Robert B. Parker's Bye Bye Baby

By: Ace Atkins

Narrated by: Joe Mantegna

Length: 6 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

Boston PI Spenser takes on a new case in this installment in Robert B. Parker's iconic New York Times best-selling series.

Carolina Garcia-Ramirez is a rising star in national politics, taking on the establishment with her progressive agenda. Tough, outspoken, and driven, the young congresswoman has ignited a new conversation in Boston about race, poverty, health care, and the environment. Now facing her second campaign, she finds herself not only fighting a tight primary with an old guard challenger but also contending with numerous death threats coming from hundreds of suspects.

When her chief of staff reaches out to Spenser for security and help finding the culprits of what he believes to be the most credible threats, Garcia-Ramirez is less than thrilled. Since her first grassroots run, she’s used to the antipathy and intimidation women of color often face when seeking power. To her, it’s all noise. But it turns out an FBI agent disagrees, warning Spenser that Garcia-Ramirez might be in real danger this time.

It doesn’t take long for Spenser to cross paths with an extremist group called The Minutemen, led by a wealthy Harvard grad named Bishop Graves. Although Graves is a social media sensation, pushing an agenda of white supremacy and toxic masculinity, he denies he’s behind the attacks. As the primary nears and threats become a deadly plot, it’s up to Spenser, Hawk, and a surprise trusted ally to ensure the congresswoman is safe. This is Spenser doing what he does best, living by a personal code and moral compass that can’t ever be broken.

©2021 Ace Atkins (P)2021 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“A crime yarn laced with tension and wit.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Atkins continues his very successful stewardship of the late Robert B. Parker’s beloved Spenser series. . . This fast-moving and suspenseful thriller is also laced with clever banter. . . Spenser lives and lives well!”—Booklist

“Bye Bye Baby is classic Spenser. . . Atkins captures the essence of the Spenser novels, complete with beloved characters.”—Crime Fiction Critic

Good story but not the best of Spencer

Not the best example of a Spencer novel, but a good listen. The reader is excellent!

Frightenly topical

It would be an understatement to say that as an elder black man I find the current political/social climate in America frightening. It feels like the country is sliding slowly back to the era where black people had no rights. I hadn't really expected this highly anticipated Spenser entry to address the current climate head on. "Bye Bye Baby" is decidedly the most indelibly disturbing entries in the series. This is not to say I didn't enjoy it. I did. But I found it uncomfortable listening as Spenser navigates the racist attitudes prevalent today. Even more disconcerting not having a Spenser around to help shift attitudes in a more positive direction.

Ace puts out a quality product

He overdoes it with the snark, but all the other little things that give me the ick I can forgive. I’m grateful this guy is carrying on the tradition and keeping these characters alive. It makes perfect sense to me that an Italian guy from Chicago has the lock on voicing an Irish guy from Boston 😉

You will enjoy

Hope Joe Mantegna continues to read Parker's audio books! His voice for Hawk is amazing.

Enjoyed the storyline

The storyline is so close to today’s world. The characters are great and well developed. I love the partnership of Spencer and Hawk. It reads like you are catching up with two old friends.

Timely

I really enjoyed this book although it was a little tough and sad to listen to because it is exactly what we are going through right now since 2020 in the United States. it is infuriating and at the same time it's scary. all we have is Hope and I refuse to give up hope

Spenser delivers another

In typical Spenser fashion, he, Hawk , and Sixkill take on a group of white supremacists

Not the best Spencer story but Joe Mantegna is awesome as always.

This Spencer story didn’t hold my interest as much as most do. It is still a solid 4. The narration of Joe Mantegna is top notch as always and his voice work brought the story from a 3 to a 4 while his work rates a solid 5 just as all his Spencer stories have.

Too much inappropriate language

I do not remember the original Robert Parker novels being so loaded w/poor language.

Another winner!

I’m so glad Ace Atkins has been able to carry on the Robert B Parker legacy! I look forward to every new book and fall in love with each of the characters all over again. Joe Mantegna brings them all to life like no one else can!! Thank you!!