School Days

By Robert B. Parker

This is a review of an audiobook I listened to on my commute, another Parker mystery novel, a Spenser novel. Like, most of the other Parker novels I've listened to, especially the Spenser ones, this is a good listen. The narrator is clear and a good voice actor. Once again, the story is engaging and thought-provoking.

Spenser is hired by the wealthy Lily Ellsworth, grandmother to Jared Clark, to prove him innocent. Not a small order, since Jared is suspected of participating in a rather bloody school shooting. What's more, he's already confessed and his accomplice even fingered him. Spenser has to untangle a web of clues, hearsay, and a tangle of mostly uncooperative relatives, friends and acquaintances.

This book features few Spenser-universe recurring characters, but among them is Rita Fiori, and "Pearl II." Susan makes an appearance too, but for most of the story she is only on the phone with our favorite gumshoe. Noticably absent is Spenser's longtime associate, Hawk, but Spenser doesn't need his muscle in this story. Actually, it was kind of a nice change of pace to see Spenser acting alone on a case. I mean, everyone loves Hawk, but seeing Spenser in action alone was refreshing. Also the psychiatrist (his name escapes me at the moment) who will become Spenser's own shrink makes his debut in this book.

Listening to this book, I finally realized that the reading of these books is not simply reading, but acting. It was an excellent move on Random House's part to hire a seasoned actor to read these books, not just a random person with a nice voice. Each of these books is convincingly acted, drawing the listener into the story. Hearing one of these books, I can virtually see the action taking place in front of my eyes, something that would be impossible with just someone simply reading the written text. Joe Mantegna does an excellent job of acting this book for the listener. He seems to handle accents, nuances and different genders with ease.

All in all, a good Parker book, featuring your favorite private dick, Spenser. For a change of pace, he acts alone, proving he's a dick that doesn't always need a helping hand.

Similar posts

• Back Story
• Cold Service
• Sea Change
• High Profile
• Widow's Walk
• Then and Now
• Appaloosa

External links

• School Days page from Robert B. Parker's website