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The Goodwulf Manuscript / Mortal Stakes / Promised Land
A mystery fan's collection of three works by the best-selling Robert Parker features the wisecracking, pizza-and-beer-consuming detective Spenser in The Godwulf Manuscript, Mortal Stakes, and Promised Land.
530 pages, Hardcover
First published October 11, 1995
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99 people want to read
About the author
Robert B. Parker
493 books2,309 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database named Robert B. Parker.
Robert Brown Parker was an American writer, primarily of fiction within the mystery/detective genre. His most famous works were the 40 novels written about the fictional private detective Spenser. ABC television network developed the television series Spenser: For Hire based on the character in the mid-1980s; a series of TV movies was also produced based on the character. His works incorporate encyclopedic knowledge of the Boston metropolitan area. The Spenser novels have been cited as reviving and changing the detective genre by critics and bestselling authors including Robert Crais, Harlan Coben, and Dennis Lehane.
Parker also wrote nine novels featuring the fictional character Jesse Stone, a Los Angeles police officer who moves to a small New England town; six novels with the fictional character Sunny Randall, a female private investigator; and four Westerns starring the duo Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch. The first was Appaloosa, made into a film starring Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen.
Robert Brown Parker was an American writer, primarily of fiction within the mystery/detective genre. His most famous works were the 40 novels written about the fictional private detective Spenser. ABC television network developed the television series Spenser: For Hire based on the character in the mid-1980s; a series of TV movies was also produced based on the character. His works incorporate encyclopedic knowledge of the Boston metropolitan area. The Spenser novels have been cited as reviving and changing the detective genre by critics and bestselling authors including Robert Crais, Harlan Coben, and Dennis Lehane.
Parker also wrote nine novels featuring the fictional character Jesse Stone, a Los Angeles police officer who moves to a small New England town; six novels with the fictional character Sunny Randall, a female private investigator; and four Westerns starring the duo Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch. The first was Appaloosa, made into a film starring Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 19, 2017
This collection of three novels could be titled, “The Evolution of Spenser.” The “Godwulf Manuscript” is the first in the series of Spenser novels and it introduces the police characters of Quirk and Belson. Susan Silverman is only mentioned and Spenser is depicted as a randy man, very willing to hop in bed with women he encounters. The villain in this case is Joe Broz, the tough gangster that ages along with Spenser as the series progresses. There is also some rather harsh homophobic dialog, something still considered acceptable in 1972.
“Mortal Stakes” is the third novel in the Spenser series and in this story he is unveiled as the man of extreme principle, risking his life in order to save the career of an outstanding baseball player. Spenser’s love of baseball is an essential plot device and the reader learns about his growing up and attending Boston Braves baseball games. Which dates him very well.
“Promised Land” is the fourth novel in the Spenser series and is notable for the introduction of the enigmatic Hawk character. Spenser has now generally settled down to being a one woman man with Susan Silverman, so from this point she is an essential counselor to his actions. Their sexual romps are also interwoven into the narrative. One unusual feature of this story is the inclusion of radical, revolutionary feminists willing to kill people that stand in their way.
Since they are early stories in the lengthy Spenser series, the characters are not yet completely introduced or fleshed out. Yet, the brilliance of the dialog and the seeds of the (b)romances are solidly planted, to bear entertaining dividends in the future stories.
“Mortal Stakes” is the third novel in the Spenser series and in this story he is unveiled as the man of extreme principle, risking his life in order to save the career of an outstanding baseball player. Spenser’s love of baseball is an essential plot device and the reader learns about his growing up and attending Boston Braves baseball games. Which dates him very well.
“Promised Land” is the fourth novel in the Spenser series and is notable for the introduction of the enigmatic Hawk character. Spenser has now generally settled down to being a one woman man with Susan Silverman, so from this point she is an essential counselor to his actions. Their sexual romps are also interwoven into the narrative. One unusual feature of this story is the inclusion of radical, revolutionary feminists willing to kill people that stand in their way.
