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Jesse Stone #16
Robert B. Parker's The Hangman's Sonnet
Here's a stellar novel in Robert B. Parker's 'New York Times' bestselling series featuring Paradise police chief Jesse Stone.
Stone, still reeling from the murder of his fiancée by crazed assassin Mr. Peepers, must keep his emotions in check long enough to get through the wedding day of his loyal protégé, Suitcase Simpson. The morning of the wedding, Jesse learns that a gala 75th birthday party will be held in Paradise for folk singer Terry Jester. Jester, once the equal of Bob Dylan, has spent the last forty years in seclusion after the mysterious disappearance of the master recording tape of his magnum opus, 'The Hangman's Sonnet.'
That same morning, an elderly Paradise woman dies while her house is being ransacked. What are the thieves looking for? And what's the connection to Terry Jester and the missing tape? Jesse's investigation is hampered by hostile politicians and a growing trail of blood and bodies, forcing him to solicit the help of mobster Vinnie Morris and a certain Boston area PI named Spenser! While the town fathers pressure him to avoid a PR nightmare, Jesse must connect the cases before even more bodies get added to the pile.
Stone, still reeling from the murder of his fiancée by crazed assassin Mr. Peepers, must keep his emotions in check long enough to get through the wedding day of his loyal protégé, Suitcase Simpson. The morning of the wedding, Jesse learns that a gala 75th birthday party will be held in Paradise for folk singer Terry Jester. Jester, once the equal of Bob Dylan, has spent the last forty years in seclusion after the mysterious disappearance of the master recording tape of his magnum opus, 'The Hangman's Sonnet.'
That same morning, an elderly Paradise woman dies while her house is being ransacked. What are the thieves looking for? And what's the connection to Terry Jester and the missing tape? Jesse's investigation is hampered by hostile politicians and a growing trail of blood and bodies, forcing him to solicit the help of mobster Vinnie Morris and a certain Boston area PI named Spenser! While the town fathers pressure him to avoid a PR nightmare, Jesse must connect the cases before even more bodies get added to the pile.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2017
1777 people are currently reading
1513 people want to read
About the author
Reed Farrel Coleman
166 books749 followersaka Tony Spinosa
Reed Farrel Coleman’s love of storytelling originated on the streets of Brooklyn and was nurtured by his teachers, friends, and family.
A New York Times bestseller called a hard-boiled poet by NPR’s Maureen Corrigan and the “noir poet laureate” in the Huffington Post, Reed is the author of novels, including Robert B. Parker's Jesse Stone series, the acclaimed Moe Prager series, short stories, and poetry.
Reed is a three-time Edgar Award nominee in three different categories—Best Novel, Best Paperback Original, Best Short Story—and a three-time recipient of the Shamus Award for Best PI Novel of the Year. He has also won the Audie, Macavity, Barry, and Anthony Awards.
A former executive vice president of Mystery Writers of America, Reed is an adjunct instructor of English at Hofstra University and a founding member of MWA University. Brooklyn born and raised, he now lives with his family–including cats Cleo and Knish–in Suffolk County on Long Island.
Reed Farrel Coleman’s love of storytelling originated on the streets of Brooklyn and was nurtured by his teachers, friends, and family.
A New York Times bestseller called a hard-boiled poet by NPR’s Maureen Corrigan and the “noir poet laureate” in the Huffington Post, Reed is the author of novels, including Robert B. Parker's Jesse Stone series, the acclaimed Moe Prager series, short stories, and poetry.
Reed is a three-time Edgar Award nominee in three different categories—Best Novel, Best Paperback Original, Best Short Story—and a three-time recipient of the Shamus Award for Best PI Novel of the Year. He has also won the Audie, Macavity, Barry, and Anthony Awards.
A former executive vice president of Mystery Writers of America, Reed is an adjunct instructor of English at Hofstra University and a founding member of MWA University. Brooklyn born and raised, he now lives with his family–including cats Cleo and Knish–in Suffolk County on Long Island.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 391 reviews
May 26, 2017
Welcome to the 16th installment of the Jesse Stone series! Although the books no longer are written by the late, great Robert B. Parker (he of Spenser fame), the legacy is being carried on admirably by Reed Farrel Coleman, who has been tagged to keep the series alive. And this is one of the best so far, IMHO.
The rather sleepy town of Paradise, Massachusetts, is about to get the mother of all wake-up calls: Plans are in the making for a mega-star-studded 75th birthday party for folk singer Terry Jester, who tore up the charts in his Bob Dylan years. He stepped out of the limelight when the master recording tape of his "The Hangman's Sonnet" album went missing some 40 years ago, and he's remained a recluse ever since. Paradise police chief Jesse Stone learns of the gala the morning that his deputy, "Suitcase" Simpson, is getting married, and he's none too thrilled about the ruckus and security nightmare such an ostentatious blow-out will cause (Woodstock comes to mind).
As if that weren't enough, the same morning an elderly resident is found dead in her home - apparently the victim of a home invasion gone wrong. The whole place is torn apart, suggesting that the culprits were looking for something. As Jesse and his team, including his faithful sidekick Molly Crane, get on the case, the mayor of Paradise and her PR flack get on Jesse's case. Mess up just once and you're gone, they threaten. As always, Jesse takes it in stride; after all, he's been there, done that. The threats do give him a tiny bit of pause, though; he came to Paradise after "screwing up" in Los Angeles, but he wonders, "...where does a man land after he screws up in Paradise?"
As the investigation progresses, Jesse begins to suspect that the old woman's murder may be connected to the missing tape. But how? The chase keeps Jesse guessing and following clues all the way to Boston, where he gets a little help from a private eye named Spenser (who way back when helped with the case of the missing tape, so Jesse wants to pick his brain). Readers should get a kick out of seeing two of Parker's popular characters come together in the same book; as a huge fan of both characters, I sure did.
In between trying to figure out what's going on, keep his job and avoid getting killed, Jesse is still trying to come to terms with the murder of his fiance, former FBI agent Diana Evans (that sad event happened in the previous book) and his penchant for drowning his sorrows in a bottle of Scotch. Throw it all together and you've got a very enjoyable book with interesting characters and a fast-moving plot.
All that said, I do offer an apology of sorts. I've got a ton of for-review books on my list courtesy of publishers (via NetGalley), and I try to tackle them according to closest release date. That doesn't happen for his one till Sept. 12, 2017, but I was so delighted to get it that I just couldn't wait. But alas, you will. Sorry 'bout that!
The rather sleepy town of Paradise, Massachusetts, is about to get the mother of all wake-up calls: Plans are in the making for a mega-star-studded 75th birthday party for folk singer Terry Jester, who tore up the charts in his Bob Dylan years. He stepped out of the limelight when the master recording tape of his "The Hangman's Sonnet" album went missing some 40 years ago, and he's remained a recluse ever since. Paradise police chief Jesse Stone learns of the gala the morning that his deputy, "Suitcase" Simpson, is getting married, and he's none too thrilled about the ruckus and security nightmare such an ostentatious blow-out will cause (Woodstock comes to mind).
As if that weren't enough, the same morning an elderly resident is found dead in her home - apparently the victim of a home invasion gone wrong. The whole place is torn apart, suggesting that the culprits were looking for something. As Jesse and his team, including his faithful sidekick Molly Crane, get on the case, the mayor of Paradise and her PR flack get on Jesse's case. Mess up just once and you're gone, they threaten. As always, Jesse takes it in stride; after all, he's been there, done that. The threats do give him a tiny bit of pause, though; he came to Paradise after "screwing up" in Los Angeles, but he wonders, "...where does a man land after he screws up in Paradise?"
As the investigation progresses, Jesse begins to suspect that the old woman's murder may be connected to the missing tape. But how? The chase keeps Jesse guessing and following clues all the way to Boston, where he gets a little help from a private eye named Spenser (who way back when helped with the case of the missing tape, so Jesse wants to pick his brain). Readers should get a kick out of seeing two of Parker's popular characters come together in the same book; as a huge fan of both characters, I sure did.
In between trying to figure out what's going on, keep his job and avoid getting killed, Jesse is still trying to come to terms with the murder of his fiance, former FBI agent Diana Evans (that sad event happened in the previous book) and his penchant for drowning his sorrows in a bottle of Scotch. Throw it all together and you've got a very enjoyable book with interesting characters and a fast-moving plot.
All that said, I do offer an apology of sorts. I've got a ton of for-review books on my list courtesy of publishers (via NetGalley), and I try to tackle them according to closest release date. That doesn't happen for his one till Sept. 12, 2017, but I was so delighted to get it that I just couldn't wait. But alas, you will. Sorry 'bout that!
