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Spenser #51
Robert B. Parker's Hot Property
Spenser investigates a case that hits far too close to home for his comfort in this latest installment of Robert B. Parker's beloved series.Spenser is waiting out the latest Boston snow storm when he gets word that Rita Fiore's been shot. Rita's always been a tricky nudging Spenser for years, she's an ever-present figure that transcends friendship in Spenser's circle. Like many of them, at the end of the day, Rita is family. And family will always be protected.Both a pit bull in the courtroom and provocateur outside it, though, Rita is no stranger to controversy. But as one of the city's toughest lawyers, Spenser knows that there's no short list of suspects who might want to enact revenge. With Rita's life hanging in the balance, it's up to him to get to the bottom of things, even if it means unearthing some savory secrets.
352 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication November 26, 2024
About the author
Mike Lupica
107 books1,129 followersMike Lupica is one of the most prominent sports writers in America. His longevity at the top of his field is based on his experience and insider's knowledge, coupled with a provocative presentation that takes an uncompromising look at the tumultuous world of professional sports. Today he is a syndicated columnist for the New York Daily News, which includes his popular "Shooting from the Lip" column, which appears every Sunday.
He began his newspaper career covering the New York Knicks for the New York Post at age 23. He became the youngest columnist ever at a New York paper with the New York Daily News, which he joined in 1977. For more than 30 years, Lupica has added magazines, novels, sports biographies, other non-fiction books on sports, as well as television to his professional resume. For the past fifteen years, he has been a TV anchor for ESPN's The Sports Reporters. He also hosted his own program, The Mike Lupica Show on ESPN2.
He began his newspaper career covering the New York Knicks for the New York Post at age 23. He became the youngest columnist ever at a New York paper with the New York Daily News, which he joined in 1977. For more than 30 years, Lupica has added magazines, novels, sports biographies, other non-fiction books on sports, as well as television to his professional resume. For the past fifteen years, he has been a TV anchor for ESPN's The Sports Reporters. He also hosted his own program, The Mike Lupica Show on ESPN2.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 13, 2024
Spenser has sure had a long life solving crime in Boston and the series has had it's ups and downs but Hot Property by Mike Lupica is one of the best in a long while. We get to meet some of our favorite characters created by the great Robert Parker. This book was actually one where I didn't constantly think about how old Spenser must be. It is a well written story with a good mystery and I am glad I still read these books. I must thank Penguin Random House , G.P. Putnam's Sons and Edelweiss for supplying me with this advance copy.
June 12, 2024
“Robert B. Parker’s Hot Property” by Mike Lupica was another terrific book in the Spencer series. I am a huge fan of this series and this book has all our favorite characters back. Spencer is on the lookout for his next case when dear friend and colleague Rita Fiore is shot and almost killed. What seems at first to be an unsolvable crime leads Spencer & Hawk into the criminal world of Boston politics and its shady villains. A fun read!
Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 2, 2024
Another great continuation of this series. I was sad when RBP passed away because I had always enjoyed this series and his others but the authors that have taken them over have done so well with them. Spenser still has his quirky sense of humor that makes him such a lovable character and the storylines continue just as they had. Thanks to the publisher for this copy for read and review
June 1, 2024
ARC from Edelweiss. Rita is shot and Spenser,Hawk,Belson and Quick are on the case. Throw in Jesse Stone and a cast of other known players and you have a fun mystery with great banter and of course the good guys win. Love this series.
June 10, 2024
In Mike Lupica's latest Robert Parker Spenser novel, Hot Property, readers are treated to another excellent rendition of Robert Parker's voice through Mike Lupica's pen. Spenser is as usual looking for his next case, but not stressing over it, enjoying his time with his significant other, Susan, and his partner and best friend, Hawk. They live a good life in Boston, Mass, interrupted at times by detective cases only Spenser can unravel such as finding lost people or solving unsolvable crimes. This one is more personal. Spenser's good friend, Rita, is almost killed for no apparent reason and Spenser won’t let it go until he can figure out who did it. Untangling this one takes unexpected turns that don’t even slow Spenser down despite being a few more murders and an attempt in his own life. All of this--no surprise--Spenser takes in stride.
Besides being a well paced book with likable characters, Spenser has a sense of humor that never fails to spice up the story. For example:
“We were going for elegant here, champ,” she said. “Not to mention swellegant,”
“You’re a pretty funny guy,” he said. “Yeah,” I said, “but I’m trying to quit.”
The original author of the Spenser character, Robert Parker, is dead but this continuation of the series is the unusual example of a new author (Mike Lupica) able to take on original author's persona and writing style almost perfectly. If you liked the early Spenser stories, you will still love this one.
Besides being a well paced book with likable characters, Spenser has a sense of humor that never fails to spice up the story. For example:
“We were going for elegant here, champ,” she said. “Not to mention swellegant,”
“You’re a pretty funny guy,” he said. “Yeah,” I said, “but I’m trying to quit.”
The original author of the Spenser character, Robert Parker, is dead but this continuation of the series is the unusual example of a new author (Mike Lupica) able to take on original author's persona and writing style almost perfectly. If you liked the early Spenser stories, you will still love this one.
