Small Vices

Robert B. Parker

8/11/1998

This is the first novel I have read by Robert Parker. I enjoyed the Spenser television show, so was familiar with the three principle characters, Spenser, Hawk, and Susan. The television show stayed true to Mr. Parker's voice for Spenser. I found myself quickly drawn into the novel, liking the narration as well as the story.

I enjoyed the novel. I liked the narrative tone of the story and how the reader is kept abreast of Spenser's findings. I had fun with his observations of the rich and exclusive class different from his own.

Spenser was hired by an old friend to investigate a murder case. The murder had already gone to trial AND sentenced a man. She believed the convicted man did not commit the murder. So Spenser entered the world of exclusive colleges and money to find out the truth behind a college senior girl's murder.

The man convicted of murdering Melissa Henderson was a known rapist and felon. Unfortunately, his profile did not match this murder. Spenser was hired to get a guilty man out of jail because he was innocent of that particular crime. In his efforts to discover the true story, someone hired an exclusive professional to kill him. Spenser could not get anybody involved with the deceased to talk about her, could not get unconvincing eye witnesses to change their story, and had a hired gun on his trail.

I was impressed by Spenser's attitude toward Susan and their relationship. More than once he was propositioned by young women for recreational sex. Normally, in this type of story, I expect the private detective to take up the offers. Spenser is very protective of his relationship with Susan, so turned them down. Since this is first person voice, the reader learns how he is tempted, but is still (barely in one case) able to walk away. He also describes his feelings and reactions to Susan as well. Since my brain is a female one, it is refreshing to see a stable long term relationship from a male perspective.

A review for this book can be found 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