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Spenser #10
The Widening Gyre
The adoring wife of Senate candidate Meade Alexander has a smile as sweet as candy and dotted her i's with little hearts. A blond beauty, she was the perfect mate for an ambitious politician, but she had a little problem with sex and drugs--a problem someone had managed to put on videotape.
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1983
694 people are currently reading
1215 people want to read
About the author
Robert B. Parker
492 books2,302 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database named Robert B. Parker.
Robert Brown Parker was an American writer, primarily of fiction within the mystery/detective genre. His most famous works were the 40 novels written about the fictional private detective Spenser. ABC television network developed the television series Spenser: For Hire based on the character in the mid-1980s; a series of TV movies was also produced based on the character. His works incorporate encyclopedic knowledge of the Boston metropolitan area. The Spenser novels have been cited as reviving and changing the detective genre by critics and bestselling authors including Robert Crais, Harlan Coben, and Dennis Lehane.
Parker also wrote nine novels featuring the fictional character Jesse Stone, a Los Angeles police officer who moves to a small New England town; six novels with the fictional character Sunny Randall, a female private investigator; and four Westerns starring the duo Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch. The first was Appaloosa, made into a film starring Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen.
Robert Brown Parker was an American writer, primarily of fiction within the mystery/detective genre. His most famous works were the 40 novels written about the fictional private detective Spenser. ABC television network developed the television series Spenser: For Hire based on the character in the mid-1980s; a series of TV movies was also produced based on the character. His works incorporate encyclopedic knowledge of the Boston metropolitan area. The Spenser novels have been cited as reviving and changing the detective genre by critics and bestselling authors including Robert Crais, Harlan Coben, and Dennis Lehane.
Parker also wrote nine novels featuring the fictional character Jesse Stone, a Los Angeles police officer who moves to a small New England town; six novels with the fictional character Sunny Randall, a female private investigator; and four Westerns starring the duo Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch. The first was Appaloosa, made into a film starring Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 324 reviews
June 22, 2014
When a state representative is getting blackmailed with a film of his wife having sex with another man, he hires Spenser to get to the bottom of things for him. But when Spenser learns the man's identity, he's bitten off more than he can chew, especially with him preoccupied with Susan Silverman being out of town.
I was needing a quick read before taking on another fantasy read and The Widening Gyre fit the bill. It got the job done.
The book started slow, with Spenser moping because Susan Silverman was out of town. Even when Susan's not around, she manages to suck the life out of things. Anyway, Spenser gets on a security detail for a state representative with an alcoholic wife and things spin out from there.
Spenser did some great detective work when he wasn't pining for Susan in this one, gradually piecing together the identity of the blackmailer and then stirring up a hornet's nest when he finds out who the man's father is. There isn't a whole lot of action in this one but when it comes, Parker makes it count.
So yeah, I only gave this a three despite enjoying the shit out of parts of it. Firstly, there was very little Hawk. Secondly, there was way too much of Spenser and Susan discussing their relationship when they finally crossed paths again halfway through the book. Are there people out there who actually enjoy Susan Silverman having such a large role in the books?
Despite the abundance of Susan and lack of Hawk, I still enjoyed this book for the most part. 3.5 out of 5.
I was needing a quick read before taking on another fantasy read and The Widening Gyre fit the bill. It got the job done.
The book started slow, with Spenser moping because Susan Silverman was out of town. Even when Susan's not around, she manages to suck the life out of things. Anyway, Spenser gets on a security detail for a state representative with an alcoholic wife and things spin out from there.
Spenser did some great detective work when he wasn't pining for Susan in this one, gradually piecing together the identity of the blackmailer and then stirring up a hornet's nest when he finds out who the man's father is. There isn't a whole lot of action in this one but when it comes, Parker makes it count.
So yeah, I only gave this a three despite enjoying the shit out of parts of it. Firstly, there was very little Hawk. Secondly, there was way too much of Spenser and Susan discussing their relationship when they finally crossed paths again halfway through the book. Are there people out there who actually enjoy Susan Silverman having such a large role in the books?
Despite the abundance of Susan and lack of Hawk, I still enjoyed this book for the most part. 3.5 out of 5.
March 7, 2019
In this unusual entry in the Spenser series. Susan is in Washington D.C. pursuing a doctorate, and Spenser is lonely and melancholy. He gazes out his office window and sips Irish whisky from the bottle. He is quieter, and his literary allusions and wisecracks are less frequent than usual. Less witty, and less charming, he is perhaps more likable, less abrasive. (Come to think of it, he reminds me a lot of Jesse Stone—a character Parker would develop fifteen years later.)
Spenser signs on as director of security for the senatorial campaign of Republican congressman Meade Alexander. Alexander has been threatened with death if he will not drop out of the race, and he wants Spenser to find out the source of these threats. As if that weren’t enough, the congressman’s wife Ronni is a lush with a restless streak—something that could cause trouble with Alexander’s fervent Evangelical supporters. Then the congressman opens up and tells Spenser about the family's blackmail problem, which soon becomes Spenser’s major focus.
Although this novel is still entertaining, it may be the weakest Spenser so far. Alexander and Ronni are not very interesting characters, and the blackmail plot—although a little bizarre—is not that interesting either. But Spenser has some illuminating conversations with Susan and Paul Giacomin (the boy from Early Autumn) about the nature of love, and the meetings between Spenser, gang boss Joe Broz and his henchman Vinny are very well done.
