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Spenser #49
Robert B. Parker's Bye Bye Baby
Boston PI Spenser takes on a new case in this installment in Robert B. Parker's iconic New York Times bestselling series.
Carolina Garcia-Ramirez is a rising star in national politics, taking on the establishment with her progressive agenda. Tough, outspoken, and driven, the young congresswoman has ignited a new conversation in Boston about race, poverty, health care, and the environment. Now facing her second campaign, she finds herself not only fighting a tight primary with an old guard challenger but also contending with numerous death threats coming from hundreds of suspects.
When her chief of staff reaches out to Spenser for security and help finding the culprits of what he believes to be the most credible threats, Garcia-Ramirez is less than thrilled. Since her first grassroots run, she’s used to the antipathy and intimidation women of color often face when seeking power. To her, it’s all noise. But it turns out an FBI agent disagrees, warning Spenser that Garcia-Ramirez might be in real danger this time.
It doesn’t take long for Spenser to cross paths with an extremist group called The Minutemen, led by a wealthy Harvard grad named Bishop Graves. Although Graves is a social media sensation, pushing an agenda of white supremacy and toxic masculinity, he denies he’s behind the attacks. As the primary nears and threats become a deadly plot, it’s up to Spenser, Hawk, and a surprise trusted ally to ensure the congresswoman is safe. This is Spenser doing what he does best, living by a personal code and moral compass that can’t ever be broken.
Carolina Garcia-Ramirez is a rising star in national politics, taking on the establishment with her progressive agenda. Tough, outspoken, and driven, the young congresswoman has ignited a new conversation in Boston about race, poverty, health care, and the environment. Now facing her second campaign, she finds herself not only fighting a tight primary with an old guard challenger but also contending with numerous death threats coming from hundreds of suspects.
When her chief of staff reaches out to Spenser for security and help finding the culprits of what he believes to be the most credible threats, Garcia-Ramirez is less than thrilled. Since her first grassroots run, she’s used to the antipathy and intimidation women of color often face when seeking power. To her, it’s all noise. But it turns out an FBI agent disagrees, warning Spenser that Garcia-Ramirez might be in real danger this time.
It doesn’t take long for Spenser to cross paths with an extremist group called The Minutemen, led by a wealthy Harvard grad named Bishop Graves. Although Graves is a social media sensation, pushing an agenda of white supremacy and toxic masculinity, he denies he’s behind the attacks. As the primary nears and threats become a deadly plot, it’s up to Spenser, Hawk, and a surprise trusted ally to ensure the congresswoman is safe. This is Spenser doing what he does best, living by a personal code and moral compass that can’t ever be broken.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 18, 2022
480 people are currently reading
776 people want to read
About the author
Ace Atkins
71 books1,558 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 373 reviews
November 23, 2023
It has been way too long since I have had the pleasure of enjoying a Spenser story, and Robert B. Parker's Bye Bye Baby does not disappoint. Ace Atkins has done Robert Parker's legacy proud. All the voices - Spenser, Hawk, Susan, etcetera - are back in form and as good as I remember them from the early Spenser novels. Kudos to narrator Joe Mantegna for the amazing narration. There are is surprise guest. appearance by - oldie but goodie - Sixkill, who also adds spice to this exciting edition. Also love the rambunctious and adorable "new" Pearl - in all her pup glory.
In this edition - Spenser's 49th - he is hired to protect an Africa American politician - running her second governmental campaign for reelection - because she is being targeted for death by a White supremacist group who call themselves the Minutemen. Hawk also has a side job for Spenser in which he seeks assistance in finding a woman. When Spenser finally comes up with the information and passes it along to Hawk it is a real cliff-hanger as to how he will proceed with what he has found out. Cannot wait to find out what happens next. I will miss Ace Atkins - who has written 10 Spenser novels, and has done a magnificent job with all of them. Sending best wishes to Mike Lupica, who is now being handed Robert B. Parker's magical and almighty baton.
In this edition - Spenser's 49th - he is hired to protect an Africa American politician - running her second governmental campaign for reelection - because she is being targeted for death by a White supremacist group who call themselves the Minutemen. Hawk also has a side job for Spenser in which he seeks assistance in finding a woman. When Spenser finally comes up with the information and passes it along to Hawk it is a real cliff-hanger as to how he will proceed with what he has found out. Cannot wait to find out what happens next. I will miss Ace Atkins - who has written 10 Spenser novels, and has done a magnificent job with all of them. Sending best wishes to Mike Lupica, who is now being handed Robert B. Parker's magical and almighty baton.
January 8, 2022
I received a free advance copy of this from NetGalley for review.
This is a real good news/bad news situation. The good news is that this is probably the best Spenser book that Ace Atkins has written yet. The bad news is that it’s the last one he’s doing. *sigh* Let’s focus on the good news for the moment.
Carolina Garcia-Ramirez won a stunning upset in a Congressional race, but while her outspoken support of progressive policies has made her a new hero for the left, the right wingers hate her guts and aren’t shy about saying so. When some of the threats seem to be more serious than the typical social media bile, Spenser is hired to provide protection and do some sleuthing to see if someone in CGR’s inner circle might be a mole. It doesn’t take long before Spenser finds clues indicating that a white supremacy group is plotting against CGR. As usual, Spenser turns to Hawk for help, but this time Hawk has a favor to ask in return. He wants Spenser to track down a woman he hasn’t heard from in years.
