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Spenser #48
Robert B. Parker's Someone to Watch Over Me
Another great thriller in the 'New York Times' bestselling Robert B. Parker series.
Spenser and his new apprentice trace the disappearance of a young woman to an international crime ring that has been operating with impunity because of the powerful and highly connected billionaire at its helm.
Almost ten years ago, Spenser helped teenage Mattie Sullivan find her mother's killer and take down an infamous Southie crime boss. Mattie, now a 22-year-old college student with a side job working for the iconic private eye, dreams of being an investigator herself. When the teenage sister of a friend loses her backpack and laptop in a sordid episode, Mattie decides to take the case. She soon realizes that Spenser's advice would be useful. Taking a cue from her boss, Mattie has a knack for asking the right questions to the wrong people.
It's not long before Spenser and Mattie find ties between Chloe and other young girls to an eccentric billionaire Peter Steiner and his sleazy friend Poppy. The man has connections to local politicians, the state house, and beyond. As a bleak winter bears down on Boston, Spenser and trusted ally Hawk must watch out for Mattie, and themselves, as she unravels a sex trafficking ring that will take them from Boston to Miami and The Bahamas and, in the process, cross paths with local toughs and an old enemy of Spenser's - The Gray Man - for a final tense showdown.
Librarian's note: this is one of the Ace Atkin's Spenser series. As of 2021, there are 9 volumes by Atkins. The first was "Lullaby" in 2012, the 40th in the overall series created by Robert B. Parker; the most recent, "Someone to Watch Over Me," is the 48th.
Spenser and his new apprentice trace the disappearance of a young woman to an international crime ring that has been operating with impunity because of the powerful and highly connected billionaire at its helm.
Almost ten years ago, Spenser helped teenage Mattie Sullivan find her mother's killer and take down an infamous Southie crime boss. Mattie, now a 22-year-old college student with a side job working for the iconic private eye, dreams of being an investigator herself. When the teenage sister of a friend loses her backpack and laptop in a sordid episode, Mattie decides to take the case. She soon realizes that Spenser's advice would be useful. Taking a cue from her boss, Mattie has a knack for asking the right questions to the wrong people.
It's not long before Spenser and Mattie find ties between Chloe and other young girls to an eccentric billionaire Peter Steiner and his sleazy friend Poppy. The man has connections to local politicians, the state house, and beyond. As a bleak winter bears down on Boston, Spenser and trusted ally Hawk must watch out for Mattie, and themselves, as she unravels a sex trafficking ring that will take them from Boston to Miami and The Bahamas and, in the process, cross paths with local toughs and an old enemy of Spenser's - The Gray Man - for a final tense showdown.
Librarian's note: this is one of the Ace Atkin's Spenser series. As of 2021, there are 9 volumes by Atkins. The first was "Lullaby" in 2012, the 40th in the overall series created by Robert B. Parker; the most recent, "Someone to Watch Over Me," is the 48th.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2021
954 people are currently reading
1511 people want to read
About the author
Ace Atkins
71 books1,562 followersAce Atkins is the author of twenty-eight books, including eleven Quinn Colson novels, the first two of which, The Ranger and The Lost Ones, were nominated for the Edgar Award for Best Novel (he has a third Edgar nomination for his short story "Last Fair Deal Gone Down"). He is the author of nine New York Times-bestselling novels in the continuation of Robert B. Parker's Spenser series. Before turning to fiction, he was a correspondent for the St. Petersburg Times and a crime reporter for the Tampa Tribune, and he played defensive end for Auburn University football.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 455 reviews
March 21, 2021
"You're making a very big mistake." -- Matthew Greebel, shyster attorney for the villain
"Please - threaten me with something more original." -- Spenser, the P.I. (rolling his eyes)
Author Atkins cruises in with his ninth (I've lost count, but meant in a good way) novel featuring the singularly-named Boston private investigator, and I think this is one of the rare times where the series goes on a truly topical bent. Now assisted by spirited 22 year-old trainee Mattie Sullivan - introduced as a 'Southie' teenager seeking justice for her mother's murder way back in Atkins' very first Spenser tale, Lullaby, when he took over the series from creator Robert B. Parker - the unlikely dynamic duo set out to investigate and take down a sleazy upscale couple who procure, groom, and traffick local underage teen girls for wealthy older men. (Said couple are reminiscent of the actual Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, right down to the man's unclear financial-based employment, his private tropical island beyond the reach of U.S. law enforcement jurisdiction, and his slippery British socialite female companion.) So, yeah, there were a fair amount of unpleasant aspects, details, or real-life implications with the plot, but it still was a really good Spenser story - including a nice little twist during the big violent finale - and a solid addition to the long-running series.
"Please - threaten me with something more original." -- Spenser, the P.I. (rolling his eyes)
Author Atkins cruises in with his ninth (I've lost count, but meant in a good way) novel featuring the singularly-named Boston private investigator, and I think this is one of the rare times where the series goes on a truly topical bent. Now assisted by spirited 22 year-old trainee Mattie Sullivan - introduced as a 'Southie' teenager seeking justice for her mother's murder way back in Atkins' very first Spenser tale, Lullaby, when he took over the series from creator Robert B. Parker - the unlikely dynamic duo set out to investigate and take down a sleazy upscale couple who procure, groom, and traffick local underage teen girls for wealthy older men. (Said couple are reminiscent of the actual Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, right down to the man's unclear financial-based employment, his private tropical island beyond the reach of U.S. law enforcement jurisdiction, and his slippery British socialite female companion.) So, yeah, there were a fair amount of unpleasant aspects, details, or real-life implications with the plot, but it still was a really good Spenser story - including a nice little twist during the big violent finale - and a solid addition to the long-running series.
November 10, 2020
I received a free advance copy of this from NetGalley.
Spenser tries to bring down a rich pedophile who has been protected for years by his wealth and influence. This guy also has a partner in a woman who helps him lure the girls in, and they are often taken to a private island where other powerful men come to party.
That’s just such a disturbing and creepy premise that I’m glad this is a work of fiction and that nothing like that could happen in real life….
In the first Spenser book that Ace Atkins wrote the detective helped a fourteen-year-old girl named Mattie find her mother’s killer. Now Mattie is old enough to legally drink, and she’s been working for Spenser and training as a junior PI. It’s Mattie who is asked by a young girl from her neighborhood for help after she had an icky encounter with a rich pervert at an exclusive club. It soon becomes apparent that there’s some very twisted and rotten stuff going on, and that the guy behind it all will use all of his wealth and power to do anything possible to stop any of his victims from going public.
There are several interesting things going on in this one. The main plot was obviously inspired by a true story although Atkins changes things up so that just because we know what happened in real life doesn’t mean you know how this book will end. The idea of a guy like this with a private island and a stunning list of powerful friends who are involved would probably seem too over-the-top to work in a Spenser novel if it hadn’t happened. So you’ve got Spenser going up against people that you really want to see get kicked in the teeth which makes it satisfying when the detective starts rattling their cages.
Another satisfying thing is that we get a lot of Hawk in this one. Atkins has been judicious in his use of everybody’s favorite bad ass best friend character so that he could explore and expand the roles of other supporting players in recent books, and he’s done a great job of it. Still, it’s always comforting to know that Hawk is around, and it was nice to get a little insight into what Hawk does when he isn’t saving Spenser’s ass in Boston.
Bringing back Mattie was another nice touch. Spenser has taken in other people like his surrogate son Paul and his former PI apprentice Z. Sixkill so this follows a pattern. However, Mattie is an incredibly independent woman who doesn’t always see things the way Spenser does, and while the two have a real bond, she also isn’t afraid to start finding her own way versus just following in Spenser’s footsteps.
The one thing I wasn’t crazy about was the subplot of Spenser getting a new puppy after his dog Pearl has passed away. As the series has done in the past, Spenser gets another dog of the same exact breed and again names her Pearl. This always seemed like a cheat by Robert B. Parker to keep Spenser in a timeless limbo, but Atkins does explore why Spenser does this as a coping mechanism. It makes some sense, but at this point Spenser is essentially ageless so why not just make it the same Pearl vs. periodically killing one off and getting another one?
Aside from that minor nitpicking, I enjoyed this one from start to finish. Mattie’s part of the plot gave it the kind of freshness that Ace Atkins has been bringing to the series from the start while the stuff with Spenser and Hawk felt very old school, like some of the earliest RBP books. It was a nice combination that appealed to me as a long time Spenser fan while still feeling new and modern.
Spenser tries to bring down a rich pedophile who has been protected for years by his wealth and influence. This guy also has a partner in a woman who helps him lure the girls in, and they are often taken to a private island where other powerful men come to party.
That’s just such a disturbing and creepy premise that I’m glad this is a work of fiction and that nothing like that could happen in real life….
In the first Spenser book that Ace Atkins wrote the detective helped a fourteen-year-old girl named Mattie find her mother’s killer. Now Mattie is old enough to legally drink, and she’s been working for Spenser and training as a junior PI. It’s Mattie who is asked by a young girl from her neighborhood for help after she had an icky encounter with a rich pervert at an exclusive club. It soon becomes apparent that there’s some very twisted and rotten stuff going on, and that the guy behind it all will use all of his wealth and power to do anything possible to stop any of his victims from going public.
There are several interesting things going on in this one. The main plot was obviously inspired by a true story although Atkins changes things up so that just because we know what happened in real life doesn’t mean you know how this book will end. The idea of a guy like this with a private island and a stunning list of powerful friends who are involved would probably seem too over-the-top to work in a Spenser novel if it hadn’t happened. So you’ve got Spenser going up against people that you really want to see get kicked in the teeth which makes it satisfying when the detective starts rattling their cages.
