“[Robert B.] Parker’s brilliance is in his simple dialogue, and in Spenser.”—The Philadelphia InquirerA bitter divorce is only the beginning. First the father hires thugs to kidnap his son. Then the mother hires Spenser to get the boy back. But as soon as Spenser senses the lay of the land, he decides to do some kidnapping of his own. With a contract out on his life, he heads for the Maine … his life, he heads for the Maine woods, determined to give a puny 15 year old a crash course in survival and to beat his dangerous opponents at their own brutal game.
more
Parker is slways a good read
One of Parker’s best stories
I hadn’t read a Spenser in quite some time. But, it came right back to me. The snappy dialogue, the quirky characters, and the Boston setting were all familiar and comforting for about fifty pages. Then it turned preachy and tiring. In this one, Spenser played the role of good Samaritan. It’s cliché now but in 1980 when this was written it was …
This book inspired both as a reader and a writer. Crackling good dialogue, great mystery, a realistic adult (not in the bom-chicka-wow-wow way) romance and a beautiful meditation on fatherhood. I also highly recommend the sorta-sequel Pastime.
Very Different from other Parker books. Well written. Nice storyline.
Over the past few days, I had started half a dozen novels and decided that I wasn’t interested in them within a couple of chapters. I began to wonder if the problem might be me, so I went back to an old favorite author to see if he could capture my attention and didn’t stop reading until I finished the book. That’s how good Early Autumn is. Once …
Not the best plot in a Spenser series, but a wonderful tale of characters. It’s one of favorites in the series.
Again its Parker. The best.
This is one of Parker’s earlier books. Near the end he lost what was so special about Spenser. But he’s still got it in this one
Love Robert B Parker, this does not disappoint
One of Parker’s best. Certainly dated now but still good insights on growing up.
I like all of Parker’s books. They are easy to read and I like how he describes each persons personalities and physical body. You can imagine the person easily. I like there is suspense and I can’t always guess who the bad guy is or his reasons.
Excellent Spenser novel. This is from early in the series (I think) and includes some of my favorite characters, including Hawk and Susan. Good read for Spenser fans.
I have been a fan of RP for years, and like his literal ghost writer.
One of Parker’s best.
Any Spencer novel is excellent
If you’re a Robert Parker fan–and if you’re not, welcome–this is classic wry, snarky, smart, caring, well-plotted, no-words-wasted, ironic Parker fun with private eye Spencer. You’ll read it in a gulp or two, be glad you did, and wish you wrote half as well. The story line (troubled parenting) is unusual, but works. Made me want to start the …
Parker was one of my favorite authors. I’ve read every one of his Spenser books. I feel like I know all the characters.
Slow start but it gets better..
You can NEVER go wrong with Robert Parker.