May 27, 2024
This eARC was given to me by Netgalley.com and I am providing an unbiased review.
Where do I start with this one? Well, if you remember from the 1980's, there was a television show called Spenser For Hire starring Robert Urich as a private detective in Boston named Spenser. I did not know then, this was based on the first books Robert Parker had put out, but I grew up loving that show. As an adult, I went back and through the library read pretty much the whole series, and some off-shoots as well. This is around/about book 52 in the Spenser series, with the last dozen (guessing) written by a few different authors.
I always love getting back into the character lives of a large series like this one. I have written a few reviews on other books by Lupica, including a Spenser book or two. He has well-mastered the writing style Parker had created and used for his stories, and it just helps (in my mind) how I play the story out in my imagination as I read it. One of the things I really liked about this story, is the connection to many of the other series that Parker had created (Jesse Stone, Sunny Randall). Both of those characters either made an appearance, or were mentioned, at some point in the tale. This series has always been one of my favorites, and would like to see more, but not sure where the story can go after this many books.
Where do I start with this one? Well, if you remember from the 1980's, there was a television show called Spenser For Hire starring Robert Urich as a private detective in Boston named Spenser. I did not know then, this was based on the first books Robert Parker had put out, but I grew up loving that show. As an adult, I went back and through the library read pretty much the whole series, and some off-shoots as well. This is around/about book 52 in the Spenser series, with the last dozen (guessing) written by a few different authors.
I always love getting back into the character lives of a large series like this one. I have written a few reviews on other books by Lupica, including a Spenser book or two. He has well-mastered the writing style Parker had created and used for his stories, and it just helps (in my mind) how I play the story out in my imagination as I read it. One of the things I really liked about this story, is the connection to many of the other series that Parker had created (Jesse Stone, Sunny Randall). Both of those characters either made an appearance, or were mentioned, at some point in the tale. This series has always been one of my favorites, and would like to see more, but not sure where the story can go after this many books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2024
After attorney Rita Fiore enlists Spenser and Hawk to recover nude photos from an ex-lover threatening to publish them, she is shot and seriously wounded. As Rita recovers, Spenser and Hawk set out to find her would-be killer, starting with the most obvious suspect. However, Spenser's investigation soon uncovers a deeper, more sinister connection involving one of Rita's lovers and the corrupt underbelly of local politics.
While the post-Robert B. Parker novels have sometimes fallen short of the original author’s work, Hot Property stands as an exception. Mike Lupica takes readers through familiar Boston territory, capturing their attention from the outset.
One of the novel's strengths is Lupica's skillful integration of characters from the Spenser universe, as well as from other Parker series. Their presence enhances the plot without overcrowding it, a balance that even Parker and his series successors occasionally struggled to maintain.
All these elements combine to create an outstanding addition to the Spenser series. With Robert B. Parker’s Hot Property, it’s clear that the series is in adept hands with Lupica.
While the post-Robert B. Parker novels have sometimes fallen short of the original author’s work, Hot Property stands as an exception. Mike Lupica takes readers through familiar Boston territory, capturing their attention from the outset.
One of the novel's strengths is Lupica's skillful integration of characters from the Spenser universe, as well as from other Parker series. Their presence enhances the plot without overcrowding it, a balance that even Parker and his series successors occasionally struggled to maintain.
All these elements combine to create an outstanding addition to the Spenser series. With Robert B. Parker’s Hot Property, it’s clear that the series is in adept hands with Lupica.
September 24, 2024
G.P. Putnam and Sons / Penguin Random House provided an early galley for review.
This is the fifty-first book in the Spenser series and the thirty-seventh I've read. To say I am a fan of Parker's Boston detective would a valid statement. Once more Lupica is behind the wheel (after a nine book run by Ace Atkins following Parker's passing in 2010).
There are some standard formula elements that readers come to expect in the series, and Lupica hits them all with ease. He is clearly at home playing in Parker's sandboxes (also dipping into a bit with Parker's Jesse Stone series for which Lupica has also penned a few novels as well). After over fifty years (the series started in 1973), this is very much comfort food.
The chapters tend to be short which keeps the pacing ever moving forward. The dialogue is sharp and snappy with an often sarcastic hint as well. It all fits the genre, the characters and the Boston locale. It all goes down quite easily.
This is the fifty-first book in the Spenser series and the thirty-seventh I've read. To say I am a fan of Parker's Boston detective would a valid statement. Once more Lupica is behind the wheel (after a nine book run by Ace Atkins following Parker's passing in 2010).
There are some standard formula elements that readers come to expect in the series, and Lupica hits them all with ease. He is clearly at home playing in Parker's sandboxes (also dipping into a bit with Parker's Jesse Stone series for which Lupica has also penned a few novels as well). After over fifty years (the series started in 1973), this is very much comfort food.
The chapters tend to be short which keeps the pacing ever moving forward. The dialogue is sharp and snappy with an often sarcastic hint as well. It all fits the genre, the characters and the Boston locale. It all goes down quite easily.
