Robert B. Parker's The Hangman's Sonnet

By: Reed Farrel Coleman

Narrated by: James Naughton

Length: 8 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's Summary

The stellar new novel in Robert B. Parker's New York Times best-selling series featuring Paradise police chief Jesse Stone.

Jesse Stone, still reeling from the murder of his fiancée by crazed assassin Mr. Peepers, must keep his emotions in check long enough to get through the wedding day of his loyal protégé, Suitcase Simpson. The morning of the wedding, Jesse learns that a gala 75th birthday party is to be held for folk singer Terry Jester. Jester, once the equal of Bob Dylan, has spent the last 40 years in seclusion after the mysterious disappearance of the master recording tape of his magnum opus, The Hangman's Sonnet.

That same morning, an elderly Paradise woman dies while her house is being ransacked. What are the thieves looking for? And what's the connection to Terry Jester and the mysterious missing tape? Jesse's investigation is hampered by hostile politicians and a growing trail of blood and bodies, forcing him to solicit the help of mobster Vinnie Morris and a certain Boston area PI named Spenser. While the town fathers pressure him to avoid a PR nightmare, Jesse must connect the cases before the bodies pile up further.

©2017 Reed Farrel Coleman (P)2017 Random House Audio

Might be done with this Series

This series has become something completely different then what it was a few years ago. Coleman has made it his series which some people might like but it not for me. 80 pages or so about Jesse's problems just got old.

2 people found this helpful

Great plot but leaked Mr. Parker’s style.

I enjoyed the story, but I couldn’t envision Jesse Stone. He was too chatty. I think the estate should make sure the writers adhere to the style that Robert B. Parker established for the Jesse Stone novels.

2 people found this helpful

Above Average Jesse Stone Novel

Reed Farrell Coleman carries on Parker's legacy in fine form with an above-average tale. In the past, Parker and his follow-on writers of the series haven't had their heart in it--the efforts seemed to have been phoned in.

Not so this outing. The death of Jesse's fiancée, Diana in the previous book leaves Jesse a hollowed out drunk. His deteriorating emotional health concerns his officers and friends. His job is at risk from an ambitious mayor and her political operative. Now, murder and the missing master recording from an iconic rock hero threaten to end his career in Paradise--and just maybe his life.

James Naughton is spot on as always.

Really enjoyable listen.

1 person found this helpful

love it

As always I love this book. I'm a big fan of not only the writer but the whole series and have listened or read physically every book in the series

Excellent addition to the series.

This was one of my favorite Jesse Stone books since Robert B. Parker passes away. The only issue was Jesse didn’t have a dog or cat!

Stone at his best

just a great story, although the plot was the same as Eddie and the Cruisers 2

Another great Jesse Stone story<br />

While the style of writing is very different from the original author, the stories and characters remain excellent. James Naughton as always does an excellent job narrating.

Kept my attention

I really enjoy Robert B. Parker(style) writing. This one was great & had me guessing almost until the end. Awaiting the next “episode “ with baited breath!

Hard To Stay Interested<br />

Scattered story line. With the exception of the recurring characters, no one was well delienated or particularly worth knowing. Too bad because other books were much better. This one seemed dashed off. Maybe someone else should take the helm.

Great story - one narrator flaw

I appreciate the inclusion - though very brief - of Spenser.
However, the narrator completely bungled the voice he created for Spenser. The result was worse than DiCaprio’s accent in The Departed. Spenser is an icon and should be treated as such.

Disappointing

This may have Robert B Parker’s characters, but not his genius for storytelling. I was disappointed with the pedestrian nature of the story and returned the book.

1 person found this helpful