MT Review: Robert B. Parker's Cheap Shot (Hardcover)

I've finished "Cheap Shot" the 43rd book in Robert B. Parker's Spencer series by Ace Atkins.

The iconic, tough-but-tender Boston PI Spenser returns in an outstanding new addition to the New York Times-bestselling series from author Ace Atkins.

Kinjo Heywood is one of the New England Patriots’ marquee players — a hard-nosed linebacker who’s earned his reputation as one of the toughest guys in the league. When off-field violence repeatedly lands Heywood in the news, his slick agent hires Spenser to find the men who he says have been harassing his client.

Heywood’s troubles seem to be tied to a nightclub shooting from two years earlier. But when Heywood’s nine-year-old son, Akira, is kidnapped, ransom demands are given, and a winding trail through Boston’s underworld begins, Spenser puts together his own all-star team of toughs. It will take both Hawk and Spenser’s protégé, Zebulon Sixkill, to watch Spenser’s back and return the child to the football star’s sprawling Chestnut Hill mansion. A controversial decision from Heywood only ups the ante as the clock winds down on Akira’s future.

Product Details
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Putnam Adult (May 6 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0399161589
ISBN-13: 978-0399161582

My Review:

3/5

Sixkill (Spenser Mystery) [Hardcover]

I've finished "SixKill" the 39th book in his Spencer series by Robert B. Parker.

Product Description
 
An extraordinary new Spenser novel from the beloved New York Times-bestselling author.

On location in Boston, bad-boy actor Jumbo Nelson is accused of the rape and murder of a young woman. From the start the case seems fishy, so the Boston PD calls on Spenser to investigate. The situation doesn't look good for Jumbo, whose appetites for food, booze, and sex are as outsized as his name. He was the studio's biggest star, but he's become their biggest liability.

In the course of the investigation, Spenser encounters Jumbo's bodyguard: a young, former football-playing Native American named Zebulon Sixkill. Sixkill acts tough, but Spenser sees something more within the young man. Despite the odd circumstances, the two forge an unlikely alliance, with Spenser serving as mentor for Sixkill. As the case grows darker and secrets about both Jumbo and the dead girl come to light, it's Spenser-with Sixkill at his side-who must put things right.

About the Author

Robert B. Parker was the author of more than fifty books. He died in January 2010.

Product Details
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Putnam Adult (May 3, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0399157263
ISBN-13: 978-0399157264

My Review: 

A young girl is found dead in film actor Jumbo Nelson's hotel room and Lt. Quirk is convinced that he is being framed for crime.  He asks Spencer to do his detective work and find out what happened and who could be involved.  Rita Fiore is also in for the ride and still flirting with Spencer (which is a treat).

Along the way he meets SixKill better known as Z a Cree Indian bodyguard of Jumbo.  Spencer beats him in a boxing fight and takes him under his wing.  He brings him to his friend Henry who owns a gym who is willing to train boxing to him.  We also learn of Z's earlier years which Parker inserts inbetween his training with Henry and Spencer.

There were cameos by some of Spencer's deadly friends (Tony Marcus and T Bop and Junior, Victor Del Rio, Chollo, Bobby Horse, Lt Samuelson and of course Captain Quirk).  Hawk is still in Eastern Asia.

This book goes out with a big bang and the last book Parker wrote since he died last January.  He is missed!

4/5

Thanks Laura from Penguin Canada for sending me this book to review, greatly appreciated!