First edition signed very fine

The 17th in Robert B. Parker's mystery novels about the Boston private detective Spenser. This one, Stardust, was published around 1991. It doesn't seem dated, though when characters need a telephone they look for one with a cord. Readers should consider starting with Parker's books in order of publishing. The characters and and relationships an plots build on each other. Spenser is far from perfect, but he is loyal, kind and ethical. A former heavyweight boxer he can still deliver a knockout punch and he knocked down at least one pushy offensive bad guy in this book. In Stardust Spenser is hired to guard a troubled actress who is on location in Boston. Spenser's girlfriend, the psychologist Susan, is also involved as a consultant to the movie that the story revolves around. The actress, Jill, has many problems including a serious drinking issue. Who is stalking Jill, or is she making it all up. When Jills stunt double is murdered Spenser sets out to find who did that and why. Was the double mistaken for Jill, or was her murder about something else. Spenser follows lead and hints from Boston and the nearby suburbs to the Berkshire hill towns, Los Angeles and San
Diego and back. Along the way he rescues the three dogs of a suicide victim. How does it work out. Read it and see. But read the earlier books first. ( )

Quite fun and typical Spenser, but also kinda closed in, with a very limited cast and little feeling of a climactic solution. ( )

new Spenser, some better, too moony over Susan, less violence, cliche small town cop

See my blog for my review: Martin's View: Stardust. ( )