Robert B. Parker to me is the Tony Scott (R.I.P.) to Raymond Chandler's
Ridley Scott. From Raymond we got medium changing masterpieces that will
live on forever. We don't get that from Parker, but what we do get is a
steady stream of more-than-adequate books, with plenty verging towards
brilliant.
But I just can't make my mind up about this one, and I
think it can't make its own mind up either. The story (very, very mild
spoilers) is really in three parts.
The first sets the scene and
contains a flew flecks of mild peril. The second is a
coming-of-age/family drama. The third is the more thriller-driven
conclusion. It tries its hardest to blend a rather warm story about a
kid trying to get a start in life with the typical Parker detective
mystery. Unfortunately as a result it never really achieves either in my
opinion.
The more emotive side of the tale seems a little rushed
and clumsy; using some cliched hollywood pivotal moments in the
development of the relationships. On the other hand, the
mystery/thriller element is cleaved in two and never really goes beyond a
couple of basic clues and a very plain and unimaginative final
confrontation.
But I won't lie, I enjoyed it nonetheless. Even
when he does not get it quite right, Parker gives a standard of wit and
punch that most other authors can't manage.
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