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Spenser #25
Sudden Mischief
Susan Silverman's ex doesn't call himself "Silverman" anymore--he's changed his name to "Sterling." And that's not the only thing that's phony about him. A do-gooding charity fundraiser, he's been accused of sexual harassment by no less than four different women. And not long after Spenser starts investigating, Sterling is wanted for a bigger charge: murder...
306 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 1, 1998
669 people are currently reading
1208 people want to read
About the author
Robert B. Parker
489 books2,289 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 257 reviews
August 1, 2019
Sudden Mischief is one of Spenser’s most challenging cases, but not for the reasons you’d suspect. Oh, as usual, the motivations are murky, the human relations entangled, and those murderous thugs—the ones who always want him off the case—are as insistent and menacing as before. But the challenge of Sudden Mischief is of a different order: it forces Susan Silverman—Spenser’s longtime love—to look squarely at her own past, and requires Spenser to support her, protect her, and—yes—to stand back just a little bit too.
Bruce Sterling, Susan’s ex-husband and high profile charity fund raiser, has been charged with sexual harassment, and he is afraid the charge may ruin his career and perhaps bankrupt him too. He cries on Susan’s shoulder, Susan asks Spenser to investigate, and—against his better judgment—Spenser says yes. Soon our hero is surrounded by uncertainties: a Susan who isn’t the same sweet Susan, a charity fund raising event that doesn’t smell like a normal fund raising event, and a sexual harassment suit that isn’t typical either.
I liked this book, and I’m particularly glad I re-read it, for it disabused me of a false notion I’ve carried around for years: that I dislike Susan Silverman and that the books would be better if she were banished from the series for good. Yet here she was at the center of attention, whinier and more demanding than usual, and I didn’t mind her a bit. In fact, I liked her all the more. (Plus, she hits a thug over the head with a rock. I must admit that helped a little.)
How could that be?, I asked myself, and the answer I received made the whole Spenser/Susan thing much clearer to me. If liked them together in Sudden Mischief, it was because their relationship was dynamic for a change: they were real people, grappling with real relationship questions, facing their inner demons and surviving. What I hate is Spenser/Susan in the typical adventure, a static caricature of the ideal non-marital couple, with their perfect restaurants, their perfect dog, their perfect middle-aged sex, their perfect understanding, and their steadfast love. In these scenes Parker seemed to be trying too hard to transmute his own imperfect marriage into a flawless fictional dream.
But in Sudden Mischief Susan and Spenser seemed like real people, and I liked those real people a lot . (Plus did I mention I really liked that scene, the one where Susan hits a thug over the head with a rock?)
May 6, 2012
Oh, joy! It’s a Spenser story that focuses heavily on Susan. I haven’t had this much fun since the hogs ate my baby brother!
Susan’s ex-husband Brad had come to her complaining about a sexual harassment lawsuit that could bankrupt him, and Susan thinks the obvious thing to do is to have her boyfriend look into it. As Spenser repeatedly observes, “This thing showed every sign of not working out well for me.”
Despite being aware of how messy it could get, Spenser goes off to do Susan’s bidding, but Brad completely denies that there’s any real problem at all. Things get even better when Spenser finds out that lawsuit was filed by the husband of one of the alleged victims and the guy is a notorious attorney that scares the shit out of anyone associated with the judicial system in Boston. Spenser tries to talk with Susan about what’s going on but finds that she has turned into a big bag of crazy that doesn’t want to talk about her ex or her past and flies into rages at him no matter what he says or does. Spenser presses on even as thugs appear to threaten him and a nasty loan shark gets involved.
*sigh*
To be perfectly fair, I’m two-starring this book solely because I’ve hit my limit with Susan Silverman. Anyone who hasn’t read a lot of Spenser would probably find this an entertaining detective story with a complex boyfriend/girlfriend relationship subplot. The problem is that as someone who has read all of these and seen Susan act like an irrational bitchasaurus on numerous occasions, I found the dilemma she puts Spenser into exceedingly self-absorbed and stupid, and I had no interest in the any of the stuff about her psychological issues with men that comes out of it.
If I was Spenser, I’d drop Susan like a bad habit and call Rita Fiore to meet for martinis.
Next up: Spenser repays one of the 2457 favors he owes Hawk in Hush Money.
Susan’s ex-husband Brad had come to her complaining about a sexual harassment lawsuit that could bankrupt him, and Susan thinks the obvious thing to do is to have her boyfriend look into it. As Spenser repeatedly observes, “This thing showed every sign of not working out well for me.”
Despite being aware of how messy it could get, Spenser goes off to do Susan’s bidding, but Brad completely denies that there’s any real problem at all. Things get even better when Spenser finds out that lawsuit was filed by the husband of one of the alleged victims and the guy is a notorious attorney that scares the shit out of anyone associated with the judicial system in Boston. Spenser tries to talk with Susan about what’s going on but finds that she has turned into a big bag of crazy that doesn’t want to talk about her ex or her past and flies into rages at him no matter what he says or does. Spenser presses on even as thugs appear to threaten him and a nasty loan shark gets involved.
