Robert B. Parker's Cheap Shot

A Spenser Novel

By: Ace Atkins, Robert B. Parker - creator

Narrated by: Joe Mantegna

Length: 7 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

Kinjo Heywood is one of the New England Patriots’ marquee players - a hard-nosed linebacker who’s earned his reputation as one of the toughest guys in the league. When off-field violence repeatedly lands Heywood in the news, his slick agent hires Spenser to find the men who he says have been harassing his client.

Heywood’s troubles seem to be tied to a nightclub shooting from two years earlier. But when Heywood’s nine-year-old son, Akira, is kidnapped, ransom demands are given, and a winding trail through Boston’s underworld begins, Spenser puts together his own all-star team of toughs. It will take both Hawk and Spenser’s protégé, Zebulon Sixkill, to watch Spenser’s back and return the child to the football star’s sprawling Chestnut Hill mansion. A controversial decision from Heywood only ups the ante as the clock winds down on Akira’s future.

©2014 Ace Atkins (P)2014 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Spenser is as tough and funny as ever, and Atkins has become a worthy successor.” (Booklist)

“Assured... Atkins’s gift for mimicking the late Robert B. Parker could lead to a long run, the the delight of Spenser devotees.” (Publishers Weekly)

“A well-conceived adventure that balances Spenser and friends’ experience with Akira’s innocence while drawing on Atkins’ own Auburn football days.” (Crimespree Magazine)

Great story!!

I thought it started off a little slow but the wait was definitely worth it!

Ace Atkins Keeps the torch held high

Another great Spenser novel. And Joe Montegna IS Spenser. I wish they could go back to the earlier books and get Montegna to re-narrate them, particularly those that Burt Reynolds did. Anyway, highly recommended for all Spensers many fans. A credit well spent!

It's okay

This isn't the best Robert B. Parker book I have ever heard. it is good though. plenty of Spencer and Hawk action. Read it and judge for yourself.

I thought I had lost Spenser

If you could sum up Robert B. Parker's Cheap Shot in three words, what would they be?

Interesting, witty, nice

What other book might you compare Robert B. Parker's Cheap Shot to and why?

I really can't make a comparison because this is Ace's first attempt.

Which scene was your favorite?

Any scene with Hawk.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

?

Any additional comments?

I thought that after Robert B. Parker's death that was the end of Spenser. However, Ace Atkins has done a formidable job of carrying on the Spenser tradition. He has adequately gotten the nuances of Spenser's psyche and has accurately portrayed the supporting characters. I would suggest to continue with Joe Mantegna's narrating the series. He also gets the characters. I've listened to other narrators of the Spenser books and there is NO comparison to Joe M.

A nice way to pass the time

Seemed pretty faithful to Parker's style, and I like the addition of Sixkill. Joe Mantegna does excellent work, and the removal of all the "he said"s makes it much more listenable.

John

I have either read or listened to all the Spenser books. Was very saddened at the loss of Robert B Parker. The story line in this book is classic Robert B Parker. Very good performance. Enjoyed it. Hope to listen to more.

Loved this story

I really enjoyed this story and Joe Mantegna's voice is perfect for the character he plays.

Another story packed with Action and Emotion the way that only Spenser can bring it.

Unlike some other Spenser books, this one really tugs at the heart strings while still delivering the action, violence and pithy comments that is a cornerstone of all Spenser novels with Joe Mantegna narrating in that special way that by my standards, is the way all Spenser audiobooks should be voiced.

Standard Spenser

Joe Mantegna is great and demonstrates an ability to do accents and varied voices. So, why does Spenser sound like Fat Tony from the Simpsons? Distracting. Maybe apply some of that talent to the Spenser voice and come up something less clipped and less over-enunciated. Otherwise an entertaining listen.

Love Spenser, even if Atkins hits only 70%

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Sure, if you are a Spenser fan, well, here is a Spenser book.

If you’ve listened to books by Ace Atkins before, how does this one compare?

Mr Atkins has done Spenser ok, his sense of humor, his quirky and yet still aloof and cool style. Most of the other regular characters seem to be missing. I suppose this is a good thing though, here is why: Let's start with Susan. Mr Parker was brilliant as penning her, smart, fun, and interesting, unusual and a quick match for Spenser. Susan is her own person and their relationship is unique. Unfortunately, Mr Atkins lacks the same skill and nuance to write Susan. General females are written a bit trite and more often than not he only describes their physical appearance than who they are, their qualities and interesting quirks. Whats more interesting, or sad, is that he does this well in describing any male character introduced or described.

What about Joe Mantegna’s performance did you like?

Lovely as always. One of my favorite narrators.
Female get voiced a bit too breathy and often sound like hair heads.

Do you think Robert B. Parker's Cheap Shot needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Always, cant say good by to Spenser, and never to Parker. I miss him very much.