Spenser & Susan

Greetings Readers!

I just finished reading the latest Robert B. Parker book entitled, "Now and Then". It's a classic Spenser novel with a classic plot, characters, and discussions centering around the private detective's long-term relationship with his lady-love, Susan. It's a short read, as are all Parker's works, because the action is driven by witty, pithy, dialog and sometimes significant silences. It's comfortable because the characters are all well known and there is nothing too surprising about how they act in dangerous situations. It reveals a little more about the love relationship between Susan and Spenser -- which at some level is probably what keeps many of us still reading. I guess there is a little surprise. After twenty years or more in a committed relationship. Susan brings up the idea of marriage. Upon reflection Spenser agrees that marriage is different. At the end of this book, they are not renting the reception hall, nor setting a date. But one can see where they might. Robert Parker has many books in this series of action / mysteries each revealing a little more about the main characters. If you're a long-time reader of the series, you won't be disappointed. If you're new to this series and like this book, you are very much in luck because there are many books in the series to keep you busy -- probably all the way through the upcoming winter.