Robert B. Parker's Broken Trust

Spenser, Book 51

By: Mike Lupica

Narrated by: Joe Mantegna

Spenser investigates the past secrets of an elusive tech billionaire in this latest installment of Robert B. Parker’s beloved series, and the first written by celebrated writer Mike Lupica.

Andrew Crain has it all: a brilliant scientist and astute businessman, his groundbreaking work with lithium has made him one of the world’s richest men. He is universally adored and admired; that is, until Crain’s beautiful wife, Laura, comes to Spenser hoping that he can find out what skeletons lurk in her husband’s closet. Though Crain is a generous philanthropist and loving family man, she is concerned—he has recently become secretive, bordering on paranoid, and prone to violent outbursts. This is the opposite of the man she knew, and not only does his behavior put their marriage at risk, but also a lucrative company merger that would be life-changing for the Crains, their business partner, and everyone associated. Laura wants Spenser to find out what has gotten into her husband, before it’s too late.

As Spenser digs into the billionaire’s past, he realizes that the man may have done terrible things on his rise to the top—but he also may have had good reason to. There are no clear answers here, and quickly enough, what Spenser discovers will cause him to question his own views on morality—and place him in grave danger.

©2023 Mike Lupica (P)2023 Random House Audio

Worthy of Parker

Excellent story! Very good plot and the characters had their same old chemistry. The narration brought it to life. I hope Lupica continues with the series.

Kind of boring for a Spencer novel.

Falls short of what I have come to expect from a Spencer novel. There is just kind of flat. No action and little comic banter.

Best of Lupica and Mantegna’s

It was Very satisfying in all aspects; will look for the next one in the series

One of the best

Really enjoyed this one. They should offer a tour of all the places where they have a drink or just a beer. Look forward to the next one.

Lots of Familiar Characters

Been a longtime fan of Spenser stories. Several characters from other novels including Susan, Hawk, Vinnie, Tony Marcus, Frank Belson, Henry Cimoli, and Martin Quirk.

I gave it a 4 for Overall and another 4 for Story because at times it was difficult to keep all the characters straight, along with the storyline.

As always reader Joe Montoya (?) was excellent!

Great story

Always good, good writer I think Joe knows the character well, the narrator can make it or break it!

Feels like home

Any time your favorite detective is handed off to a new writer there are worries. Not in this case. Mike Lupica’s love of the character shines through each page. My only suggestion is he write faster on the next one. Well done, Mr Lupica.

Humor is somewhat awkward compared to older books but still enjoyable

The F——— bombs, as out of style as blond jokes! Parker would have said What the hell or what the heck

No good deed goes unrewarded.

Great story with plenty of intrigue & surprise outcomes. Lupica weaves a descriptive narrative around the Boston area.

Love the story and Joe Montania

One of the best I’m glad Mike Lupica and Joe, Montana teamed up. Spencer is an iconic character and this was a great book.