Another satisfying thing is that we get a lot of Hawk in this one. Atkins has been judicious in his use of everybody’s favorite bad ass best friend character so that he could explore and expand the roles of other supporting players in recent books, and he’s done a great job of it. Still, it’s always comforting to know that Hawk is around, and it was nice to get a little insight into what Hawk does when he isn’t saving Spenser’s ass in Boston.
Bringing back Mattie was another nice touch. Spenser has taken in other people like his surrogate son Paul and his former PI apprentice Z. Sixkill so this follows a pattern. However, Mattie is an incredibly independent woman who doesn’t always see things the way Spenser does, and while the two have a real bond, she also isn’t afraid to start finding her own way versus just following in Spenser’s footsteps.
The one thing I wasn’t crazy about was the subplot of Spenser getting a new puppy after his dog Pearl has passed away. As the series has done in the past, Spenser gets another dog of the same exact breed and again names her Pearl. This always seemed like a cheat by Robert B. Parker to keep Spenser in a timeless limbo, but Atkins does explore why Spenser does this as a coping mechanism. It makes some sense, but at this point Spenser is essentially ageless so why not just make it the same Pearl vs. periodically killing one off and getting another one?
Aside from that minor nitpicking, I enjoyed this one from start to finish. Mattie’s part of the plot gave it the kind of freshness that Ace Atkins has been bringing to the series from the start while the stuff with Spenser and Hawk felt very old school, like some of the earliest RBP books. It was a nice combination that appealed to me as a long time Spenser fan while still feeling new and modern.
November 23, 2023
It has been too long since I visited the world of Spenser and co. Someone to Watch Over Me quickly reminded me of why I have always found this series so endearing. Spenser is the best - a super smart, hilarious strong man with a soft heart. Hawk's character is the perfect compliment to Spenser's and is just too cool for words. Susan is the conscious and glue that keeps Spenser balanced and sane. I love her intellect, confidence, wit, and big heart. And, of course, Spenser's latest pup (of the same name as all his previous pooches since the beginning), Pearl. Spenser sure has a knack for adopting the most entertaining, adorable, and loving "man's best friend" every time.
A big thank you to Mr. Ace Atkins for another superb episode in this most beloved series. What a wonderful job you have done carrying Robert B. Parker's torch.
Joe Mantegna, as always, rocks. He has been the most enjoyable and dynamic voice to listen to throughout this series, and I cannot express how grateful I am for the hours of reality busting laughter and excitement he has provided me with over the years.
A big thank you to Mr. Ace Atkins for another superb episode in this most beloved series. What a wonderful job you have done carrying Robert B. Parker's torch.
Joe Mantegna, as always, rocks. He has been the most enjoyable and dynamic voice to listen to throughout this series, and I cannot express how grateful I am for the hours of reality busting laughter and excitement he has provided me with over the years.
February 26, 2022
Boston private detective Spenser had his first outing in 1973, and as the series fast approaches its fiftieth book it would be tempting to conclude that by now he’d come across as a tired, seen it all has-been who is simply going through the motions. Truth to tell, it feels nothing like that. In 2012 the baton was handed on by the late Robert B. Parker to journalist turned author Ace Atkins, in whose safe hands I believe the series is likely to have legs for some time to come.
Here Spenser’s young protégé Mattie seeks his guidance on how to deal with an aging Svengali figure who is engaged in grooming and exploiting girls as young as twelve years old. Peter Steiner is rich beyond most people’s understanding and is able to fly young girls to his private island in the Bahamas where he and a group of fellow paedophiles lounge around the pool and accept massages from their young ‘guests’.
To me, Spenser comes across as a blend of Elvis Cole and Jack Reacher – he’s quick with the lip but even faster with his fists. Along with his regular henchman Hawk and a group of other carry-over characters he helps Mattie to identify further victims of Steiner’s immoral deeds before plotting how to bring them to an end and Steiner to justice. It’s a simple enough story but the return of Spenser’s nemesis, the Grey Man, adds a juicy twist to the tale.
Fans of hardboiled fiction and returning readers of this series are sure to find plenty to like here. Atkins keeps the plot hustling along pretty well, the dialogue is sharp and witty and the action scenes are deftly handed. Spenser is a likeable character too: yes, he’s a little rough around the edges but he really has a heart of gold. I really enjoyed this adventure and I’ll definitely be seeking out more books from this series.
My thanks to Oldcastle Books and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Here Spenser’s young protégé Mattie seeks his guidance on how to deal with an aging Svengali figure who is engaged in grooming and exploiting girls as young as twelve years old. Peter Steiner is rich beyond most people’s understanding and is able to fly young girls to his private island in the Bahamas where he and a group of fellow paedophiles lounge around the pool and accept massages from their young ‘guests’.
To me, Spenser comes across as a blend of Elvis Cole and Jack Reacher – he’s quick with the lip but even faster with his fists. Along with his regular henchman Hawk and a group of other carry-over characters he helps Mattie to identify further victims of Steiner’s immoral deeds before plotting how to bring them to an end and Steiner to justice. It’s a simple enough story but the return of Spenser’s nemesis, the Grey Man, adds a juicy twist to the tale.
Fans of hardboiled fiction and returning readers of this series are sure to find plenty to like here. Atkins keeps the plot hustling along pretty well, the dialogue is sharp and witty and the action scenes are deftly handed. Spenser is a likeable character too: yes, he’s a little rough around the edges but he really has a heart of gold. I really enjoyed this adventure and I’ll definitely be seeking out more books from this series.
My thanks to Oldcastle Books and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
December 31, 2023
There is of course the brilliant song by George and Ira Gershwin that has brilliantly sung by many great artists my favorite versions are by Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan .
Then there is an early Ridley Scott movie that is quite underrated in my humble opinion. If you have the chance go and have a look especially because of a young Lorraine Bracco and a stylish Mimi Rogers.
Then there is the continuation novel by mr Ace Atkins who received the honour of continuing the adventures of one private eye by the name of Spenser .
In this book we find ourselves in a Epstein & Maxwell kinda situation where Mattie Sulivan puts Spenser on the trail of a pedophile ring . And as soon both start their detecting trouble follows in the guise of strongman tactics. Spenser and company however fight the rightious fight and it all comes to a clash in the Bahamas.
Another easy to read book despite its heavy subject, Atkins does deliver another excellent Robert B Parker novel which cannot fail to enchant the fans of the original writer who were left with an already large inheritance of original books.
These continuation novels do not fail to enlight the old fans and hopefully gets some New fans aboard.
For the tradionalists who prefer the original work I would say tough doodoo the New stuff is around to be enjoyed.
Then there is an early Ridley Scott movie that is quite underrated in my humble opinion. If you have the chance go and have a look especially because of a young Lorraine Bracco and a stylish Mimi Rogers.
Then there is the continuation novel by mr Ace Atkins who received the honour of continuing the adventures of one private eye by the name of Spenser .
In this book we find ourselves in a Epstein & Maxwell kinda situation where Mattie Sulivan puts Spenser on the trail of a pedophile ring . And as soon both start their detecting trouble follows in the guise of strongman tactics. Spenser and company however fight the rightious fight and it all comes to a clash in the Bahamas.
Another easy to read book despite its heavy subject, Atkins does deliver another excellent Robert B Parker novel which cannot fail to enchant the fans of the original writer who were left with an already large inheritance of original books.
These continuation novels do not fail to enlight the old fans and hopefully gets some New fans aboard.
For the tradionalists who prefer the original work I would say tough doodoo the New stuff is around to be enjoyed.
November 27, 2020
Cool PI story - very Epstein-ish.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Since I can’t remember the last time I read a story by Robert Parker, reading this version, even though it’s number 48 in a series, was a brand new experience.
I have to say I was not intimidated in the least to be reading book 48 in the series. I had hoped that it would be a standalone to a degree and in fact, it pretty much was. While I’m sure the majority of the characters were in prior novels, I did not feel lost in the least.
The author completely brought me into the story immediately with his funny, snarky, and dry wit that the main character, Spenser, displayed. Plus I love the fact that this was told in the first person which made it personal and extremely engaging.
The author tells us a story that is extremely familiar because it comes from recently fresh headlines. With some literary license and a few twists, you realize that this is a story that needs to be told and something we need to be reminded of every day in hopes we can find a way to make it stop.
Someone to Watch Over Me is a true to life story that is easy to follow with a delicate balance of personality, mystery, and action for a deeply involved experience.
Engrossing and exciting with a fabulously unexpected twist at the end, we are transported into the land of the ultra-rich where money buys protection and just about anything else – well, except Spenser. This story was the perfect choice to dive back into this series! So glad I found it again!
* copy received for review consideration
full review - https://amidlifewife.com/robert-b-par...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Since I can’t remember the last time I read a story by Robert Parker, reading this version, even though it’s number 48 in a series, was a brand new experience.
I have to say I was not intimidated in the least to be reading book 48 in the series. I had hoped that it would be a standalone to a degree and in fact, it pretty much was. While I’m sure the majority of the characters were in prior novels, I did not feel lost in the least.
The author completely brought me into the story immediately with his funny, snarky, and dry wit that the main character, Spenser, displayed. Plus I love the fact that this was told in the first person which made it personal and extremely engaging.
The author tells us a story that is extremely familiar because it comes from recently fresh headlines. With some literary license and a few twists, you realize that this is a story that needs to be told and something we need to be reminded of every day in hopes we can find a way to make it stop.
