Jon Arbuckle
asked:
I have yet to try Ace Atkins' Spenser novels--I'm too loyal to Parker. Does he do a good job maintaining the same spirit of the original series and characters, etc.?
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Arthur
Sadly, the last bunch of Parker's Spenser books were disappointing. It sure seemed like Parker was phoning it it. Compared to his earlier works, the later ones were comic books.
I think Atkins did capture the spirit of Spenser, and while I liked Parker's earlier works better than Atkins, Atkins books are far superior to Parker's last dozen or so.
I don't think you'll be disappointed with Atkins. In fact, I look forward to each new Atkins's Spenser.
5/24/21 Update. I'm done with Ace Atkins. His books did start to capture the spiirit of Parker's Spenceer, but the later books did not, oddly. Hawk was absent, so no interplay there. But Atkins got Boston geography wrong multiple times, describing streets as intersecting that don't (I live in Boston, I know). Twice in his last book he referred to "The harvard Square." NOBODY says "The." Even worse, however, he makes Spencer to be more of a wiseass than Parker--too much so-- and Spencer's attempts at witticisms are often weak and more often at inappropriate moments that Parker's Spencer would havve the class to not do. . All of that was off-putting. So I am done with Atkins's Spencer, and can no longer recommend them. Atkins own novels, the Colson series, however, are pretty good reading.
I think Atkins did capture the spirit of Spenser, and while I liked Parker's earlier works better than Atkins, Atkins books are far superior to Parker's last dozen or so.
I don't think you'll be disappointed with Atkins. In fact, I look forward to each new Atkins's Spenser.
5/24/21 Update. I'm done with Ace Atkins. His books did start to capture the spiirit of Parker's Spenceer, but the later books did not, oddly. Hawk was absent, so no interplay there. But Atkins got Boston geography wrong multiple times, describing streets as intersecting that don't (I live in Boston, I know). Twice in his last book he referred to "The harvard Square." NOBODY says "The." Even worse, however, he makes Spencer to be more of a wiseass than Parker--too much so-- and Spencer's attempts at witticisms are often weak and more often at inappropriate moments that Parker's Spencer would havve the class to not do. . All of that was off-putting. So I am done with Atkins's Spencer, and can no longer recommend them. Atkins own novels, the Colson series, however, are pretty good reading.
Howard
I have been a fan of the Spenser series since the Godwulf Manuscript (book #1 in 1992). In answer to your question:, Yes. Atkins, IMO, clearly captures the voice and feel of the early Spenser novels. Well paced, good action and familiar characters all too familiar (which is a good thing). I look forward to each new one. Having read every one of the novels in the series (some several times) I am confident you will enjoy the continuation of the series (one Ace Atkins exception is the horrible movie he authored starring a poorly cast Mark Whalberg, Spenser Confidential).
Bob
you really have to give it a taste, might like it, or perhaps not. Took me a long time to accept the author. He does not write like RP.
Len White
I've found the plots of the Atkins versions to be better and more involved than the last batch of books that Parker wrote. Parker tended to spend little time on the plots so that the books were entirely character driven. Of course, as a fan, I love the characters (ehh, not Susan so much) so I went along with it, but I'm really enjoying the deeper plotting from Atkins.
Ken Cressman
When I read the first attempt by Ace Atkins, Wonderland, my thought was "This is not Spenser" but it was still better than 90% of the books out there. From then on, the books have improved and I love them. he's got the characters down cold, the stories are as good as any Parker wrote, and Spenser's snappy dialog is perfect.
Myr
I've found Atkins' Spenser books to be hit or miss. I did not even finish reading the last one. That said, he captures the characters closely enough, enough of the time, that I continue to keep an eye out for new titles in the series.
Lisa
Not in this one. The others were pretty much spot on. Skip this one.
Ceola
I thought he'd captured the spencer novels perfectly. Until SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME. I am not a fan of mattie. looking back I do not remember any other character as off putting or fouled mouth. I am listening to the audio book, it's really hard to continue. all the other ace atkins/rbp books were a joy to listen to over and over.
Carole Murphy
Just read one chapter of any Atkins Spencer novel and you will be hooked...guaranteed...
Rachel
I like the Atkins books. He takes Spenser back to a time I liked better than the last books Parker wrote. He does not have as much Hawk, which I am willing to live with easier than some of the inane Susan and Spenser conversations of the last Parker books.
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