Spenser Goes Out in Style

Robert B. Parker's new novel, "Painted Ladies" , may be the last one featuring his signature character, Spenser, the one-name Boston private eye.

That's because Mr. Parker died in 2010. If this is the last Spenser novel that the author left behind, it's a nifty read.

The plot twists involve art theft, Nazi looting of art treasures, family secrets, and violent revenge. The dialogue is literate and witty, some of the sharpest stuff that Parker has written.

It's all reminiscent of the way that Spenser first appeared, searching for another missing masterpiece in "The Godwulf Manuscript", as the series circles back to its origins. It's almost like the author had a sense that this would be Spenser's final farewell.

"Painted Ladies" is Robert B. Parker at the top of his game. It's a fitting way for both the author and his iconic creation, Spenser, to go out. Doing what they did best.

BEACH RATING: 3 & 1/2 Palm Trees


For more of the best of the Spenser books, these are the ones to read:

"Promised Land"
"Early Autumn"