This book is essential for all who care about the ups and downs in life of our hero, but somebody just looking for a good mystery would be better off choosing on of the nine previous entries in the series.
March 15, 2011
Spenser is in a funk. Susan has left Boston for a psychiatric internship in Washington D.C., and there are a lot of questions hanging over their relationship. Depressed and bored, he agrees to take a job running security for a born-again Christian right-wing politician named Meade Alexander who is on the campaign trail. It’s an odd fit for the secular and apolitical Spenser, but he’s so sad that he can barely manage to make the occasional smart-ass comment about Jesus. The only thing that mildly intrigues him is that Alexander’s opponent is rumored to have ties to organized crime.
However, things get interesting when Meade confides that he’s received a blackmail videotape that shows his alcoholic wife Ronni having sex with someone else. Alexander wants Spenser to clean it up without involving Ronni, and also says that he’ll resign before he’ll let her be smeared. Even though Meade and Spenser have almost nothing else in common, Alexander truly loves his wife and is willing to do anything to protect her no matter what she does, and that’s a cause that Spenser is always willing to sign on for. It also has the advantage of taking him to D.C. where he can see Susan and find out why she felt the need to get out of Boston, and if she plans on coming back.
There have been cracks in the foundation of Spenser and Susan going back to Early Autumn, but this is where their real problems for the next several books start. It was during this time frame that Parker and his wife nearly split up and led to this entire storyline when he incorporated his marital problems into his fiction, and it really bleeds through on the page. Spenser’s confusion and pain are almost tangible, and it’s pretty obvious that Parker was using his hero to try and deal with his own situation.
The good news is that this leads to one of the biggest and most interesting stories in the Spenserverse. The bad news is that after it was done, Parker would become obsessed with making Susan and Spenser soul mates, and use Meade Alexander as the template for a ‘good’ man who absolutely loves a ‘bad’ woman. It’s a theme that will become all too repetitive. But this is still one of the best Spenser books.
Next up: Susan takes Spenser’s heart to San Francisco in Valediction.
However, things get interesting when Meade confides that he’s received a blackmail videotape that shows his alcoholic wife Ronni having sex with someone else. Alexander wants Spenser to clean it up without involving Ronni, and also says that he’ll resign before he’ll let her be smeared. Even though Meade and Spenser have almost nothing else in common, Alexander truly loves his wife and is willing to do anything to protect her no matter what she does, and that’s a cause that Spenser is always willing to sign on for. It also has the advantage of taking him to D.C. where he can see Susan and find out why she felt the need to get out of Boston, and if she plans on coming back.
There have been cracks in the foundation of Spenser and Susan going back to Early Autumn, but this is where their real problems for the next several books start. It was during this time frame that Parker and his wife nearly split up and led to this entire storyline when he incorporated his marital problems into his fiction, and it really bleeds through on the page. Spenser’s confusion and pain are almost tangible, and it’s pretty obvious that Parker was using his hero to try and deal with his own situation.
The good news is that this leads to one of the biggest and most interesting stories in the Spenserverse. The bad news is that after it was done, Parker would become obsessed with making Susan and Spenser soul mates, and use Meade Alexander as the template for a ‘good’ man who absolutely loves a ‘bad’ woman. It’s a theme that will become all too repetitive. But this is still one of the best Spenser books.
Next up: Susan takes Spenser’s heart to San Francisco in Valediction.
October 21, 2021
Spencer is a bad mood. Susan has decided to leave and go to Boston to complete her schooling. There seems to be a big question mark over their future. It seems that Parker is finally beginning to explore the Spencer the man and why he is the way he is.. This is played out in some tense conversations between Spencer and Susan and Spencer and Paul.
I actually found myself feeling the anxiety that Spencer was feeling so I hope he and Susan sort things out quickly.
Oh I totally forgot there is also the requisite mystery in this book and while it was entertaining it really did play a back seat to Spencers problems. By far one of the better books so far in this series.
I actually found myself feeling the anxiety that Spencer was feeling so I hope he and Susan sort things out quickly.
Oh I totally forgot there is also the requisite mystery in this book and while it was entertaining it really did play a back seat to Spencers problems. By far one of the better books so far in this series.
April 7, 2023
I shall keep this simple: If you are a fan of the author, of the Spenser series, you'll probably want to include this tenth entry. It's not the best one, nor the worst; it simply is a fine representation of what fans like about the series and the character.
Oh, and perhaps because there's some discord between Spenser and the oft reviled Susan Silverman, one might enjoy this a bit more. Nevertheless, we all know what's coming-- more over the moon Spenser whenever he is anywhere near the aforementioned Ms. Silverman-- but at least this novel helps us to understand why.
A decent plot, actually rather little action and almost no Hawk, make this slightly less appealing on the whole. Yet it moves along quite rapidly, the irreverence is present in most of Spenser's dialogue, and the resolution is decent, making for a 3.5 star book rounded up.
Oh, and perhaps because there's some discord between Spenser and the oft reviled Susan Silverman, one might enjoy this a bit more. Nevertheless, we all know what's coming-- more over the moon Spenser whenever he is anywhere near the aforementioned Ms. Silverman-- but at least this novel helps us to understand why.