*sigh*
To be perfectly fair, I’m two-starring this book solely because I’ve hit my limit with Susan Silverman. Anyone who hasn’t read a lot of Spenser would probably find this an entertaining detective story with a complex boyfriend/girlfriend relationship subplot. The problem is that as someone who has read all of these and seen Susan act like an irrational bitchasaurus on numerous occasions, I found the dilemma she puts Spenser into exceedingly self-absorbed and stupid, and I had no interest in the any of the stuff about her psychological issues with men that comes out of it.
If I was Spenser, I’d drop Susan like a bad habit and call Rita Fiore to meet for martinis.
Next up: Spenser repays one of the 2457 favors he owes Hawk in Hush Money.
October 11, 2017
A local bookshop owner recommended this to me after I mentioned I was into detective fiction, specifically Lawrence Block's Matt Scudder series. It was a fairly on-the-nose suggestion.
I'd never read anything by Robert B. Parker, which is surprising because his books are EVERYWHERE. You almost can't walk into a book store or library without bumping into one. So, I'd seen the name a million times. I'd heard he did a "Spenser" series. I am old and from the Boston area, so I was familiar with the old Spenser tv show. But I never put the two together. Now I know. A Boston-based detective fiction series?! Sign me up!
The plot is decent in Sudden Mischief, but the pacing is a little slow. Or perhaps it's the subject matter that hampers the action. This one is more about relationships than your usual crime novel, even a typical Scudder.
But I enjoyed Parker's style and that's the important thing. Even if this one didn't knock my socks off, I'd be willing to try more, because I already feel like I can trust the writer. For the most part, his prose flows. And when it isn't flowing, it's marching. I'm okay with that, as long as we're going forward.
With that in mind, I'm on to the next Parker!
I'd never read anything by Robert B. Parker, which is surprising because his books are EVERYWHERE. You almost can't walk into a book store or library without bumping into one. So, I'd seen the name a million times. I'd heard he did a "Spenser" series. I am old and from the Boston area, so I was familiar with the old Spenser tv show. But I never put the two together. Now I know. A Boston-based detective fiction series?! Sign me up!
The plot is decent in Sudden Mischief, but the pacing is a little slow. Or perhaps it's the subject matter that hampers the action. This one is more about relationships than your usual crime novel, even a typical Scudder.
But I enjoyed Parker's style and that's the important thing. Even if this one didn't knock my socks off, I'd be willing to try more, because I already feel like I can trust the writer. For the most part, his prose flows. And when it isn't flowing, it's marching. I'm okay with that, as long as we're going forward.
With that in mind, I'm on to the next Parker!
May 23, 2017
(The word "maroon" does NOT appear in this novel. Wow)
Very satisfying and good.
The plot was complex and mostly well-paced. Important characters were well drawn and distinct. The action sequences were restrained but tense. Hawk and Spenser worked superbly well as a team.
But the greatest enjoyment came from the presentation of Susan's participation as more than just a goddess for worship by Spenser. We see deep issues which have been festering for most of her life explored and courageously resolved, and her final understanding of why she loves Spenser so deeply, and is bound to him over her previous loves.
If you've read my review of Crimson Joy you will understand my joy at what this book means in Parker's real life marriage to Joan. These books from #8 until now have been an expression of Parker's evolving relationship to Joan.
I loved it.
Very satisfying and good.
The plot was complex and mostly well-paced. Important characters were well drawn and distinct. The action sequences were restrained but tense. Hawk and Spenser worked superbly well as a team.
But the greatest enjoyment came from the presentation of Susan's participation as more than just a goddess for worship by Spenser. We see deep issues which have been festering for most of her life explored and courageously resolved, and her final understanding of why she loves Spenser so deeply, and is bound to him over her previous loves.
If you've read my review of Crimson Joy you will understand my joy at what this book means in Parker's real life marriage to Joan. These books from #8 until now have been an expression of Parker's evolving relationship to Joan.
I loved it.
Read
October 14, 2013My second encounter with Parker's Boston PI, Spenser, was OK but it has some flaws.
THIS REVIEW HAS BEEN CURTAILED IN PROTEST AT GOODREADS' CENSORSHIP POLICY
See the complete review here:
http://arbieroo.booklikes.com/post/33...
THIS REVIEW HAS BEEN CURTAILED IN PROTEST AT GOODREADS' CENSORSHIP POLICY
See the complete review here:
http://arbieroo.booklikes.com/post/33...
December 2, 2016
This is the 25th book of Parker's Spenser series.