Someone to Watch Over Me is a true to life story that is easy to follow with a delicate balance of personality, mystery, and action for a deeply involved experience.
Engrossing and exciting with a fabulously unexpected twist at the end, we are transported into the land of the ultra-rich where money buys protection and just about anything else – well, except Spenser. This story was the perfect choice to dive back into this series! So glad I found it again!
* copy received for review consideration
full review - https://amidlifewife.com/robert-b-par...
July 31, 2024
This is essentially Spenser vs Epstein, down to the private island and all. We even have a federal agent named Epstein if you really need a slap in the face to get the connection.
Did Ace jump the shark with this entry? Probably. Still it is very enjoyable to see justice done on page while nothing has been done in real life to avenge the victims.
Did Ace jump the shark with this entry? Probably. Still it is very enjoyable to see justice done on page while nothing has been done in real life to avenge the victims.
January 15, 2021
This is the last of the Spenser books. No, it isn’t an end to the series, but it is the end of my reading of the new ones. After forty-eight years, three authors, and forty-nine books, it is time to say goodbye to Spenser, Hawk, Susan and all the rest of the gang.
When Robert Parker died suddenly ten years ago, his estate’s decision to continue the series (whether for art, honor, or money) with Ace Atkins at the helm didn’t seem like a terrible idea. Ace Atkins is an excellent writer.
However, whether under the pen of Parker or Atkins, the Spenser novels take place in the same real time setting. As a result, at this point the timeline stretches the readers’ credulity, particularly for those of us who have followed the books faithfully since the beginning. According to the series history, Spenser served in the Korean War. That makes him about eighty-five years old now.
The Atkins novels have taken note of the gray in Spenser’s hair by referencing him as being “old” in comparison to younger characters (in this latest book, the twenty-two-year-old Mattie). Still, he, Hawk, and Susan behave in ways that would seem astonishing for someone twenty years their junior. Spenser continues to trade punches with multiple bad guys, and Susan’s beauty is undimmed as is her sexual appetite. Hawk can still be counted on to leap tall buildings. Only Martin Quirk shows signs of age as he worries about possibly being forced to retire from the police force, which should not be surprising since he should be around ninety by now. Only the bad guys in the series age—and die—in real time. (RIP Joe Broz.)
Atkins seems to play with this strange literary situation in this latest book via a subplot involving Pearl Number Three. Through most of the series, Spenser has always had a German Shorthair Pointer named Pearl. When a Pearl dies, Spenser gets another dog of similar breed and markings and names her Pearl, acting as if it was the same dog. This time Susan objects and attempts to break the fantasy that Pearl is living forever. However, she is ultimately won over, because the newest Pearl is so adorably like her predecessors. Perhaps Atkins is suggesting we treat his Spenser in the same manner…as being the original Spenser if we don’t look too closely at the situation.
Regardless of the timeline issue, Spenser has seen it all and done it all and has frankly run out of new ideas. The introduction of new, younger characters like Sixkill, Lt. Glass and Mattie isn’t working to save the series. They don’t have enough time on the page to be fully developed. To do that would require limiting the established Spenser characters and thus losing the essence of the series. Moreover, the plots are running out of steam, particularly in this latest book.
A tradition of the series is to have Spenser muddle through a whodunnit mystery, stirring up trouble and being menaced by unknown assailants until the real evildoer is revealed and brought to justice. In this latest book, the bad guys are revealed early on as the literary version of real-life slime ball pedophile Jeffrey Epstein and his companion, Chislaine Maxwell. The story follows Spenser’s attempt to trap the two rather than discover their identities. It just doesn’t have the edge that a Spenser mystery deserves. And the finale is just a throwaway contrivance to bring the story to a close.
In the end, one might suggest a Spenser series reboot by rolling back the ages of the characters. Or, new books might be set some years back in the original timeline between already published episodes. Both methods have been used to keep James Bond “alive.”
However, I suspect the best course is to say goodbye. Let Quirk retire before he keels over. Allow Hawk to give up his thug-for-hire lifestyle and retire to a beach house in the Bahamas, as he suggests is possible in this book. Have Spenser take Susan on a world cruise while they still have each other. Let’s say thank you to Atkins and the memory of Parker before moving on to find the next great, smart-ass, tough guy with a heart of gold, private detective to carry Spencer’s torch onward.
When Robert Parker died suddenly ten years ago, his estate’s decision to continue the series (whether for art, honor, or money) with Ace Atkins at the helm didn’t seem like a terrible idea. Ace Atkins is an excellent writer.
However, whether under the pen of Parker or Atkins, the Spenser novels take place in the same real time setting. As a result, at this point the timeline stretches the readers’ credulity, particularly for those of us who have followed the books faithfully since the beginning. According to the series history, Spenser served in the Korean War. That makes him about eighty-five years old now.
The Atkins novels have taken note of the gray in Spenser’s hair by referencing him as being “old” in comparison to younger characters (in this latest book, the twenty-two-year-old Mattie). Still, he, Hawk, and Susan behave in ways that would seem astonishing for someone twenty years their junior. Spenser continues to trade punches with multiple bad guys, and Susan’s beauty is undimmed as is her sexual appetite. Hawk can still be counted on to leap tall buildings. Only Martin Quirk shows signs of age as he worries about possibly being forced to retire from the police force, which should not be surprising since he should be around ninety by now. Only the bad guys in the series age—and die—in real time. (RIP Joe Broz.)
Atkins seems to play with this strange literary situation in this latest book via a subplot involving Pearl Number Three. Through most of the series, Spenser has always had a German Shorthair Pointer named Pearl. When a Pearl dies, Spenser gets another dog of similar breed and markings and names her Pearl, acting as if it was the same dog. This time Susan objects and attempts to break the fantasy that Pearl is living forever. However, she is ultimately won over, because the newest Pearl is so adorably like her predecessors. Perhaps Atkins is suggesting we treat his Spenser in the same manner…as being the original Spenser if we don’t look too closely at the situation.
Regardless of the timeline issue, Spenser has seen it all and done it all and has frankly run out of new ideas. The introduction of new, younger characters like Sixkill, Lt. Glass and Mattie isn’t working to save the series. They don’t have enough time on the page to be fully developed. To do that would require limiting the established Spenser characters and thus losing the essence of the series. Moreover, the plots are running out of steam, particularly in this latest book.
A tradition of the series is to have Spenser muddle through a whodunnit mystery, stirring up trouble and being menaced by unknown assailants until the real evildoer is revealed and brought to justice. In this latest book, the bad guys are revealed early on as the literary version of real-life slime ball pedophile Jeffrey Epstein and his companion, Chislaine Maxwell. The story follows Spenser’s attempt to trap the two rather than discover their identities. It just doesn’t have the edge that a Spenser mystery deserves. And the finale is just a throwaway contrivance to bring the story to a close.
In the end, one might suggest a Spenser series reboot by rolling back the ages of the characters. Or, new books might be set some years back in the original timeline between already published episodes. Both methods have been used to keep James Bond “alive.”
However, I suspect the best course is to say goodbye. Let Quirk retire before he keels over. Allow Hawk to give up his thug-for-hire lifestyle and retire to a beach house in the Bahamas, as he suggests is possible in this book. Have Spenser take Susan on a world cruise while they still have each other. Let’s say thank you to Atkins and the memory of Parker before moving on to find the next great, smart-ass, tough guy with a heart of gold, private detective to carry Spencer’s torch onward.
September 7, 2020
Spenser is one of my all-time favorite book characters (and one of very few who translated well to the small screen, IMHO). When this author took over from the late Robert B. Parker, I was skeptical; but he's done an exemplary job of staying true to the original. My only "complaint," if you will, is that I've seen little of Spenser's cohort Hawk - another favorite character - and when he did appear, he didn't quite "sound" like himself. Well, folks, Hawk's back in this one - both in person and voice. Spenser is his usual self, although he did seem more inclined to respond in quotes from literary works than usual.
Several years ago, Spenser helped teenager Mattie Sullivan; since then, she's attached herself to Spenser to learn the investigation business. Now, one of her childhood friends left a backpack containing a laptop at a posh club when she ran out after being coerced into giving an elderly gentleman a "massage." Mattie promised to get it back and asks Spenser for advice on making that happen. When he goes to the club to ask for the return of the backpack, he gets a decidedly frosty response that convinces him there's far more to the story than meets the private eye.
On the home front, Spenser's long-time love, Susan, is trying to adapt to the third iteration of Pearl, their lovable dog (the second Pearl died recently). Spenser swears the two recent dogs are the original Pearl reincarnated, but Susan isn't quite ready to buy into that theory. She also doesn't quite buy into the need for Spenser to get involved with Mattie's case.
After a bit more investigation, Spenser and Mattie learn that the club is frequented by a billionaire who has properties and important contacts all over the world and an apparent taste for girls not yet old enough to drive a car. The guy turns out to be a hedge fund manager with at least one getaway outside U.S. jurisdiction, where he treats his friends to illicit meetups with smuggled-in girls, some recruited by his female accomplice. Needless to say, that rankles Spenser, who asks Hawk to help him get the girls out safely and put the Jeffrey Epstein wannabe behind bars. But soon enough, Spenser learns it may not be a walk in the park; the couple they're after are in cahoots with the so-called Gray Man, a hired assassin who nearly killed Spenser not long ago - and Spenser isn't exactly itching for a rematch.
All in all, it's another fast-paced, easy-to-read adventure that should satisfy most Spenser enthusiasts. For sure I'm happy, and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read an advance copy.
