Robert B. Parker's Old Black Magic

Robert B. Parker's Old Black Magic: Spenser, Book 46

By: Ace Atkins, Robert B. Parker

Narrated by: Joe Mantegna

Length: 7 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

Iconic, tough-but-tender Boston PI Spenser delves into the black market art scene to investigate a decades-long unsolved crime of dangerous proportions.

The heist was legendary, still talked about 20 years after the priceless paintings disappeared from one of Boston's premier art museums. Most thought the art was lost forever, buried deep, sold off overseas, or, worse, destroyed as incriminating evidence. But when paint chips from the most valuable piece stolen, Gentlemen in Black by a Spanish master, arrives at the desk of a Boston journalist, the museum finds hope and enlists Spenser's help.

Soon the cold art case thrusts Spenser into the shady world of black market art dealers, aged Mafia bosses, and old vendettas. A $5 million reward by the museum's top benefactor, an aged, unlikable Boston socialite, sets Spenser and pals Vinnie Morris and Hawk onto a trail of hidden secrets, jailhouse confessions, and decades-old murders.

Set against the high-society art scene and the low-life back alleys of Boston, this is classic Spenser doing what he does best.

©2018 Ace Atkins, Robert B. Parker (P)2018 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Atkins perfectly catches Spenser’s breezy voice and Parker’s knack for creating vivid characters.” (Seattle Times)

“Atkins...again captures all the qualities Spenser fans love in the series: smart-ass humor, a touch of romance, plenty of violence, and, of course, Spenser’s complex sense of honor. Atkins adds his own touch in the form of complex plots with genuine mysteries at their center.” (Booklist)

Ace does a good job this time!

A good story done in Parker's style. Only complaint is no Hawk this time around.

Good story, as usual!

Ace did a solid job and Mantegna was like having your Uncle read you a story at bedtime.

Another great Spenser book.

Ace nails it. Yet another great Spenser book. Somewhere Robert B Parker is drinking a Sam Adams and smiling.

another winner

love the spenser series. this is more of a detective novel. montegna is fantastic reader.

Mixed Emotions

Most of this book brings back memories of the Spenser we all love. Unfortunatly the contrived pseudo O'henry ending made it all fall flat.simon

Joe Mantegna is very GOOD!

Reminiscent of Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler! Kept my interest and Mantegna’s performance excelled!
I’d get another book performed by Joe!

I still love Spenser!

I would first like to tell whoever wrote the Publisher's Summary that perhaps they should listen to the book. If fans were waiting for Hawk - he doesn't show up! Vinnie, however, is in fine form as, of course, is Spenser. I found the story interesting and fun to follow. I am waiting for the next Spenser book.

Ace Atkins continues to impress!!!

Loved the book and characters. Missed Hawk but Vinny made up for the absence. Joe Mantegna IS Spenser!!

Excellent book

Loved it! Ace Atkins is doing a phenomenal job writing these books. Throughly enjoyed this book.

Joe Mantegna perfect as usual.

Spenser novels are not the same without Mantegna. I would love to see or hear a theatrical performance of Mamets House of Cards with Mantegna as the lead or narrator.
Jeffery Richter