Widow's Walk

By: Robert B. Parker

Narrated by: Joe Mantegna

The indefatigable, poetry-dishing Spenser finds himself in the middle of yet another whopper of a case. A seemingly dim blonde with a supermodel-class body is accused of murdering her blue-blooded, Mayflower-descended banker of a husband. Her alibi: she was watching Survivor in another room. Mary Fiore, Spenser’s seductive lawyer friend, a former prosecutor, realizes that her client needs some help, and commissions Spenser to dig up the truth. This is easier said than done, but a few gunsels, thugs, and murders later, Spenser makes the connection between the dead banker and a real-estate scam gone sour. There’s a resolution to the case, but the fun is in seeing the green and sexual intrigue play out.

“Boston’s favorite private eye slides into his 30th case as easily as a knife sinking into warm butter.”—Kirkus Reviews©2002 Robert B. Parker; (P)2002 Random House Inc., Random House Audio, a Division of Random House Inc.

Critic reviews

“Delicious fun…Spenser is back in his element—out-punching and out-quipping adversaries in Beantown. An entertaining supporting cast puts this one on the top shelf…one of the author’s wittier outings. Bottom line: A merry Widow.”—People

“Priceless moments.”—The New York Times Book Review

“Top-notch stuff.”—The Seattle Times

“Parker’s energies remain as formidable as his hero’s.”—Boston Globe

“Prime Spenser…an enjoyable ride.”—The Times Union (Albany, NY.)

“Widow’s Walk ranks among the best in the Spenser series—just enough of the hard-boiled stuff, a touch of good-natured cynicism, some mature reflection on the nature of life and a well-knotted whodunit. It’s a great way to spend the weekend…For those who have yet to have the pleasure of our hero’s company, it’s a stellar introduction.”—Calgary Herald

“It’s the dialogue that marks Parker as the undisputed master of the hard-boiled universe.”—Ottawa Citizen

“The writing is as clean as fresh ice, and from the opening sentence, it’s clear that readers are in the hands of a vet who knows what he’s doing.”—Publishers Weekly

“ANY book by Robert B. Parker is a treat but there is something extra-special when he gives us a new detective story starring the inimitable Spenser. [Widow’s Walk is] classic Parker, with that beautifully pared-down style that wastes no words but still conjures up richly detailed characters and a vibrant sense of place…funny…touching… compassionate.” —Sunday Mercury

“Spencer is back, as quick with a quip and as free with his fists as ever…So enjoy.”—The San Diego Union Tribune

“One of the great series in the history of the American detective story.”—The New York Times

“A cat’s cradle of conspiracies…fun to read as ever.”—Los Angeles Times

Widow's Walk

The narration of this novel is more monotone than one would like at first, but you get used to it. The story is well written, it keeps a good pace about it, and has an interesting ending.

Tired, Serious Spenser

Usually I listen to Spenser books with undivided attention, but Widow's Walk is so out of kilter with the Spenser I know and love, I started a knitting project at the same time. The fun, dry-witted personalities of Hawk, Spenser, and Susan are bland, which is disconcerting after years of scintillating repartee. There are some similar lines, but they're delivered in a tired, flat way, as if Joe Mantegna isn't enjoying what he's performing. Also, I've never known Spenser to be so psychologically focused. True, Susan has just lost a patient to suicide, but Spenser's response to her, though admirable, is out of character. Also, he says: "god damn," as opposed to "hot damn," which was a shock to hear. As an aside, it was sad to hear Spenser and Susan talk about Pearl the Wonder Dog in terms of putting her down due to her advanced age and deafness. In disappointment, I stopped listening halfway through.

Good story

This story was a lot to follow, but really good. Joe does just fine with the narration, he gets it. Next up is Burt Reynolds who I always aspired to be when I grew up, but his narrations are a little painful. David Dukes are insufferable and instead I’ll just reread the books, his versions actually make me angry. And truthfully nobody should have allowed Parker’s son to even give it a try. He’s bad.

Great as always!

If you have not read any Robert Parker books, you are really missing out on something unique. You know that Spenser is going to win, but it is the way he does it that makes the story so much fun. And Joe Mantegna's narration is superb. You just cannot top it. Enjoy!

Good listen

I love the narrator, Joe Mantegna, he sounds like how I would picture Spencer