Since they are early stories in the lengthy Spenser series, the characters are not yet completely introduced or fleshed out. Yet, the brilliance of the dialog and the seeds of the (b)romances are solidly planted, to bear entertaining dividends in the future stories.
July 25, 2022
Here are my individual reviews of each:
1. The Godwulf Manuscript (1973)
As a literal lifelong fan of Parker, I’ve always wanted to re-read the entire Spenser series (at least those written by Bob himself) in order. HERE WE GO. I’ll list the reading order below for anyone who may need it.
Even this early, the reader is treated to the typical smart-alec Spenser personality and honestly, the bulk of this is timeless. Impressive. This book is nearly five decades old now and still plausible, etc. Obviously means of investigating have evolved but … it works.
Regulars introduced in this one:
Martin Quirk
Frank Belson
Spenser’s mad cooking skills
Joe Broz
*Spenser’s age? He states that he’s 37.
This book is nearly 50 years old—for the most part it doesn’t feel like it at all … though when Spenser only needs $5 to cover cab fare, that’ll be an exception, and some of the college kids’ dialogue, is another big one. 😉
“It’s only BARELY possible to reach Marblehead from anywhere…”
^Northshore, MA residents will understand this, I think. There’s no lie in this quote.
Overall, really well done, not just for its time, but in general.
5 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Audio:
This has such a vintage sound to it, the voice, the delivery … it’s like listening to a radio show from olden days—sort of a cathartic way to kick off my Spenser re-read adventure. Totally a vibe.
(Though honestly, I’m not sure I’d enjoy this narrator for anything other than vintage Spenser. And he doesn’t pronounce ‘Peabody’ as a Bostoner like Spenser would, nor does he bother with Boston accents.)
image:
I loved the Lynn Shore Drive bit. :)
image:
image:
3. Mortal Stakes (1975)
In 1973, People Magazine said of this one, “The dialogue sparkles.” < That’s well-said for all Parker novels, no?
This installment very much feels like the 1970s … or at least what I imagine of them, as I wasn’t alive yet. It’s got a vintage feel to it. (They watch films on projectors!! No VCRs or other technology yet, wow!)
In this one, Spenser’s sleeping with Brenda & they seem to be in a relationship as well, but also he’s seeing Susan and Brenda’s seeing other people. Clearly in early Spenser novels, he was much more casual about this. He tells the reader that Susan is better for talking, Brenda more for ‘fun stuff’. 😏 (Perhaps this is why things ultimately get more serious with Susan, later into the series?)
As often happens, Spenser figures out more than he’s supposed to and displays admirable morals (despite a couple of racist and sexist remarks I couldn’t help but notice). There’s also a lot to be said about second chances and decency … this book gives a look into that, as well as Spenser’s personal morality code.
Regulars introduced in this one:
Brenda Loring
“If the British wanted to invade Bunker Hill now, they wouldn’t be able to find it.” —Spenser, griping about getting around in Charleston.
A fun read, 4 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Audio:
This narrator … is okay. While he does NOT bother with a Boston accent, there is a vibe to his vintage-y sound.
image:
4. Promised Land
Spenser's just moved into his new office on Boylston St when he's approached by a man looking for his wife … Spenser travels to Cape Cod to get to work.
Reading this series as a kid, I hadn’t noticed this, nor had I noticed all the racist, xenophobic and sexist remarks (admittedly, these were different times, as the first couple books in this world are nearly 5 decades old now).
Susan and Spenser have clearly gotten more serious, unseen by the reader, and the L word is uttered, and marriage discussed. This one also delves deeper into ‘what makes Spenser’ and I already know he holds true to these values throughout the series.
As fun as any of them. 5 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
LOL moments:
*Upon being told he had a nice punch, Spenser retorted, “It’s because my heart is pure.” < More of that sparkly dialogue we all love so much.
“Is that a picture of your mom on your arm [referring to a dragon tattoo]?”
::Spenser only paid 15¢ to drive over the Mystic River bridge!!::
“I’m off to the pool … [when you get back] you can join me there … unless you elope with Hawk.” —Susan
Regulars introduced in this one:
Hawk
Captain Slade
“If the British wanted to invade Bunker Hill now, they wouldn’t be able to find it.” —Spenser, griping about getting around in Charleston.