Several years ago, Spenser helped teenager Mattie Sullivan; since then, she's attached herself to Spenser to learn the investigation business. Now, one of her childhood friends left a backpack containing a laptop at a posh club when she ran out after being coerced into giving an elderly gentleman a "massage." Mattie promised to get it back and asks Spenser for advice on making that happen. When he goes to the club to ask for the return of the backpack, he gets a decidedly frosty response that convinces him there's far more to the story than meets the private eye.
On the home front, Spenser's long-time love, Susan, is trying to adapt to the third iteration of Pearl, their lovable dog (the second Pearl died recently). Spenser swears the two recent dogs are the original Pearl reincarnated, but Susan isn't quite ready to buy into that theory. She also doesn't quite buy into the need for Spenser to get involved with Mattie's case.
After a bit more investigation, Spenser and Mattie learn that the club is frequented by a billionaire who has properties and important contacts all over the world and an apparent taste for girls not yet old enough to drive a car. The guy turns out to be a hedge fund manager with at least one getaway outside U.S. jurisdiction, where he treats his friends to illicit meetups with smuggled-in girls, some recruited by his female accomplice. Needless to say, that rankles Spenser, who asks Hawk to help him get the girls out safely and put the Jeffrey Epstein wannabe behind bars. But soon enough, Spenser learns it may not be a walk in the park; the couple they're after are in cahoots with the so-called Gray Man, a hired assassin who nearly killed Spenser not long ago - and Spenser isn't exactly itching for a rematch.
All in all, it's another fast-paced, easy-to-read adventure that should satisfy most Spenser enthusiasts. For sure I'm happy, and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read an advance copy.
August 1, 2024
4 Stars. A good read about a pair of sleazy slimeballs. No, I don't mean Spenser, Hawk and 22-year-old Mattie Sullivan - you'll remember her street-wise attitude in 'Lullaby' from 2012! They slowly develop a jaw-dropping case of sexual exploitation and assault of several minors against mega-rich Peter Steiner and his enabler, socialite Patricia 'Poppy' Palmer. This is the second Spenser novel in a row to steal from current headlines. This time it's an adaptation of the very real Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell affair. In 2019's 'Angel Eyes,' the character Jimmy Yamashiro is a movie producer who comes to a fatal end, whereas Harvey Weinstein is still alive. The subject is the disgusting exploitation of young teenage girls, and the route our three detectives follow in order to bring down the very protected pair is instructive. Complete with numerous obstacles, violence and visits to beautiful, secluded enclaves in Miami and the Bahamas. Look up pictures of Cat Island, gorgeous. And admire Spenser's lawyer friend Rita Fiore as she attacks. A joy to behold. As is Susan Silverman's psychological analysis of the slimeballs. Good but a difficult read. (Au2021/Jul2024)
January 20, 2021
Ace Atkins is back with his ninth “Spenser” novel following the untimely death of Robert B. Parker, the creator of the classic Boston-based private investigator extraordinaire. It’s hard to believe that it’s been over 10 years since Parker passed away, let alone this is Atkins ninth outing with Spenser, Hawk, Susan, and introducing Pearl the third. It’s easy to see that Atkins has captured the unique qualities and ide synchronies of these classical characters, as well as the heart and moral codes that drive each of them. This book is a glowing example of that success.
When the book begins, Spenser is presented a case from his college student protégé, Mattie Sullivan, who works part-time for him. Years previously when she was a teenager, Mattie sought Spenser’s help in trying to find her mother’s killer, and he delivered by taking down the local crime lord responsible for her death (in Atkins first Spenser novel “Lullaby”). Now Spenser serves as Mattie’s boss and investigator mentor.
However, the first case that Mattie brings to Spenser is a serious one. Fifteen-year-old Chloe Turner was sexually assaulted by an older man in one of Boston’s private clubs for the rich and powerful. Chloe ran out on her attacker and left behind her backpack, laptop, and some personal belongings. Now all she wants is to get her stuff back and forget everything that happened. But what Chloe doesn’t understand is that Maddie is driven to protect young girls from abuse and Spenser’s code of ethics refuses to let any abuser get away without being punished.
When Spenser and Maddie track down the identity of the abuser, they find out their target, Peter Steiner. is a billionaire hedge fund investment firm partner. He is rich, powerful, and has friends in high places that help protect him from being prosecuted for his nasty habits. Further investigation reveals that there are more victims, most of which have been threatened not to come forward. Then a quick trip to Florida reveals that Steiner’s under-age habits are beyond anything Spenser and Maddie imagined. The psycho has his own Jeffrey Epstein island that he uses to blackmail people in positions of authority and power, thereby building his position of power and protection.
When Spenser spooks Steiner, things get dangerous fast. By the time Spenser calls Hawk to assist, Steiner has investigated Spenser’s background and found one of his weak points. Before he knows it, Spenser finds himself face to face with one of his greatest enemies, the elusive Gray Man, a cold-blooded hit man who once shot Spenser and left him for dead. Now he’s showed up to finish the job…
There are so many good things to enjoy in this book. Atkins has successfully captured Parker’s unique storytelling voice. His narrative flow is natural and smooth. The rhythm of Spenser’s conversations with others is lyrical and sarcastically funny, and his relationships with Maddie, Hawk, and Susan are golden. What was once Parker’s classic playground has transcended into Atkin’s own artistic canvas. Atkins creates and develops new interesting plotlines while also re-exploring classic supporting characters with confidence and authenticity.
One of those particular strengths is finding ways to include different characters from Spenser’s rich history and pulling them back into the new stories. In this book, we had marvelous appearances from established characters like Susan, Hawk, Rita Fiore, and Quirk, as well as more recently introduced characters like Maddie and the formidable Captain Lorraine Glass. I especially like how Captain Glass serves as a nice counter-balances to Spenser’s sarcastic manners, but I am confident that she’s slowly warming up to him. Another strength is how Atkins amplifies the strength of the villains in this one. They are evil and worthy of the challenge Spenser faces. I also liked how the violence was mixed in just the right amounts and came across as realistic and respectful of Spenser’s age.
I only have one complaint. Just one. At 305 pages, the book was not long enough. It felt short and I wanted more. Another 50 – 80 pages would have been nice. Otherwise, Atkins delivers another worthy story in the annuals of Spenser, one of America’s classic fictional private investigators.
I have said this in previous reviews of Ace Atkins Spenser’s novels, but I am going to repeat myself. For me, Robert B. Parker is the king. He created Spenser and all that goes with him from Hawk to Susan to the secondary characters, nuances of each of the four seasons, particular types of foods, and locations in the greater Boston area. I will always bow down to him. But thanks to Atkin’s ability to capture the spirit of Spenser, I get to continue being a fanboy. I don’t have to say goodbye to a character that I love like family. Every year or so I can still look forward to a new outing with my private investigator hero, Spenser and his comrades, which I lovingly refer to as Spenser 2.0.
Thank you, Robert. Thank you, Ace. And thank you, Joan, for letting Spenser live on in this fan’s heart. It means the world to me to get to revisit my heartfelt friend and personal hero each year.
When the book begins, Spenser is presented a case from his college student protégé, Mattie Sullivan, who works part-time for him. Years previously when she was a teenager, Mattie sought Spenser’s help in trying to find her mother’s killer, and he delivered by taking down the local crime lord responsible for her death (in Atkins first Spenser novel “Lullaby”). Now Spenser serves as Mattie’s boss and investigator mentor.
However, the first case that Mattie brings to Spenser is a serious one. Fifteen-year-old Chloe Turner was sexually assaulted by an older man in one of Boston’s private clubs for the rich and powerful. Chloe ran out on her attacker and left behind her backpack, laptop, and some personal belongings. Now all she wants is to get her stuff back and forget everything that happened. But what Chloe doesn’t understand is that Maddie is driven to protect young girls from abuse and Spenser’s code of ethics refuses to let any abuser get away without being punished.
When Spenser and Maddie track down the identity of the abuser, they find out their target, Peter Steiner. is a billionaire hedge fund investment firm partner. He is rich, powerful, and has friends in high places that help protect him from being prosecuted for his nasty habits. Further investigation reveals that there are more victims, most of which have been threatened not to come forward. Then a quick trip to Florida reveals that Steiner’s under-age habits are beyond anything Spenser and Maddie imagined. The psycho has his own Jeffrey Epstein island that he uses to blackmail people in positions of authority and power, thereby building his position of power and protection.
When Spenser spooks Steiner, things get dangerous fast. By the time Spenser calls Hawk to assist, Steiner has investigated Spenser’s background and found one of his weak points. Before he knows it, Spenser finds himself face to face with one of his greatest enemies, the elusive Gray Man, a cold-blooded hit man who once shot Spenser and left him for dead. Now he’s showed up to finish the job…
There are so many good things to enjoy in this book. Atkins has successfully captured Parker’s unique storytelling voice. His narrative flow is natural and smooth. The rhythm of Spenser’s conversations with others is lyrical and sarcastically funny, and his relationships with Maddie, Hawk, and Susan are golden. What was once Parker’s classic playground has transcended into Atkin’s own artistic canvas. Atkins creates and develops new interesting plotlines while also re-exploring classic supporting characters with confidence and authenticity.
One of those particular strengths is finding ways to include different characters from Spenser’s rich history and pulling them back into the new stories. In this book, we had marvelous appearances from established characters like Susan, Hawk, Rita Fiore, and Quirk, as well as more recently introduced characters like Maddie and the formidable Captain Lorraine Glass. I especially like how Captain Glass serves as a nice counter-balances to Spenser’s sarcastic manners, but I am confident that she’s slowly warming up to him. Another strength is how Atkins amplifies the strength of the villains in this one. They are evil and worthy of the challenge Spenser faces. I also liked how the violence was mixed in just the right amounts and came across as realistic and respectful of Spenser’s age.
