Crimson Joy (Spenser, #15)

Crimson Joy (Spenser, #15)

Robert B. Parker

Enjoyment: Quality: Characters: Plot:

A serial killer is on the loose in Beantown and the cops can't catch him. But when the killer leaves his red rose calling card for Spenser's own Susan Silverman, he gets all the attention that Spenser and Hawk can give.Spenser plays against time while he tracks the Red Rose killer from Boston's Combat Zone to the suburbs. His trap is both daring and brave, and gives the story a satisfying climax."Like Philip Marlowe, Spenser is a man of honor in a dishonorable world. When he says he will do something, it is done. The dialogue zings, and there is plenty of action...but it is the moral element that sets this series above most defective fiction." (Newsweek)From the Cassette edition.

Publication Year: 2009


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  • PelicanFreak
    Mar 11, 2025
    Enjoyment: Quality: Characters: Plot:

    How intriguing! This one opens up with a serial killer situation! The police (Mass state and Boston) are on it, but Spenser volunteers to help them since he figures he owes Quirk.

    Overall:
    This one’s a bit more mysterious than some … and then gets into the psychology of serial killers with mommy issues. Fun It’s also exceptionally ‘messed up’ and the first time I’ve seen Parker write in the POV of a serial killer (done very well).

    5 stars.
    ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

    Character(s) introduced in this one:



    Audio:
    This narrator … is okay. While he does NOT bother with a Boston accent, there is a vibe to his vintage-y sound and being 5 books in now, I’m getting used to him. :)



    First edition cover:





    Spenser Reading Order:

    1. The Godwulf Manuscript (1973)
    2. God Save the Child (1974)
    3. Mortal Stakes (1975)
    4. Promised Land (1976)
    5. The Judas Goat (1978)
    6. Looking for Rachel Wallace (1980)
    7. Early Autumn (1980)
    8. A Savage Place (1981)
    9. Ceremony (1982)
    10. The Widening Gyre (1983)
    11. Valediction (1984)
    12. A Catskill Eagle (1985)
    13. Taming a Seahorse (1986)
    14. Pale Kings and Princes (1987)
    15. Crimson Joy (1988)
    16. Playmates (1989)
    17. Stardust (1990)
    18. Pastime (1991)
    19. Double Deuce (1991)
    20. Paper Doll (1993)
    21. Walking Shadow (1994)
    22. Thin Air (1995)
    23. Chance (1996)
    24. Small Vices (1997)
    25. Sudden Mischief (1998)
    26. Hush Money (1999)
    27. Hugger Mugger (2000)
    28. Potshot (2001)
    29. Widow's Walk (2002)
    30. Back Story (2003)
    31. Bad Business (2004)
    32. Cold Service (2005)
    33. School Days (2005)
    34. Dream Girl (2006)
    35. Now and Then (2007)
    36. Rough Weather (2008)
    36.5 Chasing the Bear (2009)
    37. The Professional (2009)
    38. Painted Ladies (2010)
    39. Sixkill (2011)
    39.5 Silent Night (2013)
    Spenser: A Mysterious Profile (2022)

    continued in the series by Ace Atkins

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