The stellar new novel in Robert B. Parker’s New York Times bestselling series featuring Paradise police chief Jesse Stone. Jesse Stone, still reeling from the murder of his fiancée by crazed assassin Mr. Peepers, must keep his emotions in check long enough to get through the wedding day of his loyal protégé, Suitcase Simpson. The morning of the wedding, Jesse learns that a gala 75th birthday … a gala 75th birthday party is to be held for folk singer Terry Jester. Jester, once the equal of Bob Dylan, has spent the last forty years in seclusion after the mysterious disappearance of the master recording tape of his magnum opus, The Hangman’s Sonnet.
That same morning, an elderly Paradise woman dies while her house is being ransacked. What are the thieves looking for? And what’s the connection to Terry Jester and the mysterious missing tape? Jesse’s investigation is hampered by hostile politicians and a growing trail of blood and bodies, forcing him to solicit the help of mobster Vinnie Morris and a certain Boston area PI named Spenser. While the town fathers pressure him to avoid a PR nightmare, Jesse must connect the cases before the bodies pile up further.
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This book is number sixteen in the Jesse Stone series. I always enjoy reading about Chief Stone, the town of Paradise and the usual cast of characters. It was interesting this time to see Jesse having more issues with his drinking after losing Diana. He’s trying to figure out who killed an old lady and the possible reemergence of a missing master recording tape. Jesse even goes to a Boston and meets with Spenser. Very interesting! I could picture those two Parker characters talking and mentioning Sunny Randall. In the end, Jesse is able to catch the bad guys and gal. With that, he’s off to rehab to get some much needed help and leaving Crane in charge. Reed Farrel Coleman does a great job carrying on the Robert B. Parker legacy. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
A fine Jessie Stone who dunnit.
Excellent ghost author
The author did a great job of developing the characters and allowing the reader to relate to them. It had enough twists to make the ending less than obvious and enough action to keep it interesting. I really enjoyed reading this book.
Not even very entertaining. Nothing like ROBERT PARKER’s writings.
Coleman does a good job of capturing Parker’s voice and character. Some nice twists in the story. Good read.
Good series but Jesse’s struggle with alcohol is getting tiresome.
I’ve read all of Robert B. Parker’s books long ago and loved every one of them. This tries hard to emulate them and simply fails. Each character seems familiar, yet shallow, something less than they were. It’s as if this were a shadow of the former actual stories, a cheap copy. I finished it, but I can’t recommend it.
I have always enjoyed reading about Jesse Stone and his continuing struggle. They have tended to get a little darker than the original Jesse Stone books were. But still very interesting and attention keeping. I will continue to read these books and enjoy them greatly.
The book is supposed to be written in the style of Robert Parker but it is not. I enjoyed the old characters and the story but it is much too wordy for a “Parker” book. Made me miss him all the more.
Love Robert B Parker, always provides a good read
Not a very good book to carry on the Parker name. Not as good as most Parker books. This one boring and not very interesting. Hard to keep going.
I love Robert B Parker’s Jesse Stone novels, even when Parker isn’t writing them. Coleman’s Jesse isn’t quite the same as Parker’s…the Coleman version of the character seems to be a bit more hopeful and more willing to grow (at least he’s finally cut the ex-wife loose), but the stories are still electric and wildly entertaining. A great read for a rainy day or any day, actually.
I have long been a fan of Robert Parker. This book lives up to his reputation.
Typical Jesse Stone. Loved it.
predictable and fun to read. Good character development/
As always a great Jessie Stone book! Loved it!
I enjoyed this book, but they have become darker and more graphic since Robt. Parker is no longer writing them. I guess that is a sign of the times, but not a plus in my estimation.
Anything Jesse Stone and I’m in.
I like the transition from Parker to Coleman.
Very good story. Only one problem for me and that being to much emphasis on Stones drinking problem. This has been presented and discussed in every book and it should be time to let him recover.