I only have one complaint. Just one. At 305 pages, the book was not long enough. It felt short and I wanted more. Another 50 – 80 pages would have been nice. Otherwise, Atkins delivers another worthy story in the annuals of Spenser, one of America’s classic fictional private investigators.
I have said this in previous reviews of Ace Atkins Spenser’s novels, but I am going to repeat myself. For me, Robert B. Parker is the king. He created Spenser and all that goes with him from Hawk to Susan to the secondary characters, nuances of each of the four seasons, particular types of foods, and locations in the greater Boston area. I will always bow down to him. But thanks to Atkin’s ability to capture the spirit of Spenser, I get to continue being a fanboy. I don’t have to say goodbye to a character that I love like family. Every year or so I can still look forward to a new outing with my private investigator hero, Spenser and his comrades, which I lovingly refer to as Spenser 2.0.
Thank you, Robert. Thank you, Ace. And thank you, Joan, for letting Spenser live on in this fan’s heart. It means the world to me to get to revisit my heartfelt friend and personal hero each year.
February 9, 2021
★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
And just like that, I'm back in one of my favorite fictional universes, and it felt so great. Among the many, many things wrong with 2020 (and I want to stress that this is far down the list) was that there was no new Spenser novel. Thankfully, Atkins and his publisher have addressed that problem here in the early days of 2021 by bringing us the 48th entry in this fantastic series.
IT ALL STARTS WITH A FAVOR...
Mattie Sullivan, who's been doing some work for Spenser lately, tried to do a favor for someone from her neighborhood, and now needs Spenser to help her. It's a pretty simple task, but the story behind it is troubling. It doesn't go much better for Spenser than it went for Mattie, but once he starts to ask questions, he ends up pulling the proverbial thread that unravels a sweater. And by "sweater", I'm referring to an international sex-trafficking ring catering to the wealthy and powerful who like to prey on the young.
Yeah, basically, Atkins is going for a ripped-from-the-headlines Jeffrey Epstein kind of story.
MATTIE SULLIVAN
One of my few complaints with the Spenser novels by Atkins is that he hasn't used Mattie Sullivan since his first one, Lullaby. There've been a reference or two, but that's it. But I got the impression that, like Zebulon Sixkill or Paul Giacomin, Mattie'd be around. But it never materialized. That's fine. I get where (especially as Atkins was establishing himself) that there'd be some resistance to bringing in a young girl as a regular—it'd be tantamount to introducing Cousin Oliver.
But she's here, and we're to believe she's been a presence in his life, and he in hers. More importantly, she needs a little help from her mentor. She's on the verge of starting a career, and the way this works out will have a lot to say about her next steps.
BOSTON HOMICIDE CAPTAIN LORRAIN GLASS
The Captain has been antagonistic toward Spenser since she showed up a few books back, a little more than Quirk was in the early books in the series. Sure, she'll let Belson do his thing and will eventually listen to what Spenser has to say.
And that hasn't changed. However...years ago, she tried to stop the same man. She worked with two victims, but the charges went away after someone (probably multiple someones) that he had leverage over had exerted their influence. Glass hasn't gotten over it. If Spenser's truly trying to bring him down, she's in.
She doesn't give a lot of help, but she gives some—and given what little Spenser has to work with it's something. This doesn't mean things are going to be chummy between Glass and Spenser any time soon. But it's still nice to see.
PEARL AGAIN, NATURALLY
Susan and Spenser's second Pearl has died. This time, Spenser replaced her with a puppy German Shorthaired Pointer. I think I mentioned when Lupica's first Sunny Randall had her do the same thing, I find the practice of replacing one dog with another of the same breed and using the same name odd (more than odd, but let's stick with that). Susan seems to balk at the practice this time, which is odd. She seemingly had no problem with it for their second Pearl, but now she puts her foot down?
This does, however, provide Atkins with the opportunity to get Spenser to explain himself. I'm not sure that it helps. But at least he tried.
Still, Puppy Pearl is cute, so I'll shut up about it.
RUGER? REALLY?
I feel bad bringing this up, but it's right there in the Publisher's description, so I guess it's fair game. But Atkins brings back The Gray Man. I was stunned—almost as stunned as Spenser, Hawk, and Susan were—because I haven't read a blurb for this series since Atkins' first installment (and it had been probably decades before that).
I think it's a risky move to bring someone like this back. You don't want to use someone like Ruger too often. Once was probably enough, any more than that and you risk humanizing the character, making him seem less threatening, more mortal, more defeatable. I thought that when Parker did brought him back, and I think that now. Parker pulled it off. Atkins did it better. I love it when something so risky pays off.
MOMENTO MORI
Both Ruger and the new Pearl (in different ways) make much of this book a meditation on mortality (Spenser's in particular, while Hawk insists he "youthens"). This is something that Atkins has really highlighted in various ways since he took the helm, but not to this extent.
I don't have time (or that much desire) to re-read it so I couldn't say this definitively, but I don't think Ruger's second appearance brought with it this level of angst and apprehension on the part of Spenser, much less Hawk or Susan. But Atkins hits the notes that he should. The Grey Man about killed Spenser, reduced him to a shadow of the man we knew before, and he should make Spenser—reflexive confidence or not—fearful. As he should be. Because that's the kind of guy that Ruger is, smart people are afraid of him. Smart people who've barely survived going up against him should really be afraid of him.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME?
I loved it. I always enjoy being back in this world. Getting to see another part of Hawk's life than we've ever seen before just makes it better.
I do wonder a little about what this novel says about Ceremony, the most problematic Spenser novel (still a good read, don't get me wrong, but come on). I think Spenser's actions and attitudes in this are defensible without casting doubt about what he did in Ceremony. And maybe it could be argued that Spenser's attitudes changed after seeing what happened to April Kyle. I don't think it'd be convincing, but maybe you could do that.
This gives the long-time fan plenty of stuff to think about, if they want to. There's a decent amount for a new reader to chew on, too. But more than anything—it's a solid Spenser novel written by the man who's been keeping the legend alive for almost a decade, with hopefully many more years to come.
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
It was early evening and early summer, and my bay window was cracked open above Berkeley Street. I had a half-eaten turkey sub on my desk and the sports page from The Globe splayed out underneath. Dan Shaughnessy proclaimed Mookie Betts to be overrated. I'm sure many said the same thing about me. But I was pretty sure being overrated was better than being underrated. A mistake few made twice.
I contemplated Mookie’s situation as I heard a knock on the anteroom door.
And just like that, I'm back in one of my favorite fictional universes, and it felt so great. Among the many, many things wrong with 2020 (and I want to stress that this is far down the list) was that there was no new Spenser novel. Thankfully, Atkins and his publisher have addressed that problem here in the early days of 2021 by bringing us the 48th entry in this fantastic series.
IT ALL STARTS WITH A FAVOR...
Mattie Sullivan, who's been doing some work for Spenser lately, tried to do a favor for someone from her neighborhood, and now needs Spenser to help her. It's a pretty simple task, but the story behind it is troubling. It doesn't go much better for Spenser than it went for Mattie, but once he starts to ask questions, he ends up pulling the proverbial thread that unravels a sweater. And by "sweater", I'm referring to an international sex-trafficking ring catering to the wealthy and powerful who like to prey on the young.
Yeah, basically, Atkins is going for a ripped-from-the-headlines Jeffrey Epstein kind of story.
MATTIE SULLIVAN
One of my few complaints with the Spenser novels by Atkins is that he hasn't used Mattie Sullivan since his first one, Lullaby. There've been a reference or two, but that's it. But I got the impression that, like Zebulon Sixkill or Paul Giacomin, Mattie'd be around. But it never materialized. That's fine. I get where (especially as Atkins was establishing himself) that there'd be some resistance to bringing in a young girl as a regular—it'd be tantamount to introducing Cousin Oliver.
But she's here, and we're to believe she's been a presence in his life, and he in hers. More importantly, she needs a little help from her mentor. She's on the verge of starting a career, and the way this works out will have a lot to say about her next steps.
BOSTON HOMICIDE CAPTAIN LORRAIN GLASS
The Captain has been antagonistic toward Spenser since she showed up a few books back, a little more than Quirk was in the early books in the series. Sure, she'll let Belson do his thing and will eventually listen to what Spenser has to say.
And that hasn't changed. However...years ago, she tried to stop the same man. She worked with two victims, but the charges went away after someone (probably multiple someones) that he had leverage over had exerted their influence. Glass hasn't gotten over it. If Spenser's truly trying to bring him down, she's in.
She doesn't give a lot of help, but she gives some—and given what little Spenser has to work with it's something. This doesn't mean things are going to be chummy between Glass and Spenser any time soon. But it's still nice to see.
PEARL AGAIN, NATURALLY
On the backside, we found two cars parked outside. One was the Mercedes I'd seen drop off Debbie Delgado. The other was a light blue Rolls-Royce Phantom. Pearl and I noted the license tag on the Rolls. Or at least I hoped she did. She was still a detective-in-training.
Susan and Spenser's second Pearl has died. This time, Spenser replaced her with a puppy German Shorthaired Pointer. I think I mentioned when Lupica's first Sunny Randall had her do the same thing, I find the practice of replacing one dog with another of the same breed and using the same name odd (more than odd, but let's stick with that). Susan seems to balk at the practice this time, which is odd. She seemingly had no problem with it for their second Pearl, but now she puts her foot down?
