Robert B. Parker – Showcase (3 Books!)

Today I am on the blog tour for three of Robert B. Parker’s books, in celebration of his work. The first being:

‘SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME’ by Ace Atkins

Ten years ago, Spenser helped a teenage girl named Mattie Sullivan find her mother’s killer and take down an infamous Southie crime boss.

Now Mattie – a college student with a side job working for the tough but tender private eye – dreams of being an investigator herself. Her first big case involves a fifteen-year-old girl assaulted by a much older man at one of Boston’s most prestigious private clubs. The girl, Chloe Turner, only wants the safe return of her laptop and backpack. But like her mentor and boss, Mattie has a knack for asking the right questions of the wrong people. As the case unravels the simple beginning soon turns into something much deeper and darker than they would have thought. It also stretches further than they could imagine… can Spenser and Mattie, with the help of Spenser’s friend Hawk get to the bottom of this before Spenser’s old enemy can fulfil his promise?

A book written in a series but I picked this up and read it with no confusion at all. It is not an overly large book at just over 200 pages and I flew through it in no time. The storyline is highly reminiscent of a scandal that broke out in the not too distant past. I was invested in the story as soon as I read the first page.

Spenser and Mattie are two strong and very unique characters who played their parts immaculately. The snarkiness of Spenser has definitely rubbed off on his student. They both had me sniggering throughout. I was totally with Spenser and Mattie throughout the book and as the investigation played out the twists that came I would never have guessed.

This book has given me a taste of Spenser and Mattie and I am now checking the other books in the series, such an easy, exciting and fun read too.

‘GRUDGE MATCH’ by Mike Lupica

This book is again one that has many books before it and another I had no problem reading.

P.I Sunny Randall is surprised when gangster Tony Marcus wants her help. The fact she double-crossed him on a recent deal makes his move even more puzzling. In Tony’s eyes if Sunny helps him it will make them even again. Tony’s girlfriend and trusted partner in his business has just upped and gone. He has no clue why but he tells Sunny he only wants to speak to her. Knowing Tony of old, Sonny thinks she knows better and doesn’t trust him. What Sunny IS intrigued by is the rise to power of this woman. She cannot help but admire her, she decides if the woman needs help she would like to help her. Sunny tracks a witness down and they meet but a few hours later the witness is murdered. It does seem to be more than Tony’s love life at stake, there has to be someone who needs this woman found and they are willing to do anything to keep her quiet.

Another Robert B. Parker series that I was truly immersed in. The characters were all perfect. Tony the gang boss, well he definitely stood out and I did like Sunny. There she was deciding to go against everything just because the missing woman was someone she admired. At the same time, her private life looks to be going up the wall. I loved her tenacity and was by her side all the way.

Yet again a story that keeps you engrossed and at times on the edge of your seat. The way the characters bounce of each other just shows the development that has gone into the series. Another series I want to read more of.

‘FOOL’S PARADISE’ by Mike Lupica

Yet another different series in the Robert B.Parker stable of books. This time it is a Jesse Stone book from the series.

We meet Jesse after an unidentified man has been shot, in Paradise, Massachusetts and an attempted rape. Chief of Police Jesse Stone is shot at as he begins his investigation into the victim who was murdered. As his Deputy Molly Crane and detective Suit Simpson both also become victims of attacks also it does seem that there is someone out for revenge. The question is why the member of the pice department? Could there be a connection to the death of an ex- stables groom? This is a case fraught with danger and so many secrets for Jesse and his team. I so enjoyed Sunny Randall popping up to give them a little bit of ‘off the books’ help!
The interactions between the team are all great, such close connections between them all are obvious. They are all genuine and realistic in their teamwork and obviously have history. This shines through as they seem almost like family.
Another series that I really enjoyed, the pace was perfect and the action came thick and fast, it kept me on my toes anyway. Another series I am going to read some more of when I am able.

In conclusion, all three books were entertaining and well written with enough mystery and action to give us plenty to keep the reader hooked. Characters are all well developed and interesting enough to get us hooked and keep turning the pages.

Thank you to Random Things Tours and No Exit Press for my place on the tour and my copies of the books.