A decent plot, actually rather little action and almost no Hawk, make this slightly less appealing on the whole. Yet it moves along quite rapidly, the irreverence is present in most of Spenser's dialogue, and the resolution is decent, making for a 3.5 star book rounded up.
May 30, 2017
(The word "maroon" appears once in this novel)
(I have the most "quotations" here below for any of the Spenser books)
Preface to this review
I always read in publication order, not only to get the evolution of the hero, but to experience the evolution of the writer as well. Some Spenser books are better than others, and a few are masterful. I quote far more often from Connelly and his Bosch than from any other noir writer, and Parker comes close.
For me, this is the main aspiration, the most important goal of storytelling:
To explore who we are as human beings through the examination of how we behave in extraordinary circumstances. This is why I find the situations possible in science fiction to be the most illuminating of all genres, when done well.
Review
The best Spenser so far.
I have rated 5 stars here, because Parker is finally exploring Spenser (and himself) as a deep character. The first half of the book is adequate, by-the-numbers Spenser storytelling, but the second half brings Parker up to the level of Connelly and his Bosch.
However, this is the best of all the Spenser novels due to Parker's use (finally) of the deeper conversations between Spenser and Susan, and between Spenser and his "son", Paul. Spenser explores who he is, and why he is, and Susan and Paul see into him in ways he cannot do on his own.
Spenser, Susan and Paul are well-formed but separate voices in Parker's mind now, and this shows especially well in this book. Spenser's deep talks with Susan several times, and especially with Paul, show the inner conflict, and the true coming-of-age of Parker and his flawed hero.
Marvellous, really.
See my review of Crimson Joy for more Spenser Series opinion...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Be sure to read the comments I have quoted below for this book.
Notes-
87.0% ... I really love that Spenser's "son", Paul, has acquired Spenser's snappy wit .... quote:
I said to Paul, “you have to carry a purse in public.”
He adjusted the shoulder bag. “It’s to hold my tutu,” he said."
69.0% ... I continue to find Parker's casual attitude towards underage sex to be quite repulsive. I was certainly more evolved even in the 1970s, and this is set in the 1980s"
68.0% ...Susan and Spenser have "deep talk" about who they are and why, and how they relate. Unfortunately it's pretty superficial stuff. (for now)
58.0% ... I lived in DC for five years. An inch of snow and chaos ensues. .... "The howling storm had paralyzed Washington as drifts of nearly an inch and a half had piled up along some major arteries." Hahahahaaaaha"
56.0% ... I lived in DC for five years. An inch of snow and chaos ensues. .... "There was nearly an inch of snow accumulated and Washington was rapidly sinking into hysteria."
(I have the most "quotations" here below for any of the Spenser books)
Preface to this review
I always read in publication order, not only to get the evolution of the hero, but to experience the evolution of the writer as well. Some Spenser books are better than others, and a few are masterful. I quote far more often from Connelly and his Bosch than from any other noir writer, and Parker comes close.
For me, this is the main aspiration, the most important goal of storytelling:
To explore who we are as human beings through the examination of how we behave in extraordinary circumstances. This is why I find the situations possible in science fiction to be the most illuminating of all genres, when done well.
Review
The best Spenser so far.
I have rated 5 stars here, because Parker is finally exploring Spenser (and himself) as a deep character. The first half of the book is adequate, by-the-numbers Spenser storytelling, but the second half brings Parker up to the level of Connelly and his Bosch.
However, this is the best of all the Spenser novels due to Parker's use (finally) of the deeper conversations between Spenser and Susan, and between Spenser and his "son", Paul. Spenser explores who he is, and why he is, and Susan and Paul see into him in ways he cannot do on his own.
Spenser, Susan and Paul are well-formed but separate voices in Parker's mind now, and this shows especially well in this book. Spenser's deep talks with Susan several times, and especially with Paul, show the inner conflict, and the true coming-of-age of Parker and his flawed hero.
Marvellous, really.
See my review of Crimson Joy for more Spenser Series opinion...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Be sure to read the comments I have quoted below for this book.
Notes-
87.0% ... I really love that Spenser's "son", Paul, has acquired Spenser's snappy wit .... quote:
I said to Paul, “you have to carry a purse in public.”
He adjusted the shoulder bag. “It’s to hold my tutu,” he said."
69.0% ... I continue to find Parker's casual attitude towards underage sex to be quite repulsive. I was certainly more evolved even in the 1970s, and this is set in the 1980s"
68.0% ...Susan and Spenser have "deep talk" about who they are and why, and how they relate. Unfortunately it's pretty superficial stuff. (for now)
58.0% ... I lived in DC for five years. An inch of snow and chaos ensues. .... "The howling storm had paralyzed Washington as drifts of nearly an inch and a half had piled up along some major arteries." Hahahahaaaaha"
56.0% ... I lived in DC for five years. An inch of snow and chaos ensues. .... "There was nearly an inch of snow accumulated and Washington was rapidly sinking into hysteria."
October 4, 2019
macho detective snuffs out shakedown
I was driving down a narrow Maine highway. A blue sky, nearly cloudless, hung over the low forest. I wasn't nursing a bottle of Irish whisky. My stomach rumbled thanks to the low quality fried clams I'd eaten the night before. I spotted two overweight ladies in baseball t-shirts on a roadside porch. A sign read "Yard Sale". I had to stop. Amidst the junk and used kids' toys, I found two novels by Robert B. Parker. I bought them. Set me back fifty cents. What did "Gyre" mean, I wondered.