March 4, 2018
The Hangman's Sonnet by Reed Farrel Coleman. A Jesse Stone book.
I am so grateful Coleman is continuing the J.S. series. He captures the essence of Jesse and the banter between Molly and the Chief. Let's not forget suit! A wonderful addition that R.B.P. would be smiling about. Read by James Naughton and thanks for a superb job.
It's the 75th birthday of Terry Jester and a gala event is being planned. Jester, although a recluse, is still well known for his success 40 years ago that equaled Dylan's popularity. This news comes to Jesse's attention on the morning of Suit's wedding.
The focal point of this story is a tape...a master recording of Jester's The Hangman's Sonnet. That invaluable tape has gone missing.
Jesse is informed of an elderly woman's death during a break in. Her home had been ransacked and she had apparently died while the perpetrators were present. Jesse knows he needs to get to the bottom of why this woman's house was being feverishly searched and if she is connected to any cases he's currently investigating.
I am so grateful Coleman is continuing the J.S. series. He captures the essence of Jesse and the banter between Molly and the Chief. Let's not forget suit! A wonderful addition that R.B.P. would be smiling about. Read by James Naughton and thanks for a superb job.
It's the 75th birthday of Terry Jester and a gala event is being planned. Jester, although a recluse, is still well known for his success 40 years ago that equaled Dylan's popularity. This news comes to Jesse's attention on the morning of Suit's wedding.
The focal point of this story is a tape...a master recording of Jester's The Hangman's Sonnet. That invaluable tape has gone missing.
Jesse is informed of an elderly woman's death during a break in. Her home had been ransacked and she had apparently died while the perpetrators were present. Jesse knows he needs to get to the bottom of why this woman's house was being feverishly searched and if she is connected to any cases he's currently investigating.
March 30, 2024
4 Stars. Almost a five. Am I being too tough? It's good though. As readers, you and I are left asking, 'What's going on here?' through many chapters. Right off the bat, why was an elderly woman, whose family had been major benefactors of Paradise, killed and her house ransacked? One of the burglars, known as King, found an old sheet of paper taped under a dresser. It appeared to show the image of a key and have some numbers. But he didn't tell his slow-on-the-uptake buddy, Hump. It's got to be valuable. A safe deposit box? It's well into the book before we find out what could be in that box. There's a second complication. On the morning of Suitcase Simpson's wedding, when best man Jesse Stone could only think of remembering to bring the ring, he's visited by three interesting characters. One is sexy Bella who flirts with him big time. They're visiting the Chief to ensure police cooperation for a planned 75th birthday party in Paradise for Terry Jester, the faded rock star. Celebrities galore. The Mayor is worried about her image if the big event goes off the rails; she would sooner fire Jessie. Is this connected to the robbery? I didn't think so, but .. That's the fun part. (Mar2024)
October 18, 2017
During the course of this story, I felt it was on its way to 4-stars. However, the less than satisfactory ending and alcoholism easily cost a star. 6 of 10 stars
March 23, 2020
Been TOO long since I have finished a Jesse Stone novel - Great reminder of why I like this series so much. Mr. Reed Farrel Coleman has done an amazing job carrying on Robert Parker's vision and legacy. Excellent (as always) episode!
July 29, 2022
Jesse always gets his man. He’s a man of few words but when he speaks, it’s not useless communication. He has a drinking problem but it only slightly hinders him from doing his job. Even with his baggage, you can’t get over on him.
A story that draws your attention and takes you through a myriad of time.
A story that draws your attention and takes you through a myriad of time.
May 27, 2020
Although I was entertained for a quarter of the book, the plot was not well constructed. The main character is deteriorated to the point where...
June 25, 2017
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley to read and review.
THE HANGMAN’S SONNET by Reed Farrel Coleman is the 16th book in the Jesse Stone series and the 7th book in the series since the death of Robert B. Parker.
Jesse is back after the tragic death of his fiancé Diana, and his life is unraveling as a result of his heavy drinking which has affected his performance on the job as the police chief of the small town of Paradise.
Several of the people closest to him have one-on-one intervention-like exchanges with him as he realizes the burden he has been to those he works with.
Terry Jester is a local music legend unofficially known as the “Boston Bob Dylan”, and his management approaches Jesse to inform him of Jester’s scheduled gala 75th birthday party expected to include a who’s-who of the music industry and will take place in Paradise. Jester is also legendary for the mysterious disappearance of the master tapes from an un-released album titled “The Hangman’s Sonnet” which is rumored to have been a phenomenal recording including the best of the best in rock music, but adding to the mystery is the reluctance of most allegedly involved to shed any light on the recordings or their involvement.
King and Hump are two criminals recently released from prison that break into a rich older woman’s home nearby in search of something, and it becomes clear that they've been hired by someone else.
Tragedy unexpectedly occurs in the execution of the crime, and it is unclear if they've accomplished what they've been hired to do when they leave the scene of the crime.
Jester’s upcoming event combined with King and Hump’s break-in force Jesse to get ahold of himself especially as the mayor and her assistant seem to be looking for any reason to fire him, and while his concerns about his own job security aren't enough to force him to sober up, his concerns for the others in his life are, as he wraps himself up in solving both the crimes surrounding the past regarding the missing recordings, along with the recent burglary and deaths surrounding it.
Reed Farrel Coleman is the second writer of the series post RBP. Michael Brandman wrote the first three following the death of Parker, and I've just completed his latest novel “Missing Persons” that I'll be reviewing as well.
Overall, I've been less than exited about the books by both Brandman and Coleman in this series, and my review of the previous book written by Coleman titled “Debt to Pay” was reflective of this.
Since that book I've been fortunate to be able to read “What You Break”, the second book in the Gus Murphy series written by Reed Farrel Coleman, and it's a fine book that I enjoyed more than any his books in this series up to this one.
I'm pleased to say that I found this book to be the best one written in the series post RBP, and it reminded me a bit of the books written in the Spenser series by Ace Atkins, who succeeds Robert B. Parker and has carried the torch very well. Incidentally, author Coleman thanks Atkins in the acknowledgements at the end of the book, and while the writing obviously bears the style of Coleman, there are some elements present that resemble some of what has proved successful for Atkins in the Spenser books, and Spenser actually makes a cameo in this one.
Vinnie Morris, Captain Healey, and others from previous books have important roles that help to make this one work where others have been less successful.
Hopefully the next book will be this good.
4 stars.
THE HANGMAN’S SONNET by Reed Farrel Coleman is the 16th book in the Jesse Stone series and the 7th book in the series since the death of Robert B. Parker.
Jesse is back after the tragic death of his fiancé Diana, and his life is unraveling as a result of his heavy drinking which has affected his performance on the job as the police chief of the small town of Paradise.
Several of the people closest to him have one-on-one intervention-like exchanges with him as he realizes the burden he has been to those he works with.
Terry Jester is a local music legend unofficially known as the “Boston Bob Dylan”, and his management approaches Jesse to inform him of Jester’s scheduled gala 75th birthday party expected to include a who’s-who of the music industry and will take place in Paradise. Jester is also legendary for the mysterious disappearance of the master tapes from an un-released album titled “The Hangman’s Sonnet” which is rumored to have been a phenomenal recording including the best of the best in rock music, but adding to the mystery is the reluctance of most allegedly involved to shed any light on the recordings or their involvement.
King and Hump are two criminals recently released from prison that break into a rich older woman’s home nearby in search of something, and it becomes clear that they've been hired by someone else.
Tragedy unexpectedly occurs in the execution of the crime, and it is unclear if they've accomplished what they've been hired to do when they leave the scene of the crime.
Jester’s upcoming event combined with King and Hump’s break-in force Jesse to get ahold of himself especially as the mayor and her assistant seem to be looking for any reason to fire him, and while his concerns about his own job security aren't enough to force him to sober up, his concerns for the others in his life are, as he wraps himself up in solving both the crimes surrounding the past regarding the missing recordings, along with the recent burglary and deaths surrounding it.
Reed Farrel Coleman is the second writer of the series post RBP. Michael Brandman wrote the first three following the death of Parker, and I've just completed his latest novel “Missing Persons” that I'll be reviewing as well.
Overall, I've been less than exited about the books by both Brandman and Coleman in this series, and my review of the previous book written by Coleman titled “Debt to Pay” was reflective of this.
Since that book I've been fortunate to be able to read “What You Break”, the second book in the Gus Murphy series written by Reed Farrel Coleman, and it's a fine book that I enjoyed more than any his books in this series up to this one.