I am not anti-Susan as many of the reviewers seem to be but in this novel, for the first time, I got fed up with her. Susan played a prominent role in this book since Spenser was doing her a favor by investigating sexual harassment charges brought against her ex-husband Brad Sterling. During the investigation Spenser walked on egg shells regarding how to treat the investigation and Susan. At one point she would want to know what was going on but then she would get upset and tell Spenser not to tell her anything about it. Her moods went back and forth throughout the investigation. As Spenser said on more then one occasion "I don't see this working out well for me."
This was like reading a replay of a dispute with your spouse. I don't enjoy those and don't want to read anything similar in my free time. Susan delved into her background which included being an only child who loved her father and had a mother who was jealous of their relationship. Susan thus grew up wanting relationships with men who were dangerous and not good for her. The psychologist is pretty messed up herself. This all led to her marriage to Brad and to her leaving Spenser years before for Rick Costigan.
The backdrop was the sexual harassment suit brought by four women against Susan's ex-Brad Sterling. There is stolen money and murder thrown in. Without all the psychobabble from Susan this might have been a good book.
I am not anti-Susan as many of the reviewers seem to be but in this novel, for the first time, I got fed up with her. Susan played a prominent role in this book since Spenser was doing her a favor by investigating sexual harassment charges brought against her ex-husband Brad Sterling. During the investigation Spenser walked on egg shells regarding how to treat the investigation and Susan. At one point she would want to know what was going on but then she would get upset and tell Spenser not to tell her anything about it. Her moods went back and forth throughout the investigation. As Spenser said on more then one occasion "I don't see this working out well for me."
This was like reading a replay of a dispute with your spouse. I don't enjoy those and don't want to read anything similar in my free time. Susan delved into her background which included being an only child who loved her father and had a mother who was jealous of their relationship. Susan thus grew up wanting relationships with men who were dangerous and not good for her. The psychologist is pretty messed up herself. This all led to her marriage to Brad and to her leaving Spenser years before for Rick Costigan.
The backdrop was the sexual harassment suit brought by four women against Susan's ex-Brad Sterling. There is stolen money and murder thrown in. Without all the psychobabble from Susan this might have been a good book.
July 16, 2017
Spenser's faithful squeeze, Susan, asks him for a favor: help her ex-husband. He appears well-to-do,but underneath, he's close to broke. The more Spenser detects, the more confused he gets. Throw in a few dead bodies, and some underworld types, and this could have been top notch.
However, there's too much waiting, staking out, red herrings, and guy-girl psychobabble. Hopefully, we return to higher standards the next outing.
However, there's too much waiting, staking out, red herrings, and guy-girl psychobabble. Hopefully, we return to higher standards the next outing.
July 12, 2022
Not his best effort. The dialog between Spencer and Hawk is still terrific. There is more of Susan in this one than in any other I've read, and she and Spenser talk a lot about her psyche. Seems a little thin to me. Susan is my least favorite character and this book didn't improve her in my eyes.
May 26, 2020
Sudden Mischief is a pretty good entry in the Spenser series. Spenser is his usual irreverent and witty self, even in his internal monologues. (“I swiveled my chair around and put my feet up and looked out my window. It was a lovely December day, brisk and sunny. Unfortunately, it was the first week of April.”) And Hawk and Spenser work together a lot, which gives them the opportunity to continue their bromance—one of my favorite aspects of the series.
The plot is entertaining and it moves along well. Spenser is investigating a sexual harassment claim on behalf of the defendant, and he’s having a hard time getting a handle on it. For starters, although he’s “almost sure” he opposes sexual harassment, he’s not sure exactly what sexual harassment is. Second, no one will talk to him about what allegedly happened. Third, his client, the defendant, acts like the case is no big deal and he’s not even slightly concerned about it.
Fourth, and most significantly, his client is Susan Silverman’s ex-husband Brad Sterling (who changed his name from Silverman after their divorce), and Spenser took the case as a favor to Susan. This means, of course, that Spenser and Susan must discuss their relationship and Susan’s past frequently and at great length, which as always raises a red flag for me. However, I will admit that it’s interesting and instructive to learn more about Susan’s past, given the often regrettable but undeniable fact that she is a main character throughout the series. And as she did in Chance, Susan plays an active role in helping Spenser thwart an attack by a couple of thugs.
Spenser takes a few opportunities to poke fun at himself and his skills as a detective. At one point, Spenser and Hawk discuss the case: “‘Do you know what’s going on?’ I said. ‘Almost never,’ Hawk said. ‘Good. I was thinking you could help me not know what’s going on.’ ‘You going good on your own,’ Hawk said.” A bit later, Spenser thinks he may have made some progress: “This might be a clue, though I hadn’t seen one for so long, I wasn’t sure.”
But my favorite of Spenser’s self-deprecating remarks is this allusion to Pirates of Penzance: “Except for the fact that I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, I was the very model of a modern major shamus.” Witty moments like that keep me reading the Spenser series and recommending the books to fans of the detective genre.