So obviously this one was inspired by a real person and the reactions to her, and that’s a little tricky because Spenser has always been extremely apolitical. That hasn’t changed with Atkins writing it so while Spenser admires CGR for several reasons, that’s on a human level, not a political one. Spenser also won’t abide racism so making the bad guys a bunch of white power assholes means that this is still a straightforward good guy vs. bad guys story with a few ripped-from-the-headlines elements instead of the book feeling like a political manifesto even as Atkins uses the opportunity to highlight how the worst of the worst have felt free to really be themselves these days.
All of that made for a compelling plot, but where this one really crackles is with the very Spenser-ness of it all. The dialogue and banter is quick, clever, and frequently funny. The action is sharp, especially in a climatic scene. Some Spenser history comes up. A lot of delicious sounding food is eaten, and some booze gets drank. There are still dates with Susan, work-outs with Hawk, and a dog named Pearl.
The Hawk sub-plot of him asking Spenser to find a woman was an interesting wrinkle in all this. Atkins had cracked the door open a little on Hawk. Not so much that it gave away too much about a character, who is cool precisely because of the mystery about him, but just enough that it made him feel fresh and even a little more dangerous. What comes out of that is another piece of a great book.
Maybe it’s because I knew that this was the last Spenser that Atkins is doing, but it all seemed extra sharp to me this time. I hated to finish this one because it meant that something I’ve very much enjoyed for ten years now is coming to an end. As swan songs go, this is a great one, and hopefully whoever takes over Spenser next can do half as well.
This is a real good news/bad news situation. The good news is that this is probably the best Spenser book that Ace Atkins has written yet. The bad news is that it’s the last one he’s doing. *sigh* Let’s focus on the good news for the moment.
Carolina Garcia-Ramirez won a stunning upset in a Congressional race, but while her outspoken support of progressive policies has made her a new hero for the left, the right wingers hate her guts and aren’t shy about saying so. When some of the threats seem to be more serious than the typical social media bile, Spenser is hired to provide protection and do some sleuthing to see if someone in CGR’s inner circle might be a mole. It doesn’t take long before Spenser finds clues indicating that a white supremacy group is plotting against CGR. As usual, Spenser turns to Hawk for help, but this time Hawk has a favor to ask in return. He wants Spenser to track down a woman he hasn’t heard from in years.
So obviously this one was inspired by a real person and the reactions to her, and that’s a little tricky because Spenser has always been extremely apolitical. That hasn’t changed with Atkins writing it so while Spenser admires CGR for several reasons, that’s on a human level, not a political one. Spenser also won’t abide racism so making the bad guys a bunch of white power assholes means that this is still a straightforward good guy vs. bad guys story with a few ripped-from-the-headlines elements instead of the book feeling like a political manifesto even as Atkins uses the opportunity to highlight how the worst of the worst have felt free to really be themselves these days.
All of that made for a compelling plot, but where this one really crackles is with the very Spenser-ness of it all. The dialogue and banter is quick, clever, and frequently funny. The action is sharp, especially in a climatic scene. Some Spenser history comes up. A lot of delicious sounding food is eaten, and some booze gets drank. There are still dates with Susan, work-outs with Hawk, and a dog named Pearl.
The Hawk sub-plot of him asking Spenser to find a woman was an interesting wrinkle in all this. Atkins had cracked the door open a little on Hawk. Not so much that it gave away too much about a character, who is cool precisely because of the mystery about him, but just enough that it made him feel fresh and even a little more dangerous. What comes out of that is another piece of a great book.
Maybe it’s because I knew that this was the last Spenser that Atkins is doing, but it all seemed extra sharp to me this time. I hated to finish this one because it meant that something I’ve very much enjoyed for ten years now is coming to an end. As swan songs go, this is a great one, and hopefully whoever takes over Spenser next can do half as well.
March 27, 2022
"'Folks broken these days. Ain't gonna be happy 'til they burn it all down.'" - Hawk
"'At least we won't be out of work.'" - Spenser, on page 303
Scribe Ace Atkins, since taking the helm of Robert B. Parker's long-running Spenser P.I. series, now simultaneously attempts two tricky things in his latest Bye Bye Baby, which is Atkins' tenth book featuring the venerable Boston private investigator. He has crafted a storyline which fits in well with and is innately familiar to the series' somewhat standard-ish canon - something comfortable, like slipping on a well-worn college or sports team sweatshirt that you've owned for decades - but yet also tries to strike out into some contemporary territory with the plot's details and machinations. It succeeded with the first part, but not so much on the second. (I sort of agree with some other GR reviewers that felt like it was unusually and jarringly pandering just a little too much to a certain political-mindset segment of the potential and/or trusty audience - and especially exasperating was the oh-so obvious real-life parallel for the novice politician character - but I can't / won't go so far as to sharply trash it as 'woke garbage.') Still, the reason many of us faithfully tune in is to hungrily devour another dependable Spenser investigatory adventure - not necessarily to deify an elected official or divisive social justice movement - and on the basis of a fairly straightforward but still-stirring 'identify the threat / eliminate the threat' narrative Bye Bye Baby works . . . most of the time.
"'At least we won't be out of work.'" - Spenser, on page 303
Scribe Ace Atkins, since taking the helm of Robert B. Parker's long-running Spenser P.I. series, now simultaneously attempts two tricky things in his latest Bye Bye Baby, which is Atkins' tenth book featuring the venerable Boston private investigator. He has crafted a storyline which fits in well with and is innately familiar to the series' somewhat standard-ish canon - something comfortable, like slipping on a well-worn college or sports team sweatshirt that you've owned for decades - but yet also tries to strike out into some contemporary territory with the plot's details and machinations. It succeeded with the first part, but not so much on the second. (I sort of agree with some other GR reviewers that felt like it was unusually and jarringly pandering just a little too much to a certain political-mindset segment of the potential and/or trusty audience - and especially exasperating was the oh-so obvious real-life parallel for the novice politician character - but I can't / won't go so far as to sharply trash it as 'woke garbage.') Still, the reason many of us faithfully tune in is to hungrily devour another dependable Spenser investigatory adventure - not necessarily to deify an elected official or divisive social justice movement - and on the basis of a fairly straightforward but still-stirring 'identify the threat / eliminate the threat' narrative Bye Bye Baby works . . . most of the time.
