story. I particularly enjoyed the shout out to The Boston Globe and a composite Kevin Cullen/Brian McGrory CH. Red Flags: Violence. For fans of indelible settings, great dialogue and good procedural detail, I might also suggest Robert Crais’s Elvis & Joe series set in LA, Peter Swanson’s Eight Perfect Murders, and Anthony Horowitz British series, as well as Matt Goldman’s Nils Shapiro series for similar dialogue, procedure, and Setting.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've said it before, when Parker died I was crushed. The end of my relationship with my secret boyfriend, Spenser? Say it ain't so.

But then the estate handed the reins over to Ace Atkins and if I turned the lights in my mind down ever so slightly I didn't even notice the change.

Atkins was closer to Parker's voice than Lupica.
I'm missing the timeless aspect to the books - are they set in the 70's, the 80's? Who knows? Who cares? But this one, with it's references to Biden and cell phones ( so many cell phone references ) seems jarring.

Also, does it seem like there is more swearing? I'm no prude but I don't remember Spenser or Hawk dropping f-bombs.

[Jack Hance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an all-star Spenser episode, it had the main character, with Hawk and Susan of course, but also Jesse Stone and Molly Crane, and a big part for Rita Fiore. They solved a political mystery involving shootings, multiple rich bad guys, and a dead young superstar politician. With all of that you would expect to be kept on the edge of your seat, but I wasn’t. It was good enough for the rating but I’m an easy sell. It was a mile wide and an inch deep, perhaps Lupica tried to do too much, or was a little lazy and substituted all tge memory lane and big cast for a more involved plot line. It felt like a whole lot of cameos. Still, I enjoyed it enough. Maybe if Sunny Randall had shown up- come to think of it, she was mentioned…

[Jerry B · Rating 4 out of 5]

We frequently remark we enjoy these Spenser extensions, with the latest author to do so, (famed sports reporter) Mike Lupica, doing a fine job with his so far, including this latest. Spenser, Hawk, and his police pals are hunting for the person who shot regularly recurring character Rita Fiore (fortunately seriously but not fatally) a flirtatious lawyer they all are half in love with. The plot soon reveals more deaths and injuries are probably related to her shooting and Spenser has to do an awful lot of sleuthing to come up with a resolution. The book seemed a little more light-hearted than usual despite the subject matter; we caught ourselves chuckling several times. Liked it.

[Jennifer Ladd · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you haven’t read any of Robert B Parker, don’t begin with this one. What happens to Rita (Fiore) brings out a whole cast of characters from all the series. If they aren’t in the plot, they still get a mention. For Parker fans that was fun. Fairly good plot and wit. It will never be quite the same but it’s nice to hear from beloved characters