The plot is entertaining and it moves along well. Spenser is investigating a sexual harassment claim on behalf of the defendant, and he’s having a hard time getting a handle on it. For starters, although he’s “almost sure” he opposes sexual harassment, he’s not sure exactly what sexual harassment is. Second, no one will talk to him about what allegedly happened. Third, his client, the defendant, acts like the case is no big deal and he’s not even slightly concerned about it.
Fourth, and most significantly, his client is Susan Silverman’s ex-husband Brad Sterling (who changed his name from Silverman after their divorce), and Spenser took the case as a favor to Susan. This means, of course, that Spenser and Susan must discuss their relationship and Susan’s past frequently and at great length, which as always raises a red flag for me. However, I will admit that it’s interesting and instructive to learn more about Susan’s past, given the often regrettable but undeniable fact that she is a main character throughout the series. And as she did in Chance, Susan plays an active role in helping Spenser thwart an attack by a couple of thugs.
Spenser takes a few opportunities to poke fun at himself and his skills as a detective. At one point, Spenser and Hawk discuss the case: “‘Do you know what’s going on?’ I said. ‘Almost never,’ Hawk said. ‘Good. I was thinking you could help me not know what’s going on.’ ‘You going good on your own,’ Hawk said.” A bit later, Spenser thinks he may have made some progress: “This might be a clue, though I hadn’t seen one for so long, I wasn’t sure.”
But my favorite of Spenser’s self-deprecating remarks is this allusion to Pirates of Penzance: “Except for the fact that I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, I was the very model of a modern major shamus.” Witty moments like that keep me reading the Spenser series and recommending the books to fans of the detective genre.
September 7, 2024
This one had too much Susan in it 🤣🤣
Brad, Susan’s ex husband needs help and she asked Spenser to help him. Ugh.
Lots of red herrings in this one. Is Brad good or bad?!? By the end you find out and it’s not pretty 😣
Brad, Susan’s ex husband needs help and she asked Spenser to help him. Ugh.
Lots of red herrings in this one. Is Brad good or bad?!? By the end you find out and it’s not pretty 😣
June 27, 2013
Already up to Spenser #25. I'm trying to space them out because it's going to be a big blow when I read the final RBP-penned Spenser novel. This is another smooth, quick read. The dialogue flies, and Hawk even gets a little testy. The relationship between Spenser and Susan is the underpinning of the book, and it's marvelous to read about how truly much Spenser/RBP loves his partner. There's a lot of therapy talk, but it's interesting coming from the mouth of a self-described "thug." There's even a mention of the huge crisis/near death episode from the last book, which I appreciate. Probably more time could've been spent on how that impacted him, but after all, it is Spenser. He is one tough dude.
June 12, 2018
Susan’s Secrets Revealed
And now Parker dives deeply into Susan’s past and emotional depth. Oh, boy. There are unexpected riches here, built on a seemingly straight-forward tale of false accusations. Parker must have lived with a notebook, collecting his character studies. This is a Spenser masterpiece.
And now Parker dives deeply into Susan’s past and emotional depth. Oh, boy. There are unexpected riches here, built on a seemingly straight-forward tale of false accusations. Parker must have lived with a notebook, collecting his character studies. This is a Spenser masterpiece.
July 29, 2020
2 Sterne heißt auf Goodreads "It was okay" und das kommt als Bewertung schon ganz gut hin.
Also Robert B. Parker kann tatsächlich sehr unterhaltsame Dialoge schreiben, kurz und knackig. Auf Dauer war es aber auch ein bisschen anstrengend, das alle die ganze Zeit ausschließlich in ironisch-coolen Sprüchen miteinander kommunizieren.
Es war weniger schlimm toxic masculin als ich anfangs befürchtet hatte. Vermutlich ist das Buch "Männerliteratur", so wie klassischerweise Liebesschnulzen unter "Frauenliteratur" fallen, und ich nehme an, dass es entsprechende Tropes erfüllt, die in dieses Genre fallen und man in diesem Genre erwartet.
Es gibt Prügelein und markige Sprüche, und alle Damen, die auftauchen sind unglaublich attraktiv und machen sich an den Helden ran. Der Plot war halbwegs solide, und es hat sich flott weg lesen lassen.
Ich würde generell nochmal was von Robert B. Parker lesen, aber zuerst verzehre ich mich nach was ganz und gar gefühlvollem mit viel Kitsch.
Also Robert B. Parker kann tatsächlich sehr unterhaltsame Dialoge schreiben, kurz und knackig. Auf Dauer war es aber auch ein bisschen anstrengend, das alle die ganze Zeit ausschließlich in ironisch-coolen Sprüchen miteinander kommunizieren.
Es war weniger schlimm toxic masculin als ich anfangs befürchtet hatte. Vermutlich ist das Buch "Männerliteratur", so wie klassischerweise Liebesschnulzen unter "Frauenliteratur" fallen, und ich nehme an, dass es entsprechende Tropes erfüllt, die in dieses Genre fallen und man in diesem Genre erwartet.
