Hush Money

Rating:
Summary: Good issues, not quite hit upon squarely though
Review: For much of the series, the characters in Spenser books with the notable exception of Rachel Wallace are heterosexual. Of late, though, Parker has introduced detective Farrell, a gay, and in this installment, he examines attitudes toward the gay life style. One problem, though, and this is talked out in the book, is the fact that the majority of people Spenser meets are shady in one way or another, be they of a different ethnic background, or sexual preferance, or whatever.

We do learn of an incident in Hawk's background along with a little more information as we meet his mentor and the mentor's son.

Spenser actually is working two cases here, both pro bono, one for Hawk and the other for Susan. There's irony here. In a previous book, Spenser tried to help her ex-husband, and now for one of her friends. Both times, Susan finds herself betrayed by those she thought she knew.

By the way, I notice more and more criticism lately of Susan Silverman's presence in the books. But she is an essential character. Spenser has a code of ethics and there are times that he feels he has to violate that code in order to do the right thing. This causes enough turmoil that, let's face it, the guy needs a shrink, but is very unlikely to seek one out. His falling in love with one neatly solves the problem. Hence, Susan.

So the story has some failings, but basically should give you four or five enjoyable hours while you read it.

Rating:
Summary: A Tale of Twos
Review: Hush Money is notable in a number of ways, and the number for which it is most notable is two.

Most obviously, this may well be the first book in which Parker describes Spenser on two cases simultaneously. This has the advantage of keeping the action fresh; unlike the pig on the cover, the plot never gets stuck in the mud. It's a nice feature.

But the other two which comes to mind is the number of books Parker has been writing each year. I feel this results in a lack of polish in his late work. His work would be improved by more focus on each book -- one per year is enough for most authors of quality work, and I think Parker should take that as a model.

Hush Money is a decent read. Again, Spenser resists intimidation by the heavies. Again, Spenser resists temptation from a highly attractive woman. Again, Spenser and Hawk flex their muscle. Again, Spenser confronts controversial social issues. The usual.

But the usual isn't bad. Parker's writing, his description and dialogue, are always enjoyable even if the stories aren't as fresh as they once were. If you're new to Parker, I recommend going back to the early works and starting the series in sequence. If you get this far, you're obviously a fan, have a lot invested in the characters, and you'll like Hush Money. But if you're a general fan of detective fiction, you might be disappointed by jumping right to his late work. It's more about character, more about social issues, and less about detection, mystery, or suspense.

Rating:
Summary: SPENSER IS STILL THE GREATEST EXAMPLE OF OUR SPECIES.
Review: I READ THIS BOOK LIKE THE OTHER 24 THAT HAVE COME BEFORE IT. THE BOOK TAKES US DEEP INTO THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SUSAN AND SPENSER. I THINK THAT THIS IS THE MOST COMPELLING STORY LINE FOR A WHILE. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SPENSER AND SUSAN WAS SUPOSED TO FAIL: HOWEVER, JUST BECAUSE THEY HAVE THE PERFECT LOVE OF PEOPLE THAT SHOULD BE TOGETHER IT ALWAYS PROVES OUT. THESE BOOKS ARE NOT ABOUT MURDERS AND CASES, THEY ARE ABOUT A MAN THAT IS A REAL AND COMPLETE MAN THAT LOOKS AT THE WORLD, THAT IS NOT SO PERFECT AND ONLY TOO REAL, AND WISHES THAT HE COULD BRING THE REST OF THE PEOPLE THAT HE DEALS WITH TO HIS LEVEL OF HUMANITY. HAWK IS THE CLOSEST THING THAT SPENSER HAS EVER FOUND TO HIS SELF. BUT HAWK IS ALSO AT THE OTHER END OF HUMANITY THE WAY HE LEADS HIS LIFE. IT IS VERY INTERESTING HOW THESE TOTALLY DIFFERENT MEN, BUT THE SAME INTERACT. THE TRUE MEANING OF THE BOOK IS THE PERFECT LOVE BETWEEN A MAN AND A WOMAN. I HOPE THAT PARKER LIVES TO BE 100 AND WRITES A BOOK EVERY YEAR. I JUST ASK ONE SMALL THING..WHAT IS SPENSER'S FIRST NAME????????????

Rating:
Summary: More Than Double the Usual Spenser Fun
Review: Robert Parker has introduced a new element in this fine novel. He has Spenser carrying on two investigations at the same time. One is for a friend of Susan's, the other for a friend of Hawk's. Both are nonpaying jobs, and both are demanding. So you get the equivalent of two novels in one.

Better than that, the two story lines involve different ends of the Spenser spectrum. We get lots of female, sexual and romantic issues in the case involving Susan's friend, and lots of political, sexual and racial issues in the other case. Seeing them all together provides a fuller picture of Spenser's personal ethic, Robert Parker's favorite theme. Parker does a good job of designing the challenges to Spenser a way that he comes up against his moral limits quite often, which helps to flesh out his character is a very satisfying way.

Beyond that benefit, the book is also improved by providing new insights into Susan and Hawk that have not been revealed before.

As a result, the story line keeps moving much better than in most Spenser novels. That asset is further improved by a plot that has more reversals in it than in any other Spenser novel I can remember. The irony is chin deep before long.

The only thing I didn't like about the book was Parker's insistence on having Susan and Spenser feed Pearl, the wonder dog, all kinds of unhealthy food like doughnuts at every possible occasion in the story. What's the point?

If you have ever enjoyed another Spenser novel, read this book immediately! It will probably turn out to be one of your favorites among the books in the series. Have a great read!

Rating:
Summary: Spenser is fun as always, but how does he pay his bills?
Review: This time Spenser takes on two cases for the price of one, which is zero. He even mentions in passing another case he had that he didn't get paid for. When was the last time he made any money? I don't think he is independently wealthy, so I guess he just makes money off the boring cases that we don't read about. Or maybe Susan is supporting him? That aside, this was a good story with lots of twists and surprises. I would like to have seen a bit more of a confrontation with the guys who threaten to kill Spenser and Hawk. They do get theirs in the end, but that is largely offstage. The strength of this book, as always, is the interplay among the characters. The resolution of the stalking subplot was really good, we get to see an unexpected side of Susan. I enjoyed this book, but I still wonder if Parker would keep writing them if his financial arrangements were the same as Spenser's.