I didn't really find out, though "vortex" could be a choice. A tough Boston detective named Spenser gets hired by a born-again Christian politician to provide security. In Massachusetts ? Running for the Senate ? You know something is weird right from the start. I grabbed my mug of tea (Lipton's) and headed upstairs to read more. Yeah, this guy is tough, totes a piece, and can beat up any two hoodlums without breaking a sweat. But he has two lovers, a woman and a man. He believes in love. He reads Thomas Hobbes. Wonders about life and death. And other oldfashioned questions. He might be the last of the old school, but at the same time, he's pretty liberated too. A paradox. A woman gets caught on videotape having sex with a young dude. He ain't her husband. Duhh. She's married to the politician. So, the tape falls into the hands of the opposition. Or so it seems. Spenser sorts it all out on a trip down to Washington. His clothes, his drinks, and his meals are all very much part of the scene. Back in Boston, he confronts the bad guys in their own den. It all comes together in the last chapters. Anais Nin once said, "We see things not as they are but as we are." Spenser is a lot like that and it will all depend on you too as to how you like this book. I liked the style, but this sort of novel reminds me of "Naked Gun". You enjoy and forget. Go to it. Don't omit some Irish whisky. Or tea.
I was driving down a narrow Maine highway. A blue sky, nearly cloudless, hung over the low forest. I wasn't nursing a bottle of Irish whisky. My stomach rumbled thanks to the low quality fried clams I'd eaten the night before. I spotted two overweight ladies in baseball t-shirts on a roadside porch. A sign read "Yard Sale". I had to stop. Amidst the junk and used kids' toys, I found two novels by Robert B. Parker. I bought them. Set me back fifty cents. What did "Gyre" mean, I wondered.
I didn't really find out, though "vortex" could be a choice. A tough Boston detective named Spenser gets hired by a born-again Christian politician to provide security. In Massachusetts ? Running for the Senate ? You know something is weird right from the start. I grabbed my mug of tea (Lipton's) and headed upstairs to read more. Yeah, this guy is tough, totes a piece, and can beat up any two hoodlums without breaking a sweat. But he has two lovers, a woman and a man. He believes in love. He reads Thomas Hobbes. Wonders about life and death. And other oldfashioned questions. He might be the last of the old school, but at the same time, he's pretty liberated too. A paradox. A woman gets caught on videotape having sex with a young dude. He ain't her husband. Duhh. She's married to the politician. So, the tape falls into the hands of the opposition. Or so it seems. Spenser sorts it all out on a trip down to Washington. His clothes, his drinks, and his meals are all very much part of the scene. Back in Boston, he confronts the bad guys in their own den. It all comes together in the last chapters. Anais Nin once said, "We see things not as they are but as we are." Spenser is a lot like that and it will all depend on you too as to how you like this book. I liked the style, but this sort of novel reminds me of "Naked Gun". You enjoy and forget. Go to it. Don't omit some Irish whisky. Or tea.
January 18, 2020
This installment of Spenser's adventures in detecting mentioned my sort-of hometown* of Fitchburg, MA. No one ever mentions Fitchburg, because there's no reason to mention Fitchburg, so that was exciting.
* I grew up in Townsend, which is next door to the Burg, but same difference...unless you're actually living there and then there's all the difference in the world. But outside of that insular world, meh, it's all the same.
* I grew up in Townsend, which is next door to the Burg, but same difference...unless you're actually living there and then there's all the difference in the world. But outside of that insular world, meh, it's all the same.
December 3, 2025
A politician running for the US Senate hires Spenser to serve as security. Then the politician tells Spenser that he’s being blackmailed to drop out of the race and throw his support to his opponent. The politician is running as a Religious Conservative and the blackmailer has a videotape of the politician’s wife having sex with a college aged male. Spenser is after the tape and needs to find some leverage. But to me… who cares. I didn’t feel sympathy for the hypocrisy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2022
Not my favorite Spencer. Kinda gross.I still love the series. Anyway, I will pause on Spencer and concentrate on the Jesse Stone series. Okay?
September 29, 2019
This Spenser story is a bit different from the others regarding the client and the involvement of the main characters. The client is a politician (Meade Alexander) that is running on an extremely religious theme against an incumbent that is mob connected, specifically “owned” by Joe Broz. It is a race for a Senate seat in Massachusetts and there have been serious threats against the candidate.
At first the job seems to be routine security, but that changes quickly when Spenser is informed that Alexander’s wife has been extremely indiscreet sexually, to the point where there is a tape. While investigating, Spenser learns that renegade elements of Joe Broz’s criminal organization are responsible for the making of the tape.
Susan Silverman is heavily engaged in furthering her career in Washington D. C., so her involvement is mostly descriptions of Spenser lamenting her absence. Although they do have a few trysts. Hawk makes a token appearance, but only after Spenser is seriously injured. To the extent that there is a sidekick role, it is filled by Quirk and Benson. The main interaction is between Spenser and Joe Broz with Vinnie Morris. While Broz will not hesitate to have Spenser killed, the most logical solution is to reach an agreement rather than let the bullets fly.
