This is my first Spenser novel. It was Parker's first, too. I'm not sure how to rate it, though. I liked it fine, but it didn't really blow my skirt up. Perhaps I've read too many P.I. novels, and a lot of them just blend together into the same old story. Apparently, Spenser is a little different, in that he works out and tries to stay in shape, although he didn't make it to the gym in this one. He did eat a lot of junk food and drank a fair amount of bourbon, which doesn't go all that well with strength and fitness.
I did appreciate his humor.
The police lieutenant says to Spenser, "You're not working for the D.A. now, boy, you're working my side of the street, and if you get in my way, I'll kick your ass right into the gutter. Got that?"
Spencer replies, "Can I feel your muscle?"

"Start up with the lieutenant, Spenser, and you'll end up looking like you went through a pepper mill."
"I won't be able to sleep without a night light," I said.

"A cold McDonald's hamburger is halfway between a jelly doughnut and a hockey puck, but the nine-dollar bourbon helped."
For health reasons, I'd recommend Spenser eat the jelly doughnut and/or the puck.

The story wasn't difficult to figure out, but I enjoyed the ride, and especially the slam-bang ending. I'll certainly try more Spenser novels.

HIS FIRST NOVEL. THIN PLOT I THINK HE GOT BETTER WITH AGE. THE WESTERNS WERE BETTER. EASY READ ( )

I've heard of this series in the past, and thought it might be interesting to check it out. It's a bit old, but only a little dated which might be a minus for younger readers as there are some references that might be missed. No problem for me, of course.

It was a fairly fun read, very quick, and I was finished before I knew it. He's definitely a wise guy, but then again, so am I, so it was OK. I'll try to remember some of his quips. Like, "I made a bet with myself that ..., and I won."

He's a bit over the top sometimes in these politically-correct days in his treatment of women, but we need to cut some slack and consider when it took place. I'm not sure what to think about someone who can sleep with both a mother and her daughter in the same day - if I were younger, jealousy might come to mind... hey, just kidding.

I'll probably read a few more to see how it goes, but I have a feeling it'll get old if I read too many.
( )

The first Spenser novel. We meet Spenser with his smart mouth. When people try to scare him off he doesn't back down.
There are a lot of descriptions of people, places, even what he is eating. ( )

This was his first Spenser novel and it shows. His writing has matured quite a lot since he wrote this one. I have read many of his Spenser novels and like them. This one was good for a first one, though. ( )