The brilliant new Spenser novel from the beloved New York Times–bestselling author Robert B. Parker.
Called upon by The Hammond Museum and renowned art scholar Dr. Ashton Prince, Spenser accepts his latest case: to provide protection during a ransom exchange—money for a stolen painting.
The case becomes personal when Spenser fails to protect his client and the valuable painting remains stolen. Convinced that Ashton Prince played a bigger role than just ransom delivery boy, Spenser enters into a daring game of cat-and-mouse with the thieves. But this is a game he might not come out of alive. . . .
Completed the year before he passed away, Painted Ladies is Spenser and Robert B. Parker at their electrifying best.
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"I was sad to read Parker's last Spencer book, but thoroughly enjoyed it. I did miss Hawk who was only mentioned in passing. This Spencer outing centers on art stolen during the Holocaust and is written in Parker's typical sparse, humourous voice. His clever dialogue is always a pleasure to read."
— Tiger (4 out of 5 stars)
" This was Parker's last novel, and Joe Montegna reads it so very well. I absolutely love his take on Spenser. "
— Linda, 2/18/2014" Certainly not the best of his Spenser novels, but, a good read anyway. Still some of his books that I haven't read, but, with his death, the world of detective novels has a big vacancy. "
— Ron, 2/18/2014" Parker's sentences are getting shorter and shorter in this one, though I still enjoyed it. I noticed this one was published by his estate and wonder if that was his intention. "
— Roberta, 2/12/2014" I greatly missed Hawk in this book, especially since this was Parker's last Spenser book before he passed. I will continue to miss him greatly. "
— Julie, 2/2/2014" This was the next to last Spenser novel written. I just love the character and do not get tired of him. Joe Mantegna reads these books well and sounds like I have imagine Spenser to be. It is sad that there will be no more Spenser stories. I have enjoyed this series for over 30 years. They are a lot of fun. "
— Edward, 1/24/2014" first spenser novel i've ever read - amazon offered the download for 99 cents. it's the last in the series and from what i've read, not the strongest. i did enjoy the witty dialogue, so perhaps i'll check out one of the early novels. "
— Michaela, 1/20/2014" Great book! This had some of the funniest dialogue ever. Pithy. "
— Yeva, 12/22/2013" This was a pretty solid who-done-it. I missed Hawk though. "
— James, 12/22/2013" So sad at the loss of Robert B. Parker. His annual Spencer novels were always a pleasure. I wish that I could speak as smartly as his characters. This edition about art and the Holocaust was interesting and fast paced. His novels enjoyable alone are better over time and as the characters evolved. "
— Kate, 12/17/2013" This book was a disappointment, especially since it may be the last Spenser. Too much Susan, too much Pearl, no Hawk. "
— Phyllis, 12/10/2013" It was a good book. I always have liked his books and this one didn't disappoint me. I was able to picture what I was reading. "
— Kristie, 12/4/2013" So this is the last Spenser novel? Boo hoo! So long RBP! "
— Mark, 10/2/2013" Bittersweet reading another Spenser novel knowing that Robert B. Parker is gone. This story involved a stolen painting with lots of typical Spenser-Susan banter. "
— Marge, 6/30/2013" It was a good book. "
— Bill, 4/28/2013" Latest and possibly last Spenser novel by late author. Not up to his usual standard: Holocaust reference particularly unsatisfying for this reader. "
— Caroline, 4/8/2013" One of the better Spenser stories, makes one wonder how many he would have written if he lived longer. Typically a fast read. Wasn't sure who the culprit was till the end. Even though the dialogue is always the same I really don't tire of it. "
— John, 9/21/2012" Now we're headed through the posthumous releases. I thought the last Spenser novel he finished while alive was a pretty perfect way to end (what with transferring the Spenserisms to the Indian dude) and this seemed like a step back. I should have probably read this one first, but you know, couldn't. "
— Maggard, 9/15/2012" Typical Spenser novel - but I liked. "
— Tobietob, 7/21/2012" Loved it. Spencer is always a lot of fun to read; great dialogue between Spencer and Susan... actually, between Spencer and all of the other supporting characters. "
— Robin, 10/17/2011" I like Parker because his books are quick to read (3 hours for this one) , but he still packs in lots of plot twists and great dialog. "
— Rob, 10/16/2011" Meh. Enjoyable, but subpar. Glad Sixkill followed. A better final Spenser. "
— Jeremy, 8/24/2011" Bittersweet reading another Spenser novel knowing that Robert B. Parker is gone. This story involved a stolen painting with lots of typical Spenser-Susan banter. "
— Marge, 5/18/2011" What can I say? This was published after Parker's death, and is vintage Spenser: an interesting crime, good looking women, devotion to his dog and his true love. I will miss having new installments in this saga. "
— Nkm, 4/30/2011" A fast read. Sharp dialogue and Spencer is his usual self. Only thing missing is his side kick, Hawk who is not in this story. "
— Richard, 4/25/2011" Pretty good in the Spenser/Hawk/Silverman series. Repartee, some action, cooking, and local Boston color. "
— Alan, 4/25/2011" Love Spenser. Robert B Parker will be missed "
— Jenna, 4/24/2011" Very enjoyable hard-boiled mystery w/ dead-pan humor. Good guy read. One minor quibble: too much "He said", "She said", rather than mixing in more descriptive verbs "
— Kathyred, 4/20/2011" Just finished Painted Ladies, the last book of the Spenser series, written last year just before the death of author Robert B. Parker. I'm going to miss Spenser... "
— Sharon, 4/16/2011" Parker's writing about Spenser became mechanical in his last years, with lots of repetitious dialogue about how great he & Susan & their relationship are. A disappointment. "
— Michael, 4/8/2011" <br/>What am i going to do without my Spenser? "
— Susan, 4/5/2011" Robert B. Parker may not have been a "high end" writer, but his stylistic staccato dialogue and dry humour are always a readable combination.<br/><br/>Plot doesn't matter so much as what Spenser does to preserve his own sense of honour and how he gets there. Good rainy day fast read. "
— Scotchneat, 4/1/2011Robert B. Parker (1932–2010), long acknowledged as the dean of American crime fiction, was the New York Times bestselling author of the Spenser mysteries, as well as the Jesse Stone novels. He was named Grand Master at the 2002 Edgar Awards by the Mystery Writers of America, an honor shared with earlier masters such as Alfred Hitchcock and Ellery Queen. He has more than fifty books to his credit.
Joe Mantegna is a versatile, seasoned actor on both stage and screen. He first garnered national prominence for his work with writer-director David Mamet, earning a Tony Award for Glengarry Glen Ross in 1983. His name has become synonymous with Robert B. Parker’s Spenser since he has narrated the entire series.