
When fourteen-year-old Mattie Sullivan asks Spenser to look into her mother's murder, he's not completely convinced by her claim that the police investigation four years ago was botched. Mattie has been left to care for her younger siblings and an alcoholic grandmother in a dilapidated apartment in South Boston. But her need for closure and her determination to make things right hit Spenser where he lives. Mattie believes the man convicted of the crime is innocent, and points Spenser to the Southie toughs she saw carrying her mother away hours before her murder. He will need Hawk's help to find peace for Mattie.--From back cover.
Publisher:
Waterville, Maine : Thorndike Press, 2012
Edition:
Large print edition
Description:
423 pages ; 23 cm
ISBN:
9781410448149
1410448142
1410448142
Branch Call Number:
LP Park
Additional Contributors:



Opinion
From the critics

Community Activity

Comment
Add a CommentI've read everything Parker wrote. I was ready to dislike this by Atkins and found that once I became used to the difference in voice I liked it quite a bit.
It will be interesting to see if Atkins can keep it up.
First book by Parker that I've read. I think that the plight of Mattie made it especially interesting. Too bad that the "f" word offends some readers; however this style of communication fits in with the characters' lives. Walk past any high school and you'll hear it more often than not!
I do wish writers did not feel the need to use the "f" word and other similar 4-letter-type words every other sentence. Do they not have any other vocabulary?
I was impressed, thought Atkins did a pretty good job. I'm not a huge Parker fan but I've read a number of his books and I thought this was pretty close to his style and attitude. Though the Boston local colour sometimes seemed laid on a little thick.
I'm declaring up front that I'm a big fan of both authors. Atkins does a creditable job here as an hommage to Parker, but this book fell strangely flat for me. Something unquantifiable missing. In any case, I much prefer Atkins writing in his own voice and I miss Parker.
As usual, I couldn't put it down. Read it in a day! Ace Atkins is keeping Parker's style!
Happy that Spencer is back!!! Enjoyed the book but thought that Spencer's banter was a little over the top.
They're back. Spenser and Hawk remain stalwart and invincible. Enjoy!
I was very sad when Robert B. Parker left us. Along with Robert, his characters left us. Now Robert's characters live on through other authors. I really like the way Ace Atkins writes. I have missed Spencer and now he is back.
Good to have a chance to catch up with Spenser & Hawk & a bunch of the gang we have come to know & love. It must be a daunting task to take over such a beloved series with a huge fan base. Most of it rings true although the quips between the two main characters seem a little forced at times. Parker's gift was saying much with few words & wry humour & is a tough act to follow.