Audio:
This narrator … is okay. While he does NOT bother with a Boston accent, there is a vibe to his vintage-y sound. *Now that Hawk’s been brought in, this narrator sounds … well, not better. He doesn’t do the best job depicting him, to put it nicely.
First edition cover:
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
1. The Godwulf Manuscript (1973)
As a literal lifelong fan of Parker, I’ve always wanted to re-read the entire Spenser series (at least those written by Bob himself) in order. HERE WE GO. I’ll list the reading order below for anyone who may need it.
Even this early, the reader is treated to the typical smart-alec Spenser personality and honestly, the bulk of this is timeless. Impressive. This book is nearly five decades old now and still plausible, etc. Obviously means of investigating have evolved but … it works.
Regulars introduced in this one:
Martin Quirk
Frank Belson
Spenser’s mad cooking skills
Joe Broz
*Spenser’s age? He states that he’s 37.
This book is nearly 50 years old—for the most part it doesn’t feel like it at all … though when Spenser only needs $5 to cover cab fare, that’ll be an exception, and some of the college kids’ dialogue, is another big one. 😉
“It’s only BARELY possible to reach Marblehead from anywhere…”
^Northshore, MA residents will understand this, I think. There’s no lie in this quote.
Overall, really well done, not just for its time, but in general.
5 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Audio:
This has such a vintage sound to it, the voice, the delivery … it’s like listening to a radio show from olden days—sort of a cathartic way to kick off my Spenser re-read adventure. Totally a vibe.
(Though honestly, I’m not sure I’d enjoy this narrator for anything other than vintage Spenser. And he doesn’t pronounce ‘Peabody’ as a Bostoner like Spenser would, nor does he bother with Boston accents.)
image:
I loved the Lynn Shore Drive bit. :)
image:
image:
3. Mortal Stakes (1975)
In 1973, People Magazine said of this one, “The dialogue sparkles.” < That’s well-said for all Parker novels, no?
This installment very much feels like the 1970s … or at least what I imagine of them, as I wasn’t alive yet. It’s got a vintage feel to it. (They watch films on projectors!! No VCRs or other technology yet, wow!)
In this one, Spenser’s sleeping with Brenda & they seem to be in a relationship as well, but also he’s seeing Susan and Brenda’s seeing other people. Clearly in early Spenser novels, he was much more casual about this. He tells the reader that Susan is better for talking, Brenda more for ‘fun stuff’. 😏 (Perhaps this is why things ultimately get more serious with Susan, later into the series?)
As often happens, Spenser figures out more than he’s supposed to and displays admirable morals (despite a couple of racist and sexist remarks I couldn’t help but notice). There’s also a lot to be said about second chances and decency … this book gives a look into that, as well as Spenser’s personal morality code.
Regulars introduced in this one:
Brenda Loring
“If the British wanted to invade Bunker Hill now, they wouldn’t be able to find it.” —Spenser, griping about getting around in Charleston.
A fun read, 4 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Audio:
This narrator … is okay. While he does NOT bother with a Boston accent, there is a vibe to his vintage-y sound.
image:
4. Promised Land
Spenser's just moved into his new office on Boylston St when he's approached by a man looking for his wife … Spenser travels to Cape Cod to get to work.
Reading this series as a kid, I hadn’t noticed this, nor had I noticed all the racist, xenophobic and sexist remarks (admittedly, these were different times, as the first couple books in this world are nearly 5 decades old now).
Susan and Spenser have clearly gotten more serious, unseen by the reader, and the L word is uttered, and marriage discussed. This one also delves deeper into ‘what makes Spenser’ and I already know he holds true to these values throughout the series.
As fun as any of them. 5 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
LOL moments:
*Upon being told he had a nice punch, Spenser retorted, “It’s because my heart is pure.” < More of that sparkly dialogue we all love so much.
“Is that a picture of your mom on your arm [referring to a dragon tattoo]?”
