Robert B. Parker's Showdown

De: Mike Lupica

Narrado por: Joe Mantegna

Spenser may have uncovered an explosive secret that threatens the career of a controversial figure, in this latest installment of Robert B. Parker’s beloved series.

Vic Hale isn’t anyone’s idea of a father figure. He is one of the biggest – and loudest -- podcasters in the nation and got there by spewing overheated rhetoric that’s reviled by some but loved by even more. His particular brand of “entertainment” is so successful, he’s about to sign the biggest contract in the history of online broadcasting. Vic’s riding high...until he gets a visit from Spenser, who specializes in bringing guys like Hale back down to Earth.

Spenser is there on behalf of Daniel Lopez, a young man who believes Hale may be his father. It’s a potentially explosive revelation for a man in the podcaster’s position and it might even be enough to blow up his massive new deal. That could explain the bodies that start popping up – bodies connected in one way or another with the mystery surrounding Daniel’s birth. There are a lot of questions remaining, and Spenser’s going to have to find the answers before someone shuts Hale or Daniel up for good.

doesn't completely match series

Most of Susan dialogue sounded good. Heard from Hawk more than normal. Seemed to push political view several times. Will be more watchful from this author and not purchase again. Odd method of adding new character. Suggestions in future, leave out political views, better method in bringing in new character, keep conversations with Hawk canon and interactions with police more canon too.

Performance

I've read( or listened to) every book in this series at least once. Joe Mantegna is the definitive voice of Spenser, although I rather enjoyed the several narrated by the late Burt Reynolds. At the end of this audiobook there's a preview of the first book in the series which only serves to highlight the importance of the narrator. If at all possible the people who make these decisions should really re-record the whole series with Mantegna narrating. It would certainly get me to start the series again from the beginning.
Mike Lupica did a fine job carrying on Parker's legacy as he has done previously with this as well as the Jesse Stone series.

Political propaganda

If you are for legal immigration, and don't want to hear propaganda when the author creates a monster representing legal immigration, I would skip this and hope the author does better with his audience.

No Redeeming Features

Not one of the best. Unencumbered by humor style or grit. Too much repetitious filler when it comes to the “love” interest creating a yawn factor. Eminently forgettable.

Great listen

Another engaging, humorous, well written and narrated story! Mike Lupica expertly carries on the legacy of Robert Parker and Joe Mantegna is Spencer.