Es gibt Prügelein und markige Sprüche, und alle Damen, die auftauchen sind unglaublich attraktiv und machen sich an den Helden ran. Der Plot war halbwegs solide, und es hat sich flott weg lesen lassen.
Ich würde generell nochmal was von Robert B. Parker lesen, aber zuerst verzehre ich mich nach was ganz und gar gefühlvollem mit viel Kitsch.
December 1, 2013
I devour Spenser books and have for years. Parker wrote great romance and great friendships. His dialogue is sharp, witty and to the point. Sudden Mischief drew me in and held my attention because the book focused on Spenser and Susan's relationship. Though a 'detective story', you'll find more than love and honor to last well past the end of the book. A great read!
January 18, 2020
These books just keep getting better. I did think I would, but I like Spenser better than Stone, who I read first by Parker. Stone is damaged. The evolution of Spenser, Hawk and Susan just keeps getting better too. What a great series. I’m going to have to mix in Sunny Randall soon.
July 27, 2021
Susan's ex needs help with a sexual harassment lawsuit. It naturally turns into more when the money the ex raised in charitable event is missing. Naturally organized crime is involved, people start dieing and the thugs are after Spenser. This is a good book with plenty of interaction between Spenser and Hawk.
February 19, 2020
Spenser banters with his girlfriend, Susan. He trades witticisms with his best buddy, Hawk. Incidentally, he works a case involving his girlfriend’s ex-husband, hides evidence from the cops, and eats fried clams and oysters with friends, girlfriends, clients. He also pounds the stuffing out of a few bad folks to remind us this is one of them hard boiled tough guy mysteries.
None of this is especially deep, but it had me thinking of Dashiell Hammett’s last novel — The Thin Man. And if you are stealing your tone from Dash Hammett, you are swiping from the best. So 3.5 stars, rounded up. A little thin, but kinda fun.
None of this is especially deep, but it had me thinking of Dashiell Hammett’s last novel — The Thin Man. And if you are stealing your tone from Dash Hammett, you are swiping from the best. So 3.5 stars, rounded up. A little thin, but kinda fun.
March 23, 2019
Straight up Spenser, Susan, Quirk, Farrell, Hawk, and Pearl the Wonder Dog: who could ask for anything more?
April 25, 2018
Is Susan's ex-husband nuts or what?!!! I love that I have read Robert B. Parker books from #1 inasmuch as I have learned how Susan and Spenser learned to work together in their different professions. If you believe corruptness is not out there, like depicted in these books, I have a bridge I would like to sell you in Arizona . . .
Page 147 . . . "could the Brad you were married to have shot somebody?"
"I already thought he was weak," Susan said. "He covered it. He was big, he played football. He became more Harvard than the Hasty Pudding Club --- of which he was a member, by the way."
"Lucky duck," I said.
"But he didn't seem to have any real inner resources. You couldn't rust his word. You couldn't count on him. One reason I didn't want children is that I couldn't imagine him being a good father. I couldn't
Page 148 imagine him working at whatever job he had to because his kids needed to be fed. I couldn't imagine him actually being a man. I would have said he didn't have the courage to shoot someone."
Page 149 . . . "Of course I didn't know his failures when I married him," she said. "He seemed a great catch. Football player. Big man on campus. Money in the family. I learned of his shortcomings during our marriage and finally they were enough to cause our divorce." . . .
Page 209 . . . "You thought I was inappropriate." I said.
She turned her gaze away from the middle distance and onto me. She seemed startled. "Yes," she said.
"And now you don't," I said.
"You are the best man I've ever known. If anything, I may not deserve you." . . .
Page 147 . . . "could the Brad you were married to have shot somebody?"
"I already thought he was weak," Susan said. "He covered it. He was big, he played football. He became more Harvard than the Hasty Pudding Club --- of which he was a member, by the way."
"Lucky duck," I said.
"But he didn't seem to have any real inner resources. You couldn't rust his word. You couldn't count on him. One reason I didn't want children is that I couldn't imagine him being a good father. I couldn't
Page 148 imagine him working at whatever job he had to because his kids needed to be fed. I couldn't imagine him actually being a man. I would have said he didn't have the courage to shoot someone."
Page 149 . . . "Of course I didn't know his failures when I married him," she said. "He seemed a great catch. Football player. Big man on campus. Money in the family. I learned of his shortcomings during our marriage and finally they were enough to cause our divorce." . . .
Page 209 . . . "You thought I was inappropriate." I said.
She turned her gaze away from the middle distance and onto me. She seemed startled. "Yes," she said.
"And now you don't," I said.
"You are the best man I've ever known. If anything, I may not deserve you." . . .