::Spenser only paid 15¢ to drive over the Mystic River bridge!!::
“I’m off to the pool … [when you get back] you can join me there … unless you elope with Hawk.” —Susan
Regulars introduced in this one:
Hawk
Captain Slade
“If the British wanted to invade Bunker Hill now, they wouldn’t be able to find it.” —Spenser, griping about getting around in Charleston.
Audio:
This narrator … is okay. While he does NOT bother with a Boston accent, there is a vibe to his vintage-y sound. *Now that Hawk’s been brought in, this narrator sounds … well, not better. He doesn’t do the best job depicting him, to put it nicely.
First edition cover:
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
August 13, 2013
Parker thought he'd answered the race issue by inserting Hawk in here ("But my good friend is...") and by making Spenser rail on his client for racist language. Yeah.
Now I'm gonna go read one of his Sunny books, to see how he writes a detective who doesn't spend 60% of their time trying to look up women's skirts, or rating them on a scale of "Doability". And we thought the 70s were progressive......Again, Spenser's ready to commit to Susan in this novel, and they discuss feminisim with some actual radical feminists (who must be men-haters, because how could they be feminists and not hate men!?!), but I'm still not ready to grant him card-carrying status. Don't know that I could make it through all 30+ if they continued like this. So very much a guy's series, methinks.
Now I'm gonna go read one of his Sunny books, to see how he writes a detective who doesn't spend 60% of their time trying to look up women's skirts, or rating them on a scale of "Doability". And we thought the 70s were progressive......Again, Spenser's ready to commit to Susan in this novel, and they discuss feminisim with some actual radical feminists (who must be men-haters, because how could they be feminists and not hate men!?!), but I'm still not ready to grant him card-carrying status. Don't know that I could make it through all 30+ if they continued like this. So very much a guy's series, methinks.
January 16, 2017
If you like the TV series Spenser you definitely have to read this great crime story. Intriguing story, full of suspense. A clear recommendation!
November 9, 2022
At one time, several years ago, I read several of the Spenser series and enjoyed them. Apparently over time my tastes have changed as I have gotten older, and Detective Spenser's poetry isn't nearly enough to make him a likeable character. I had forgotten how much of a lady's man he could be and now he comes across as completely crass.
November 23, 2023
Solid 3-star read. It enticed me to continue reading the series. It's set in the early 1970s, which I enjoyed. It was a relatively short, easy read as well.
January 4, 2013
Finished book one and I'm struck by how different the times were when this book was written. I'm enjoyed The Goodwulf Manuscript. I find it funny when he describes what Spenser is cooking or what a person is wearing (I often think, I would have worn that). I'm enjoying this series. Since the next book in under this cover is book 3 (I'm don't understand why) I'll be back to reading this when I've finished book 2.
Read book 3. The macho Spenser is still holding my interest. Since I'm not a baseball fan, I didn't get into this book as quickly as the others but midway, it picked up for me. On to book 4!
I'm going to be moving on to book 5. That being said if the story lines don't pick up soon I may not get much further. Spenser is growing on me somewhat but very very slowly. I'm liking this series... but not loving it.
Read book 3. The macho Spenser is still holding my interest. Since I'm not a baseball fan, I didn't get into this book as quickly as the others but midway, it picked up for me. On to book 4!
I'm going to be moving on to book 5. That being said if the story lines don't pick up soon I may not get much further. Spenser is growing on me somewhat but very very slowly. I'm liking this series... but not loving it.
July 1, 2007
Formulaic, somewhat, but LOVE the characters and the plots hold up well enough that htis is one of my favorite "junk read series' of all time." Even the terrible made for TV movies are good!
March 5, 2011
I have read 40 some Spencer novels. Enjoy his style.
October 2, 2014
Liked Re-reading this. Watching cast grow was part of the 'catch' in RBP fan base. Nicely plotted, light language, no gore. Well narrated. Recommended.
December 15, 2017
Very entertaining.
August 31, 2012
Mystery with humor. My favorite kind!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews