| I had never read a Spenser novel before but saw this at a garage sale so figured it was worth a try. As some reviews have mentioned, I see why a first time Spenser reader might be better off starting with an earlier novel. Spenser's' relationships with the recurring characters and his little "quirks" (like an aversion to caffeine) might have made a bit more sense if I knew the background. However, I did enjoy the book from the level that it was a nice breezy read which kept me hooked me enough to read it over a span of just a few days. The story is very simple and uncomplicated so don't go into this expecting a novel that will leave you thinking about it long after you reach the back cover. I happen to be a fan of (the late) Ed McBain's 87th precinct series and I found Parker's writing style to be similar. The structure, humor, and the way a single line of dialog or subtle action can define a character, helped me enjoy the book a bit more than I otherwise might have. As a matter of fact, I do recall an 87th precinct novel circa 1976 that involved the kidnapping of a detective's girlfriend. Overall, to me this book was like my favorite fast-food burger; it satisfied my particular appetite, the nutritional value was zilch but, I'll eventually go back for another. |
Thin Air Books In Print, Audio Books.