Spenser Series

by Robert B. Parker

First appeared in 1973

Berkley Books

STATS:  Private Detective Spenser lives in Boston, where he was once a former State Trooper, DA investigator and football player and boxer. He’s smart mouthed, savvy and a tough guy with a heart of gold. When he gets a case he’s like a bloodhound with his nose on the scent. He doesn’t give up. Although, there have been a television series, (Spenser for Hire) and thirty-five books chronicling his adventures, his first name seems to be a mystery.  He’s just simply known as Spenser the P.I, who captures the essence of the old style detectives like Phillip Marlowe. He also cooks and loves dogs.THE LOOK: Although his height is unknown, as a former boxer, he keeps himself fit by lifting weights regularly. He’s described by his girlfriend’s acquaintances as a ‘hunk’. We can assume its true, since there is know clear description of him. LEADING LADY:  Dr. Susan Silverman is Spenser’s long time girlfriend. She holds a PH.D from Harvard in Psychology. She often aids him in his cases. Although, they have a long term relationship, neither seem to want marriage. Susan often jokes about paying back Spenser with nights of sexual ecstasy. The conversation will go back and forth until they agree on a time and how many nights will be due for payment. Spenser obviously loves Susan, in every book he often describes himself lost in her eyes, or loving to look at her. Their reason for not marrying is a mystery and rarely mentioned.  BOTTOM LINE: Spencer is an old fashion detective, following in the foot steps of Bogart in the Maltese Falcon and Phillip Marlowe. I love these old style cops who are uncomplicated, with some baggage, but just enough that it doesn’t weight them down. They are plan speaking, and strong. Robert B. Parker’s writing is short on descriptions and long on suspense and humor, most of which comes from Spencer’s mouth.Question of the Day:   Have you ever read Robert B. Parker? What do you think of Spenser and how does he compare to the modern world of cops and suspense?