The best and worst feature of this story is the self-doubts expressed by Spenser. His is a world where a moment’s hesitation can get you killed, so while the reader can appreciate the vulnerability, it also is not a trait consistent with his necessary thuggish nature.
At first the job seems to be routine security, but that changes quickly when Spenser is informed that Alexander’s wife has been extremely indiscreet sexually, to the point where there is a tape. While investigating, Spenser learns that renegade elements of Joe Broz’s criminal organization are responsible for the making of the tape.
Susan Silverman is heavily engaged in furthering her career in Washington D. C., so her involvement is mostly descriptions of Spenser lamenting her absence. Although they do have a few trysts. Hawk makes a token appearance, but only after Spenser is seriously injured. To the extent that there is a sidekick role, it is filled by Quirk and Benson. The main interaction is between Spenser and Joe Broz with Vinnie Morris. While Broz will not hesitate to have Spenser killed, the most logical solution is to reach an agreement rather than let the bullets fly.
The best and worst feature of this story is the self-doubts expressed by Spenser. His is a world where a moment’s hesitation can get you killed, so while the reader can appreciate the vulnerability, it also is not a trait consistent with his necessary thuggish nature.
February 9, 2024
I'm finally born!
I didn't care much for the case, but, man, Spenser got balls. If you can't get him on your team you better get on his team.
This is also one of the shortest by far.
I didn't care much for the case, but, man, Spenser got balls. If you can't get him on your team you better get on his team.
This is also one of the shortest by far.
August 5, 2013
Weak 3 stars. Not as good as others in the series. My mind wandered at times.
Here’s a term I hadn’t heard - granny sex. Sleazebag invites 40-something women to his home for sex orgies with college boys. A two-way mirror allows others to watch, take pictures and laugh. The older women have sags and wrinkles that 20-somethings don’t. That was unsettling. Two of these sex scenes are briefly described - no details.
As to plot, characters, and actions - nothing really grabbed me, nothing memorable, not as much wit or humor as in prior books.
The narrator Michael Prichard was very good.
DATA:
This is book #10 in the Spenser series.
Narrative mode: 1st person Spenser. Unabridged audiobook length: 4 hrs and 3 mins (192-196 pages). Swearing language: strong but rarely used. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: two described, but without detail. Setting: current day Boston, Mass and Washington, D.C. Book copyright: 1983. Genre: PI mystery.
Here’s a term I hadn’t heard - granny sex. Sleazebag invites 40-something women to his home for sex orgies with college boys. A two-way mirror allows others to watch, take pictures and laugh. The older women have sags and wrinkles that 20-somethings don’t. That was unsettling. Two of these sex scenes are briefly described - no details.
As to plot, characters, and actions - nothing really grabbed me, nothing memorable, not as much wit or humor as in prior books.
The narrator Michael Prichard was very good.
DATA:
This is book #10 in the Spenser series.
Narrative mode: 1st person Spenser. Unabridged audiobook length: 4 hrs and 3 mins (192-196 pages). Swearing language: strong but rarely used. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: two described, but without detail. Setting: current day Boston, Mass and Washington, D.C. Book copyright: 1983. Genre: PI mystery.
July 31, 2018
One of the weaker Spenser entries, with a dreary tone and an uninspired blackmail plot. Some of the dialogue still zings, but Spenser's narration is glum, as he and Susan are going through a rough patch, and even the supporting characters are dull here. I can't say if Parker phoned this one in, was going through personal issues, or what, but this is not a very good book. Skip it, and the next few in the series, unless you are a completionist. Blah.
March 15, 2011
That was a really good one, spenser was in rare form. I really liked how uncertain he becomes about his relationship with susan and subsiquently himself. it has a really somber feel to it and a building tension between them as they begin to grow apart. this book feels like the series is building to something and that energy is what's missing from the later books in the series.
April 29, 2015
Brilliant, of course. A born-again politician's wife has an affair and there is videotape of it.
March 16, 2024
Eh. The plot feels like a retread of something we've seen several times before, and I wasn't a fan of Spenser hating that Susan is pursuing her career.
February 7, 2017
This is another book in the series. Each book can be read as a stand alone. In this one, Spenser is missing Susan who is in Washington because of her new job. While being sad Spenser takes on a job with a local politician as a bodyguard. He later finds out the politician is being blackmailed and Spenser looks into the case.
This book wasn't the best or worst Spenser book. It was a middle of the road book. I didn't care for the reason of the blackmail but I loved how Spenser investigated the case and its resolution. It showed some nice work by Spenser as it wasn't paint by the numbers but Spenser using his detective knowledge. As for the Spenser and Susan relationship it took up too much of the book. I didn't care for Spenser being despondent but I believe this plot line was foreshadowing of events that will happen in future novels. I like how the author isn't keeping their relationship static and I think this will add character depth. It was just a little too dreary for my taste.
I have not read a bad book in this series yet. This wasn't my favorite but I do believe that this one is essential to the overall story arc.
