Stone Cold

Rating:
Summary: Predictable but Entertaining
Review: Any fan of Robert Parker, especially those who like his Jesse Stone novels, will find this novel enjoyable.

This work is more about developing the character of Jesse Stone than it is about the two crimes around which the story centers. Both crimes - we know who done it quickly without much buildup or mystery. But Jesse is front and center. And he seems much more melancholy, conflicted, and distant from his fellow man and woman than in any novel up this point. It will be interesting to see where Parker takes the character.

Overall, another comfortable - that's a good word for Parker novels - piece of storytelling.

Rating:
Summary: Long Live The Formula!
Review: One does not read Robert B. Parker for deep intellectual insights into the human condition, complex characters, or intricate plots. Parker serves his purpose in providing his readers with sheer escapist reading. Books containing just enough action to entertain and keeping the reader interested while not boring anyone with that messy character development stuff. This certainly is true of his latest effort involving his recently developed character Jesse Stone.

As the novel opens, Paradise Massachusetts Police Chief is called to the scene of a dead body on the beach. The man, dressed in warm-ups was shot twice in the chest at fairly close range and while his identity is quickly determined, nothing else is. Jesse and his small Department have no suspects, no motive and virtually no evidence other than the fact that he was shot with two different guns, both twenty-two caliber.

At almost the same time, a local teenager is brutally gang raped by several of her classmates. Afraid to come forward and with a Mother more concerned about her own public image than of her daughter's well being, the case seemingly goes nowhere. That is until Jesse begins to circumvent the parents in a bid to make sure that the three he suspects did it are arrested and punished.

Jesse begins to split his time and resources between both cases and it quickly becomes apparent that in the case of the murder, he has a pair of thrill killers working in his town. They are very skilled at what they do and their targets are completely at random with nothing linking them at all. At the same time, his efforts in the rape case begin to slowly pay off and he inches ever closer to making the parties responsible pay.

Despite the very misleading book jacket copy, Jesse is never out of control and if anything, is in better emotional shape than normal in this novel. While his battle against alcoholism goes on with little change, as does his personal situation with his ex-wife Jenn, these aren't new problems as they have been around in each preceding novel and addressed throughout. Nothing is new or different in these situations and in fact, is rather expected as they point to established weaknesses in the character as originally created.

However, there are two major problems with this book beyond the formulaic issues. First the gratuitous use of the f word as well as its accompanying descriptions of casual sex. Jesse in this novel beds several women all of whom have successful careers and know of his many times stated love for his ex wife and seemingly don't care. As one character so eloquently puts it, she is happy as long as Jesse and her can be "...f*** buddies." One is reminded of the studly actions of Stuart Wood's character Stone Barrington and one is not impressed.

The other major problem is the appallingly open ending for this novel. While the cases are resolved, other issues are suddenly raised in the last two pages and not addressed. While I can't go into detail without ruining this book for potential readers, it is extremely hard to determine whether or not this is the last of the Jesse Stone novels or if the author is just trying to shake things up for his readers. If it is the former, it should have been made clearer to the reader. If the latter, it is a cheap trick and his readers deserve better. In either case, it would have been nice if a little thought had been given to which implication was correct so that it could have been better clarified for the reader's sake.

Fans happy with the type of books Robert B. Parker churns out these days will be ecstatic with this one. The formula doesn't change and since it works so well, why change now?

Rating:
Summary: Pretty Good
Review: I love reading Robert B. Parker novels because of his good imagination and fast paced writing. If you're a big Rober B. Parker fan then buy this book, otherwise try a Spenser novel first. Jesse Stone is a worthy character, but his strengths aren't utilized enough in this novel. And like so many other Parker books, the end comes too suddenly leaving you somewhat disappointed. Parker needs to concentrate all of his efforts on writing as many more "Spenser" novels as he can before that character becomes too old.

Rating:
Summary: Not his best
Review: Although Parker is a personal favorite and this was no exception, it's time for Jesse to dump Jenn. I find their relationship annoying at best and demeaning at its worst. Jesse deserves to both give and receive more in a relationship and become less shallow on the personal side.

Rating:
Summary: Stone-Cold Turns Lukewarm
Review: This was somewhat of a disappointment. In the past Robert B Parker novels was suspenseful and intriguing. Only half way through the novels you pretty much got who the criminals were. But in Stone Cold there really were no surprises the plot was given away half way through the story. Which was surprising since there were two stories being told. There really was no climax. Everything was pretty predictable.

Rating:
Summary: Another winner by Parker
Review: I am a long time fan of Robert B. Parker and found this new book to be no execption. Jesse Stone deals with a pair of serial killers, his ex-wife and various other females (pure Parker), and a teen gang-raped by other high school students. As usual the testosterone levels are high, and there is no lack of adventure.

Rating:
Summary: Great Stone novel!
Review: Parker's latest Jesse Stone (in my opinion his best series...) novel is a must-read by RBP fans. Parker proves he can still spit out two novels a year that prove to be entertaining and exciting reads. Stone Cold definitely has its share of surprises that will make you want to keep flipping the pages! If you like a simple, not-too-intricate novel, straight-forward, yet breahtaking novel -- go to Parker - and especially Stone Cold!

Rating:
Summary: Great read
Review: Another fun romp through the mystery novel with Robert B Parker!

Rating:
Summary: An immensly enjoyable read
Review: Just a joy to read an author who uses words with so much economy in this age of overbloated novels. Reads like a breeze,and an interesting character in Jessie Stone. Spenser accepted his fallabilies and marched on. Stone has similar faults but, allows these faults to define him and, as a result lacks in self confidence and can get alternately whiney or abusive. Might have been what Spenser would have wound up like if he had not met Susan. I would like to see what Parker does with this character in the future

Rating:
Summary: Liked this book very much,
Review: I've been a fan of this writer for a long time and usually enjoy all of his books. I think most people who read the work of Robert Parker will enjoy the stories as well. Give this one a shot you won't be disappointed.