Robert B. Parker's Angel Eyes by Ace Atkins

Robert B. Parker's Angel Eyes (Spenser, #48)

by Ace Atkins

In the latest thriller featuring the legendary Boston PI, Spenser heads to the City of Angels to meet old friends and new enemies in a baffling missing person case that might shake Tinseltown to its core.

Gabby Leggett left her Boston family with dreams of making it big as a model/actress in Hollywood. Two years later, she disappears from her apartment. Her family, former boyfriend, and friends--and the police--have no idea where she is and no leads. Leggett's mother hires Spenser to find her, with the help of his former apprentice, Zebulon Sixkill, now an L.A. private eye.

Spenser barely has time to unpack before the trail leads to a powerful movie studio boss, the Armenian Mob, and a shadowy empowerment group some say might be a dangerous cult.

It's soon clear that Spenser and Sixkill may be outgunned this time, and series favorites Chollo and Bobby Horse ride to the rescue to provide backup. From the mansions of Beverly Hills to the lawless streets of a small California town, Spenser will need to watch his step. In Hollywood, all that glitters isn't gold. And not all those who wander are lost.

Reviewed by annieb123 on

5 of 5 stars

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Originally published on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Angel Eyes is the 47th (!!!) Spenser novel. Originally written by the inimitable Robert B. Parker, this (and the previous 5) installments in the series have been written by Ace Atkins channeling the very spirit of the sadly departed Mr. Parker. Released 19th Nov 2019 by Penguin on their G.P. Putnam imprint, it's pages and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.

I've been in love with this series since book 1 (The Godwulf Manuscript) and I was really sad when the author passed, thinking that I would have to confine myself to re-reads to get my Spenser/Hawk fix. I was nervous about someone else taking over the writing, but have been really impressed and happy with the newest books in the series.

Other reviewers (and the book's blurb) have set up the plot quite well. I'll just add that all of the elements which made us fall in love with Spenser & co. from the start are here also. It's pure joyride entertainment with the good guys going toe-to-toe with sleazy Hollywood movie industry exploiters, nasty Armenian gang thugs, and crazy religious fanatics.

It's a solidly written PI murder mystery with an indelible American flavor. I love Spenser's relationship with Susan (smart, funny, capable, and real) and the interplay between Spenser and his compatriots. I love the sarcastic wit and real humor and repartee in the dialogue. I loved the denouement and the riding off east into the sunrise. I'm obviously a solid fan of this series, and my opinion wasn't dented one tiny bit by this latest adventure.

Five stars for fans of the series. Probably four to five for new readers who enjoy gritty American PI adventures.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

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  • 19 November, 2019: Reviewed