Spenser is BACK..... Ace Atkins takes a break from his Quinn Colson series to give us his take on Robert B. Parker's first creation Spenser. As I began reading I found my self looking for changes, how would a different author become Robert B. Parker and what changes in Spenser's familiar character would take place. I let myself relax as I began to enjoy the dialog, Spenser performed, I liked him better than that I knew him, he was back.

Atkins is to be praised for his attention to detail, he has read all of Parker, or had a great editor that loves the character of Spenser almost as much as I do. Parker had a love of Boston and I have respect for Mr. Atkins for treating Boston well. My wife and I spent five days there last summer and I felt myself walking into the Union Oyster House and ordering a bowl of chowder.

I hope Ace continues to learn Parker as he learns Spenser. This first attempt was very good. Abig plus for me will be the eleven novels Mr Atkins has already written.

Jesse Stone has also returned in Robert B. Parker's Killing the Blues by Michael Brandman.