March 25, 2022
OMG, guess what? Spenser books just hit the crapper. Bye Bye Baby (2022 & the latest) is woke, racist, boring, pointless, smelly left wing claptrap garbage. Parker is rolling over in his grave, and if he was not already dead, Aceless Atkins would kill him with this latest Spenser imitation. This book is so bad, I threw up all over it and melted the pages {and I was reading a Kindle}. I could not even finish this piece of junk and I pride myself on always finishing any book I start…I just couldn’t keep reading so I gave up. And I’m a better person for doing so.
In summary, I am finished with the Spenser series. This book really did set a new high in lows. Just plain awful, not just bad, awful, really awful. Don’t waste your money, time, or your tears reading this “thing.” And if you do, get it free at the library so you don’t waste your money. That is, unless you just love what’s happening on the left coast and want to import it to your neighborhood. I didn’t.
In summary, I am finished with the Spenser series. This book really did set a new high in lows. Just plain awful, not just bad, awful, really awful. Don’t waste your money, time, or your tears reading this “thing.” And if you do, get it free at the library so you don’t waste your money. That is, unless you just love what’s happening on the left coast and want to import it to your neighborhood. I didn’t.
April 14, 2023
Et tu, Brut? "Bye Bye Baby" is a tone-deaf disconnect. With this, AA has introduced politics, and the Left's mindset into Spencer's milieux. Big-time, as the Millennials say. Euphemistically speaking, this wokeness-political-correctness-Leftist-agenda is inappropriate for RB Parker's legacy. When Parker's estate blessed Atkins a decade ago, I suspect that he hadn't yet espoused the Left's agenda, which shall we say, would not complement Spencer's persona: skilled, rugged individualist, highly-literate (Spenser the Elizabethan & ROYALIST & traditionalist poet - get it?) and, un-entitled attitude, etc - all attributes which the Left despises. ....For the name-callers here on GR, please consider actually refuting AA's tone-deafness, rather than flaming a rational response.
October 25, 2021
Yes! Although I've read and enjoyed all the Spenser book written by this author after original author Robert B. Parker's passing, there always seemed to be something missing. For one thing, the "voice" of Spenser's pal Hawk never seemed quite right (and too often, he didn't get enough page space for my liking - he's a favorite recurring character). Well, I'm delighted to report that both my complaints went down the drain in this entertaining adventure; both Spenser and Hawk sound very much like they used to, and Hawk appears enough to keep me satisfied (well, almost).
To be sure, the topic is timely as well; asked by her chief of staff to help with protection, Spenser takes on guardian duties of Carolina Garcia-Ramirez, an incumbent congresswoman of color who's in the middle of a reelection campaign. In the primary, she's trying to hold off one of the "establishment" - meaning an old white man. Problem is, she's been getting death threats that her chief of staff thinks she isn't taking seriously enough. Carolina doesn't believe she needs extra protection and Spenser isn't sold on the job, but his longtime squeeze Susan Silverman is a huge fan of the congresswoman so offers some encouragement.
Just in case (and because he can't be everywhere at once, Spenser brings Hawk into the security detail - and later, another familiar character, Zebulon Sixkill, a brute of a guy who got his training courtesy of Spenser and Hawk. The whole thing turns deadly serious when someone tries to run down Carolina and her boyfriend; Spenser's team, and the FBI (who, needless to say, aren't thrilled that Spenser is on the case) chalk up most of the threats to a group called The Minutemen - white supremacists at their finest led by a Harvard grad turned gun-toting anti-establishment guru.
A few other characters from previous books will be familiar to fans as well, including the late Joe Broz, with whom Spenser had a sort of hold hands to keep from fighting relationship. This time, though, he tangles with the gangster's wayward son, Gerry - whose hand Spenser has no intention of holding. And in the midst of all this, Hawk asks Spenser for a favor that no doubt will make its way to the next book and beyond.
Spenser's usual humorous banter seems even more on target than usual (I hope the line about '50s heartthrob Pat Boone stays in the final version - it's a hoot, so watch for it). The most recent incarnation of Spenser and Susan's dog, Pearl, adds a bit of fun to lighten the story's darker side. All told, this one grabbed and held my attention throughout - so much so that I polished it off in a single day (which, of course, made me sorry the next day that I hadn't tried to make it last). Thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for giving me the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy.
To be sure, the topic is timely as well; asked by her chief of staff to help with protection, Spenser takes on guardian duties of Carolina Garcia-Ramirez, an incumbent congresswoman of color who's in the middle of a reelection campaign. In the primary, she's trying to hold off one of the "establishment" - meaning an old white man. Problem is, she's been getting death threats that her chief of staff thinks she isn't taking seriously enough. Carolina doesn't believe she needs extra protection and Spenser isn't sold on the job, but his longtime squeeze Susan Silverman is a huge fan of the congresswoman so offers some encouragement.
Just in case (and because he can't be everywhere at once, Spenser brings Hawk into the security detail - and later, another familiar character, Zebulon Sixkill, a brute of a guy who got his training courtesy of Spenser and Hawk. The whole thing turns deadly serious when someone tries to run down Carolina and her boyfriend; Spenser's team, and the FBI (who, needless to say, aren't thrilled that Spenser is on the case) chalk up most of the threats to a group called The Minutemen - white supremacists at their finest led by a Harvard grad turned gun-toting anti-establishment guru.
