Truly, the last book that is semi-in RPB’s voice, as it was unfinished when he died in 2010. His literary agent completed it and for that, I am eternally grateful.

This is another case in which kids are involved—not quite the same situation as Lullaby and Mattie, but I suspect a similar pull on Spenser’s heartstrings. Interestingly, this situation also pulls on Hawk’s and he volunteers to help. He also volunteers a tiny bit about his own childhood and it fits well with all we’ve seen in the previous 40ish books. This was really fun, captured the holiday spirit, captured Spenser as well as anything possibly could and ultimately packed some feel-good vibes.

Thank you so much, Helen, for finishing this novel—what a shame it would be if it had remained unfinished.

Hearing the credits and how it was completed with the consent of Bob’s estate, and Helen’s conversation with the late Joan, about the late Bob, nearly broke me. Bob was an absolutely legend and will live on in the hearts of Spenser fans everywhere—I will just have to find a way to accept this. Thirteen years post-mortem and I’m not there yet, but trying.

A 5-star read.