Robert B. Parker's Fool's Paradise

By: Mike Lupica

Narrated by: James Naughton

Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's Summary

When an unknown man is found murdered in Paradise, Jesse Stone will have his hands full finding out who he was - and what he was seeking.

When a body is discovered at the lake in Paradise, Police Chief Jesse Stone is surprised to find he recognizes the murder victim - the man had been at the same AA meeting as Jesse the evening before. But otherwise, Jesse has no clue as to the man's identity. He isn't a local, nor does he have ID on him, nor does any neighboring state have a reported missing person matching his description. Their single lead is from a taxi company that recalls dropping off the mysterious stranger outside the gate at the mansion of one of the wealthiest families in town.... 

Meanwhile, after Jesse survives a hail of gunfire on his home, he wonders if it could be related to the murder. When both Molly Crane and Suitcase Simpson also become targets, it's clear someone has an ax to grind against the entire Paradise PD.

©2020 Mike Lupica (P)2020 Random House Audio

Critic Reviews

"One of the best crime thrillers hitting stores this year...and quite possibly the best novel set in one of Parker’s universe since the iconic author passed away." (The Real Book Spy) 

Mailed it in

As a huge Jesse Stone fan we were looking forward to this new release. We were verry disappointed.

Apparently the author learned a new word. There were F bombs throughout the book. Something not normal with Jesse Stone books. I drop the F bomb myself way too often and don’t mind them in general, but Jesse Stone seemed above the over use.

While Jesse was always admired by women, every women he met in the book threw themselves at him. I felt like I was listening to a trashy romance novel.

And finally it is apparent the author does not like firearms, which is fine. But at least keep the facts correct. Jesse puts his revolver in the glovebox, a Glock 40. Or Jesse heard the crack of the rifle and the window shattered. On all but a few the bullet is going faster than sound. There were a few more but the point is made.

Almost forgot, after almost 20 Jesse Stone novels they mention a murder book. Apparently the author just read a Bosch novel.

I am sad that this was one of the weakest Jesse Stone novels we have read.

Terrible Writing and Transition

I liked the story. I love the character. The writing was poor. Jesse said. Molly said. Suit said. I don’t think I have ever read any book with the word said used so many times. The story was good. The narrator did a nice job.

Robin's. Reviews

Enjoyed the book, however, I would have enjoyed a little more physical confrontations with Jesse.
I liked the way Robert Parker would incorporate that in his stories.

Well, the narrator was great.

The story isn’t bad but it’s not really Jessie. Nor Molly. The story started out ok then veered into a lesser imitation. Too much irrelevant slap & tickle, too much gratuitous F-word & “God damn this, God damn that,” too much schtick, the political correctness nods, Molly was a classier lady than Lupica is portraying her, it felt like a stretch. Now that Jessie is trying not to die from liver damage Lupica’s Jessie is more likely to get an STD. And a sexual harassment complaint.

Jesse Stone expands his vocabulary

After 17 books in the series, the reader/listener gets very familiar with the principle characters (Jesse, Suit, Molly) and what they are likely to say as the current story unfolds. In this, the 18th of 19 in the series, Jesse suddenly learns to use the "F" word and all its variants as well as "S__t" and its variants. It's not that Jesse never used any of those words, but hardly ever.

Terrible

I love the Jesse Stone series, but this book was horribly written. Way, way too much interpersonal melodrama. It got boring there was so much of it. Jame Naughton did the best he could with miserable material to work with. I have all of the series, but if Lupica authors the next, I'm done. I saw that the Sunny Randall series was back, then I saw who wrote them. Based on this book, I will pass.

Don't bother.

This is a totally unengaging story and performance. I like Jesse Stone mysteries. But not this version. Usually I give the book more of a chance but in this case I want nothing more to do with it. It is not worth the time or money.

Not the best

It’s not the best book in the series, but it’s a necessary read ties a lot of stores together and closes some that where open.

Not worthy of Robert B Parker's memory

This is just cliche after cliche. I am so disappointed. This will be the last "legacy" book I'll be purchasing. Such a shame to see the quality falling so far.

Awesome book

like all the other books in the series good all the way to the end

AWFUL. The author should be ashamed.

Robert B Parker was a fantastic engaging author, he will be spinning in his grave having his name attached to this book. I’m stunned that the Parker estate allowed it.

If you’ve followed Jesse Stone in these books then you know the level of swearing in this story is disgusting and completely wrong for this character.

Robert B Parker was a great wordsmith, he didn’t have to resort to swearing and foul language to convey his stories.

This book is a waste of time, although James Naughton gives his usual great performance, even he seems ‘off’ in this. I hope Mike Lupica NEVER writes any other book in any Parker series.

Don’t waste your credit/money.