September 5, 2018
I have a Goodreads friend who wrote that this novel pretty much cured him of his dislike of Susan Silverman in this series--a dislike he had shared with many readers, including me. So I thought I'd give it a try, after not reading Spenser for years. I agree with him that it was nice to have her whack a bad guy with a brick at a crucial moment, but it wasn't enough to make up for the interminable discussions between Spenser and her which, while dealing with a real problem in their relationship, nevertheless had far too much of the gushy mutual adoration that has so many readers rolling their eyes. When she hit the bad guy I was reminded of an analysis I read years ago by Robert B. Parker of the movie High Noon in which he remarked approvingly that the Grace Kelly character, who represented everything that was religious, civilized, back-east, and feminine, learned something about REAL values when she shot a bad guy in the back to save her man. "Real" meaning masculine, heroic values, I guess. In any case, this was otherwise an OK Spenser novel. Spenser bumbled along, getting nowhere as he cracked wise with everybody he interviewed, finally figuring out what was going on after a number of wrong guesses. When my Kindle told me I was 90% through, I was still getting
"So what are you going to do now?" Hawk said.
"I have no idea," I said.
I had the feeling that through most of the novel Parker had no idea either. He frequently made use of Raymond Chandler's advice: "When in doubt have a man come through a door with a gun in his hand."
"So what are you going to do now?" Hawk said.
"I have no idea," I said.
I had the feeling that through most of the novel Parker had no idea either. He frequently made use of Raymond Chandler's advice: "When in doubt have a man come through a door with a gun in his hand."
December 27, 2019
There is a lot of deep psychological angst and turmoil in this Spenser novel. It opens with Susan Silverman asking Spenser to come to the aid of her ex-husband Brad Sterling. Sterling had contacted Susan with a plea for help and she turns to the person that she knows is able to fix it. Even though it is her initiative, Susan often refuses to even talk about the case or any background on Sterling that could aid Spenser in his investigation.
It is sufficient to say that Sterling is in very deep and the façade he puts forward of being a wealthy man is easily pierced by Spenser. The danger level rises very rapidly to the point where it is necessary to call for Hawk’s aid. Even though she remains a professional therapist, Susan often stumbles in her dealings with Spenser and Sterling, leading to a strain in her relationship with Spenser. Putting her new love in danger over the transgressions of an old, burned out one is a bizarre situation. Susan knows and even mentions this, yet she expects Spenser to soldier on.
The story is a good one with convoluted action, but there are many points where the reader finds themselves disliking Susan Silverman. She openly takes advantage of the unconditional love Spenser has for her.
It is sufficient to say that Sterling is in very deep and the façade he puts forward of being a wealthy man is easily pierced by Spenser. The danger level rises very rapidly to the point where it is necessary to call for Hawk’s aid. Even though she remains a professional therapist, Susan often stumbles in her dealings with Spenser and Sterling, leading to a strain in her relationship with Spenser. Putting her new love in danger over the transgressions of an old, burned out one is a bizarre situation. Susan knows and even mentions this, yet she expects Spenser to soldier on.
The story is a good one with convoluted action, but there are many points where the reader finds themselves disliking Susan Silverman. She openly takes advantage of the unconditional love Spenser has for her.
May 22, 2017
Very good. Parker doesn't disappoint.
In this novel #25, Spenser is asked by his lady love, shrink Susan Silverman, to look into a situation that her ex-husband has found himself in. He is being sued by 4 women for sexual harassment. Her ex denies it. Spenser finds himself in an odd situation, but for Susan he will do anything, and undertakes the task. As usual, things aren't always what they seem. Brad Sterling, the ex who has dropped the Silverman name, has contacted Susan after several years saying he is destitute and that bad people are after him, but yet tells Spenser he is fine. You find yourself wondering what Spenser is even doing in this case, but of course, it has a point. Reaching it brings us much to ponder and a lot of entertaining chapters.
We learn a bit more about Susan, and see how this case brings out what is good, what hasn't been, and how far this relationship between the two of them have evolved. I found it very satisfying, and always enjoy Spenser and his interesting personality.
In this novel #25, Spenser is asked by his lady love, shrink Susan Silverman, to look into a situation that her ex-husband has found himself in. He is being sued by 4 women for sexual harassment. Her ex denies it. Spenser finds himself in an odd situation, but for Susan he will do anything, and undertakes the task. As usual, things aren't always what they seem. Brad Sterling, the ex who has dropped the Silverman name, has contacted Susan after several years saying he is destitute and that bad people are after him, but yet tells Spenser he is fine. You find yourself wondering what Spenser is even doing in this case, but of course, it has a point. Reaching it brings us much to ponder and a lot of entertaining chapters.
We learn a bit more about Susan, and see how this case brings out what is good, what hasn't been, and how far this relationship between the two of them have evolved. I found it very satisfying, and always enjoy Spenser and his interesting personality.
November 4, 2017
Entertaining
This is an engaging series that has yet to go stale for me. The plots are always intriguing and move at good pace.
This is an engaging series that has yet to go stale for me. The plots are always intriguing and move at good pace.
