Spenser's just moved into his new office on Boylston St when he's approached by a man looking for his wife … Spenser travels to Cape Cod to get to work.

Reading this series as a kid, I hadn’t noticed this, nor had I noticed all the racist, xenophobic and sexist remarks (admittedly, these were different times, as the first couple books in this world are nearly 5 decades old now).

Susan and Spenser have clearly gotten more serious, unseen by the reader, and the L word is uttered, and marriage discussed. This one also delves deeper into ‘what makes Spenser’ and I already know he holds true to these values throughout the series.

As fun as any of them. 5 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

LOL moments:
*Upon being told he had a nice punch, Spenser retorted, “It’s because my heart is pure.” < More of that sparkly dialogue we all love so much.

“Is that a picture of your mom on your arm [referring to a dragon tattoo]?”

::Spenser only paid 15¢ to drive over the Mystic River bridge!!::

“I’m off to the pool … [when you get back] you can join me there … unless you elope with Hawk.” —Susan


Regulars introduced in this one:
Hawk
Captain Slade


“If the British wanted to invade Bunker Hill now, they wouldn’t be able to find it.” —Spenser, griping about getting around in Charleston.




Audio:
This narrator … is okay. While he does NOT bother with a Boston accent, there is a vibe to his vintage-y sound. *Now that Hawk’s been brought in, this narrator sounds … well, not better. He doesn’t do the best job depicting him, to put it nicely.


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