Imprint: No Exit Press

Category: Crime and mystery fiction

Series: A Spenser Novel

Cold Service

Robert B Parker

When Spenser’s closest ally, Hawk, is brutally injured and left for dead while protecting bookie Luther Gillespie, Spenser embarks on an epic journey to rehabilitate his friend in body and soul. Hawk, always proud, has never been dependent on anyone. Now he is forced to make connections: to accept the medical technology that will ensure his physical recovery, and to reinforce the tenuous emotional ties he has to those around him.

Spenser quickly learns that the Ukrainian mob is responsible for the hit, but finding a way into their tightly knit circle is not nearly so simple. Their total control of the town of Marshport, from the bodegas to the police force to the mayor’s office, isn’t just a sign of rampant corruption-it’s a form of arrogance that only serves to ignite Hawk’s desire to get even. As the body count rises, Spenser is forced to employ some questionable techniques and even more questionable hired guns while redefining his friendship with Hawk in the name of vengeance.

Hardback

RRP: £16.99

ISBN: 9781842431412

Published: June 23, 2005

Extent: 320 pages

Paperback

RRP: £12.99

ISBN: 9781843442332

Published: February 20, 2014

Extent: 192 pages

Ebook

RRP: £4.99

ISBN: 9781843442349

Published: August 28, 2013

Reviews

‘Parker hasn’t written as realistically or with as much feeling on the subject since ‘Small Vices”

Marilyn Stasio , New York Times

‘The issue of mortality is on the table here, and Parker hasn’t written as realistically or with as much feeling on the subject since ‘Small Vices”

Marilyn Stasio , New York Times

‘Book of the year for your vigilante lobby but, rest assured, your conscience can take it. Thriftily written, with fewer jokes than usual, but grimly and consistently funny. It’s the attitude that matters. Goes like a rocket too: amazing how Parker keeps up the pace’

Literary Review

‘When he’s on his game-and he’s on it here-Parker is capable of packing a Hemingway punch into a few brief words and the occasional grunt’

Booklist

Robert B Parker

Robert B Parker was the best-selling author of over 60 books, including Small Vices, Sudden Mischief, Hush Money, Hugger Mugger, Potshot, Widows Walk, Night Passage, Trouble in Paradise, Death in Paradise, Family Honor, Perish Twice, Shrink Rap, Stone Cold, Melancholy Baby, Back Story, Double Play, Bad Business, Cold Service, Sea Change, School Days and Blue Screen. He died in 2010 at the age of 77.

Author Profile Page