Robert B. Parker, the author of dozens of Spenser novels, as well as many others, died on January 18, 2010. He was 77. He apparently died doing what he loved, writing. His wife Joan found him at his desk having died of an apparent heart attack while she was out.
In addition to his Spenser books, Parker also wrote Jesse Stone novels, Sunny Randall novels, several westerns featuring Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch, and lots of other fiction and non-fiction.
Although I never met him, I’ve been to several book signings, meetings and conventions where he was the guest speaker. He always seemed to be a straight-shooter, a witty, down-to-earth man who was much like his Spenser character.
His first Spenser novel, “The Godwulf Manuscript” came out in 1973 — the same year that I graduated from high school. I, as well as many others, was an immediate fan. I’ve reviewed several of his books on this blog — most quite favorably. And while I won’t say that I’ve read all of Robert B. Parker’s books — or even all of his Spenser novels — I haven’t missed many.
Dennis Lehane wrote that the first chaper of his first novel “A Drink Before The War” was so much Robert Parker that he was “surprised he didn’t sue me.’’ Robert Crais, known for his Elvis Cole/Joe Pike novels (I just finished reading “The First Rule”), said Parker "opened the doors for everyone who came after."
That’s high praise from two contemporary writers for this great talent who will be missed by many.
Comments