Potshot

Robert B. Parker

9/22/2001

Spenser is approached by a beautiful widow. She wants him to come to Potshot, Arizona, and discover who killed her husband. She knows it was one of the gang members terrorizing and distorting money from the businessmen of Potshot. She needs to know which one and find proof.

So Spenser leaves Boston and Susan for a trip to Arizona. He quickly learns that things are not as expected. The gang definitely has a grip on this California rich-man's getaway. Spenser is not so sure they are responsible for anyone's death. There are hidden undercurrents in the town. Soon, the leading businessmen have approached him. They hire him to rid Potshot of the gang of outlaws.

Spenser agrees, knowing he cannot do this job alone. He leaves Potshot to get help and to investigate the whole situation more. When he returns, he knows more about the different people in the town. He also has one of the meanest posses around - not all of them on the right side of the law. But he knows they are the best. Now they need to harass the gang. And, of course, find out who did kill whats-his-name.

This novel has little philosophizing (which is a specialty of Spenser's) and a lot of action (also Spenser's specialty). It is deceptively short (the perceptive reader will realize there is a LOT of white space on the pages). We see Spenser, Hawk, and friends do what they do best - take no guff and protect what they are paid to protect.

Plus it has its twists. We (the readers) may think we know who killed whats-his-name, but aren't certain until the end. Enjoy this novel, I did.

You can find more about this book at .

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