Do these qualify as classics yet, as all are older than I am. At any rate, I've read them each several times and listened to them all at least once. 5-stars all-around (on the content, NOT the narrators).

Here are my individual reviews of each:



#5 The Judas Goat

his one brings us to Europe, Montreal and even a bit of Lynnfield, MA (though it’s called Smithfield in Parker’s books).

This is the first time we see Spenser reliant on Hawk’s assistance and therefore, the most of Hawk we’ve seen so far. It’s also the first time we see Spenser take on an extremely wealthy and connected client … is this his ‘big time’ break? Time will tell.

Spenser ends up going above and beyond the scope of the job as often happens and taking on an actual terrorist unit. Really fun read, LOTS of action.


A fun read, 5 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️


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:



#6 Looking for Rachel Wallace

Spenser’s hired as a bodyguard in this one, to a semi high-profile author, who is openly, “aggressively” gay in 1980.

This one actually starts out hilarious (the usual witty dialogue), before getting to the action which wastes no time appearing. It addresses a lot of things I wouldn’t have expected a book written in the 1970s to address—goes to show that not a whole lot has changed, I suppose.

Very well done, and still exciting.
5 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Regulars introduced in this one:
(Obviously) Rachel Wallace


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:


#7 Early Autumn


Another one that was released in 1980, this is the book that introduces us to Paul Giacombe … as a 15-year-old.

First time I heard the much-used-in-this-series, “He ain’t heavy / he’s my brother.”
Concepts such as ‘hurt people hurt people’, neglected children, bad parents, etc. are heavily addressed in this one and I definitely appreciated it more as an adult than when I was a little kid reading this. Every kid with crappy parents could use a Spenser in this capacity … it is still packed with mystery and bad guys, in typical Parker / Spenser fashion.


5 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Regulars introduced in this one:
Paul Giacomin (I’ve been waiting for 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