Hugger Mugger (A Spenser novel) [Paperback]

As always Hugger Mugger is well written with a tight plot which is an entertaining read. It doesn't really offer anything new to the Spenser series though and Hawk is noticeably absent. It's good but it lacks the sparkle that made books like 'Small Vices' and 'Night Passage' so good.

In the next scene he is back in Boston taking a case to get rid of a nanny's stalker for the mother of the child the nanny cares for. The real problem is much different than what it seems and Spenser helps all concerned. This story may seem like a mere interlude but it is important as a foreshadowing for understanding the primary story line . . . so pay attention!

Then Spenser has a new client who hires him to solve the human murder. Now the story gets into normal Spenser mode with lots of asking questions, breaking heads, and getting help from friends. The unraveling of the story reveals many interesting plot complications that show a lot about the character of the people involved. You'll love this part of the story!

Since Robert Parker has written so many Spenser novels, and most people have read quite a lot of them, this book requires a more complicated rating system than most to be helpful to the experienced Spenser reader. While even a bad Spenser novel (if such a thing were to ever occur) would still get a high overall rating, the books require comparisons to each other so you will be prepared for the experience ahead.

First, the best part of this book is the plot. Parker obviously went to a lot of trouble to create a plot that meant that people were the opposite of what they seemed like on the surface. And the plot works. But let me warn you, the book starts off very slowly. The first 111 pages are really just the introduction to the novel. You may find it a little boring in that section. I know I did. Think of it as character development, because that it what it is for (for the characters in the book, and for patience as an aspect of your character).

Second, Parker has written some truly delicious lines and just dropped them in here and there to remind you what a fabulous writer he can be. These are usually descriptions, and seem to capture everything in a moment. The ones in this book are about as good as his quips get.

Third, Parker likes irony. This book is more full of irony than perhaps any other in the series. If you hate irony, you won't like this book very much. He even has the characters making ironical hints about irony, just in case you miss the point. I love irony, and therefore I thought this was one of his best books overall.

Fourth, there is no Hawk. For many, that will mean the book can only be so good. Tedy Sapp, the gay ex-cop turned bar bouncer, plays that role. I thought this worked well, but for those who live for Hawk it isn't quite the same.

Fifth, Susan does much more than usual. She's out doing a little detecting with Spenser in some of my favorite haunts in San Francisco. The Susan role is well above average for her.

Sixth, this book also seems to be a satire on the Dick Francis books. Spenser makes fun of all the things that Dick Francis would make frightening or important. I thought it was wickedly funny . . . and I am a devoted Dick Francis fan.

Seventh, Spenser as Superman is built up more than usual. Parker obviously wants you to think about what it would be like to live without fear. I think he got the point across well.

Eighth, Parker has done an unusually good job of using comments by characters to foreshadow future events, like the fools do in Shakespeare. This added a wonderful depth for developing the plot around the concept that character flaws are destiny. This was a terrific stylistic addition.

Ninth, on the downside, Parker continues his overuse of food references as context. In this one, you read more about Coca-Cola and doughnuts than you want to. Please, Robert Parker, we get it. Just do each one once or twice per book! On the other hand, he used more restraint and variety in describing feeding carrots to horses and that worked very well.

Should you miss this book if you are a Spenser fan? Are you kidding? Not a chance!

After you have finished reading the book, think about places in your life where other people may not be as they seem. How can you find out what they are really like? Then, if you dare, think about something you are afraid to do that you should do, and ask yourself what you would do if you were Spenser. Then imagine you are Spenser and give it a shot. You may make some interesting progress as a result. You could become irresistible.