I'm pleased to say that I found this book to be the best one written in the series post RBP, and it reminded me a bit of the books written in the Spenser series by Ace Atkins, who succeeds Robert B. Parker and has carried the torch very well. Incidentally, author Coleman thanks Atkins in the acknowledgements at the end of the book, and while the writing obviously bears the style of Coleman, there are some elements present that resemble some of what has proved successful for Atkins in the Spenser books, and Spenser actually makes a cameo in this one.
Vinnie Morris, Captain Healey, and others from previous books have important roles that help to make this one work where others have been less successful.
Hopefully the next book will be this good.
4 stars.
October 9, 2017
I have been reading Robert B. Parker’s Jesse Stone series since its beginning. Jesse is the Chief of Police in the small town of Paradise, outside of Boston. Jesse’s background includes a once promising baseball prospect until suffering a career ending injury. He became a dedicated police officer in the Los Angeles Police department who developed a drinking problem that cost him his job.
Jesse’s role as Police Chief in Paradise has been his second chance at making life work, which has been full of work related challenges as well as personal ones. When Parker passed away the series continued with Michael Brandman writing three books and Reed Farrel Coleman having written the last four. Under Coleman’s guidance Jesse has gone through a personal journey of trial, heartbreak, and growth.
At the end of his last book, “Debt to Pay” Jess was left with a great personal loss, that when this book, “The Hangman’s Sonnet” opens, finds him drinking so heavily, his ability to do his job is impaired. He must stay sober enough to make it through the wedding day of his loyal apprentice, Suitcase Simpson. In addition, Jesse is given a security assignment for a local focal singer, Terry Jester’s upcoming 75th birthday party which is expected to include top level music and movie stars. Terry was once considered to be on the level of Bob Dylan, but has spent the last forty years in seclusion after the mysterious disappearance of the master recording tape of his magnum opus, The Hangman's Sonnet.
Things for Jesse only get worse. An elderly woman dies while her house is being ransacked, but no one can figure out what the criminals were looking for. Jesse's investigation is also hampered by noisy politicians watching his drinking habits and an increasing body count. He is forced to solicit the help of other Parker related characters, including mobster Vinnie Morris and a PI named Spenser. While the town politicians raise the pressure on him to avoid negative press reviews, Jesse must connect the cases before the body count increases further.
Coleman does a good job of developing the plot and characters moving it forward. The mystery is not terribly difficult to figure out, but provides some interesting twists along the way. The strengthening of Tamara Elkin’s role, not only as medical examiner, but as an influence in Jesse’s life was a nice touch. Jesse’s interactions with Vinnie and Spenser also provided some quality banter and exchanges from mystery hall of fame classical characters. But the biggest strength in this book is the quiet, but firm way, Coleman deals with Jesse’s personal loss and out of control drinking. We see Jesse and some of his lowest points ever and it sucks. But we also watch him pull himself up by his boot straps one step at a time to not only solve the case, but deal with his problems with real life solutions. It is painful, but provides hope for better future for Jesse.
Overall, Coleman has pulled me back into caring about Jesse Stone again. Over the last four books he has built up my hope for his happiness, ripped my heart apart, and then began to rebuild Jesse from the ground level up, making him stronger and wiser from his experiences. He has made Jesse an interesting hero again with real chinks in his armor.
By golly, I am finding myself cheering him on and looking forward to the next book in the series. All right Coleman, you have won me over. Now keep me there…
Jesse’s role as Police Chief in Paradise has been his second chance at making life work, which has been full of work related challenges as well as personal ones. When Parker passed away the series continued with Michael Brandman writing three books and Reed Farrel Coleman having written the last four. Under Coleman’s guidance Jesse has gone through a personal journey of trial, heartbreak, and growth.
At the end of his last book, “Debt to Pay” Jess was left with a great personal loss, that when this book, “The Hangman’s Sonnet” opens, finds him drinking so heavily, his ability to do his job is impaired. He must stay sober enough to make it through the wedding day of his loyal apprentice, Suitcase Simpson. In addition, Jesse is given a security assignment for a local focal singer, Terry Jester’s upcoming 75th birthday party which is expected to include top level music and movie stars. Terry was once considered to be on the level of Bob Dylan, but has spent the last forty years in seclusion after the mysterious disappearance of the master recording tape of his magnum opus, The Hangman's Sonnet.
Things for Jesse only get worse. An elderly woman dies while her house is being ransacked, but no one can figure out what the criminals were looking for. Jesse's investigation is also hampered by noisy politicians watching his drinking habits and an increasing body count. He is forced to solicit the help of other Parker related characters, including mobster Vinnie Morris and a PI named Spenser. While the town politicians raise the pressure on him to avoid negative press reviews, Jesse must connect the cases before the body count increases further.
Coleman does a good job of developing the plot and characters moving it forward. The mystery is not terribly difficult to figure out, but provides some interesting twists along the way. The strengthening of Tamara Elkin’s role, not only as medical examiner, but as an influence in Jesse’s life was a nice touch. Jesse’s interactions with Vinnie and Spenser also provided some quality banter and exchanges from mystery hall of fame classical characters. But the biggest strength in this book is the quiet, but firm way, Coleman deals with Jesse’s personal loss and out of control drinking. We see Jesse and some of his lowest points ever and it sucks. But we also watch him pull himself up by his boot straps one step at a time to not only solve the case, but deal with his problems with real life solutions. It is painful, but provides hope for better future for Jesse.
Overall, Coleman has pulled me back into caring about Jesse Stone again. Over the last four books he has built up my hope for his happiness, ripped my heart apart, and then began to rebuild Jesse from the ground level up, making him stronger and wiser from his experiences. He has made Jesse an interesting hero again with real chinks in his armor.
By golly, I am finding myself cheering him on and looking forward to the next book in the series. All right Coleman, you have won me over. Now keep me there…
December 11, 2025
Jesse Stone is losing his battle with alcoholism for the first half of the book as he is working a complicated murder case. And the mayor is looking for a reason to fire him. He is still reeling from the death of his fiancé in the Debt to Pay. There is a cameo appearance by the Boston PI Spenser. Jesse gets his drinking under control in time to save his job and work the case.
December 22, 2017
This is the fourth Jesse Stone novel Reed Farrel Coleman has written in the series begun by the late Robert B. Parker. And he has kept the faith. Moreover, he has done something the master never did. He brings in Spenser to play a minor role in solving the mystery which begins with the death of an old woman, a member of the founding family of Paradise, and the ransacking of her home.
Jesse, still reeling from the death of his beloved Diana in his presence, is slowly drinking himself into oblivion. But that doesn’t stop him from performing his duty as Police Chief, despite the hindrance of the Mayor and her hatchet woman. The plot basically revolves around the recovery of a supposedly long lost tape made by a now has-been rock star in time for his 70th birthday party.
Coleman performs up to the standards of the late master, while offering a clever plot of his own, written in a slightly different style (few can duplicate the pithy sentences of a Parker novel). He gives us a deeper insight into Jesse’s personality and presumably shows the force of his iron will. Well at least let’s hope so. Presumably we’ll find out in the next volume in the series.
Recommended.
Jesse, still reeling from the death of his beloved Diana in his presence, is slowly drinking himself into oblivion. But that doesn’t stop him from performing his duty as Police Chief, despite the hindrance of the Mayor and her hatchet woman. The plot basically revolves around the recovery of a supposedly long lost tape made by a now has-been rock star in time for his 70th birthday party.
Coleman performs up to the standards of the late master, while offering a clever plot of his own, written in a slightly different style (few can duplicate the pithy sentences of a Parker novel). He gives us a deeper insight into Jesse’s personality and presumably shows the force of his iron will. Well at least let’s hope so. Presumably we’ll find out in the next volume in the series.
Recommended.
September 21, 2017
(3 1/2). After the first 75 or so pages, I wondered what had happened to one of my bulletproof, must read authors, Reed Farrel Coleman. I am glad to say, from that point on, I got my answer. He is alive and very well, thank you. This book takes off with a vengeance and does not let go. The Jesse Stone franchise has flourished with Coleman, reaching heights that Parker never attained. This story just spins and spins and spins. Lots going on and with Jesse reaching new highs and lows all along the way. Try it, you'll like it!
June 1, 2017
Too much time and the number of pages were spent on alcoholism on the part of Jesse and his friends. The story did not develop until 2/3 of book was read. Alcoholism and the loss of girl friend is a continuous theme in Jesse's life story.
May 15, 2018
The first half of this book was definitely a 1 or 2 star story as Coleman turned Jesse from a man who was fighting a drinking problem into a man who was a falling down, shaking with tremors drunk. No way he could possibly hide that from the people who disliked him and were looking for a reason to fire him. Just totally unrealistic. Coleman still doesn't have all the relationships between Jesse and his deputies correct, but at least he got closer this time. But he finally gives Jesse a reprieve at the end of the story (which was pretty weak) sending him off to rehab. Coleman, to me, is the worst of the writers who have tried to continue Parker's legacy.
June 28, 2017
Robert B. Parker’s The Hangman’s Sonnet is the 16th book Robert Parker’s Jesse Stone series and is written by Reed Farrel Coleman. Mr. Coleman’s writing style is a mirror image of the late Robert Parker. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. This book combines humor, suspense, and tension, and Mr. Coleman has blended them perfectly. The storyline is well thought out and there is excellent character development. The author has woven together intriguing characters, unexpected twists and turns, and complicated relationships.
In this installment, Jesse Stone, the Police Chief of Paradise, a small town in Massachusetts, is drinking heavily, trying to deal with his emotions revolving around the death of his fiancée, Diana Evans, by his nemeses, Mr. Peppers. Jessie’s heavy drinking is jeopardizing relationships and is affecting his job performance. Several people close to him are trying to convince him what he is doing is hurtful to many people and selfish of him. Mayor Constance ‘Connie’ Walker and her new assistant and political advisor, Nita Thompson, would like nothing more than to give Jesse his walking papers and are just waiting for him to mess up one more time. A 75th birthday bash is planned for Terry Jester, a folk singer, at the Wickham Estate on Stiles Island. Terry has spent the last forty years in seclusion after the mysterious disappearance of the master recording tape of the phenomenal un-released album, The Hangman’s Sonnet, he recorded with multiple legendary singers. Kirk Kingston ‘King’ Curnutt and Humphrey ‘Hump’ Bolton, who were previously cellmates, are hired to break into the home of an elderly woman, Maude Cain, and find a key or a piece of paper with numbers on it and in return will earn $10,000. Things go terribly wrong: Maude dies, Rudy Walsh, a MassEx deliveryman, is severely beaten, King locates the items but doesn’t tell Hump, and even though they were warned not to take anything from the house other than the key and/or paper, Hump finds and steals a valuable dragonfly ring. Jesse doesn’t play games, is a skilled detective, and his gut is usually right but uses dangerous tactic n this investigation and hopes his career doesn’t explode.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
In this installment, Jesse Stone, the Police Chief of Paradise, a small town in Massachusetts, is drinking heavily, trying to deal with his emotions revolving around the death of his fiancée, Diana Evans, by his nemeses, Mr. Peppers. Jessie’s heavy drinking is jeopardizing relationships and is affecting his job performance. Several people close to him are trying to convince him what he is doing is hurtful to many people and selfish of him. Mayor Constance ‘Connie’ Walker and her new assistant and political advisor, Nita Thompson, would like nothing more than to give Jesse his walking papers and are just waiting for him to mess up one more time. A 75th birthday bash is planned for Terry Jester, a folk singer, at the Wickham Estate on Stiles Island. Terry has spent the last forty years in seclusion after the mysterious disappearance of the master recording tape of the phenomenal un-released album, The Hangman’s Sonnet, he recorded with multiple legendary singers. Kirk Kingston ‘King’ Curnutt and Humphrey ‘Hump’ Bolton, who were previously cellmates, are hired to break into the home of an elderly woman, Maude Cain, and find a key or a piece of paper with numbers on it and in return will earn $10,000. Things go terribly wrong: Maude dies, Rudy Walsh, a MassEx deliveryman, is severely beaten, King locates the items but doesn’t tell Hump, and even though they were warned not to take anything from the house other than the key and/or paper, Hump finds and steals a valuable dragonfly ring. Jesse doesn’t play games, is a skilled detective, and his gut is usually right but uses dangerous tactic n this investigation and hopes his career doesn’t explode.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
September 12, 2017
***Moderately Recommend***. Rating 4/5
Genre: Mystery, Police Procedural, Whodunnit
Protagonist: Jesse Stone. Police Chief. Ex-Pro Baseball Player. Ex-LAPD detective. Tortured and battling his own personal demons.
About: This is the 16th book in the Jesse Stone series created by gifted storyteller Robert B. Parker (also recognized for the Spenser, PI series). Michael Brandman continued the series after Mr. Parker’s death in 2010 for three books, and then Reed Farrel Coleman picked up and has written the last four. These authors have definitely captured the voice and style of the originator.
Jesse Stone, extremely clever but anguished chief of police of Paradise, Massachusetts, a small town in New England, is thrown into solving a mystery that comes to his small town. A prominent member of the community has been murdered. But why? Who would murder an elderly lady, whose family were the wealthy benefactors of the town, but now is barely getting by? What does her death have to do with the legendary, long-lost master tape “The Hangman’s Sonnet?” Jesse and his small police force show that they have the ability to solve difficult cases when need. No forensics here…just honest to goodness detective work.
Pros: Well written police procedural. A carefully planned and executed mystery. Believable. Great dialogue which helped with character development. An actual whodunnit that is not easily guessed. No twists and turns, but that follows the original style. Well developed secondary characters, especially Jesse’s support system. Not vulgarity and sexual situations. This book could be read as a stand alone book, but reading the entire series would not be a waste of time.
Cons: The story moved too slowly for me. It wasn't a “can't put this book down” for me. I would read a little, and then go a couple of days before picking it up again. If you like twists and turns this may not be the book for you. If you like detailed forensics with the newest technology you will be disappointed
Overall: The classic mystery buff will enjoy this book. Tom Selleck has portrayed Jesse Stone in movies aired on the Hallmark Channel. If you like the movies you would love the book series. I would buy this and add to my library.
Genre: Mystery, Police Procedural, Whodunnit
Protagonist: Jesse Stone. Police Chief. Ex-Pro Baseball Player. Ex-LAPD detective. Tortured and battling his own personal demons.
About: This is the 16th book in the Jesse Stone series created by gifted storyteller Robert B. Parker (also recognized for the Spenser, PI series). Michael Brandman continued the series after Mr. Parker’s death in 2010 for three books, and then Reed Farrel Coleman picked up and has written the last four. These authors have definitely captured the voice and style of the originator.
Jesse Stone, extremely clever but anguished chief of police of Paradise, Massachusetts, a small town in New England, is thrown into solving a mystery that comes to his small town. A prominent member of the community has been murdered. But why? Who would murder an elderly lady, whose family were the wealthy benefactors of the town, but now is barely getting by? What does her death have to do with the legendary, long-lost master tape “The Hangman’s Sonnet?” Jesse and his small police force show that they have the ability to solve difficult cases when need. No forensics here…just honest to goodness detective work.
Pros: Well written police procedural. A carefully planned and executed mystery. Believable. Great dialogue which helped with character development. An actual whodunnit that is not easily guessed. No twists and turns, but that follows the original style. Well developed secondary characters, especially Jesse’s support system. Not vulgarity and sexual situations. This book could be read as a stand alone book, but reading the entire series would not be a waste of time.
Cons: The story moved too slowly for me. It wasn't a “can't put this book down” for me. I would read a little, and then go a couple of days before picking it up again. If you like twists and turns this may not be the book for you. If you like detailed forensics with the newest technology you will be disappointed
Overall: The classic mystery buff will enjoy this book. Tom Selleck has portrayed Jesse Stone in movies aired on the Hallmark Channel. If you like the movies you would love the book series. I would buy this and add to my library.
June 1, 2021
Mr Peepers has done his damage to Jesse Stone and he drowns himself in sorrow and mostly whiskey. While Jesse does his best to destroy himself the women still in his life around him desperately try to get him to function again. The Mayor of Paradise wouldn't mind if Jesse went under so she could replace him.
This time the trouble in Paradise is a mythical recording from a once great musical artist, of the likes of Bob Dylan, whose return to fame would be a record based upon a poem called "The hangman's Sonnet" . However both have been stolen a long time ago and now it seems they are making a return to modern life and will be of course important to both the artist and his manager.
Before anybody hears a song from this lost record some people die and that is just not acceptable for Chief Stone, drunk as he may be.
Another good thriller which also highlights Stones troubles with the drink, even if I consider Lawrence Blocks' Matthew Scudder for better in telling you about the life of an alcoholic. However this book felt more Jesse Stone even if his sarcastic sense of humour and his laidbackness is yet to be discovered. Still as continuation books go it is a comfortable read nonetheless.
