There’s recently been a hash tag topic on Twitter called #100FactsAboutMe. The idea is to tweet 100 facts about yourself (I suppose). One afternoon I decided that this would be a great idea cause let’s face it… people want to know all about Chewie. So… without further build up here’s my list:
- I’m part of the @clevelanddotcom Twitter Twenty! #CLE20
- I live in Cleveland but I’m a Steeler fan. In my defense, I grew up in Pittsburgh.
- I chewed tobacco for 17+ years. When I quit I started http://www.killthecan.org/ to help others quit.
- I’m adopted. So is my brother… Continue reading
These types of lists typically come out at the beginning of the year. I’m all for giving convention the middle finger so I’m doing it in the day after St. Patrick’s Day. Got a problem with that? Part of why I keep this blog is as some sort of “outlet” for my creative juices. Another is that in this day and age this is about the only “cool” way for a guy to keep a diary. I go back and often and read stuff that I’ve written in the past so these types of lists I get a real… Continue reading
BOOK DETAIL/INFORMATION:
This is the sixth Spenser novel written by Robert B. Parker. It was originally published in 1980. The book’s title character Rachel Wallace would go on to be a recurring character in the Spenser universe.
Preceded By: The Judas Goat Followed By: Early Autumn
PLOT SUMMARY: Rachel Wallace is a lesbian feminist author who hires Spenser for a security detail. She’s completely biased against him and his macho ways and eventually fires him. Afterward, she is kidnapped and “The Code” kicks in and Spenser takes it upon himself to rescue her.
COMMENTARY: This is a pretty straight forward… Continue reading
This is the ninth Jesse Stone novel written by Robert B. Parker. It was originally published in 2010 and was the first book published after the death of Dr. Parker.
NOTE: This review will contain spoilers.
Preceded By: Night And Day
PLOT SUMMARY:
This is essentially two stories in one novel, one of them being a Jesse Stone story and one of them being a Sunny Randall story. The Stone side of the story goes something like this. A mob shooter ends up dead in the trunk of his car in Paradise. After some investigation, Jesse and… Continue reading
BOOK DETAILS/INFORMATION:
This is the thirty-eighth (38) Spenser novel written by Robert B. Parker. It was originally published in 2009. Recurring characters include Susan Silverman, Vinnie Morris, Hawk, Tony Marcus, & Ty Bop.
NOTE: This review will contain spoilers.
Preceded By: Rough Weather
PLOT SUMMARY:
Spenser is hired by a lawyer named Elizabeth Shaw to get to the bottom of her client’s problem – blackmail. Shaw’s clients, wives of rich older men, have a mutual connection: they’ve all had an affair with a man named Gary Eisenhower— and now that he’s done doing the dirty with them, he’s getting dirtier…… Continue reading
BOOK DETAILS/INFORMATION:
This is fourth Spenser novel written by Robert B. Parker. It was originally published in 1977. Of particular note here is the first appearance of Hawk.
Preceded By: Mortal Stakes Followed By: The Judas Goat
NOTE: This review will contain spoilers.
PLOT SUMMARY:
Real estate magnate Harvey Shepard hires Spenser to find his wife Pam who’s gone missing. He quickly locates her and determines that for a variety of reasons she does not want to be back home. During one discussion at Harvey’s house Spenser crosses paths with his longtime friend (and current leg breaker) Hawk. The… Continue reading
BOOK DETAILS/INFORMATION:
This is the thirty-sixth (36) Spenser novel written by Robert B. Parker. It was originally published in 2008. Returning once again (for his third appearance) is Rugar (The Gray Man).
NOTE: This review will contain spoilers.
Preceded By: Now And Then
PLOT SUMMARY:
Spenser is hired to accompany professional gold digger Heidi Bradshaw to the wedding of her daughter. The wedding takes place at the incredibly posh (and secluded – wink wink nudge nudge) Tashtego Island which is only accessible via boat or helicopter. This is obviously a plot point that is flushed out rather quickly. Spenser… Continue reading
BOOK DETAIL/INFORMATION:
This is the third Spenser novel written by Robert B. Parker. It was originally published in 1975. Recurring character Patricia Utley makes her first appearance in this book.
Preceded By: God Save the Child Followed By: Promised Land
PLOT SUMMARY:
Spenser is back at it and has been hired by the Boston Red Sox to determine if their best pitcher (Marty Rabb) is throwing games… throwing them to the mob. Along the way (as he’s prone to do) Spenser pulls one thread and gets himself involved in a plot that is more than meets the eye. Spenser quickly… Continue reading
BOOK DETAILS/INFORMATION:
This is the eighth Jesse Stone novel written by Robert B. Parker. It was originally published in 2009.
Preceded By: Stranger In Paradise Followed By: Split Image
PLOT SUMMARY:
Jesse is back at it again being Chief the only way he knows how to. The high school principal Betsy Ingersoll takes it upon herself to be the “panty police” with her students checking to make sure that her student’s undergarments are “proper”. The students and their parents are obviously outraged and come to Jesse who proceeds to investigate. He knows that Ms. Ingersoll is in the wrong and… Continue reading
Robert B. Parker – R.I.P.
The world lost a great author yesterday when Robert B. Parker died at his home in Massachusetts. Dr. Parker was the author of over 50 novels. He was 77 years old and is survived by his wife and two sons. Ever the working man, Dr. Parker died sitting at his desk.
Even if you weren’t a fan of Parker’s work you may very well know one of his characters – Spenser of Spenser For Hire fame brought to life by Robert Urich. Spenser was subsequently played by Joe Mantegna in several made for TV movies. Spenser is a wise cracking… Continue reading →