This does, however, provide Atkins with the opportunity to get Spenser to explain himself. I'm not sure that it helps. But at least he tried.
Still, Puppy Pearl is cute, so I'll shut up about it.
RUGER? REALLY?
I feel bad bringing this up, but it's right there in the Publisher's description, so I guess it's fair game. But Atkins brings back The Gray Man. I was stunned—almost as stunned as Spenser, Hawk, and Susan were—because I haven't read a blurb for this series since Atkins' first installment (and it had been probably decades before that).
I think it's a risky move to bring someone like this back. You don't want to use someone like Ruger too often. Once was probably enough, any more than that and you risk humanizing the character, making him seem less threatening, more mortal, more defeatable. I thought that when Parker did brought him back, and I think that now. Parker pulled it off. Atkins did it better. I love it when something so risky pays off.
MOMENTO MORI
The three plane rides hadn’t been kind to me. I could feel every old break, bruise, and irregularity in my body. It had been eight years since I'd first met Mattie. Now she was a grown, successful person. And I was still doing what | do, none the wiser, not finding a better line of work. Maybe someday I'd retire to a place like this... Few get out of our livelihood by being politely asked. One day all the push-ups, wind sprints, and sparring wouldn't save us. At this point in my life, I'd been doing this for many more years than I had not.
Both Ruger and the new Pearl (in different ways) make much of this book a meditation on mortality (Spenser's in particular, while Hawk insists he "youthens"). This is something that Atkins has really highlighted in various ways since he took the helm, but not to this extent.
I don't have time (or that much desire) to re-read it so I couldn't say this definitively, but I don't think Ruger's second appearance brought with it this level of angst and apprehension on the part of Spenser, much less Hawk or Susan. But Atkins hits the notes that he should. The Grey Man about killed Spenser, reduced him to a shadow of the man we knew before, and he should make Spenser—reflexive confidence or not—fearful. As he should be. Because that's the kind of guy that Ruger is, smart people are afraid of him. Smart people who've barely survived going up against him should really be afraid of him.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME?
I loved it. I always enjoy being back in this world. Getting to see another part of Hawk's life than we've ever seen before just makes it better.
I do wonder a little about what this novel says about Ceremony, the most problematic Spenser novel (still a good read, don't get me wrong, but come on). I think Spenser's actions and attitudes in this are defensible without casting doubt about what he did in Ceremony. And maybe it could be argued that Spenser's attitudes changed after seeing what happened to April Kyle. I don't think it'd be convincing, but maybe you could do that.
This gives the long-time fan plenty of stuff to think about, if they want to. There's a decent amount for a new reader to chew on, too. But more than anything—it's a solid Spenser novel written by the man who's been keeping the legend alive for almost a decade, with hopefully many more years to come.
February 9, 2021
It’s always risky to jump into a long-running series for the first time. But with a little checking on the characters’ backstories, I was able to enjoy Someone to Watch Over Me by Ace Atkins, the legacy author for Robert B. Parker and his Spenser series. I don't have the issue of comparing the "new" author from the series creator.
Most people checking into this book know the characters far better than I do so I’ll simply say I found Spenser, Hawk, Susan and the others enjoyable characters. Lots of humor mixed in with some serious matters. This installment centers around a Jeffrey Epstein-like character. Peter Steiner and Poppy, the woman who assists him, are thoroughly despicable people. Spenser’s pursuit of the young girls being abused take him from Boston to South Florida to an island in the Bahamas. Lots of good action in this fast-paced book. Will look out for the next one in the series.
Rated 3.5 stars.
Most people checking into this book know the characters far better than I do so I’ll simply say I found Spenser, Hawk, Susan and the others enjoyable characters. Lots of humor mixed in with some serious matters. This installment centers around a Jeffrey Epstein-like character. Peter Steiner and Poppy, the woman who assists him, are thoroughly despicable people. Spenser’s pursuit of the young girls being abused take him from Boston to South Florida to an island in the Bahamas. Lots of good action in this fast-paced book. Will look out for the next one in the series.
Rated 3.5 stars.
January 31, 2021
Ace Atkins does a great job with the Spenser series and here he does a do over of the Jeff Epstein episode, and if you still don't get it, he names one of his cops Epstein. Spense and Hawk take down a rich millionaire and his procurer with a penchant for sex with children. Has a nice surprise ending. Recommended.
April 24, 2021
There’s easy-breezy reading, and then there’s this. Snatched from the headlines, this is obviously Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell meets Spenser and Hawk as James Bond, with CIA Epstein as Felix Leiter. The Grey Man is the Bond villain, though he’s really the very-pale, raspy Sean Harris as Solomon Lane here, from the recent, excellent Mission: Impossible movies. These are such obvious cut and paste jobs that some may get offended and think it’s lazy. It very well might be, but there’s a market for such easy solves of such icky ills. If only real life were as easy as this! Poppy, the Ghislaine Maxwell stand-in, is portrayed as just as evil as the Jeffrey Epstein character, which is perhaps really true, and a saving grace for me here.
The Nancy Drew stand-in, Mattie—whose exploits I missed in a previous Ace Atkins/Spenser book—seems an unfinished and uncomfortable character here and never meshed for me. Atkins is as uncomfortable with her as you might be, yet there was no other way to tell this story, which is why she’s revived here. Don’t expect to see her in too many sequels. That’s not TMI about the plot, but more an observation. I also learned too much about Hawk, who Atkins seems to be purposely and slowly fleshing out. The ending was satisfying, but not the tense confrontations that Parker’s were.
The good news is that it’s a good, breezy read, though more breezy than quick. Parker’s Spenser had a little more depth, so those books were quick, easy reads as opposed to breezy. This one lacks the moral or philosophical heft those had, which is a shame, and was what made Parker stand apart. He was more Hammett and Chandler; this is more like Patterson. Gumshoe novels are notoriously a comfortable pair of slippers, but this one is more beachy sandals or flip-flops. To each his own.
So this is a quick, breezy read, which I read in about three hours, quick even for me. It’s 306 pages. It could’ve been something more, but was obviously never intended to be. If you’re a staunch Parker traditionalist, you might want to give this one a pass. If not, take it to your backyard, or nearest lake or beach with a glass of wine, and enjoy.
The Nancy Drew stand-in, Mattie—whose exploits I missed in a previous Ace Atkins/Spenser book—seems an unfinished and uncomfortable character here and never meshed for me. Atkins is as uncomfortable with her as you might be, yet there was no other way to tell this story, which is why she’s revived here. Don’t expect to see her in too many sequels. That’s not TMI about the plot, but more an observation. I also learned too much about Hawk, who Atkins seems to be purposely and slowly fleshing out. The ending was satisfying, but not the tense confrontations that Parker’s were.
The good news is that it’s a good, breezy read, though more breezy than quick. Parker’s Spenser had a little more depth, so those books were quick, easy reads as opposed to breezy. This one lacks the moral or philosophical heft those had, which is a shame, and was what made Parker stand apart. He was more Hammett and Chandler; this is more like Patterson. Gumshoe novels are notoriously a comfortable pair of slippers, but this one is more beachy sandals or flip-flops. To each his own.
So this is a quick, breezy read, which I read in about three hours, quick even for me. It’s 306 pages. It could’ve been something more, but was obviously never intended to be. If you’re a staunch Parker traditionalist, you might want to give this one a pass. If not, take it to your backyard, or nearest lake or beach with a glass of wine, and enjoy.
May 12, 2021
An independent PI on a mission. Someone to Watch Over Me is a crime thriller with an old school PI that packs a punch. I fell in love with this character right away.
This was the third book in the Robert B Parker series I read for this blog tour, the other two were written by Mike Lupica, and this one by Ace Atkin – I have to say that this one was my favourite of the three. This story, set in Boston shows yet another side to the series, focusing on the life of Spencer, who just happens to be the man in Dr Silverman’s life. Dr Silverman was Sunny’s therapist in Grudge Match. I enjoyed how these books fit together each focusing on a character mentioned in the other book. It’s like stepping into an entire community and getting to know each one a little better in every book you read.
When Mattie is asked for help by a friend's little sister, she has no idea what lies ahead. What starts as a simple case of lost property soon turns into a life-threatening case involving the very rich, and sex traffic. Spencer and Hawk quickly step in hoping to protect Mattie. As the pieces start fitting together, Spencer needs to face an old enemy to save the day….
I found myself flying through this book in two days. Someone to Watch Over Me is a quick gripping read that leaves you wanting to see justice done. This light, entertaining read had me completely engrossed and I could not wait too what the ending would bring.
As an animal lover, I cannot resist a character that has a pet. Spencer and Pearl - well they simply crawled into my heart. I must admit – it’s a little creepy that Spencer keeps naming his dog Pearl. It’s fine to get another dog of the same breed – but calling it by the same name – not something I can ever see myself doing.
The author did a wonderful job with Spencer – I found myself picturing him as I read the book.
Mystery, Crime and Thriller enthusiasts who haven’t spent some time with Robert B Parker’s characters are missing out. I enjoyed the time I spent reading these books. They are light, easy reading guaranteed to provide an escape and keep you entertained.
visit the website for more: https://featzreviews.com
This was the third book in the Robert B Parker series I read for this blog tour, the other two were written by Mike Lupica, and this one by Ace Atkin – I have to say that this one was my favourite of the three. This story, set in Boston shows yet another side to the series, focusing on the life of Spencer, who just happens to be the man in Dr Silverman’s life. Dr Silverman was Sunny’s therapist in Grudge Match. I enjoyed how these books fit together each focusing on a character mentioned in the other book. It’s like stepping into an entire community and getting to know each one a little better in every book you read.