June 6, 2024
No Spenser novel would be complete without his loyal ride or die Hawk who like Spenser can relate to how it feels to be a gunshot victim when attorney Rita Fiore is shot and left to die. In Parker style, lots of twists and turns, a revisit to even characters from the past like Joe Broz, and interconnectivity of worlds that collide.
Although it was not as much of a page turner as previous installments in the series, having been a fan of Parker's different series since the beginning, always enjoy when there is a crossover in this latest Spenser novel of his Paradise cop, Jesse Stone and mention of fellow private investigator Sunny Randall.
One surprise is what may be the beginning of a beautiful friendship between two people that you would never see coming.
I received a complimentary ARC from NetGalley and voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Although it was not as much of a page turner as previous installments in the series, having been a fan of Parker's different series since the beginning, always enjoy when there is a crossover in this latest Spenser novel of his Paradise cop, Jesse Stone and mention of fellow private investigator Sunny Randall.
One surprise is what may be the beginning of a beautiful friendship between two people that you would never see coming.
I received a complimentary ARC from NetGalley and voluntarily leaving an honest review.
July 22, 2024
I recently had the chance to read an advance copy of "Robert B. Parker’s Hot Property" by Mike Lupica, thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group. This was my introduction to the Spenser novels, and I found it to be an enjoyable read. The story revolves around Rita Fiore, who is shot and left in a precarious situation, which is a fairly typical plotline for this genre.
Although I found this book a bit more challenging to engage with compared to other works by Mike Lupica, it was still a solid read. I particularly liked the dynamic between Rita and Spenser and appreciated Rita's strong character presence throughout the story. Since I dove into this series without prior knowledge of the main characters, I would recommend new readers start with some of the earlier books to gain better context, but it's still a manageable standalone read.
Although I found this book a bit more challenging to engage with compared to other works by Mike Lupica, it was still a solid read. I particularly liked the dynamic between Rita and Spenser and appreciated Rita's strong character presence throughout the story. Since I dove into this series without prior knowledge of the main characters, I would recommend new readers start with some of the earlier books to gain better context, but it's still a manageable standalone read.
May 16, 2024
Hot Property is the latest Spenser novel written by Mike Lupica and is one of the best. For this reader, it is comfortable reading about all the familiar characters (Spenser, Hawk, Susan and Jesse Stone to name a few) and locations with which we are all familiar. The story begins with the shooting of Rita Fiore (Spenser’s friend and “go to” attorney) and the search for the one responsible and continues with investigations into murders, missing persons, mob connections, etc. Without giving details, this intriguing novel was impossible for this reader to put down and was read in less than 24 hours.
I thank NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.
I thank NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.
July 27, 2024
I'm absolutely hooked on this latest addition to the Spenser series! The continuation from Robert B. Parker is seamless, and the storyline is captivating right from the start. I was immediately drawn into the world of Spenser as he was confronted with the shooting of longtime friend, Rita Fiore. Rita's character has always been intriguing, and the dynamics within Spenser's circle add depth to the story.
As Spenser delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers more secrets and potential threats. I loved the addition of Al of our favorite characters, especially Jesse Stone. This book has definitely left me eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series—I'm already looking forward to the next thrilling adventure with Spenser!
As Spenser delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers more secrets and potential threats. I loved the addition of Al of our favorite characters, especially Jesse Stone. This book has definitely left me eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series—I'm already looking forward to the next thrilling adventure with Spenser!
June 25, 2024
As a dedicated Spenser fan, I find it hard to believe this is book #51 in the series. Each title in this excellent series always seems fresh and original to me as I eagerly wait for them to be released. The Boston communiity in which Spenser lives and works seems familiar even though I've never been there. The characters are old friends or extensions of my literary family. In HOT PROPERTY, Rita Flores is shot and almost killed. As a well known lawyer who battles for her clients, she has acquired a few enemies along the way, but Spenser will make they sorry they chose Rita as their target. As always, the story line is great, the clues are there, the surprise at the end.....guaranteed.
September 22, 2024
I have loved Spenser books since the very beginning. I was not sure other authors would be able to capture that special way of writing dialogue that Robert B. Parker had in every book, especially the Susan and Spenser ones. Mike Lupica has accomplished the dialogue, the pacing and the storylines. Hot Property is another great addition, this time with government corruption and bringing characters back in that we have come to know and love. Can’t wait for the next Spenser entry.
Published in 2024
Grade: A-
Published in 2024
Grade: A-
September 9, 2024
READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books
Make sure to check out the full review
Make sure to check out the full review
May 19, 2024
Lupica flawlessly delivers a new Spenser novel. For those of us who are Spenser groupies, this doesn’t disappoint. Many of Spenser’s gang are brought back together to search for the shooter of Rita Fiore.
This book is exciting, twisty and a real treat for Spenser fans.
This book is exciting, twisty and a real treat for Spenser fans.
May 23, 2024
I love Spenser and Mike Lupica has done a good job (big shoes to fill). He generally captures RBP's style well. For some reason this one didn't resonate with me that much (maybe it's me?). I won't stop reading them!!
June 2, 2024
I've only read a few Mike Lupica books and this one was very enjoyable. Looking forward to reading more
June 25, 2024
Mike Lupica does Robert B. Parker and Spenser proud.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews