G.P. Putnam's Sons; 320 pages; $27; Amazon |
The "Spenser" book series began with The Godwulf Manuscript in 1973. It centered on the character named Spenser, a Boston private detective. The books were adapted into a short-lived series in the '80s called Spenser: For Hire; later followed by a short-lived spinoff, A Man Called Hawk, and four made-for-television movies. Small Vices, Thin Air, and Walking Shadows were adapted into made-for-television movies for A&E from 1999 to 2001. After Robert B. Parker's death in 2010, author and an American journalist Ace Atkins took over writing the "Spenser" novels, including Slow Burn.
Slow Burn centers Spenser, his buddy Hawk, and Sixkill (sorta like his apprentice) tracking down an arsonist throughout Boston. Jack McGee, a firefighter and an old buddy of Spenser's, had asked them to look a church fire that occurred a year ago. Three fireman were killed in that fire and Jack suspects foul play, but he doesn't have any proof!
Of course this is where Spenser and crew get involved; taking their investigation into the underworld of Boston, where they learn that the arsonist/killer has already planned his next target - Spenser.
Final Thoughts: I vaguely recall Spenser: For Hire being on television in the middle '80s when I was really young. I believe my Dad might've of watched it. Anyhow, I had never read a "Spenser" novel before I read Slow Burn this week. I hate to admit this, but I couldn't grasp a feel of the characters, all of which felt a little too one-dimensional; though I did enjoy most of the parts with Hawk.
Overall, Robert B. Parker's Slow Burn is a slow burner that I neither liked or disliked. Like I already mentioned, the characters are one-dimensional, the dialogue is a little cheesy, and the pacing is a bit too slow for my liking. Nevertheless, it isn't the worst read in the world.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher for my honest review and they are 100% my own opinions. I received no other compensation for this review and I am not required to give a positive review. I am also not associated with the publisher or author in any way.
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