A few other characters from previous books will be familiar to fans as well, including the late Joe Broz, with whom Spenser had a sort of hold hands to keep from fighting relationship. This time, though, he tangles with the gangster's wayward son, Gerry - whose hand Spenser has no intention of holding. And in the midst of all this, Hawk asks Spenser for a favor that no doubt will make its way to the next book and beyond.
Spenser's usual humorous banter seems even more on target than usual (I hope the line about '50s heartthrob Pat Boone stays in the final version - it's a hoot, so watch for it). The most recent incarnation of Spenser and Susan's dog, Pearl, adds a bit of fun to lighten the story's darker side. All told, this one grabbed and held my attention throughout - so much so that I polished it off in a single day (which, of course, made me sorry the next day that I hadn't tried to make it last). Thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for giving me the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy.
July 29, 2024
5 Stars. It's more of a four, but deserves a bump if only for Spenser taking on the radical right and the white supremacists. Here in Canada those two can be separated, but Atkins doesn't distinguish in 'Bye Bye Baby.' In combination it's the toxic right and they're the ones Spenser confronts in his inimitable style and sarcastic wit - those who are anti-immigration and especially, anti-progressive, women-of-colour who are doing well. Boston Congresswoman Carolina Garcia-Ramirez, CGR, fits the bill. First elected in the last election, she's running in the primaries in a re-match against the former incumbent Tommy Flaherty. Susan Silverman calls Tommy a "chauvinist pig." True or not, he certainly represents the establishment at a time of change. CGR is Dominican in background, young, bright, and progressive. Reluctantly, she hires Spenser, Hawk and Sixkill, he's back, to look into the death threats she has been receiving and, most importantly, keep her alive! Through the fog, Spenser detects the Minutemen led by Duke grad Bishop Graves. Remember this was written after America's January 6, 2021 insurrection. Atkins is unmerciful. A gutsy move. (Jun2022/Jul2024)
January 19, 2022
Disappointing
Too much extreme left politics, not enough story. Reads like a recruiting manual for Antifa or BLM. I don't buy novels to learn the author's political perspective.
Too much extreme left politics, not enough story. Reads like a recruiting manual for Antifa or BLM. I don't buy novels to learn the author's political perspective.
January 20, 2022
3.5 stars.
In this #49 in the series, Spenser is hired to guard a liberal congresswoman who is receiving death threats. Her haters seem to be white supremacists. You know Spenser is going to take exception with this harassment.
It's like old home week with this book. All my favorites are here - Spenser, Susan, Vinnie, Hawk, and Sixkill. Been a few books since readers have seen Sixkill.
I love Spenser. I've been with him for most of the 49 books. His droll wit is unmatched. How many people still say Yikes? This one wasn't my favorite of the series - little too much politics in it to be totally enjoyable but did I mention that I got to see Hawk and Sixkill?
As I was reading along, I wondered if the congresswoman was modeled after representative AOC. And readers get set up for a new character in the next edition.
In this #49 in the series, Spenser is hired to guard a liberal congresswoman who is receiving death threats. Her haters seem to be white supremacists. You know Spenser is going to take exception with this harassment.
It's like old home week with this book. All my favorites are here - Spenser, Susan, Vinnie, Hawk, and Sixkill. Been a few books since readers have seen Sixkill.
I love Spenser. I've been with him for most of the 49 books. His droll wit is unmatched. How many people still say Yikes? This one wasn't my favorite of the series - little too much politics in it to be totally enjoyable but did I mention that I got to see Hawk and Sixkill?
As I was reading along, I wondered if the congresswoman was modeled after representative AOC. And readers get set up for a new character in the next edition.
April 16, 2022
Ace Atkins is back with his tenth and final “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 tenth outing with Spenser, Hawk, Susan, and 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.
Unfortunately, this book was not his best Spenser work, sending our classic hero out with more of a whimper than a bang… And it hurts me greatly to say that because Ace Atkins has done an extremely fantastic job of continuing Robert B. Parker’s greatest creation. I am one of his biggest fans with a great love and respect for what he’s been able to pull off with someone’s work.
Anyway, Atkins last outing with Spenser begins with his being hired as a bodyguard and investigator for Carolina Garcia-Ramirez, a Boston congresswoman and rising political star running for re-election. Carolina is not just any ordinary politician. She is a very progressive who is not only tough and outspoken, but she is ignited a backlash of enemies because of her fight to overcome race, poverty, and health care issues facing her constituents. Spenser has been brought in to deal with her numerous death threats, determine what is real, and what is just talk.
Spenser finds himself on the outside from the outset. Carolina doesn’t want him around, nor most of the members of her team. And to make matters worse, an old frenemy from Spenser’s past, now leading an FBI team, warns him to back off because the federal team has her back. Then Spenser discovers a threat connection to an extremist group who call themselves the Minutemen, and are led by Harvard grad who wants nothing more than to use his wealth to bring back white supremacy.
Before Spenser’s final adventure by Atkins comes to an end, we get one last round with our favorite sleuth hero, his better half and goddess, Susan, and Spenser’s spirit brother and partner in detection, Hawk. Atkins even brings in other classic Senser characters for appreciated appearances, including Police officers Quirk and Belson, Vinnie the Shooter, Gerry Broz, and even Spenser’s mentee, Sixkill.
Although there were some things to enjoy with this book, there were also several things that disappointed me.
