Yesterday afternoon, Sunday March 6, Robert B. Parker came through Houston on his book tour, promoting his newest Spenser novel, "Cold Service". He was at "Murder by the Book" -- a mystery bookshop here. About 75 people showed up, listened to him speak, bought his book, got his "Best wishes" signature. Typical for a signing, I suppose.
Parker spoke for a while, answered questions, and then did a signing. I'll give you my impressions, but you must understand that it's only one person's opinion and you must take what I say on face value, and not attach any credibility beyond my personal impressions...
Parker was on time and spoke briefly, then took questions. He was direct, honest, and quite articulate. He spent plenty of time and didn't disparage anyone's query (a couple questions were fairly naive).
Parker was pleased with the recent Jesse Stone TV movie "Stone Cold" starring Tom Selleck as the alcohol-challenged police chief. The ratings were excellent, and the producers have optioned for a minimum of 5 more "Jesse Stone" movies.
The Sunny Randall novels will re-appear, with a new story late this year. Parker also plans many more Jesse Stone books.
Regarding Spenser, Parker said that he plans for him to live forever. Of course Parker himself is 72 so the books can't continue into the far future (at least from him). But Parker has no plans to "retire" Spenser.
Parker spoke at length about male-female relationships, some of it from his personal life, some of course on behalf of Spenser and Hawk.
Frankly, he came off as a highly opinionated and chauvanistic individual. He's definitely a product of his age.
He also name-dropped throughout, and set off into bragging mode at the least opportunity. He talked quite a bit about hob-nobbing with the Hollywood set, how he can essentially pick and choose his situations now, and how huge his Spenser book advances are these days. He compared this to how difficult it is for new writers to break into the biz. Of course he's got it made, raking in the cash and living high on the hog.
In short, he's full of himself and seemed somewhat arrogant.
He wasn't rude to us by any means. His behavior was exemplary. But he did tend to rant about how Joan (his wife) can't write, can't cook, and is somewhat unable to cope with the world. Parker also made it fairly clear that men were in charge (at least at his house).
I'm not so sure I much like the guy.
But that's my opinion. If you have a chance to catch him on his signing tour, you may wish to swing by.
Parker spoke for a while, answered questions, and then did a signing. I'll give you my impressions, but you must understand that it's only one person's opinion and you must take what I say on face value, and not attach any credibility beyond my personal impressions...
Parker was on time and spoke briefly, then took questions. He was direct, honest, and quite articulate. He spent plenty of time and didn't disparage anyone's query (a couple questions were fairly naive).
Parker was pleased with the recent Jesse Stone TV movie "Stone Cold" starring Tom Selleck as the alcohol-challenged police chief. The ratings were excellent, and the producers have optioned for a minimum of 5 more "Jesse Stone" movies.
The Sunny Randall novels will re-appear, with a new story late this year. Parker also plans many more Jesse Stone books.
Regarding Spenser, Parker said that he plans for him to live forever. Of course Parker himself is 72 so the books can't continue into the far future (at least from him). But Parker has no plans to "retire" Spenser.
Parker spoke at length about male-female relationships, some of it from his personal life, some of course on behalf of Spenser and Hawk.
Frankly, he came off as a highly opinionated and chauvanistic individual. He's definitely a product of his age.
He also name-dropped throughout, and set off into bragging mode at the least opportunity. He talked quite a bit about hob-nobbing with the Hollywood set, how he can essentially pick and choose his situations now, and how huge his Spenser book advances are these days. He compared this to how difficult it is for new writers to break into the biz. Of course he's got it made, raking in the cash and living high on the hog.
In short, he's full of himself and seemed somewhat arrogant.
He wasn't rude to us by any means. His behavior was exemplary. But he did tend to rant about how Joan (his wife) can't write, can't cook, and is somewhat unable to cope with the world. Parker also made it fairly clear that men were in charge (at least at his house).
I'm not so sure I much like the guy.
But that's my opinion. If you have a chance to catch him on his signing tour, you may wish to swing by.
Last edited:
