Hugger Mugger

I'd previously listened to Robert Parker's "Potshot" and enjoyed it. This book has the same mix of old style private eye, tough guy, glamorous and intelligent girlfriend, sexual references etc and it all works - and works well. The narration is first class and fits the character of the book; the plot gets you in and is well developed. I really enjoyed this listen and recommend it to others who want a light and stimulating thriller / detective story.

I thought I was going to dislike the audio at first. The use of "I said","he said","she said" was off the scale! But I actually got used to it very quickly and totally enjoyed the book. I will read another by this author and reader-I think I'm hooked!

Robert B. Parker is a master at what he does (or did), and Joe Mantegna is likewise a master of what he still does, thank goodness. This book takes Spenser to Lamar, Georgia, where he gets immersed in a murder whodunit and also gets a large dose of Southern Hospitality, something of an oxymoron. The plot moves along nicely, and once again Parker throws red herring after red herring. You just cannot guess the ending, and I won't divulge it. The story revolves around a horse breeding and racing operation, three sisters who have vastly different life stories, despite having one horrendous trauma in common, again a thing which I will let Joe Mantegna tell you. Mantegna is truly a gifted actor, and a marvelous audiobook narrator. The change of climate from Spenser's hometown, Boston, is a welcome diversion from the usual Parker yarn. He gets to pine away for Susan Silverman, which adds some poignance to the story. Readers of Parker will recognize that this is not his absolutely finest material, but better-than-average Parker is a bar which many other whodunit authors would kill to reach.

I have always loved Parker's Spenser books, for the fast moving story, fun characters, and snappy dialogue. A new Spenser book is like catching up with old friends! Mantegna is so wonderful at the narration that I no longer want to read them. I'd rather listen! His nuanced performance and perfect timing increases my enjoyment to the point that I simply can't match it in my head. If you like the genre you simply can't go wrong with a Master like Parker.

I agree- the "he said, she said" was too much. The book itself was good - like Spencer character. The audio was awful - single reader, deep voice imitating Georgia women BADLY. I had to stop 1/2 way through and buy the book.

Unengaging storyline and irritating narration