Robert B. Parker's Cheap Shot

By: Ace Atkins, Robert B. Parker

Narrated by: Joe Mantegna

The iconic, tough-but-tender Boston PI Spenser returns in an outstanding new addition to the New York Times-bestselling series from author Ace Atkins.

Kinjo Heywood is one of the New England Patriots’ marquee players—a hard-nosed linebacker who’s earned his reputation as one of the toughest guys in the league. When off-field violence repeatedly lands Heywood in the news, his slick agent hires Spenser to find the men who he says have been harassing his client.

Heywood’s troubles seem to be tied to a nightclub shooting from two years earlier. But when Heywood’s nine-year-old son, Akira, is kidnapped, ransom demands are given, and a winding trail through Boston’s underworld begins, Spenser puts together his own all-star team of toughs. It will take both Hawk and Spenser’s protégé, Zebulon Sixkill, to watch Spenser’s back and return the child to the football star’s sprawling Chestnut Hill mansion. A controversial decision from Heywood only ups the ante as the clock winds down on Akira’s future.

Great story!!

I thought it started off a little slow but the wait was definitely worth it!

Ace Atkins Keeps the torch held high

Another great Spenser novel. And Joe Montegna IS Spenser. I wish they could go back to the earlier books and get Montegna to re-narrate them, particularly those that Burt Reynolds did. Anyway, highly recommended for all Spensers many fans. A credit well spent!

It's okay

This isn't the best Robert B. Parker book I have ever heard. it is good though. plenty of Spencer and Hawk action. Read it and judge for yourself.

I thought I had lost Spenser

If you could sum up Robert B. Parker's Cheap Shot in three words, what would they be?

Interesting, witty, nice

What other book might you compare Robert B. Parker's Cheap Shot to and why?

I really can't make a comparison because this is Ace's first attempt.

Which scene was your favorite?

Any scene with Hawk.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

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Any additional comments?

I thought that after Robert B. Parker's death that was the end of Spenser. However, Ace Atkins has done a formidable job of carrying on the Spenser tradition. He has adequately gotten the nuances of Spenser's psyche and has accurately portrayed the supporting characters. I would suggest to continue with Joe Mantegna's narrating the series. He also gets the characters. I've listened to other narrators of the Spenser books and there is NO comparison to Joe M.

A nice way to pass the time

Seemed pretty faithful to Parker's style, and I like the addition of Sixkill. Joe Mantegna does excellent work, and the removal of all the "he said"s makes it much more listenable.