Hundred-Dollar Baby (Spenser)
by Robert B. Parker
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Book Reviews of Hundred-Dollar Baby (Spenser)
Book Review: SPENSER IS ROBERT PARKER'S BEST CHARACTER SO FAR
Summary: 4 Stars
This was my first Spenser novel and most certainly not the last. As someone who has picked up quite a few Robert Parkers over the years--there seem to be too many of them to avoid for long--and more often been disappointed than not, I was pleasantly surprised with this snappy psychological thriller.
Call me fastidious but for me a suspense novel should have the trifecta: a plot that intrigues to the very end, well developed characters, and crisp writing. For instance, I'm a devout fan of Lee Child's Jack Reacher, a roguish devil-may-care ex-marine who knows his stuff and is a big punchy character, in all senses of the word. But he does have the convenience of being a vagabond. Parker's private investigator Spenser on the other hand seems quite similar in build and disposition, but he's also a loving man with a regular life and a circle of equally interesting friends.
And that's where the novel derives most of its charm and wit. Chiefly, in the discussions between Spenser and his psychiatrist partner Susan. I read it as "Dream Girl" (different titles for the same book in different parts of the world are a mystery to me) and as the name suggests, Spenser must solve some unusual happenings for a high-class prosti...um, worker of the flesh, who finds herself in a spot of bother.
About which he goes with great aplomb. It reads like a police procedural but is among the sharpest novels I've read of late. There's more dialogue than descriptions, which is refreshing. Lots of I-said-he-said. The banter is sharp, sometimes thought-provoking, and often laugh-out-loud funny. I was done in less than a day and yet the characters were so adroitly sketched that I felt I've known Spenser for years. Perhaps because he and his friends are so easy to relate to.
Whether you are into Robert Parker or not, you won't go wrong with the Spenser series. Some googling suggests that he has had a longish run before this particular installment--this seems to be the 34th book in the volume--so I am not the best advocate of whether this is the best book to pick up as a primer to the series. But it sure has worked for me. Truly delightful read.
Book Review: One of the Weaker Spensers
Summary: 2 Stars
I've read nearly all the Spenser novels, and this is definitely one of the weaker ones.
HUNDRED-DOLLAR BABY re-introduces April Kyle, the high-class prostitute last seen in TAMING A SEA HORSE. Kyle has never been a particularly likable character, although Spenser does see her as something of a daughter figure due to her very difficult past. Anyway, Kyle is in trouble again, and Spenser investigates on her behalf, only to find out that her motives may be less than pure.
The plot of HUNDRED DOLLAR BABY is sluggish, and I didn't find it very suspenseful or involving. This is one of those stories where it's hard to find someone to root for. It's not hard to figure out how the story will end, although I do give Parker credit for an unsentimental finish. This is definitely not the best Spenser book to start with, since it features a multitude of characters that were first introduced in earlier books.
This book was okay, but I doubt most casual readers would like it. My advice is to skip this novel unless you're a hard core Spenser fan.
Book Review: Like an old pair of jeans that feel comfy
Summary: 4 Stars
Spenser has by now gotten so easy to read that you almost don't have to concentrate. You wonder if the author knows this: at one point in Hundred-dollar Baby Spenser says something about not having to look at the stuff in his apartment. Things are similar in Spenser's books: the stories are so simple, the characters so well-known, that you don't really have to read so much as absorb, and just let the book take you along for the ride Spenser is on.
The current entry has Spenser receiving a visit from April Kyle, the girl her rescued twice before in different books back in the 80s. In the current book she's now a madam. Her brothel is being harassed by local thugs, and she doesn't know why. Spenser, of course, is resourceful, and very tough, so he takes care of the thugs, and then things get a little curious and he can't seem to decide what's going on. Him figuring out who's killing off people is the rest of the book.
I have liked pretty much every Spenser novel. This one is one of the better of the later set of books, and I would recommend it.
Book Review: Back to basics with very good results
Summary: 4 Stars
Parker has had my attention for many books, but lately they were getting wackier and less interesting. But in Hundred Dollar Baby, he has gone back into the past and plucked out a character that we all have read about two other times - April Kyle. This time she has more going on and the storyline is very intriguing. The plot is a little more complex and that makes this more like the older style books.
Spenser is hired to help April again, but finds himself at the end of many lies by just about all of the characters in question. Hawk is back in the supporting role and Susan is just there, but not at the center of attention.
April is attempting to start up a chain of very high end prostitution houses in larger cities across the U.S. She is in bed (not literally) with Patricia Utley and several not so trustworthy individuals.
The dialogue is crisp and the writing very concise. This is Parker at his best.
Book Review: Lousy Story Line - Bad Ending!
Summary: 1 Stars
I have always been a fan of detective storys and thought I try out the Robert B. Parker book - Hundred Dollar Baby.
I love the beginning of the book and it really turned kind of boring in the middle and thought that the ending would turn out okay but it did not end up okay! I did not really like the book in it entirety - story was stupid. Spenser in this book - is just not a rational detective - take on a case and would not drop it even with no client at the middle to the end of the story. Did not get any financial rewards out of it but alot of expenses and heartache to boot. Stupid detective in my opinion; not a business man at all! Kind of a fool in a lot of respects! Got to read the book to understand my points.
It was a poorly written; badly thought out storylines I have come across.
I will try another Spencer book as soon as I return this one for my money back.