Let’s start with the good stuff first. Spenser was witty, funny, and his interactions with Susan and Hawk well delivered. Atkins has captured the timing and delivery of Spenser’s world with an elegance that should be admired. He has found Parker’s rhythmic beat and built on it with in creative and respectful ways. That is magic that keeps us coming back to these classical characters that stand the test of time with such class and dignity.
In this book, I found myself subtly pulled into Hawk’s secondary storyline in a way that pleasantly surprise me. It is a plot device that has been used before by other authors, but for some reason, I found it to be interesting and even touching. Maybe being over fifty years old makes me more on the side of nostalgic, but it is what it is. We’ll see if that developing plotline gets explored more in future books. I hope so.
Now, unfortunately, for what disappointed me. This was the 50th Spenser novel. It is a major achievement that deserves recognition and celebration. However, for some funny reason, it wasn’t really promoted much. It just kind of showed up on its publishing date without much fanfare. It was also one of the shorter Spenser novels. And what make it even worse, it was by far the least enjoyable one of the ten novels that Atkins wrote after taking over the series.
Let’s give respect where respect is due. Atkins took a near impossible challenge and delivered on it superbly. That is until this last one. There’s not a lot of action scenes. As a matter of fact, Spenser’s first interaction and confrontation with the bad guys doesn’t take place until close to page 170. The bad guy wasn’t even that worthy of Spenser. The ending was rather weak and predictable. I have noticed a lot of complaints about the large amount of political commentary in this book and I have to agree with some of that. Not because it bothers me personally, but more so it kept the plotline and action from leading the storyline. There was just an abundance of it rather than action and mystery content. I ma not sure what Atkins was trying to say in that regard, but it left me feeling that his focus was on bringing in characters involved with Spenser’s past and mailing it on the primary plot.
Atkins mentioned in a recent interview that moving forward, Mike Lupica will be taking over the Spenser series while also continuing to write the Jesse Stone series (and handing over the Sunny Randall series to female author, Allison Gaylin, to take on). We’ll see how this transition goes. I am optimistically hopeful.
As for Atkins legacy with Spenser, let’s give him his due. Although his first nine were more memorable than his tenth. It does not take away from his fabulous run. Atkins successfully captured Parker’s unique storytelling voice. His narrative flow was natural and smooth. The rhythm of Spenser’s conversations with others was lyrical and sarcastically funny. His relationships with Maddie, Hawk, and Susan were golden. What was once Parker’s classic playground transcended into Atkin’s own artistic canvas. Atkins created and developed new interesting plotlines while also re-exploring classic supporting characters with confidence and authenticity.
This is my personal 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 have revisited my heartfelt friend and personal hero each year. You made him real, Ace. You did a superb job. Best of wishes in all of your future endeavors. I will never forget your contributions to Spenser’s legacy.
Unfortunately, this book was not his best Spenser work, sending our classic hero out with more of a whimper than a bang… And it hurts me greatly to say that because Ace Atkins has done an extremely fantastic job of continuing Robert B. Parker’s greatest creation. I am one of his biggest fans with a great love and respect for what he’s been able to pull off with someone’s work.
Anyway, Atkins last outing with Spenser begins with his being hired as a bodyguard and investigator for Carolina Garcia-Ramirez, a Boston congresswoman and rising political star running for re-election. Carolina is not just any ordinary politician. She is a very progressive who is not only tough and outspoken, but she is ignited a backlash of enemies because of her fight to overcome race, poverty, and health care issues facing her constituents. Spenser has been brought in to deal with her numerous death threats, determine what is real, and what is just talk.
Spenser finds himself on the outside from the outset. Carolina doesn’t want him around, nor most of the members of her team. And to make matters worse, an old frenemy from Spenser’s past, now leading an FBI team, warns him to back off because the federal team has her back. Then Spenser discovers a threat connection to an extremist group who call themselves the Minutemen, and are led by Harvard grad who wants nothing more than to use his wealth to bring back white supremacy.
Before Spenser’s final adventure by Atkins comes to an end, we get one last round with our favorite sleuth hero, his better half and goddess, Susan, and Spenser’s spirit brother and partner in detection, Hawk. Atkins even brings in other classic Senser characters for appreciated appearances, including Police officers Quirk and Belson, Vinnie the Shooter, Gerry Broz, and even Spenser’s mentee, Sixkill.
Although there were some things to enjoy with this book, there were also several things that disappointed me.
Let’s start with the good stuff first. Spenser was witty, funny, and his interactions with Susan and Hawk well delivered. Atkins has captured the timing and delivery of Spenser’s world with an elegance that should be admired. He has found Parker’s rhythmic beat and built on it with in creative and respectful ways. That is magic that keeps us coming back to these classical characters that stand the test of time with such class and dignity.
In this book, I found myself subtly pulled into Hawk’s secondary storyline in a way that pleasantly surprise me. It is a plot device that has been used before by other authors, but for some reason, I found it to be interesting and even touching. Maybe being over fifty years old makes me more on the side of nostalgic, but it is what it is. We’ll see if that developing plotline gets explored more in future books. I hope so.
Now, unfortunately, for what disappointed me. This was the 50th Spenser novel. It is a major achievement that deserves recognition and celebration. However, for some funny reason, it wasn’t really promoted much. It just kind of showed up on its publishing date without much fanfare. It was also one of the shorter Spenser novels. And what make it even worse, it was by far the least enjoyable one of the ten novels that Atkins wrote after taking over the series.