May 31, 2019
Parker has now featured Spenser in twenty-five books, turning out about a book a year. In such a long running series, readers must be prepared for a few less stellar additions and this is one of those, one which I found had a little too much of Susan and Spenser’s psychological dynamic and not enough plot and mystery. Its saving grace is the terrific, quick, snappy dialogue between Hawk and Spenser as they box in the gym, sit out boring stake-outs or enjoy a drink in a tough bar with mobsters. As usual, Hawk comes off with the best lines in the book as Parker delivers the dialogue readers have come to expect. It is always a delight to watch this character who seems able to assume whatever role, manner of dress and appropriate speech is required to present himself in an alley in the ghetto or on a date with a PhD college professor at an Ivy League University.
This time Spenser assumes some pro bono work as a favor to Susan whose ex-husband Brad Silverman has told her he is in deep trouble and needs help. He is being sued for sexual harassment by four women and if he gets dragged into court he tells her doesn’t have the money to defend himself. Even if he wins the case, the costs will bankrupt him. Susan has not seen her ex in over twenty years and no longer loves him but she does not want to see him destroyed. She asks Spenser if there is anything he can do. Spenser is wary, knowing his feelings for Susan will make this a difficult case to handle, but agrees to check things out.
When he meets Brad he gets a different story. Sterling is handsome and charming and presents himself as a successful businessman with a suitably decked out office in a high end location. He appears completely unconcerned by the lawsuit hanging over his head, insists he is fine and feels confident the case will never go to court. He hasn’t even retained the services of a lawyer. His story is completely at odds with the way Susan presented his situation -- that he was desperate, had no money and needed help. Brad says he is doing well and accuses Susan of being overly dramatic.
When Spenser starts to investigate, a pair of thugs arrive at his office door offering him money to stop looking into the sexual harassment case and threatening him with a beating if he declines. Spenser sends them packing with his fists although readers may begin to wonder how he can keep doing this at his age and only a short time after his recent brush with death. Parker drops only a few hints every once in a while about Spenser’s advancing years, as if it is difficult for him to get a firm handle on how in future, he will portray an aging Spenser who could retain his quick lip but would not have his tough macho exterior.
The lawyer the women have hired is Francis Ronan, the husband of Jeanette Ronan, one of the complainants. Ronan is a legendary criminal defense lawyer, well known in the courts where he wins most of his cases. Even Spenser’s friend Rita Fiore warns Spenser that Ronan is excellent in the court room, ready to do whatever is necessary to earn a win for his client regardless of the merit of the case. He is also wealthy and very connected to some of the bad guys he defends.
Spenser tries to figure out Brad Sterling’s business dealings and uncovers a complex mix of shady financial arrangements tied to his role as a professional fund raiser. The charities Brad represents never see the money from the gala events he organizes. As he unravels what is going on, Spenser runs into one of Brad’s ex-wives, the mob and a lawyer turned bad. And then the bodies start to show up and Brad disappears.
As Spenser tries to sort out this messy case, he also helps Susan who is delving into her past trying to understand her attraction to certain men. She traces it back to her father with the same needs leading her to first marriage with Brad and then to Spenser and for a short time to Russell Costigan, the man she left Spenser to be with in California. She goes through a painful process to understand how her insecurities have led her to be attracted to dangerous men and feels badly she is that kind of person. Spenser stands by to support her through that process. The fact they have now been together for twenty years, have weathered some difficult interludes and know how to talk to one another despite their differences, serves as the foundation by which they complete this work together.
In this addition to the series, the plot involving the sexual harassment suit is secondary in importance to what plays out between Susan and Spenser. For me, there was a little too much Susan and too little about the case.
As a quick side comment, there is little gourmet cooking in this one, although Pearl the Wonder Dog is still at their feet waiting for whatever is available, be it canapés with drinks, bits from the take out container or simply whatever snack is handy.
Whatever this book is, whether it is less crime and more psychological problem solving, it is still a fun, enjoyable addition to the series.
This time Spenser assumes some pro bono work as a favor to Susan whose ex-husband Brad Silverman has told her he is in deep trouble and needs help. He is being sued for sexual harassment by four women and if he gets dragged into court he tells her doesn’t have the money to defend himself. Even if he wins the case, the costs will bankrupt him. Susan has not seen her ex in over twenty years and no longer loves him but she does not want to see him destroyed. She asks Spenser if there is anything he can do. Spenser is wary, knowing his feelings for Susan will make this a difficult case to handle, but agrees to check things out.
When he meets Brad he gets a different story. Sterling is handsome and charming and presents himself as a successful businessman with a suitably decked out office in a high end location. He appears completely unconcerned by the lawsuit hanging over his head, insists he is fine and feels confident the case will never go to court. He hasn’t even retained the services of a lawyer. His story is completely at odds with the way Susan presented his situation -- that he was desperate, had no money and needed help. Brad says he is doing well and accuses Susan of being overly dramatic.
