Book Review: Paper Doll by Robert B. Parker

Paper Doll Robert B. Parker
4/20/2000	Rating:
Spenser novels are always so much fun to read. He is such a smart alec (most would say wise a@@ and be correct). The novels have twists and turns and hidden agendas that keep the reader guessing until the end. I have finally realized that Susan, Spenser's girlfriend, is every monogamous man's fantasy woman - doesn't want marriage, talks dirty when appropriate, and always available when needed. I like the relationship despite that. I like that Spenser stays devoted only to her, and that she still sends a thrill through him all these years and trials later. Loudon Tripp, the current patriarch of one of Boston's old money families, hires Spenser to discover who murdered his wife. The police have given up on the case, finally coming to the decision that it was a random act of violence. The only way they feel they will catch the murderer is if he does it again. They also have been receiving outside pressure to drop the case. Spenser warns Tripp from the beginning that once he startts looking into the case, he will not let go until it is finished. The Tripp family seems perfect. If there are skeletons, Spenser warns, he will rattle them. Tripp only hears what he wants to hear, and hires Spenser. As Spenser makes discoveries that Tripp's wife was not the perfect wife, mother, charity worker, saint presented to society at large, Tripp refuses to believe them. Who really was this person who had died? What was going on behind those closed doors? As with many Spenser novels, this one explores the hidden side of life. Whenever he gets involved with the richer side of Boston society, he seems to find the dark secrets. This one is well done, with things not discovered until the very end. He keeps pulling those strings, and unravels illusions. Notice: Non-graphic violence, Strong indecent language, Suggestive dialogue or situations
The Series: The Godwulf Manuscript God Save the Child Mortal Stakes Promised Land The Judas Goat Looking for Rachel Wallace Early Autumn A Savage Place Ceremony The Widening Gyre Valediction A Catskill Eagle Taming a Sea-Horse Pale Kings and Princes Crimson Joy Playmates Stardust Pastime Double Deuce Paper Doll Walking Shadow Thin Air Chance Small Vices Sudden Mischief Hush Money Hugger Mugger Potshot Widow's Walk Back Story Bad Business Cold Business School Days Hundred-Dollar Baby Now and Then Rough Weather Chasing the Bear (young Spenser prequel) The Professional The Painted Ladies	You might also like: Concourse by S.J. Rozan