Let’s give respect where respect is due. Atkins took a near impossible challenge and delivered on it superbly. That is until this last one. There’s not a lot of action scenes. As a matter of fact, Spenser’s first interaction and confrontation with the bad guys doesn’t take place until close to page 170. The bad guy wasn’t even that worthy of Spenser. The ending was rather weak and predictable. I have noticed a lot of complaints about the large amount of political commentary in this book and I have to agree with some of that. Not because it bothers me personally, but more so it kept the plotline and action from leading the storyline. There was just an abundance of it rather than action and mystery content. I ma not sure what Atkins was trying to say in that regard, but it left me feeling that his focus was on bringing in characters involved with Spenser’s past and mailing it on the primary plot.
Atkins mentioned in a recent interview that moving forward, Mike Lupica will be taking over the Spenser series while also continuing to write the Jesse Stone series (and handing over the Sunny Randall series to female author, Allison Gaylin, to take on). We’ll see how this transition goes. I am optimistically hopeful.
As for Atkins legacy with Spenser, let’s give him his due. Although his first nine were more memorable than his tenth. It does not take away from his fabulous run. Atkins successfully captured Parker’s unique storytelling voice. His narrative flow was natural and smooth. The rhythm of Spenser’s conversations with others was lyrical and sarcastically funny. His relationships with Maddie, Hawk, and Susan were golden. What was once Parker’s classic playground transcended into Atkin’s own artistic canvas. Atkins created and developed new interesting plotlines while also re-exploring classic supporting characters with confidence and authenticity.
This is my personal 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 have revisited my heartfelt friend and personal hero each year. You made him real, Ace. You did a superb job. Best of wishes in all of your future endeavors. I will never forget your contributions to Spenser’s legacy.
February 23, 2022
A
I don’t read books like this to get a political message, one I agree or disagree with. I might read Ace Atkins once more and if it has a message I will not finish it or any others.
I don’t read books like this to get a political message, one I agree or disagree with. I might read Ace Atkins once more and if it has a message I will not finish it or any others.
December 1, 2022
This contribution by Ace Atkins serves up a classic Spenser in the best of ways. We not only get Spenser in all of his wise-cracking glory, but a nice dose of his partner, Hawk, as well. As if to place a cherry on top, Atkins even includes, albeit in a minor fashion, Zebulon Sixkill, to bring things full circle. Unfortunately, the author also insisted on foisting way too much of Spenser's girlfriend, Susan, upon us. It was enough to make one gag.
But that personal gripe notwithstanding, the plot and story are nicely relevant to the crazy state of affairs in our world. Specifically, Atkins shines a light on the rise of white supremacists and their frenetic efforts to derail democracy and sow dissension and chaos. As Hawk so inimitably puts it, "Folks broken these days, ain't gonna be happy till they burn it all down."
The story really doesn't stretch credulity too very far, given how often one sees similar themes in the daily news. Atkins does a nice job of shedding some light onto the mysterious Hawk's personal life (not so much as to remove the mystery entirely, mind you), and there is a feeling of closing the circle at the conclusion of the book. I've not yet read all 49 of these entertaining novels and I will gladly jump back and forth among them as the mood strikes, so for me at least, this is not the end of this author's contributions to the series. Despite a certain predictability, a Spencer novel can provide a smile and a bit of mystery in equal parts, and will undoubtedly provide many an enjoyable evening to both fans of the series and newcomers alike.
But that personal gripe notwithstanding, the plot and story are nicely relevant to the crazy state of affairs in our world. Specifically, Atkins shines a light on the rise of white supremacists and their frenetic efforts to derail democracy and sow dissension and chaos. As Hawk so inimitably puts it, "Folks broken these days, ain't gonna be happy till they burn it all down."
The story really doesn't stretch credulity too very far, given how often one sees similar themes in the daily news. Atkins does a nice job of shedding some light onto the mysterious Hawk's personal life (not so much as to remove the mystery entirely, mind you), and there is a feeling of closing the circle at the conclusion of the book. I've not yet read all 49 of these entertaining novels and I will gladly jump back and forth among them as the mood strikes, so for me at least, this is not the end of this author's contributions to the series. Despite a certain predictability, a Spencer novel can provide a smile and a bit of mystery in equal parts, and will undoubtedly provide many an enjoyable evening to both fans of the series and newcomers alike.
April 14, 2023
This is the 49th Spenser novel by Parker/Atkins. I understand that Atkins has written his last Spenser novel. He must have decided to go out with a statement. A very woke political one.
This book is AOC goes to Boston. I read fiction to get away from the messy, dysfunctional political mess our nation is currently facing. Much to my surprise I cannot escape it with fiction. I could care less about Ace Atkins's political leanings. Yet as a reader of the Spenser series I was forced to suffer through his AOC worship and left-wing conspiracy nut propaganda just to find out if Spenser, Susan et.al. are able to save the day.
Spenser is hired as a bodyguard for left-wing, woke candidate AOC....no, wait....it was CGR. CGR was clearly AOC in literary disguise. Of course, a right-wing, white supremacist group wants to kill her, and Spenser and crew do their best to thwart the evil that lurks in the conservative party.
I have read all the Spenser novels and this is one of the worst put together. If you love CNN then you will love this book.
This book is AOC goes to Boston. I read fiction to get away from the messy, dysfunctional political mess our nation is currently facing. Much to my surprise I cannot escape it with fiction. I could care less about Ace Atkins's political leanings. Yet as a reader of the Spenser series I was forced to suffer through his AOC worship and left-wing conspiracy nut propaganda just to find out if Spenser, Susan et.al. are able to save the day.
Spenser is hired as a bodyguard for left-wing, woke candidate AOC....no, wait....it was CGR. CGR was clearly AOC in literary disguise. Of course, a right-wing, white supremacist group wants to kill her, and Spenser and crew do their best to thwart the evil that lurks in the conservative party.