When Spenser starts to investigate, a pair of thugs arrive at his office door offering him money to stop looking into the sexual harassment case and threatening him with a beating if he declines. Spenser sends them packing with his fists although readers may begin to wonder how he can keep doing this at his age and only a short time after his recent brush with death. Parker drops only a few hints every once in a while about Spenser’s advancing years, as if it is difficult for him to get a firm handle on how in future, he will portray an aging Spenser who could retain his quick lip but would not have his tough macho exterior.
The lawyer the women have hired is Francis Ronan, the husband of Jeanette Ronan, one of the complainants. Ronan is a legendary criminal defense lawyer, well known in the courts where he wins most of his cases. Even Spenser’s friend Rita Fiore warns Spenser that Ronan is excellent in the court room, ready to do whatever is necessary to earn a win for his client regardless of the merit of the case. He is also wealthy and very connected to some of the bad guys he defends.
Spenser tries to figure out Brad Sterling’s business dealings and uncovers a complex mix of shady financial arrangements tied to his role as a professional fund raiser. The charities Brad represents never see the money from the gala events he organizes. As he unravels what is going on, Spenser runs into one of Brad’s ex-wives, the mob and a lawyer turned bad. And then the bodies start to show up and Brad disappears.
As Spenser tries to sort out this messy case, he also helps Susan who is delving into her past trying to understand her attraction to certain men. She traces it back to her father with the same needs leading her to first marriage with Brad and then to Spenser and for a short time to Russell Costigan, the man she left Spenser to be with in California. She goes through a painful process to understand how her insecurities have led her to be attracted to dangerous men and feels badly she is that kind of person. Spenser stands by to support her through that process. The fact they have now been together for twenty years, have weathered some difficult interludes and know how to talk to one another despite their differences, serves as the foundation by which they complete this work together.
In this addition to the series, the plot involving the sexual harassment suit is secondary in importance to what plays out between Susan and Spenser. For me, there was a little too much Susan and too little about the case.
As a quick side comment, there is little gourmet cooking in this one, although Pearl the Wonder Dog is still at their feet waiting for whatever is available, be it canapés with drinks, bits from the take out container or simply whatever snack is handy.
Whatever this book is, whether it is less crime and more psychological problem solving, it is still a fun, enjoyable addition to the series.
July 17, 2022
Sudden Mischief was not one of Robert Parker’s best. I’m not a big Susan fan anyway, Harvard notwithstanding, and found it difficult to accept Spenser’s casual but spot-on analysis of the past history and current conflicts which accounted fully for her behavior. I’d’ve much preferred that Spenser reveal what drives Hawk, who is a more complicated - and interesting - character. What about his parents, education, job history, social life? What causes his unceasing promiscuity? How come Spenser’s always calling him for help, but he never needs assistance from Spenser? Where does he even live?
But that’s not what Sudden Mischief is about. Rather it’s another of these local problems (missing wife/son/money) that proves to be like a backyard weed which defies eradication by virtue of a root system which extends clear to the Erie or Panama or Suez Canal. But it’s a 4⭐️ book nonetheless because of the dialogue. Parker was both funny and very snide. He was well-read but never flaunted it in the books. His attitude can be seen in one of the best lines in this book, put in the mouth of a pretentious law professor: “I am at the moment associated with a university. But surely you know my career."
That’s the kind of thing that makes the whole series so HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
But that’s not what Sudden Mischief is about. Rather it’s another of these local problems (missing wife/son/money) that proves to be like a backyard weed which defies eradication by virtue of a root system which extends clear to the Erie or Panama or Suez Canal. But it’s a 4⭐️ book nonetheless because of the dialogue. Parker was both funny and very snide. He was well-read but never flaunted it in the books. His attitude can be seen in one of the best lines in this book, put in the mouth of a pretentious law professor: “I am at the moment associated with a university. But surely you know my career."
That’s the kind of thing that makes the whole series so HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
December 14, 2022
This one lets us farther in to Susan's past life and present discomforts. As a major factor in most Spenser books, she carries equal weight with our hero, but this is the first time she's been the prime mover of a plot, and that gives Parker a chance to examine her deeply while showing us Spenser's heartfulness. Susan being cranky and tough -- she even gets to take out a bad guy with a brick -- and Spenser being sensitive (and tough) makes for a great story. Obsessively readable. Only ten more pure Parkers to go, and I'll miss him, even if it only takes me two days to zip through one.
August 30, 2024
I'm not a fan of Susan's and the sickening sweet relationship she & Spenser have. But, I will admit that it was quite interesting to learn of her past from childhood to prior relationships. The plot twists kept me wondering and as always, the banter between Spenser and Hawk is not to be missed. A good one.
October 19, 2019
Read 2014
October 3, 2024
This book made you think about your own relationships and how communicative you are with your loved ones. I really enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2019
I used to wonder why there was so much emphasis on the relationship of Spenser and Susan in these books. Now at book #25 in the series I not only get it, but appreciate it. What a great author.
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