This book wasn't the best or worst Spenser book. It was a middle of the road book. I didn't care for the reason of the blackmail but I loved how Spenser investigated the case and its resolution. It showed some nice work by Spenser as it wasn't paint by the numbers but Spenser using his detective knowledge. As for the Spenser and Susan relationship it took up too much of the book. I didn't care for Spenser being despondent but I believe this plot line was foreshadowing of events that will happen in future novels. I like how the author isn't keeping their relationship static and I think this will add character depth. It was just a little too dreary for my taste.
I have not read a bad book in this series yet. This wasn't my favorite but I do believe that this one is essential to the overall story arc.
April 17, 2013
Spenser is moping around some, drinking his Irish whiskey right out of the bottle. Susan is in school up in Washington, so our big thug is feeling a little sorry for himself. I'd feel better if Susan stayed out of Boston...but, that's another story.:)
The usual Spenser wit, and good 'ol investigative work (his usual stakeout) takes him up against a top mob man in Boston. Good stuff thirty years after this one came out.
The usual Spenser wit, and good 'ol investigative work (his usual stakeout) takes him up against a top mob man in Boston. Good stuff thirty years after this one came out.
April 7, 2025
The Spenser books just keep getting better as the series continues
July 21, 2022
Spenser acts as a bodyguard again, at least initially … for a very proud, flamboyant, self-proclaimed ‘Christian’.
Susan’s working away on her PhD, she’s away, interning out of state.
Paul Giacombe visits for Thanksgiving and he’s almost all grown up now!
Spenser works for a politician who’s being blackmailed and takes on a crime boss.
This one was more intriguing than exciting, and as fun as ever.
5 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Character(s) introduced in this one:
*Recurring:
Cosgrove, though I cannot remember right now if he’s truly recurring—anyone know?
Vinnie Morris (works for Joe Broz)
Audio:
This narrator … is okay. While he does NOT bother with a Boston accent, there is a vibe to his vintage-y sound and being 5 books in now, I’m getting used to him. :)
First edition cover:
Location of Spenser’s office, “Berkley Street, where it crosses Boylston”.
Spenser Reading Order:
1. The Godwulf Manuscript (1973)
2. God Save the Child (1974)
3. Mortal Stakes (1975)
4. Promised Land (1976)
5. The Judas Goat (1978)
6. Looking for Rachel Wallace (1980)
7. Early Autumn (1980)
8. A Savage Place (1981)
9. Ceremony (1982)
10. The Widening Gyre (1983)
11. Valediction (1984)
12. A Catskill Eagle (1985)
13. Taming a Seahorse (1986)
14. Pale Kings and Princes (1987)
15. Crimson Joy (1988)
16. Playmates (1989)
17. Stardust (1990)
18. Pastime (1991)
19. Double Deuce (1991)
20. Paper Doll (1993)
21. Walking Shadow (1994)
22. Thin Air (1995)
23. Chance (1996)
24. Small Vices (1997)
25. Sudden Mischief (1998)
26. Hush Money (1999)
27. Hugger Mugger (2000)
28. Potshot (2001)
29. Widow's Walk (2002)
30. Back Story (2003)
31. Bad Business (2004)
32. Cold Service (2005)
33. School Days (2005)
34. Dream Girl (2006)
35. Now and Then (2007)
36. Rough Weather (2008)
36.5 Chasing the Bear (2009)
37. The Professional (2009)
38. Painted Ladies (2010)
39. Sixkill (2011)
39.5 Silent Night (2013)
Spenser: A Mysterious Profile (2022)
continued in the series by Ace Atkins
Susan’s working away on her PhD, she’s away, interning out of state.
Paul Giacombe visits for Thanksgiving and he’s almost all grown up now!
Spenser works for a politician who’s being blackmailed and takes on a crime boss.
This one was more intriguing than exciting, and as fun as ever.
5 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Character(s) introduced in this one:
*Recurring:
Cosgrove, though I cannot remember right now if he’s truly recurring—anyone know?
Vinnie Morris (works for Joe Broz)
Audio:
This narrator … is okay. While he does NOT bother with a Boston accent, there is a vibe to his vintage-y sound and being 5 books in now, I’m getting used to him. :)
First edition cover:
Location of Spenser’s office, “Berkley Street, where it crosses Boylston”.
Spenser Reading Order:
1. The Godwulf Manuscript (1973)
2. God Save the Child (1974)
3. Mortal Stakes (1975)
4. Promised Land (1976)
5. The Judas Goat (1978)
6. Looking for Rachel Wallace (1980)
7. Early Autumn (1980)
8. A Savage Place (1981)
9. Ceremony (1982)
10. The Widening Gyre (1983)
11. Valediction (1984)
12. A Catskill Eagle (1985)
13. Taming a Seahorse (1986)
14. Pale Kings and Princes (1987)
15. Crimson Joy (1988)
16. Playmates (1989)
17. Stardust (1990)
18. Pastime (1991)
19. Double Deuce (1991)
20. Paper Doll (1993)
21. Walking Shadow (1994)
22. Thin Air (1995)
23. Chance (1996)
24. Small Vices (1997)
25. Sudden Mischief (1998)
26. Hush Money (1999)
27. Hugger Mugger (2000)
28. Potshot (2001)
29. Widow's Walk (2002)
30. Back Story (2003)
31. Bad Business (2004)
32. Cold Service (2005)
33. School Days (2005)
34. Dream Girl (2006)
35. Now and Then (2007)
36. Rough Weather (2008)
36.5 Chasing the Bear (2009)
37. The Professional (2009)
38. Painted Ladies (2010)
39. Sixkill (2011)
39.5 Silent Night (2013)
Spenser: A Mysterious Profile (2022)
continued in the series by Ace Atkins
March 28, 2018
The relationship between Spenser and Susan. Huge in this book. Susan goes to school in Washington, D.C. Spenser misses her in Boston. Spenser has to go to Washington, D.C. Also, unusal in this book, more gun usage than physical violence, I miss the physical violence, lol
Page 119 . . . I smiled at her without warmth. Every year it got easier
Page 120 to smile without warmth. I was starting to feel like Jimmy Carter. . . .