When Mattie is asked for help by a friend's little sister, she has no idea what lies ahead. What starts as a simple case of lost property soon turns into a life-threatening case involving the very rich, and sex traffic. Spencer and Hawk quickly step in hoping to protect Mattie. As the pieces start fitting together, Spencer needs to face an old enemy to save the day….
I found myself flying through this book in two days. Someone to Watch Over Me is a quick gripping read that leaves you wanting to see justice done. This light, entertaining read had me completely engrossed and I could not wait too what the ending would bring.
As an animal lover, I cannot resist a character that has a pet. Spencer and Pearl - well they simply crawled into my heart. I must admit – it’s a little creepy that Spencer keeps naming his dog Pearl. It’s fine to get another dog of the same breed – but calling it by the same name – not something I can ever see myself doing.
The author did a wonderful job with Spencer – I found myself picturing him as I read the book.
Mystery, Crime and Thriller enthusiasts who haven’t spent some time with Robert B Parker’s characters are missing out. I enjoyed the time I spent reading these books. They are light, easy reading guaranteed to provide an escape and keep you entertained.
visit the website for more: https://featzreviews.com
January 28, 2021
I was going to compliment Ace on doing a great job capturing Parker’s voice. But really at this point it’s just a great Ace Atkins Spenser novel. When I laugh out loud while reading, I know it’s Spenser at his best. Thank you Ace.
December 13, 2020
Iconic Boston Private Eye: Spenser returns to kick butt across Boston, Miami and the Bahamas with the aid of his best friend and ally, the ever dangerous and stylish Hawk. They are charged with taking down the villainous Peter Steiner and his henchwoman and accomplice, Poppy Palmer. In a gritty hard-boiled fashion, Ace Atkins provides a pitch perfect drama, as they attempt to make order out of chaos and injustice. Mattie Sullivan works for Spenser as a
part-time assistant and sleuth-in-training while attending college. She’s twenty-two, pretty, long-legged, with long red hair kept in a pony tail .. and an obvious Irish face filled with freckles. She has stayed in Spenser’s orbit since as a teenager he helped bring her mother’s killer to justice.
Some of Mattie’s friends have brought to her attention the presence of a potential child molester. It starts out with a friend’s sister, Chloe Turner, (age 14) who was recruited to provide a “massage” to a wealthy gentleman at the Blackstone Club (posh Boston private Men ’s Club) for five-hundred dollars. Tracing back to her recruitment by another teenager, Debbie Delgado…. who received two-hundred for every girl she could recruit. All with the guise of looking for models with fresh faces. And, the massage and “extras” would be given to rich and powerful men, who could “change your life.” Mattie’s involvement has led to the pro-bono investigation with Spencer, Hawk and all of their contacts. Spenser uncovers the common link with the six victims they know about is Steiner and Palmer. Some consider them merely a dynamic Boston power couple. Steiner owns his own investment firm that specializes in working with a select clientele of the rich, famous and politically connected . While the slick, thin and muscular Poppy, with surgically enhanced breasts, looks great in a bikini, but also with a glass of champagne in her hand. Photos abound with her at events to fight illiteracy, poverty, cancer, blindness, hunger, domestic violence, animal abuse and a multitude of other “causes”. She reportedly runs a modeling agency, but actually is Steiner’s recruiter and accomplice. ( Ghislaine Maxwell & Jeffrey Epstein ? )
Steiner not only has an expansive mansion on Comm Ave in Boston, but also on a seclusive peninsula in Miami , Florida. After a day or two in Miami, he hops on his private jet
with his young “guests” to jet over to his privately owned island in the Bahamas. The island appears to be the site of extensive parties, attended by politicians, CEOs, and even foreign dignitaries. Ace Atkins spins a complex and “twisted” narrative as a worthy addition to the ever expanding genre of “modern day” historical fiction. This is Atkins’ ninth contribution to the beloved Spenser ethos with continuation of the smart-mouthed tough guy with a code of honor and astute sense of culture, taste, and humor. Thankfully, we catch his third “Pearl” , a German shorthaired pointer,
during her puppy years of training, chewing shoes and furniture, a leaving presents scattered across the carpeting. His long-time girlfriend, Susan, the Harvard trained psychologist reprises her role as confidant, and counter-point to his thinking and actions. How will Spencer bring this international sex trafficking operation to its knees? Along the way, the situation is complicated by the presence of an old nemesis, The Gray Man. This can be enjoyed and devoured as a standalone, even if the reader has never read a Spenser novel in the past …. Atkins seamlessly provides all the necessary backstory. Thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review.
part-time assistant and sleuth-in-training while attending college. She’s twenty-two, pretty, long-legged, with long red hair kept in a pony tail .. and an obvious Irish face filled with freckles. She has stayed in Spenser’s orbit since as a teenager he helped bring her mother’s killer to justice.
Some of Mattie’s friends have brought to her attention the presence of a potential child molester. It starts out with a friend’s sister, Chloe Turner, (age 14) who was recruited to provide a “massage” to a wealthy gentleman at the Blackstone Club (posh Boston private Men ’s Club) for five-hundred dollars. Tracing back to her recruitment by another teenager, Debbie Delgado…. who received two-hundred for every girl she could recruit. All with the guise of looking for models with fresh faces. And, the massage and “extras” would be given to rich and powerful men, who could “change your life.” Mattie’s involvement has led to the pro-bono investigation with Spencer, Hawk and all of their contacts. Spenser uncovers the common link with the six victims they know about is Steiner and Palmer. Some consider them merely a dynamic Boston power couple. Steiner owns his own investment firm that specializes in working with a select clientele of the rich, famous and politically connected . While the slick, thin and muscular Poppy, with surgically enhanced breasts, looks great in a bikini, but also with a glass of champagne in her hand. Photos abound with her at events to fight illiteracy, poverty, cancer, blindness, hunger, domestic violence, animal abuse and a multitude of other “causes”. She reportedly runs a modeling agency, but actually is Steiner’s recruiter and accomplice. ( Ghislaine Maxwell & Jeffrey Epstein ? )
Steiner not only has an expansive mansion on Comm Ave in Boston, but also on a seclusive peninsula in Miami , Florida. After a day or two in Miami, he hops on his private jet
with his young “guests” to jet over to his privately owned island in the Bahamas. The island appears to be the site of extensive parties, attended by politicians, CEOs, and even foreign dignitaries. Ace Atkins spins a complex and “twisted” narrative as a worthy addition to the ever expanding genre of “modern day” historical fiction. This is Atkins’ ninth contribution to the beloved Spenser ethos with continuation of the smart-mouthed tough guy with a code of honor and astute sense of culture, taste, and humor. Thankfully, we catch his third “Pearl” , a German shorthaired pointer,
during her puppy years of training, chewing shoes and furniture, a leaving presents scattered across the carpeting. His long-time girlfriend, Susan, the Harvard trained psychologist reprises her role as confidant, and counter-point to his thinking and actions. How will Spencer bring this international sex trafficking operation to its knees? Along the way, the situation is complicated by the presence of an old nemesis, The Gray Man. This can be enjoyed and devoured as a standalone, even if the reader has never read a Spenser novel in the past …. Atkins seamlessly provides all the necessary backstory. Thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review.
June 10, 2025
Fast read.
Mattie works with Spenser on a case. It’s basically the Epstein pedo story. Hawk helps Spenser getting the morally bankrupt bad guys their comeuppance.
The Gray Man is back and it’s very unexpected.
Spenser survives to work another case. Justice is mostly served.
Mattie works with Spenser on a case. It’s basically the Epstein pedo story. Hawk helps Spenser getting the morally bankrupt bad guys their comeuppance.
The Gray Man is back and it’s very unexpected.
Spenser survives to work another case. Justice is mostly served.
January 19, 2021
Mattie is Spenser's part time secretary/sleuthing assistant. I can see why he likes her -- she's full of bravado and has a true mouth on her. She tells him a friend, only 15 years old, was asked to give a massage to an older man in a gentleman's club -- only a massage for $500. You can guess that's not all that happened. When the girl ran, she left her backpack and they won't give it back. You know Spenser is not going to let this ride.
Big news flash: Hawk is back! The Spenser books have not been the same without Hawk. I like Mattie but there is no comparison.
This is book #48 in the series and I've read most of them. Everyone who reads this series knows the pattern. It's never a complicated plot and Spenser always wins in the end. If you don't like this formula, no need to read the series.
Robert B Parker was the only author I've read who has created 4 different series and I love all of them - - Spenser, Jesse Stone, Cole & Hitch, and Sunny Randall. After Parker's death in 2010, the family picked Ace Atkins to carry on Spenser's voice. Atkins also writes another of my favorite series with Quinn Colson as the star.
Spenser's dog is Pearl. I've been reading this series for so long that we're now on Pearl #3. Each is just as adorable as the previous one.
Big news flash: Hawk is back! The Spenser books have not been the same without Hawk. I like Mattie but there is no comparison.
This is book #48 in the series and I've read most of them. Everyone who reads this series knows the pattern. It's never a complicated plot and Spenser always wins in the end. If you don't like this formula, no need to read the series.
Robert B Parker was the only author I've read who has created 4 different series and I love all of them - - Spenser, Jesse Stone, Cole & Hitch, and Sunny Randall. After Parker's death in 2010, the family picked Ace Atkins to carry on Spenser's voice. Atkins also writes another of my favorite series with Quinn Colson as the star.
