There's something sad about reading the second last Spenser novel. I'm going to miss Robert B. Parker's wit, the thoughtful conversations between the characters. Painted Ladies brought appearances by most of the cops in Spenser's life, along with a few other friends, but Hawk is missing. I hope he's in the last book in the series.When a painting is stolen from the Hammond Museum, and there's a ransom demand, Dr. Ashton Prince is asked to handle the exchange, money for the painting. Prince hires Spenser to protect him, but the site of the exchange, and the details, are very carefully set up, and everything goes wrong. Spenser didn't take care of his client, so he's determined to make it right.
However, it seems that no one else really cares. On the advice of their attorney, the Hammond won't deal with Spenser. No one at Walford University, where Prince taught, seems particularly upset. The professor's widow is caught up in her own world. Even the insurance company's representative isn't interested in the investigation. Not having a client has never stopped Spenser, when he's determined to discover the secrets behind his client's murder. This time, though, someone has Spenser targeted, and he thinks it involves this case.
This mystery involving the art world takes Spenser down some unexpected paths. In a change from recent books, there's actually more mystery involved in this book by Parker. It's a treat to watch Spenser work a puzzling case. But, as always, the greatest treat is spending time in Spenser's world, with Susan and Pearl, and the cops who respect his ability. Spenser is the detective who recognizes and can recite poetry, appreciates attractive women, but always remains faithful. It's going to be tough to finally lose mystery's knight in shining armor, the detective with a code of honor.
Painted Ladies by Robert B. Parker. G.P. Putnam's Sons, ©2010. ISBN 9780399156854 (hardcover), 304p.
*****
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