Page 122 . . . "If he dropped out," Susan said, "he could feel virtuous and make her feel guilty."
"He says he doesn't want her ever to know that he even knows about the films."
"It would allow him to feel superior to her, "Susan said.
Page 123 . . .You shrinks are so cynical," I said. "Is there any behavior that is not self-serving?"
Susan was silent for a bit as we walked along in front of the White House.
"Probably not," Susan said.
"so the woman who dies trying to save her child does so because if she didn't she couldn't live with herself?"
"Something like that. People will do a great deal to support image they have of themselves."
"Hard to be romantic seeing life that way," I saId.
Susan shrugged.
"Doesn't allow you to believe in heroes or villains or good or bad, does it?" I said. "If all actions are selfish." . . .
Page 123 through 125 is very important in Spenser and Susan's relationship.
Then Page 159 - 160 where Paul discusses Susan and Spenser's relationship.
READ THOSE PAGES SLOWLY. It explains the love between them and how Spenser will love Susan no mater how much Susan may love Spenser. WOW
Page 119 . . . I smiled at her without warmth. Every year it got easier
Page 120 to smile without warmth. I was starting to feel like Jimmy Carter. . . .
Page 122 . . . "If he dropped out," Susan said, "he could feel virtuous and make her feel guilty."
"He says he doesn't want her ever to know that he even knows about the films."
"It would allow him to feel superior to her, "Susan said.
Page 123 . . .You shrinks are so cynical," I said. "Is there any behavior that is not self-serving?"
Susan was silent for a bit as we walked along in front of the White House.
"Probably not," Susan said.
"so the woman who dies trying to save her child does so because if she didn't she couldn't live with herself?"
"Something like that. People will do a great deal to support image they have of themselves."
"Hard to be romantic seeing life that way," I saId.
Susan shrugged.
"Doesn't allow you to believe in heroes or villains or good or bad, does it?" I said. "If all actions are selfish." . . .
Page 123 through 125 is very important in Spenser and Susan's relationship.
Then Page 159 - 160 where Paul discusses Susan and Spenser's relationship.
READ THOSE PAGES SLOWLY. It explains the love between them and how Spenser will love Susan no mater how much Susan may love Spenser. WOW
February 23, 2019
"When I had been a small boy someone told me that the blood in your veins was blue, the way it looked through the skin, and that it only turned red when you exposed it to air. What I felt was one thing when I kept it in. It changed color entirely when I exposed it."
Spenser is having a dark night of the soul. This is the first time I've read through the books in order, and I've found this period surprisingly moving. Spenser's relationship with Susan has drifted into treacherous waters. It seems he's been taking her for granted. She's moved to Washington for work, and he's blue because she's not around to make him feel better about himself, although when he was in LA banging Candy Sloan in A Savage Place, he didn't seem to give Susan much thought at all. Those events seem to have led to this point, and it makes for a more sombre affair than we're used to getting with Spenser.
The case he's working on is almost an afterthought. Politician Meade Alexander is being blackmailed. Someone has a video of his wife, Ronni, in a compromising situation, and Meade wants it dealt with in a way that means she isn't embarrassed in public. Spenser, seeing a nobility in Alexander's blind loyalty to his wayward wife, goes about it with his usual 'dog with a bone' bluster. But this is really all about love, and how it defines us and constrains us. All the big players are involved here; Susan, Paul, Hawk. One of my favourite Spenser characters, the mob hitman Vinnie Morris, also makes his debut here.
Waters get choppier still for Spenser next time round, in Valediction.
Spenser is having a dark night of the soul. This is the first time I've read through the books in order, and I've found this period surprisingly moving. Spenser's relationship with Susan has drifted into treacherous waters. It seems he's been taking her for granted. She's moved to Washington for work, and he's blue because she's not around to make him feel better about himself, although when he was in LA banging Candy Sloan in A Savage Place, he didn't seem to give Susan much thought at all. Those events seem to have led to this point, and it makes for a more sombre affair than we're used to getting with Spenser.
The case he's working on is almost an afterthought. Politician Meade Alexander is being blackmailed. Someone has a video of his wife, Ronni, in a compromising situation, and Meade wants it dealt with in a way that means she isn't embarrassed in public. Spenser, seeing a nobility in Alexander's blind loyalty to his wayward wife, goes about it with his usual 'dog with a bone' bluster. But this is really all about love, and how it defines us and constrains us. All the big players are involved here; Susan, Paul, Hawk. One of my favourite Spenser characters, the mob hitman Vinnie Morris, also makes his debut here.
Waters get choppier still for Spenser next time round, in Valediction.
