Helpful Score: 3
I've always wondered how Spenser met Susan Silverman. It is told in this story which is typical irreverant Spenser. Very good story.
Helpful Score: 2
The 2nd Spenser novel. These early Spenser's are fun because Robert Parker does a great job of describing the clothes and fashions of the early 70's ... what a walk down memory lane!!
Helpful Score: 2
Not my favorite Spenser book plot-wise but this is the book that introduces Susan Silverman to the mix. Their relationship is more important than the story, at least to me. There is a twist (a little one) to the ending.
Helpful Score: 2
Parker (and Spenser) at his best. This is the 2nd Spenser novel. A must read for fans of Parker, Spenser, or detective fiction.
Homophobic novel, Spenser gets into unnecessary fisticuffs (of course, most of what Spenser does is unnecessary), presumably to prove to a 15 year old what a true man is like.
One of Robert Parker's better writings.
Fast and hard.... No pun intended!
Fast Read.
A great read! Robert Parker is a master at capturing fascinating characters and great mysteries. His Spenser series starts in the late 60's-early-70's so each book is like a perfect time capsule for the way life was during those decades. Rather like an historical novel, but totally true-to-form since it was contemporary while being written. Absolutely marvelous books. I highly, highly recommend!
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Appie Knoll is the kind of suburb where kids grow up right. But something is wrong. Fourteen-year-old Kevin Bartlett disappears. Everyone thinks he's run away -- until the comic strip ransom note arrives.
It doesn't take Spenser long to get the picture -- an affluent family seething with rage, a desperate boy making strange friends...friends like Vic Harroway, body builder. Mr. Muscle is Spenser's only lead and he isn't talking...except with his fists. But when push comes to shove, when a boy's life is on the line, Spenser can speak that language too.
Appie Knoll is the kind of suburb where kids grow up right. But something is wrong. Fourteen-year-old Kevin Bartlett disappears. Everyone thinks he's run away -- until the comic strip ransom note arrives.
It doesn't take Spenser long to get the picture -- an affluent family seething with rage, a desperate boy making strange friends...friends like Vic Harroway, body builder. Mr. Muscle is Spenser's only lead and he isn't talking...except with his fists. But when push comes to shove, when a boy's life is on the line, Spenser can speak that language too.