Spenser's dog is Pearl. I've been reading this series for so long that we're now on Pearl #3. Each is just as adorable as the previous one.
April 7, 2023
How old is Spenser supposed to be at this point? Woody Strode? Has to be over 60. Several illusions to "old man" but he still takes down the 30-40 year professional hit men with ease, and all the women's hearts go a flutter when they smell his aftershave. I've read 48 Spenser adventures so far. There were probably 15 great ones, 25 above average ones, and eight kind of like this, meh. I don't blame Atkins, he does a remarkable job of channeling Parker's style and character but he's really just going thru the motions in my opinion, unable to take any chances with somebody else's characters, so Spenser, Susan, Hawk, Quirk, Rita, they're all just stopped in time. I'll keep reading in hopes of something happening but I'm starting to feel just like another one of those characters, stuck reading the next installment.
December 31, 2020
I have read Someone to watch over me, the latest Spenser adventure from Ace Atkins. I must start with a thank you to #GPPutnamsSons #PenguinPublishingGroup and #Edelweiss for giving me this entertaining book. The subject matter in this book is a good one for this kind of hero and his friends. Although Spenser is getting older he still has it and it's a great addition with Mattie, oh I almost forgot Hawk, he is ... well he is Hawk as usual. I am really glad that the character created by the late Robert B. Parker has found a way to live on. Much recommended.
January 14, 2021
Disappointment
Having read every Spenser book, I was hoping his awesome legacy would continue. Not to be. EeK? From Spenser? Never has he ever been boring, he is now. Never has the dialogue been tedious, it is now. Never has Hawk been a mere sidekick, he is now.
Will 're -read from my library and be glad Robert Parker is not here to know that his legacy has been violated in the worst way
Having read every Spenser book, I was hoping his awesome legacy would continue. Not to be. EeK? From Spenser? Never has he ever been boring, he is now. Never has the dialogue been tedious, it is now. Never has Hawk been a mere sidekick, he is now.
Will 're -read from my library and be glad Robert Parker is not here to know that his legacy has been violated in the worst way
April 27, 2021
Parker would be proud
Like the best of Spenser, with a Pearl, a Susan, Hawk his own bad self, a Gray and a Mattie. Some reflections on shared past, and a view to an easy exit. A solid plot, well-wrapped, makes the reader hungry for more of Boston’s finest.
Like the best of Spenser, with a Pearl, a Susan, Hawk his own bad self, a Gray and a Mattie. Some reflections on shared past, and a view to an easy exit. A solid plot, well-wrapped, makes the reader hungry for more of Boston’s finest.
September 10, 2021
Ending is a little thin but overall an excellent entry in the Spenser world
September 10, 2023
Just like Mr. Parker. Awful story, but it is ripped from the headlines.
January 5, 2024
Subject matter is disturbing.
I do love Spencer.
This book was written by Ace Atkins.
I still recommend it.
Please see other reviews for more information.
I do love Spencer.
This book was written by Ace Atkins.
I still recommend it.
Please see other reviews for more information.
October 15, 2021
I was delighted to find a new Spenser novel today. I had every intention of only reading horror fiction this October but for Spenser I will make an exception. Ace Atkins has written a very exciting book and I am happy to report Hawk is featured prominently. (This is not a spoiler this information is actually on the back cover.) Someone To Watch Over Me is a cracking good read I really enjoyed.
January 23, 2021
When my favorite author, Robert B. Parker died unexpectedly in January 2010, I was devastated. He was a great mystery/detective writer with several viable series in the genre. After his death the executors of his estate decided, together with Parker’s publishers, to allow the Spenser, Jesse Stone, Sunny Randall, and Virgil Cole & Everett Hitch series to continue to be written by agreed-upon authors.
The Spenser novels first continued with the one Parker was working on at his death was completed by his longtime literary agent, Helen Brann. Journalist/writer, Ace Atkins has continued the series by penning eight additional Spenser novels.
The newest and ninth installment in the Spenser series by Ace Atkins is entitled, Robert B. Parker's Someone to Watch Over Me. Atkins once again, captures the Spenser character with snappy dialogue, suspense, action, and a dynamic dramatic resolution.
The plot centers on Spenser who helped a teenage girl named Mattie Sullivan, ten years ago find her mother's killer and take down an infamous Boston crime boss. Mattie is now a college student with a side job working for Spenser and dreams of being an investigator herself.
Mattie's, first big case involves a fifteen-year-old girl assaulted by a much older man at one of Boston's most prestigious private clubs. The victim, Chloe Turner, only wants the safe return of her laptop and backpack. But, Mattie like Spenser has a knack for asking the right questions of the wrong people.
Spenser and Mattie begin to investigate and find ties between the exploitation of dozens of other girls from working-class families to an eccentric billionaire and his sadistic henchwoman with a mansion on Commonwealth Avenue. The mystery man's wealth, power, and connections extend well beyond Massachusetts, even beyond the United States. Spenser and trusted ally Hawk must again watch out for Mattie as she unravels a massive sex-trafficking ring that will take them from Boston to Boca Raton to the Bahamas, crossing paths with local toughs, a highly-trained security company, and an old enemy of Spenser's — the Gray Man, for a final epic showdown. This is a great read and parallels the recent news stories of the late millionaire Jeffrey Epstein financier and convicted sex offender. I highly recommend this latest installment in the Spenser series.
The Spenser novels first continued with the one Parker was working on at his death was completed by his longtime literary agent, Helen Brann. Journalist/writer, Ace Atkins has continued the series by penning eight additional Spenser novels.
The newest and ninth installment in the Spenser series by Ace Atkins is entitled, Robert B. Parker's Someone to Watch Over Me. Atkins once again, captures the Spenser character with snappy dialogue, suspense, action, and a dynamic dramatic resolution.
The plot centers on Spenser who helped a teenage girl named Mattie Sullivan, ten years ago find her mother's killer and take down an infamous Boston crime boss. Mattie is now a college student with a side job working for Spenser and dreams of being an investigator herself.
Mattie's, first big case involves a fifteen-year-old girl assaulted by a much older man at one of Boston's most prestigious private clubs. The victim, Chloe Turner, only wants the safe return of her laptop and backpack. But, Mattie like Spenser has a knack for asking the right questions of the wrong people.
Spenser and Mattie begin to investigate and find ties between the exploitation of dozens of other girls from working-class families to an eccentric billionaire and his sadistic henchwoman with a mansion on Commonwealth Avenue. The mystery man's wealth, power, and connections extend well beyond Massachusetts, even beyond the United States. Spenser and trusted ally Hawk must again watch out for Mattie as she unravels a massive sex-trafficking ring that will take them from Boston to Boca Raton to the Bahamas, crossing paths with local toughs, a highly-trained security company, and an old enemy of Spenser's — the Gray Man, for a final epic showdown. This is a great read and parallels the recent news stories of the late millionaire Jeffrey Epstein financier and convicted sex offender. I highly recommend this latest installment in the Spenser series.
September 27, 2020
What might one do if a Spenser movie tanks on Netflix. Take another Netflix show and write a Spenser novel around it? That feels like what happened here with Robert B. Parker’s Someone To Watch Over Me written by Ace Atkins, but fear not, it works!
The book opens with Spenser and his new associate, young 22-year-old Mattie, helping a friend of hers who was accosted by a millionaire under the guise of giving a massage in his home. As the duo follows the crime, the millionaire, and the woman who assists him by procuring young girls, are clearly modeled after Jeffery Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, although in this fictional world they are Peter Steiner and Poppy. The resemblance does not end there, with elements added such as his private Island, known as “Pedo Isle,” and a private airplane nicknamed “The Lolita Express!”
Even though this close to real events is not a regular practice of the Spenser novels, it works here! Everything I love about the series is here, in just the right amount. For instance there are plenty of familiar characters, but unlike some entries into the series, not everyone makes an appearance. In point of fact, there is one character who showed up later in the novel which was so surprising I actually gasped while reading it. I love that Hawk is back as the main assister to Spenser, and even though the old, and dated ,Amos and Andy “shuck and jive” between them is eliminated, the spark between them, highlighting their friendship, is still there.
Finally, though the real-life elements in the plot will be familiar to the reader, the conclusion and the events leading to it are not. Someone To Watch Over Me is truly a great entry in the series, and one of the best, including those written and not written by Parker.
The book opens with Spenser and his new associate, young 22-year-old Mattie, helping a friend of hers who was accosted by a millionaire under the guise of giving a massage in his home. As the duo follows the crime, the millionaire, and the woman who assists him by procuring young girls, are clearly modeled after Jeffery Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, although in this fictional world they are Peter Steiner and Poppy. The resemblance does not end there, with elements added such as his private Island, known as “Pedo Isle,” and a private airplane nicknamed “The Lolita Express!”
Even though this close to real events is not a regular practice of the Spenser novels, it works here! Everything I love about the series is here, in just the right amount. For instance there are plenty of familiar characters, but unlike some entries into the series, not everyone makes an appearance. In point of fact, there is one character who showed up later in the novel which was so surprising I actually gasped while reading it. I love that Hawk is back as the main assister to Spenser, and even though the old, and dated ,Amos and Andy “shuck and jive” between them is eliminated, the spark between them, highlighting their friendship, is still there.
Finally, though the real-life elements in the plot will be familiar to the reader, the conclusion and the events leading to it are not. Someone To Watch Over Me is truly a great entry in the series, and one of the best, including those written and not written by Parker.
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