Spenser’s investigating the kids involved in a school shooting in this one … it’s an odd case. The school is set in a fictional town that I suspect is modeled after Weston, MA. Very affluent, west of Boston. All kinds of problematic. :)

Susan isn’t really in this one, as she’s out of town for work.
Pearl (2) is prevalent, and that’s always a good time. So is Rita Fiore.

This one turns out to be pretty heart-wrenching, and very relevant and plausible, sadly.
Very well done, as always.


Overall:

5 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️


Audio:
Joe Mantenga … he’s not exactly the best Spenser but … out of the narrators this series has seen, he is by far.



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