Helpful Score: 1
Tough-talking private investigator Spenser, and his loyal sidekick Hawk are back in action again, and this just may prove to be their toughest case yet. When the Hollywood-based television series 'Fifty Minutes' begins shooting locally, Spenser's love Susan - a psychologist who is acting as consultant to the television film crew - persuades Spenser and Hawk to guard the star of the show, Jill Joyce. Spenser can immediately smell the trouble brewing.
As soon as he meets Jill Joyce, he knows that trouble is bound to be just around the corner. Jill Joyce is stunningly beautiful; one gorgeously sexy bombshell. Yet, on closer inspection Spenser freely admits that she is, to put it charitably, one screamingly hot mess to deal with. She is arrogant, spoiled and neurotic - and absolutely convinced that someone is stalking her.
Spenser really doesn't know what to believe. Jill's abject fear that someone wants her dead may just be a sign that she is out of her mind - a woman who desperately needs to spend some quality time in drug rehab; or she could be one thousand percent right, and someone is actually out to get her. Even though privately, Spenser can hardly blame the potential assassin for their feelings - he and Susan recognize the woman's very real fear hidden behind the celebrity's mask.
In Spenser's opinion, Ms. Joyce's reckless off-camera behavior epitomizes the term 'Drama Queen'. Her antics seem to be at the very height of extravagant depravity; yet as the detective investigates the threatening letters and phone calls received by the troubled starlet, he becomes increasingly convinced that she has some very valid reasons to fear for her life. Someone is definitely not a fan of Jill Joyce; and Spenser is soon drawn into a deadly and nightmarish mystery that gives new meaning to the term 'stage fright'.
Actually, I know that I have read this book before; I just can't remember exactly when that might have been. The story seemed vaguely familiar to me, although I couldn't have told anyone anything about the mystery. Robert B. Parker was really quite the author; and I've always enjoyed his work. I love his easy writing style and gritty characterizations.
I find his plots very intriguing yet still highly readable - and not so convoluted that I can't follow the mystery or understand the solution. There is also a fine thread of dark comedy running through each mystery that seems entirely appropriate to the situation and to each character's personality, as well. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to reading more from this series. I would give Stardust by Robert B. Parker an A!
As soon as he meets Jill Joyce, he knows that trouble is bound to be just around the corner. Jill Joyce is stunningly beautiful; one gorgeously sexy bombshell. Yet, on closer inspection Spenser freely admits that she is, to put it charitably, one screamingly hot mess to deal with. She is arrogant, spoiled and neurotic - and absolutely convinced that someone is stalking her.
Spenser really doesn't know what to believe. Jill's abject fear that someone wants her dead may just be a sign that she is out of her mind - a woman who desperately needs to spend some quality time in drug rehab; or she could be one thousand percent right, and someone is actually out to get her. Even though privately, Spenser can hardly blame the potential assassin for their feelings - he and Susan recognize the woman's very real fear hidden behind the celebrity's mask.
In Spenser's opinion, Ms. Joyce's reckless off-camera behavior epitomizes the term 'Drama Queen'. Her antics seem to be at the very height of extravagant depravity; yet as the detective investigates the threatening letters and phone calls received by the troubled starlet, he becomes increasingly convinced that she has some very valid reasons to fear for her life. Someone is definitely not a fan of Jill Joyce; and Spenser is soon drawn into a deadly and nightmarish mystery that gives new meaning to the term 'stage fright'.
Actually, I know that I have read this book before; I just can't remember exactly when that might have been. The story seemed vaguely familiar to me, although I couldn't have told anyone anything about the mystery. Robert B. Parker was really quite the author; and I've always enjoyed his work. I love his easy writing style and gritty characterizations.
I find his plots very intriguing yet still highly readable - and not so convoluted that I can't follow the mystery or understand the solution. There is also a fine thread of dark comedy running through each mystery that seems entirely appropriate to the situation and to each character's personality, as well. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to reading more from this series. I would give Stardust by Robert B. Parker an A!
Helpful Score: 1
An oldie but goody - vintage Spencer. Complete with Susan Silverman and Hawk. Story shows both Spencer's tough and tender side. Involving mystery but with Parker's fast-paced style of writing, I finished in one day (of course I did nothing else!) A great read. 5 stars, as usual.
When a Hollywood-based TV series schedules filming in Boston, Spenser smells trouble. When he signs up to protect the show's star, Jill Joyce, he knows it's on its way.
First, there's Jill herself. She's spoiled, arrogant, drugged out -- made worse by fear. Someone is out to get her -- does she imagine it, or is it real?
Spenser monitors her neurosis, but finds evidence of harassment. It escalates to murder. Now begins the dangerous part -- while the act may have ended, the murderer lingers on.
First, there's Jill herself. She's spoiled, arrogant, drugged out -- made worse by fear. Someone is out to get her -- does she imagine it, or is it real?
Spenser monitors her neurosis, but finds evidence of harassment. It escalates to murder. Now begins the dangerous part -- while the act may have ended, the murderer lingers on.
The 17th Spenser - Spenser & Hawk protect a television star with lots of secrets!
It is the story of a rough leathery detective who has been given the unsavory job of babysitting an arrogant and malicious superstar with no other concern than her own satisfaction. However, in the course of duty, Spenser discovers a deadly threat to her and himself. The lenghts he goes to in the line of duty are appalling and make this book a great read for fans of the style and genre.
"Parker is at the top of his form" -- NY Times
"This is solid Parker" -- Boston Herald
"Superb!" -- Chicago Tribune
"He doesn't publish new Spencer books fast enough." -- Paul C. (pabloguitarist)
"This is solid Parker" -- Boston Herald
"Superb!" -- Chicago Tribune
"He doesn't publish new Spencer books fast enough." -- Paul C. (pabloguitarist)
Spenser is hired to guard a sexy star that is being stalked
A Spenser mystery, as good as all the others!
typical Parker!
Spencer. This review could stop here. I have never been disappointed by Spencer, and this book is one of the series. If you have not read Parker's Spencer you owe it to yourself to try one.
Spenser's white knight tendencies play prominently in this tale of a television actress being terrorized by an unknown stalker, even though the victim's behavior is irrational and obnoxious.
This is one of the best Spencer mysteries with Hawk. I read this one quickly.
Didn't read.