I have read all the Spenser novels and this is one of the worst put together. If you love CNN then you will love this book.
March 1, 2022
I absolutely despise a writer of fiction needlessly injecting his/her brand of politics into a captive audience. I annually read many nonfiction political books from both political spectrums. I read fiction for adventure or escape not a regurgitation of current MSNBC headlines especially when they are patently misleading in the fictional storyline. I don't appreciate this eastern liberal assuming political facts not in evidence. Robert Parker, when alive and writing the Spencer series, would stop short of overt political stands. Not so with Ace Atkins who is continuing the Spenser series. Incredibly disappointing!!!
February 24, 2022
Atkins does a good job of keeping the Spenser series alive. I hope he changes his mind about not doing anymore. In this one Spenser hires on as a security consultant to a young left wing politician who is being threatened by the crazies. The usual gang (Susan, Hawk, Sixkill, Belson and Vinnie) are around to lend a hand. Recommended to Spenser fans.
August 25, 2022
This is a poor representation of Robert Parker’s work. I felt like I was being preached to and it followed every kooky liberal theory and simplistic stereotypes. It’s obvious that the politician was supposed to be AOC or a clone of her.
Sorry but Atkinson misses the boat.
Sorry but Atkinson misses the boat.
December 23, 2021
Sigh, this is the last Spenser! At least by Ace Atkins, this great detective once created by the fantastic Robert B. Parker. I will miss this annual visit to Boston but it's been a good run and I think Spenser deserves to retire. Thankfully Sunny Randall is still active. Atkins has done a great job of keeping this character alive but I prefer his Quinn Colson. As usual this book is well written and we get to meet some of our favorite friends of Spenser. I must thank@this_is_edelweiss #GPPutamsSons and @penguinrandomhouse for giving me this advance copy and of course a big thanks to @aceatkins for writing these books. Highly recommended.
April 13, 2022
Bye Bye Baby will now become Bye Bye Ace Atkins. There is nothing left of Robert B. Parker in this series and I’m not a fan of an author who uses his novels as a platform to express his political views. Started out pretty good but once it became political it went downhill for me, rather quickly. In many places the dialogue was so shallow and meaningless it was almost laughable. I hope the rumor is true that this is the last in this series by Atkins. Parker must be rolling on his grave.
April 25, 2022
Not Mystery!!!!!!!!
I've read every Robert Parker book, even after his death. The characters remained the same.
Why did this book spend from page 1 till the end. Full of political rhetoric. I buy these books to entertain and amuse myself not end the evening news.
No political BS .
This last book in series i'll be purchasing.
I've read every Robert Parker book, even after his death. The characters remained the same.
Why did this book spend from page 1 till the end. Full of political rhetoric. I buy these books to entertain and amuse myself not end the evening news.
No political BS .
This last book in series i'll be purchasing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2022
I’m say bye bye to this series. Mr. Atkins has ruined it. If I want progressive left-wing politics shoved down my throat, I’ll turn on the mainstream media. I read fiction to escape how the United States is being destroyed.
January 24, 2022
This was really bad. Time to retire the series.
February 18, 2022
As Robert B. Parker’s Bye Bye Baby: A Spenser Novel by Ace Atkins begins, it is summer and Spenser’s latest client is a politician. Carolina Garcia-Ramirez is seeking reelection. Her campaign manager, Kyle Rosen, wants Spenser involved to deal with threats. Some folks have made it very clear that they are not going to tolerate her ideas and see her, as a person of color, all that is wrong today. They intend to kill her, among other things.
Kyle Rosen knows that Attorney Rita Fiore and that got Spenser involved. Now that he is involved, Spenser intends to make sure nothing happens to the congress person. He also intends to find out who might be behind the threats. That might include somebody on staff.
To do this means he is going to need help. Not just from his friends, but his contacts developed in Boston over decades. Meanwhile, the threats keep coming and are increasingly in intensity as the primary gets steadily closer. Carolina Garcia-Ramirez is in a political as well as a real-world dog fight where the stakes are everything-- including her life.
This is the last Spenser novel, at least for a while, by Ace Atkins and it is another good one. Complicated and fast moving, the read brings back a number of characters and references from the recent past and then some. It also serves as another homage to Boston and everything that made the Spenser series so good.
My reading copy came from the Dallas Public Library System by way of the Libby/OverDrive App.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2022
Kyle Rosen knows that Attorney Rita Fiore and that got Spenser involved. Now that he is involved, Spenser intends to make sure nothing happens to the congress person. He also intends to find out who might be behind the threats. That might include somebody on staff.
To do this means he is going to need help. Not just from his friends, but his contacts developed in Boston over decades. Meanwhile, the threats keep coming and are increasingly in intensity as the primary gets steadily closer. Carolina Garcia-Ramirez is in a political as well as a real-world dog fight where the stakes are everything-- including her life.
This is the last Spenser novel, at least for a while, by Ace Atkins and it is another good one. Complicated and fast moving, the read brings back a number of characters and references from the recent past and then some. It also serves as another homage to Boston and everything that made the Spenser series so good.
My reading copy came from the Dallas Public Library System by way of the Libby/OverDrive App.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2022
June 13, 2021
Progressivism via Token figures is the Establishment.
To express a real view from the time-tested "head and heart," means your topic has been Google scanned, programmed and repeated into the most distracted of heads viewing Sexy, cool devices and you receive taunts, "Mentioned You In a Comment," accusations profiling you with nightstick and headlamp, and for your content a Haha emoticon.