This time the trouble in Paradise is a mythical recording from a once great musical artist, of the likes of Bob Dylan, whose return to fame would be a record based upon a poem called "The hangman's Sonnet" . However both have been stolen a long time ago and now it seems they are making a return to modern life and will be of course important to both the artist and his manager.
Before anybody hears a song from this lost record some people die and that is just not acceptable for Chief Stone, drunk as he may be.
Another good thriller which also highlights Stones troubles with the drink, even if I consider Lawrence Blocks' Matthew Scudder for better in telling you about the life of an alcoholic. However this book felt more Jesse Stone even if his sarcastic sense of humour and his laidbackness is yet to be discovered. Still as continuation books go it is a comfortable read nonetheless.
September 15, 2017
If you like morose protagonists, this is a good book for you. If you don't, it's a long stagger with an uninteresting drunk.
The ending somewhat redeems the slow journey so I gave it two stars, but I'd give it one-and-a-half stars if that were an option.
The ending somewhat redeems the slow journey so I gave it two stars, but I'd give it one-and-a-half stars if that were an option.
February 21, 2024
Jessie Stone continues to assuage his grief following a devastating loss with Johnnie Walker Black while investigating both the death of the last of a prominent local family and the theft forty years previously of the master tape of what is thought to be the masterpiece album of a music legend. Stone’s drinking, while understandable in the wake of his loss, is causing problems both for himself and his loyal colleagues on the Paradise police force. It is selfish. And Jessie Stone is not a selfish man.
The plot is complex if sometimes head-scratching, the dialog sparkles, and Jessie’s relationship with his fellow members of the PPD is front and center, revealing, and redemptive. A worthy entry in the series.
The plot is complex if sometimes head-scratching, the dialog sparkles, and Jessie’s relationship with his fellow members of the PPD is front and center, revealing, and redemptive. A worthy entry in the series.
July 27, 2017
★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
On the one hand, I know that Coleman is a pro, and that he's going to approach each series, each character from a different angle. But he's so effective at writing a broken, grieving Gus Murphy, that you have to expect a grieving Jesse Stone to be written as effectively and with a similar depth. Which gave me a little pause when it came to cracking this one open -- how much of a mess would Jesse be?
Big. A big mess.
Still, I was chuckling within a few pages -- Jesse's pursuing a path to self-destruction unlike any he's had before, even that which cost him his career with the LAPD, but at his core he's still the same guy we've been reading for 20 years. He may not care about himself (or at least he wants to punish himself), but Suit, Molly, and the rest of Paradise. When push comes to shove, he'll do what he has to do. Some times he might need prompting, however.
But let's set that aside for the moment -- there are essentially two stories involving Jesse and the PPD. There's the titular sonnet -- a reference to a legendary lost recording by Massachusetts' answer to Bob Dylan, Terry Jester. Sometime after this recording, Jester pulled a J. D. Salinger and disappeared from the public eye. Jester is about to turn 75, and a large birthday gala is being planned on Stiles Island. Jesse has to consult with Jester's manager, PR agent and the chief of security for the island. Jesse can't stand this idea -- he can't stand much to do with Stiles Island -- he just doesn't want to put up with the hassle, the celebrities, the distraction from the typical duties of PPD. But he doesn't have much choice -- for one, there will need to be something done to deal with the traffic, celebrities, and what not; but Jesse also has to deal with the mayor's political aspirations. And you don't get very far without the support (and money) of celebrities and the positive media coverage that kind of thing should bring.
On the other end of the spectrum, an elderly woman has been found dead in her bed, but under suspicious circumstances. She has deep ties to the history of Paradise, causing her death to grab more headlines than it might otherwise. Did I mention the mayor's political aspirations? Well, the last thing she needs is an unsolved murder when she's trying to cash in on the media attention that Jester's celebration will bring. So she starts applying pressure to Jesse. When Jesse starts to think there's a link between her death and the hunt for The Hangman's Sonnet master recording, the pressure -- and the urge to drink -- increases for Paradise's Police Chief. Thanks to the Law of Interconnected Monkey Business, the reader knew there was likely a link all along, so I don't think I gave away too much there.
That right there would be enough to get me to read and probably recommend. But you add Coleman's writing into the mix and you've got yourself a winner. There's a wonderful passage where Jesse meditates on the beauty of the accessories to his drinking -- the different glasses, the bottles, the rituals. The mystery was solid work -- and I was close to figuring everything out, but not close enough. When the final reveal was made, I felt pretty stupid, all the pieces were there I just didn't assemble them correctly. There were a couple of "red shirt" criminals early on that were so well written, that even when you know they're not going to stick around too long, you get invested in them (one of them had a death scene fairly early that most writers would let be predictable -- and the death was -- but the way that Coleman wrote it got me highlighting and making notes). Coleman even does something that Parker said he couldn't do.
I won't say that everything that happened during Debt to Pay has been dealt with thoroughly -- it hasn't. But, most of the characters have been able to get a degree of resolution and closure that means they can move forward. Not perfectly, perhaps, but honestly. Jesse, in particular, might come back for book 17 in a significantly better place (or at least significantly different) -- but the core will be there, and woe on any criminal that steps foot into Paradise.
Great character moments; slow, organic development; and top-notch writing. Coleman delivers again, continuing to take the foundation laid by Parker and building on it in a way that's true to the spirit of the world Parker created, but brought to us with a newfound depth.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Putnam Books via NetGalley in exchange for this post -- thanks to both for this.
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
On the one hand, I know that Coleman is a pro, and that he's going to approach each series, each character from a different angle. But he's so effective at writing a broken, grieving Gus Murphy, that you have to expect a grieving Jesse Stone to be written as effectively and with a similar depth. Which gave me a little pause when it came to cracking this one open -- how much of a mess would Jesse be?
Big. A big mess.
Still, I was chuckling within a few pages -- Jesse's pursuing a path to self-destruction unlike any he's had before, even that which cost him his career with the LAPD, but at his core he's still the same guy we've been reading for 20 years. He may not care about himself (or at least he wants to punish himself), but Suit, Molly, and the rest of Paradise. When push comes to shove, he'll do what he has to do. Some times he might need prompting, however.
But let's set that aside for the moment -- there are essentially two stories involving Jesse and the PPD. There's the titular sonnet -- a reference to a legendary lost recording by Massachusetts' answer to Bob Dylan, Terry Jester. Sometime after this recording, Jester pulled a J. D. Salinger and disappeared from the public eye. Jester is about to turn 75, and a large birthday gala is being planned on Stiles Island. Jesse has to consult with Jester's manager, PR agent and the chief of security for the island. Jesse can't stand this idea -- he can't stand much to do with Stiles Island -- he just doesn't want to put up with the hassle, the celebrities, the distraction from the typical duties of PPD. But he doesn't have much choice -- for one, there will need to be something done to deal with the traffic, celebrities, and what not; but Jesse also has to deal with the mayor's political aspirations. And you don't get very far without the support (and money) of celebrities and the positive media coverage that kind of thing should bring.
On the other end of the spectrum, an elderly woman has been found dead in her bed, but under suspicious circumstances. She has deep ties to the history of Paradise, causing her death to grab more headlines than it might otherwise. Did I mention the mayor's political aspirations? Well, the last thing she needs is an unsolved murder when she's trying to cash in on the media attention that Jester's celebration will bring. So she starts applying pressure to Jesse. When Jesse starts to think there's a link between her death and the hunt for The Hangman's Sonnet master recording, the pressure -- and the urge to drink -- increases for Paradise's Police Chief. Thanks to the Law of Interconnected Monkey Business, the reader knew there was likely a link all along, so I don't think I gave away too much there.
That right there would be enough to get me to read and probably recommend. But you add Coleman's writing into the mix and you've got yourself a winner. There's a wonderful passage where Jesse meditates on the beauty of the accessories to his drinking -- the different glasses, the bottles, the rituals. The mystery was solid work -- and I was close to figuring everything out, but not close enough. When the final reveal was made, I felt pretty stupid, all the pieces were there I just didn't assemble them correctly. There were a couple of "red shirt" criminals early on that were so well written, that even when you know they're not going to stick around too long, you get invested in them (one of them had a death scene fairly early that most writers would let be predictable -- and the death was -- but the way that Coleman wrote it got me highlighting and making notes). Coleman even does something that Parker said he couldn't do.
I won't say that everything that happened during Debt to Pay has been dealt with thoroughly -- it hasn't. But, most of the characters have been able to get a degree of resolution and closure that means they can move forward. Not perfectly, perhaps, but honestly. Jesse, in particular, might come back for book 17 in a significantly better place (or at least significantly different) -- but the core will be there, and woe on any criminal that steps foot into Paradise.
