Robert B. Parker's Old Black Magic by Ace Atkins

Robert B. Parker's Old Black Magic (Spenser, #47)

by Ace Atkins

Iconic, tough-but-tender Boston PI Spenser delves into the black market art scene to investigate a decades-long unsolved crime of dangerous proportions.

Iconic, tough-but-tender Boston PI Spenser delves into the black market art scene to investigate a decades-long unsolved crime of dangerous proportions.

The heist was legendary, still talked about twenty years after the priceless paintings disappeared from one of Boston's premier art museums. Most thought the art was lost forever, buried deep, sold off overseas, or, worse, destroyed as incriminating evidence. But when paint chips from the most valuable piece stolen, Gentlemen in Black by a Spanish master, arrives at the desk of a Boston journalist, the museum finds hope and enlists Spenser's help.

Soon the cold art case thrusts Spenser into the shady world of black market art dealers, aged Mafia bosses, and old vendettas. A five-million-dollar-reward by the museum's top benefactor, an aged, unlikable Boston socialite, sets Spenser and pal Vinnie Morris onto a trail of hidden secrets, jailhouse confessions, murder, and double crosses.

Reviewed by annieb123 on

5 of 5 stars

Share
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Spenser's 46th outing in novel form sees him chasing a priceless painting which was stolen 20 years ago in a famous heist at the Gardner museum.

Spenser is on the trail and willing to do whatever it takes to finish the job and honor the last wishes of a friend. There's also a 5 million dollar reward, and he's up against everyone to see the assignment through.

There aren't so many things in life which are guaranteed to deliver. Spenser, even on this 46th (!!!) installment, really does. I love his mouthy attitude, his honor and his style. Pure 100% unadulterated entertainment. I love Spenser. I admit trepidation when Ace Atkins took over the series, but they're really wonderful (this is the 7th book by my count since R.B.Parker passed away in 2010).

Due out 1 May, 2018 from Penguin - Putnam. 320 pages, available in ebook, hardcover and audio- formats.

Five stars. I devoured this in one sitting.

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

Last modified on

Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • Finished reading
  • 15 February, 2018: Reviewed