Opens up at Susan’s graduation (this’ll be her Harvard PhD). She tells Spenser she ‘has to be alone’ and that she’s taken a job in San Francisco.

This is one of those ones where Spenser discovers he’s got interests in common with a local crime boss (Joe Broz) and is pretty much on the same ‘side’ as Vinny Morris as a result. Definitely adds an element of interest.

Evolution shown here:
-Spenser and Susan working their stuff out.
-Paul and Spenser’s relationship.
-Quirk, Belson and Hawk act like actual, caring humans and are all there for Spenser—as much as he’ll allow—both when Susan leaves him, and again when he’s badly wounded.

Spenser’s relationship with Linda (the woman he stares at out his office window in many previous books) develops, grows, evolves and … maybe devolves a little.

**Overall:
An action-packed read with lots of ‘bad guys’ and high stakes. An unusual dose of personal drama to boot makes for a well-rounded, fun read.

5 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Character(s) introduced in this one:
Rita Fiore


LOL moment:

“I don’t know that I’ve ever screwed a doctor!? —Spsenser
“Yes, I knew you’d have just the right thing to say.” —Susan

Paul trying to teach Hawk Ballet.



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