Lives saved, opportunities stretched went the way of inspirational Teachers on our media. Stand and Deliver? Freedom Writers? No way. While a male teacher makes the print-news for sexual manipulations, only female teachers make the more lurid (have to catch you quick) Facebook.
While saving urban lives is a no-go. Media wants to assist old money and its arm, New tech, in clearing cities of redundant lives, of which one or more win the lottery of fame, renown, public squares honoring their massacre by the media; for redevelopment? or just cleaning culture, as Readers have been trained to "take down" Jewish artists and media figures and those powerful artists of color. Persons of color now only gain renown by acting as the mouthpieces of white-dominant (Bush, Romney and other "progressives in politics" writing checks) control, with their unblinking eye on what we do.
For Parker's series, Ace Atkins has mostly resisted "Sold Out" or Woke profiling. The slugger writing Sunny Randall is a shoe-in, and he's been given the Jesse Stone series, because Coleman likely "trolled" the controlling editor and foundations. Yes, I have not read it--I can not peer into the future like our holistic news "reviews what historians will have said about our era in two hundred years." I've only read about 75 in the Parker series, as two sisters recommended him in a period of intense self-review where like Dylan's Idiot Wind suggests, sometimes you can not touch the books some one has read. Nor today, striking down usual suspects can you give a gleam of your own humanity: Have to go after the "supremacists out there.... lurking behind Harvard wealth?" Go get them, Ace Atkins. Harvard just teems with open supremacy that Hates bush-romney "Progressivism" that would strike them penniless.
To express a real view from the time-tested "head and heart," means your topic has been Google scanned, programmed and repeated into the most distracted of heads viewing Sexy, cool devices and you receive taunts, "Mentioned You In a Comment," accusations profiling you with nightstick and headlamp, and for your content a Haha emoticon.
Lives saved, opportunities stretched went the way of inspirational Teachers on our media. Stand and Deliver? Freedom Writers? No way. While a male teacher makes the print-news for sexual manipulations, only female teachers make the more lurid (have to catch you quick) Facebook.
While saving urban lives is a no-go. Media wants to assist old money and its arm, New tech, in clearing cities of redundant lives, of which one or more win the lottery of fame, renown, public squares honoring their massacre by the media; for redevelopment? or just cleaning culture, as Readers have been trained to "take down" Jewish artists and media figures and those powerful artists of color. Persons of color now only gain renown by acting as the mouthpieces of white-dominant (Bush, Romney and other "progressives in politics" writing checks) control, with their unblinking eye on what we do.
For Parker's series, Ace Atkins has mostly resisted "Sold Out" or Woke profiling. The slugger writing Sunny Randall is a shoe-in, and he's been given the Jesse Stone series, because Coleman likely "trolled" the controlling editor and foundations. Yes, I have not read it--I can not peer into the future like our holistic news "reviews what historians will have said about our era in two hundred years." I've only read about 75 in the Parker series, as two sisters recommended him in a period of intense self-review where like Dylan's Idiot Wind suggests, sometimes you can not touch the books some one has read. Nor today, striking down usual suspects can you give a gleam of your own humanity: Have to go after the "supremacists out there.... lurking behind Harvard wealth?" Go get them, Ace Atkins. Harvard just teems with open supremacy that Hates bush-romney "Progressivism" that would strike them penniless.
March 1, 2022
Spoiler, I’m a big fan of Ace Atkins and enjoy his other series and I’m thrilled to have him take this part of the Parker legacy on…While not Parker, Atkins catches the characters and their dialogue almost perfectly…It’s much appreciated…Here, Spenser, Hawk and Z are charged with protecting an AOC-like Congresswoman from a Proud Boys-like group threatening her…Just another good addition to the Parker legacy, if you look past the leftist cant…Good Stuff!
January 22, 2022
I loved this Spenser mystery. The highest compliment I can give the author and the novel is that I believe Robert B. Parker would have approved of Atkins’ shadowing of his style. The dialogue especially showed how well Atkins has finally learned the Parker way. Have a great time reading or listening, as I did, to Joe Montagne’s audio version.
May 3, 2022
I've read many Spenser books over the years both from Robert B. Parker and Ace Atkins when he took over. This was probably my least favorite one. It was quite boring. Spenser guarding a congresswoman who is getting death threat. Seriously Spenser , Hawk and Susan never age. They should in their 70's by now. It might be time to let poor Spense retire.
January 25, 2022
I wish there was more
I love Spenser and Ace Atkins. But this was like a politically correct rewrite of a Spenser novel. There was plenty of violence but otherwise it was very bland.
I love Spenser and Ace Atkins. But this was like a politically correct rewrite of a Spenser novel. There was plenty of violence but otherwise it was very bland.
February 14, 2022
I have read all Spenser books, all 49! I thought I was going to have a problem with this one because Ace Atkins made it political to a degree! I am just glad he knows how to make Spenser, SPENSER!!! The jokester, Hawk, Susan, Pearl, Skinkill! All the mob oldsters, lol.
April 3, 2022
My last ace atkins
If he was going for "ripped from today's headlines", he missed. Too cliched and too woke for my taste. Fortunately, I still have several of RBP Spenders yet to read.
If he was going for "ripped from today's headlines", he missed. Too cliched and too woke for my taste. Fortunately, I still have several of RBP Spenders yet to read.
February 17, 2022
Enjoyed the plot and the character of Carolina Garcia-Ramirez and that it somewhat mirrored recent and ongoing events here in the US. My one problem with the book is that people (drivers and passengers) are described as "crawling" when exiting cars. Adults do not crawl out of cars unless they are mortally wounded! And Atkins used the description at least four times. Pfft! Not sure why this annoyed me but it surely did!
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