Great character moments; slow, organic development; and top-notch writing. Coleman delivers again, continuing to take the foundation laid by Parker and building on it in a way that's true to the spirit of the world Parker created, but brought to us with a newfound depth.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Putnam Books via NetGalley in exchange for this post -- thanks to both for this.
September 5, 2018
Reed Farrel is doing a bang up job of continuing the Jesse Stone series. The character of Jesse Stone is being maintained at a satisfying level. Hope it continues..
May 20, 2021
First a little factual history, and some opinions on that history, strictly my own. Robert B. Parker published the Godwulf Manuscript, the first Spenser novel, in 1973. By around the 10th or 12th Spenser novel (mid-80’s), Parker was phoning them in. I don’t mean I didn’t love the later Spenser novels. I did. I mean they came too easy to Parker, so he didn’t put as much depth into them. He needed to have his literary fire re-lit, and he knew it. So he published the first Jesse Stone novel, Night Passage, in 1998, and the first Sunny Randall novel, Family Honor, in 1999, and what a breath of fresh air they were. It was early, brilliant Parker all over again. Sadly, Parker died in 2010, and with him died a unique and uniquely American (Boston) literary voice.
So here’s the latest Jesse Stone novel, brought to you NOT by Robert B. Parker himself, but by a contract writer who has pretty much destroyed the real Jesse Stone in favor of an imposter with a dull personality, an alcohol addiction that should have gotten him fired a long time ago, and a tedious problem with women. Even the characters we have loved over the decades (Vinnie Morris, Captain Healy) become cardboard.
I reviewed Debt to Pay, Coleman’s previous Jesse Stone installment, in April, 2017. My final paragraph read, “There is another Jesse Stone novel by Coleman due on the bookshelves shortly [The Hangman’s Sonnet]. Count me out. If the Parker estate decides to try another author, I’m in again. Otherwise, I’d rather remember Jesse Stone the way Parker meant him to be.” Four years later, I guess I forgot to take my own advice.
The plot of The Hangman’s Sonnet can be summed up by a quote from Molly, an officer in Jesse’s Paradise police department, and a close friend of Jesse’s: “Two people dead, another in the hospital…All this over a stupid record album?” I couldn’t have summed it up better.
Heed the advice I gave myself, and didn’t listen to. Read something other than this book, and while doing so, remember the great Robert B. Parker.
So here’s the latest Jesse Stone novel, brought to you NOT by Robert B. Parker himself, but by a contract writer who has pretty much destroyed the real Jesse Stone in favor of an imposter with a dull personality, an alcohol addiction that should have gotten him fired a long time ago, and a tedious problem with women. Even the characters we have loved over the decades (Vinnie Morris, Captain Healy) become cardboard.
I reviewed Debt to Pay, Coleman’s previous Jesse Stone installment, in April, 2017. My final paragraph read, “There is another Jesse Stone novel by Coleman due on the bookshelves shortly [The Hangman’s Sonnet]. Count me out. If the Parker estate decides to try another author, I’m in again. Otherwise, I’d rather remember Jesse Stone the way Parker meant him to be.” Four years later, I guess I forgot to take my own advice.
The plot of The Hangman’s Sonnet can be summed up by a quote from Molly, an officer in Jesse’s Paradise police department, and a close friend of Jesse’s: “Two people dead, another in the hospital…All this over a stupid record album?” I couldn’t have summed it up better.
Heed the advice I gave myself, and didn’t listen to. Read something other than this book, and while doing so, remember the great Robert B. Parker.
October 16, 2017
Reed Farrel Coleman's continuation of Robert B. Parker's Jesse Stone series just gets better and better.
Stone is battling the bottle, still trying to recover from the death of his fiancee, and working as little as possible. He is spending his time with Johnnie Walker and his Ozzie Smith poster.
But he gets sober for the first time in weeks for the wedding of his protege, Luther "Suitcase" Simpson. And that's the day an elderly woman is murdered and an aging rock star's plans are revealed for a major birthday party.
The rocker, Terry Jester, has spent the last 40 years in seclusion after the disappearance of the master tapes for his magnum opus, The Hangman's Sonnet.
The missing tapes seem entwined with the new mysteries and at one point Stone has to consult with Spenser (whose Parker series continues under the hand of Ace Atkins).
The mayor has given Stone one final warning to clean up his act or lose his job. Can he get sober and solve the crimes? It's a quick, enjoyable read to find out.
Stone is battling the bottle, still trying to recover from the death of his fiancee, and working as little as possible. He is spending his time with Johnnie Walker and his Ozzie Smith poster.
But he gets sober for the first time in weeks for the wedding of his protege, Luther "Suitcase" Simpson. And that's the day an elderly woman is murdered and an aging rock star's plans are revealed for a major birthday party.
The rocker, Terry Jester, has spent the last 40 years in seclusion after the disappearance of the master tapes for his magnum opus, The Hangman's Sonnet.
The missing tapes seem entwined with the new mysteries and at one point Stone has to consult with Spenser (whose Parker series continues under the hand of Ace Atkins).
The mayor has given Stone one final warning to clean up his act or lose his job. Can he get sober and solve the crimes? It's a quick, enjoyable read to find out.
November 1, 2017
A good read for fans of the Jesse Stone novels!
April 24, 2018
This is book number sixteen in the Jesse Stone series and the fourth book Reed Farrel Coleman has penned. Coleman who has now established himself as the continuing writer for the series and with each new book is gradually making it his own. The story picks up where “Debt to Pay” left off, with Jesse witnessing the murder of his beloved girlfriend former FBI agent Diana Evans. Diana had been trying to protect Elena, Suitcase Simpson’s fiancée when the crazy assassin Mr. Peepers shot her and she went down as Jesse looked on. He has been hit hard by her murder, plagued by guilt, regret and grief, finding refuge in the only solace he knows -- his old demon, Johnnie Walker Black. He spends hours ruminating about every choice he made from the day Suit was shot and wounded by Mr Peepers to the day Diana was killed, feeling lost and empty. The last time things were this bad was when his ex-wife Jenn was unfaithful to him. At that time his drinking cost him friendships, the trust and respect of his peers and his detective shield, ultimately leading to his move and the job as Chief in Paradise. But this time his sorrow feels so much deeper. Unlike Jenn, Diana had been his soulmate, a match for him in every way. Jesse’s friends understand the measure of his grief and are trying to cover for him, but even they are losing patience. They know he cannot go on like this and have tried to convince him to stop or at least slow down his drinking. Others, including the mayor Constance Walker have noticed that Jesse’s present state is affecting the performance of his job as Chief of Police in Paradise. Jesse knows he can’t mess up again. Last time he was able to move on, but where does a man land after he screws up in a place in Paradise? It might be the end of the road. Jesse and the mayor have always had a cool relationship and she has never been his friend, but now it seems she is looking for any excuse to fire him and if Jesse is not careful, it is sure to come to pass. The first gauntlet has already been thrown – he has already been told to clean up his act or go on forced sick leave.
For Jesse, it is not just the loss of Diana that haunts him. He has always been a loner but now the few friends he has seem to have drifted away. The death of former mob boss Gino Fish has left him without the ability to get information he would not normally be able to access. His friend Captain Healy the former head of the state homicide bureau has retired and Jesse no longer has someone as knowledgeable as he is with whom to discuss his cases. Healy was an alcoholic so they shared that vice and Healy respected Jesse’s experience, always ready to support him with few questions asked. Jesse is also losing his old digs as he has decided to sell his house overlooking the bay and move into town. But he has yet to receive a reasonable offer and is having difficulty finding a buyer. Now he is losing another friend. Tamara Elkin, the beautiful medical examiner whose company he enjoyed on many a lonely day and night has been offered a job in Texas and is trying to decide whether she is ready to move on.
As the story opens, preparations are under way for Jesse’s protégé Luther Suitcase Simpson’s wedding to Elena. Jesse is to be best man and so his goal for the day is to stay sober, do his part and not ruin the celebrations. Before the wedding takes place he meets with a group planning a large event this summer in Paradise. It is a seventy-fifth birthday party for Terry Jester, a legendary singer who was once considered Boston’s answer to Bob Dylan. Jester has spent the last forty years in seclusion after the master tape for his magnum opus “The Hangman’s Sonnet” disappeared. The recording featured a number of A-list musicians, singers and technicians, but only one copy of the tape was made. The only person who has heard it apart from Terry’s manager Stan White, is Roscoe Niles a local DJ. at an Indie radio station in town. The tape disappeared after Roscoe heard it, before it could be turned over to the record label. The album could never be rerecorded. The all-star cast had made big adjustments in their schedules to participate in this once in a lifetime deal. Terry was so devastated, he went into seclusion as the inevitable lawsuits followed and took years to settle. If the tape ever surfaces, Stan White and Roscoe Niles insist it would be worth millions to collectors, record labels and music fans.
