The Boxer and the Spy

I haven't ever read a Robert B. Parker novel, and I can understand what everyone is saying about his incredible dialogue. Terry is not an overly complicated boy, with the basic motivations of an essentially good person. He is head-over-heels for the flirtatious, intelligent Abby, and the two of them banter continually about sex even though they've never had it and aren't sure they want to have it. The zen-like wisdom of the capable George balances the easy back and forth of the pair and the chatter of their friends. The mystery is not particularly mysterious, violent, or particularly surprising at its conclusion, but that takes nothing away from Terry's investigations, which unites kids from all classes and cliques. Wonderful book.

CW: references to suicide, teacher sexually harasses students, discussion of steroid abuse

Well whilst the writing was a little bit stilted that was still a satisfying YA murder mystery.

I thought Terry and Abby made great sleuths as they tried to puzzle together the cause of a classmates death. Robert definitely set up an interesting premise from the outset with a clandestine meeting being overheard by our young victim. We as Readers know from the outset that it is a suspicious death but have to wait as our main characters put the pieces together to find out the who and whys of it all. This will be great for slightly older teens interested in boxing and murder mysteries.

Robert Parker did write well for young adults. I had a hard time putting this one down. Okay, I didn't put it down. Read cover to cover this morning.

Almost a young Spenser novel. The art of boxing is explained so well that it made me want to get in the ring (almost).

Why did Jason Green commit suicide. . . or did he? Terry wants to know, because Jason was once kind to Terry. When he starts asking questions, things start happening --- and not good things.

Good mystery with all-rounded teen characters.

Really good for the list.

Easy-to-read mystery with high school detective team. Reluctant readers will like the white space and the short chapters. Average mystery that includes some boxing and little romance.

A fast easy read, written for young adults. I read it because I wanted to read all of Parker's books.