May 1, 2017
Seems Spenser’s out of work, relaxing in his office, Murphy’s Irish Whisky in hand when he spies a car come slowly down the street and park on the curb below his office. Appearing shortly is Fix Farrel, security for Alexander Meade. Meade is running for a Senate position. He’s an avowed Christian, stands for moral turpitude and is married to Ronni, a drop dead gorgeous blonde. It transpires that Meade’s wife is not only beautiful but a little bored, and she has expensive and unorthodox sexual tastes.
Meade is running against Robert Browne who is well represented and heavily backed by the mob.
When a VHS tape (that lets you know how old this book is) turns up at Meade’s residence, he knows he needs help, ergo, Spenser. While investigating Ronni’s indiscretion, Spenser uncovers a game being played, the son of a local mobster is trying to make daddy proud (yes, the same mob as is supporting Browne) and build his own game. He’s amongst other endeavours, he has a gig called “granny parties” where he and a couple of his college buddies cavort with middle aged women and keep some visual aids from the event. In fact they let the underage girls they are also cavorting with watch.
Together with Hawk, Spenser avoids being rubbed out by the mob and they save the day once again.
Meade is running against Robert Browne who is well represented and heavily backed by the mob.
When a VHS tape (that lets you know how old this book is) turns up at Meade’s residence, he knows he needs help, ergo, Spenser. While investigating Ronni’s indiscretion, Spenser uncovers a game being played, the son of a local mobster is trying to make daddy proud (yes, the same mob as is supporting Browne) and build his own game. He’s amongst other endeavours, he has a gig called “granny parties” where he and a couple of his college buddies cavort with middle aged women and keep some visual aids from the event. In fact they let the underage girls they are also cavorting with watch.
Together with Hawk, Spenser avoids being rubbed out by the mob and they save the day once again.
February 29, 2020
PROTAGONIST: Spenser, PI
SETTING: Boston
SERIES: #10
RATING: 3.75
WHY: Spenser has taken on a job that is outside of the norm for him. He is hired as the head of security to protect a senatorial candidate, Meade Alexander, who is extremely religious and subject to the dirty tricks of his opponent. That pales in comparison to what happens next. Alexander’s loving, adoring wife has been indiscreet and her activities caught on tape. Alexander wants Spenser to get the tape back without letting his wife know that he knows what she has done. There are a lot of players in the blackmail game, including the son of a local mobster. Of course, Parker sorts it out. At the same time, he is having personal issues with his love, Susan, working in Washington to begin a new career. He is completely devoted to her, but she is trying to become her own person. The depth of his feelings really makes him very human. Hawk makes a quick appearance.
SETTING: Boston
SERIES: #10
RATING: 3.75
WHY: Spenser has taken on a job that is outside of the norm for him. He is hired as the head of security to protect a senatorial candidate, Meade Alexander, who is extremely religious and subject to the dirty tricks of his opponent. That pales in comparison to what happens next. Alexander’s loving, adoring wife has been indiscreet and her activities caught on tape. Alexander wants Spenser to get the tape back without letting his wife know that he knows what she has done. There are a lot of players in the blackmail game, including the son of a local mobster. Of course, Parker sorts it out. At the same time, he is having personal issues with his love, Susan, working in Washington to begin a new career. He is completely devoted to her, but she is trying to become her own person. The depth of his feelings really makes him very human. Hawk makes a quick appearance.
February 21, 2020
Maybe a little slighter than his usual books, but a compelling story; now it's over, I'm impatient that there wasn't more. The title suggests some sort of dissolution that doesn't happen (completely) in this book. An important element: the foreshadowing of a future book? where Susan does something unexpected? Disconcerting, in that she is such a major player (along with Hawk) in the series: she's a humanizing influence that brings out Spenser's literate and tender side, a wonderful counterbalance to his ability for decisive action.
October 24, 2020
Spencer is hired to find a video of a politicians wife and stop the blackmail. To do this he must bump heads with a top crime figure in Boston named Joe Broz.
This is a solid entry into the series. Spenser is dealing with his own loneliness and age, and his love is out of town growing away from him. The writing is efficient and the tone darker than the earlier books.
This is a solid entry into the series. Spenser is dealing with his own loneliness and age, and his love is out of town growing away from him. The writing is efficient and the tone darker than the earlier books.
April 19, 2024
This was a traditional PI book. Someone is blackmailing a politician’s wife. She was secretly filmed having sex with a man not her husband. The husband is devastated and wants the all the taped. This seems like a simple story but it quickly devolves into something else. Plus, you have the side story of Susan who is now living in Washington DC and is blowing off Spenser. It’s very sad. He needs to let her go. I know it’s only going to get worse.
Spenser finds the blackmailer and the who operation.
It’s not how you think it will go.
Spenser finds the blackmailer and the who operation.
It’s not how you think it will go.
July 5, 2024
Spenser is hired as security director for a political candidate that is receiving death threats and discloses he is being blackmailed to drop out the senate race. Spenser investigates and it is a vortex of criminal activity that nearly gets Spenser killed. Much talk with Susan Silverman about their 'relationship' as she is on an internship in Washington DC and just a tiny bit of Hawk's involvement in the final chapters. I keep wondering how he can drink as much as he does...
June 22, 2018
I love the Spenser series and either missed this one or forgot it. Still pretty good though somewhat dated.
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