Mayor Constance Walker wants assurances there will not be any trouble during the festivities and that Jesse has plans to ensure the security of the mega star event. The party will be good for the town, always looking for new attractions for tourists and potential sources of additional revenue. The mayor wants it all to go well, with no fear of potentially bad press marring her profile for future jobs as she climbs the political state ladder. Paradise is just a small step on her political path. She has eyes firmly locked on something bigger, like the role of governor or even the senate.
While the wedding is in progress, Maude Cain one of the grand matriarchs of Paradise, dies as her home is being ransacked by two burglars named King and Hump. They are desperately searching for something, uncertain exactly what it will be but sure they will recognize it when they find it.
Jesse uses his contacts in the mob world to help him identify the burglars, but the big question is what they were looking for and whether or not they found it. The house had been thoroughly ransacked and a badly beaten man was found semi-conscious in the basement, so whatever they were looking for must be valuable. Jesse wonders if the burglary and the missing tape are connected and if so how.
When rumours surface the tape of The Hangman’s Sonnet has been found, Jesse meets with Private Investigator Spenser in Boston who worked the case when the tape disappeared years ago. Gradually events ramp up and a media frenzy is created in the high stakes game to have the highest bidder purchase it. Then another body turns up in the woods and Jesse is chased by rifle fire as he checks it out before the arrival of the medical examiner. Jesse falters in trying to put it all together.
Meanwhile the tension between Jesse and Mayor Wallace continues to simmer as Jesse comes to realize what his current attitude to his job has led to --he has allowed himself to be used. It would never have happened if he had not been playing this deadly game with the bottle. The reality of his behavior finally sinks in and he sees how it is affecting his job. He is second guessing himself, missing clues and the subtle nuances that are part of every investigation. He has lost all his confidence and is not the man he was or wants to be. He takes a humbling look at his life, knowing he needs to decide now, before it is too late whether he will go down the abyss or change the direction of the path he is currently walking. He has continued his sessions with Dix who has told him his behavior is all about control, whether he is just using alcohol to control who he really is or to free himself from the man he is not. He must decide now how he will live the rest of his life.
The narrative with its short chapters is fast paced, propelling the story with its well developed, clever and complicated plot. The two story lines and multiple suspects keep the reader engaged until the satisfying conclusion -- a very positive one which bodes well for the future.
This is another great addition to the series.
For Jesse, it is not just the loss of Diana that haunts him. He has always been a loner but now the few friends he has seem to have drifted away. The death of former mob boss Gino Fish has left him without the ability to get information he would not normally be able to access. His friend Captain Healy the former head of the state homicide bureau has retired and Jesse no longer has someone as knowledgeable as he is with whom to discuss his cases. Healy was an alcoholic so they shared that vice and Healy respected Jesse’s experience, always ready to support him with few questions asked. Jesse is also losing his old digs as he has decided to sell his house overlooking the bay and move into town. But he has yet to receive a reasonable offer and is having difficulty finding a buyer. Now he is losing another friend. Tamara Elkin, the beautiful medical examiner whose company he enjoyed on many a lonely day and night has been offered a job in Texas and is trying to decide whether she is ready to move on.
As the story opens, preparations are under way for Jesse’s protégé Luther Suitcase Simpson’s wedding to Elena. Jesse is to be best man and so his goal for the day is to stay sober, do his part and not ruin the celebrations. Before the wedding takes place he meets with a group planning a large event this summer in Paradise. It is a seventy-fifth birthday party for Terry Jester, a legendary singer who was once considered Boston’s answer to Bob Dylan. Jester has spent the last forty years in seclusion after the master tape for his magnum opus “The Hangman’s Sonnet” disappeared. The recording featured a number of A-list musicians, singers and technicians, but only one copy of the tape was made. The only person who has heard it apart from Terry’s manager Stan White, is Roscoe Niles a local DJ. at an Indie radio station in town. The tape disappeared after Roscoe heard it, before it could be turned over to the record label. The album could never be rerecorded. The all-star cast had made big adjustments in their schedules to participate in this once in a lifetime deal. Terry was so devastated, he went into seclusion as the inevitable lawsuits followed and took years to settle. If the tape ever surfaces, Stan White and Roscoe Niles insist it would be worth millions to collectors, record labels and music fans.
Mayor Constance Walker wants assurances there will not be any trouble during the festivities and that Jesse has plans to ensure the security of the mega star event. The party will be good for the town, always looking for new attractions for tourists and potential sources of additional revenue. The mayor wants it all to go well, with no fear of potentially bad press marring her profile for future jobs as she climbs the political state ladder. Paradise is just a small step on her political path. She has eyes firmly locked on something bigger, like the role of governor or even the senate.
While the wedding is in progress, Maude Cain one of the grand matriarchs of Paradise, dies as her home is being ransacked by two burglars named King and Hump. They are desperately searching for something, uncertain exactly what it will be but sure they will recognize it when they find it.
Jesse uses his contacts in the mob world to help him identify the burglars, but the big question is what they were looking for and whether or not they found it. The house had been thoroughly ransacked and a badly beaten man was found semi-conscious in the basement, so whatever they were looking for must be valuable. Jesse wonders if the burglary and the missing tape are connected and if so how.
When rumours surface the tape of The Hangman’s Sonnet has been found, Jesse meets with Private Investigator Spenser in Boston who worked the case when the tape disappeared years ago. Gradually events ramp up and a media frenzy is created in the high stakes game to have the highest bidder purchase it. Then another body turns up in the woods and Jesse is chased by rifle fire as he checks it out before the arrival of the medical examiner. Jesse falters in trying to put it all together.
Meanwhile the tension between Jesse and Mayor Wallace continues to simmer as Jesse comes to realize what his current attitude to his job has led to --he has allowed himself to be used. It would never have happened if he had not been playing this deadly game with the bottle. The reality of his behavior finally sinks in and he sees how it is affecting his job. He is second guessing himself, missing clues and the subtle nuances that are part of every investigation. He has lost all his confidence and is not the man he was or wants to be. He takes a humbling look at his life, knowing he needs to decide now, before it is too late whether he will go down the abyss or change the direction of the path he is currently walking. He has continued his sessions with Dix who has told him his behavior is all about control, whether he is just using alcohol to control who he really is or to free himself from the man he is not. He must decide now how he will live the rest of his life.
The narrative with its short chapters is fast paced, propelling the story with its well developed, clever and complicated plot. The two story lines and multiple suspects keep the reader engaged until the satisfying conclusion -- a very positive one which bodes well for the future.
This is another great addition to the series.
September 18, 2017
Reed Farrel Coleman takes the reigns of the late Robert B. Parker's Jesse Stone series with The Hangman's Sonnet. Oddly, I've never read any of the novels in this series that were actually written by Parker. I did read and enjoy Michael Brandman's take on the character in Fool Me Twice, so I was excited to see what another author could bring to the table. True to form, The Hangman's Sonnet is a quick moving mystery that adequately evolves Jesse Stone as a character while adhering to the standards set in the books that have preceded it.
When the novel opens, Jesse Stone is a mess. He's a far cry from the stable, competent police chief we've come to know. Still reeling from the tragic murder of his wife-to-be, Stone has turned to alcohol to numb the pain. This self medicating is beginning to interfere with his work. Several times, his drunken blackouts cause him to miss important calls or meetings. The town's mayor, who has never seen eye to eye with her police chief, smells blood. She's waiting for any reason to fire Stone, and Jesse isn't doing much to prevent this from happening.
On top of his personal crisis, Stone's professional life is as busy as ever. The town is preparing to host a star-studded birthday bash for famed folk singer Terry Jester. Jester's lost album, The Hangman's Sonnet is the stuff of musical legend and would be worth a pretty penny if it were ever found. The security implications of this bash alone would be stressful but manageable for stone. Unfortunately for him, the body of an elderly woman was just discovered. With the entire town on him to solve the murder and secure the city before their big party, Stone must face his demons and solve the case. His career and entire livelihood is on the line.
