Mortal Stakes by Robert B. Parker5/25/2023 ![]() ![]() Hit men like Vinnie and Chollo have not yet become Spenser's buddies and back-up. Underneath a fast-moving plot involving blackmail and gambling, this novel builds the foundation for the Code of Spenser as the tough PI faces up to the physical, emotional, and spiritual conflicts inherent when "work is play for mortal stakes." At this point in the series he has not yet partnered with Hawk, the sociopath-with-integrity who plays such a large role in later books. The trademark Parker descriptions of meals (heavy on the cholesterol), drinks (Labatt's Pale Ale, anyone?), clothes (lots of polyester), and local flavor (Boston's ambiance is captured nicely) are all there, as is Spenser's trademark repartee (which unfortunately doesn't always translate well to audio, especially since Michael Prichard is an OK but not spectacular reader). ![]() The manager hires PI Spenser to investigate the rumor. On the surface it's a simple story: the Boston Red Sox' manager suspects that their superstar may be throwing games as well as pitches (all Red Sox personnel in the book are entirely fictional). Although technically book #3, "Mortal Stakes" (1975) is a good starting place for this classic series. The Spenser books, particularly the early ones, are good, fast reads and very short by today's standards. ![]()
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