True to form, The Hangman's Sonnet, is a light and entertaining read. The short chapters and fast-moving plot make for a book that is easily devoured within a few hours. For his part, author Reed Farrel Coleman is not bound by reverence to Parker and his character. While he maintains the spirit of Jesse Stone, he is unafraid to push the character into new, darker territory. This makes for a much more layered approach to character development that mostly works. The Hangman's Sonnet is certainly a worthy addition to the Jesse Stone series.
When the novel opens, Jesse Stone is a mess. He's a far cry from the stable, competent police chief we've come to know. Still reeling from the tragic murder of his wife-to-be, Stone has turned to alcohol to numb the pain. This self medicating is beginning to interfere with his work. Several times, his drunken blackouts cause him to miss important calls or meetings. The town's mayor, who has never seen eye to eye with her police chief, smells blood. She's waiting for any reason to fire Stone, and Jesse isn't doing much to prevent this from happening.
On top of his personal crisis, Stone's professional life is as busy as ever. The town is preparing to host a star-studded birthday bash for famed folk singer Terry Jester. Jester's lost album, The Hangman's Sonnet is the stuff of musical legend and would be worth a pretty penny if it were ever found. The security implications of this bash alone would be stressful but manageable for stone. Unfortunately for him, the body of an elderly woman was just discovered. With the entire town on him to solve the murder and secure the city before their big party, Stone must face his demons and solve the case. His career and entire livelihood is on the line.
True to form, The Hangman's Sonnet, is a light and entertaining read. The short chapters and fast-moving plot make for a book that is easily devoured within a few hours. For his part, author Reed Farrel Coleman is not bound by reverence to Parker and his character. While he maintains the spirit of Jesse Stone, he is unafraid to push the character into new, darker territory. This makes for a much more layered approach to character development that mostly works. The Hangman's Sonnet is certainly a worthy addition to the Jesse Stone series.
May 18, 2018
For those counting, “Hangman’s Sonnet” is the 16th Jesse Stone novel, including 9 originals by Parker; three more extensions to the set by Michael Brandon, playwright of the Stone TV movies; and now author Coleman’s fourth for the estate. As we have opined before about these latter additions, Jesse’s alcohol problems are played up while his psychological issues are played down – amidst more complicated plots than in the past.
This latest is no exception, as after the death of Jesse’s fiancée in the prior outing, our leading man has resided in a virtual drunken stupor for months, with his staff mostly doing a good job to cover for him. But now two deaths associated with a robbery at an old woman’s house has the town astir; and the mayor and her assistant on a rampage, with Jesse’s job in jeopardy as a result. The two burglars turn out to be dumb mutts, with one double crossing the other, and then one getting snuffed as a result of trying to blackmail the guy paying for their “handiwork”.
Jesse tries his best to stay sober and work the case, which turns out to involve a priceless record album that has been missing for years. The culprits and all the issues with the album raise both suspense and surprises as all becomes clear near book’s end. While Jesse’s job is probably at least temporarily safe, will he break his apparent addiction to alcohol?
We found this book quite the page turner, although we dislike the continued emphasis on Jesse’s drinking habits. It was almost better when he was mooning over ex-wife Jenn all the time, but she now barely gets a mention. Let’s hope next time out (if there is one, we have “heard” Coleman’s contract has been fulfilled) can focus more on the mystery and less on Jesse’s affinity for the bottle. {3.5}
This latest is no exception, as after the death of Jesse’s fiancée in the prior outing, our leading man has resided in a virtual drunken stupor for months, with his staff mostly doing a good job to cover for him. But now two deaths associated with a robbery at an old woman’s house has the town astir; and the mayor and her assistant on a rampage, with Jesse’s job in jeopardy as a result. The two burglars turn out to be dumb mutts, with one double crossing the other, and then one getting snuffed as a result of trying to blackmail the guy paying for their “handiwork”.
Jesse tries his best to stay sober and work the case, which turns out to involve a priceless record album that has been missing for years. The culprits and all the issues with the album raise both suspense and surprises as all becomes clear near book’s end. While Jesse’s job is probably at least temporarily safe, will he break his apparent addiction to alcohol?
We found this book quite the page turner, although we dislike the continued emphasis on Jesse’s drinking habits. It was almost better when he was mooning over ex-wife Jenn all the time, but she now barely gets a mention. Let’s hope next time out (if there is one, we have “heard” Coleman’s contract has been fulfilled) can focus more on the mystery and less on Jesse’s affinity for the bottle. {3.5}
October 25, 2017
#16 in the Jesse Stone series (#4 by author Coleman, after 3 entries by Michael Brandman and 9 books by series originator Robert B. Parker). Engrossing novel in the Stone saga as Jesse grieves for his murdered lover - Robert B. Parker's Debt To Pay (2016) - and tries to buckle down to business while fighting the pull of Johnny Walker Black. The series started with Jesse leaving the LAPD due to a drinking problem. An ongoing story line had him successfully fighting his addiction, but author Coleman has taken the series to a darker place than his predecessors and made Jesse's drinking a dominant theme. Coleman's plots are more convoluted than Parker's also, and it's interesting how Jesse fights the Byzantine plot while a victim of "demon rum".
Jesse Stone series - Jesse, the police chief of Paradise, Mass., has been deeply scarred by the tragic death of his significant other. Jesse is still taking refuge in the bottle, and despite his colleagues' efforts to cover for him, his diminished capacity has come to the attention of the town's mayor, Constance Walker, who was already not a fan of his. As he struggles to cope with his loss and his self-destructive response to it, Jesse must investigate the death of an elderly town resident during the course of a burglary. He also cooperates with private security on an upcoming birthday gala honoring a reclusive singer and songwriter who was once considered the "Boston Bob Dylan," a responsibility that becomes progressively more complicated.
Jesse Stone series - Jesse, the police chief of Paradise, Mass., has been deeply scarred by the tragic death of his significant other. Jesse is still taking refuge in the bottle, and despite his colleagues' efforts to cover for him, his diminished capacity has come to the attention of the town's mayor, Constance Walker, who was already not a fan of his. As he struggles to cope with his loss and his self-destructive response to it, Jesse must investigate the death of an elderly town resident during the course of a burglary. He also cooperates with private security on an upcoming birthday gala honoring a reclusive singer and songwriter who was once considered the "Boston Bob Dylan," a responsibility that becomes progressively more complicated.
October 28, 2017
4.5 stars. In the first two chapters, Paradise police chief Jesse Stone learns of a 75th birthday extravaganza to be held in Paradise for a folk singer who has been in seclusion for 40 years after the master copy of his epic album called the Hangman's Sonnet is stolen. In the 3rd chapter, two men are ransacking the home of an elderly woman seeking to find some unknown object. In the course of the robbery, the 90+ year old woman dies and a package deliverer is wounded. Through it all, Jesse is still grieving the death of his girlfriend with way too much scotch.
I absolutely love all of Robert B Parker's series -- Jesse Stone, Spenser, and Cole/Hitch -- and have read many of these novels. I really appreciate Parker's estate allowing Reed Farrel Coleman to pick up this series after his death. In my opinion, Coleman has made it even better. His writing style flows so well. Jesse Stone comes alive for me.
This book picks up a few months after the last book ended with the death of Jesse's girlfriend. He deals with his grief by going on drunken binges and his loyal staff is having to cover for him too many times. Jesse is in a very dark place but his convictions are still strong. I like the way the book ended and can't wait for the next novel.
I absolutely love all of Robert B Parker's series -- Jesse Stone, Spenser, and Cole/Hitch -- and have read many of these novels. I really appreciate Parker's estate allowing Reed Farrel Coleman to pick up this series after his death. In my opinion, Coleman has made it even better. His writing style flows so well. Jesse Stone comes alive for me.
This book picks up a few months after the last book ended with the death of Jesse's girlfriend. He deals with his grief by going on drunken binges and his loyal staff is having to cover for him too many times. Jesse is in a very dark place but his convictions are still strong. I like the way the book ended and can't wait for the next novel.
September 22, 2017
Suburb reading, Mr. Coleman, can not replace Mr. Parker's writing, but comes mighty close. I have read all of Jesse Stone's books and watched all the movies. With Tom Selleck playing Jesse, while reading I visualize him as Jesse, makes for great reading pleasure. The Hangman's Sonnet, while I found it a little wordy, is a great, don't want to put down, book. Jesse's alcohol abuse is about to ruin him, especially after Diana's death. But his friends help him a LOT> Molly is the best co-worker, ever. Now, Jesse and Tamara, the ME, are getting better acquainted and she is a great help to Jesse. The characters in the book are complicated, but make the story, great.
Now, when is the next one coming out!?
Now, when is the next one coming out!?
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