Pale Kings and Princes

"Pale Kings and Princes" is another good read by Robert B. Parker, which I guess sounds repetitive and not very imaginative, but it is also true. All of the Spenser novels are good reads. They are all enjoyable, smart and funny. Generally the ones with a large presence of Hawk are especially good, and though I like Susan alright, I don't tend to enjoy the ones where she has too much of a presence. Since Susan is a psychologist perhaps she can analize that for me ;)

This particular novel has Spenser hired by a newspaper to look into the death of one of its reporters who was killed while researching a story. The police in the town of Wheaton have written the murder off saying it was done by a jealous husband. Which is possible, but there is also a large cocaine presence in the town which is what Valdez was investigating. So, was he killed by the jealous husband? By the Cocaine interests? By the police who may be covering something up?

Since Spencer is a wise ass (with emphasis on the wise) there are several quotes I'd like to remember. The first from the newspaper owner/editor on page 3.

"Colombians have been dealing with cocaine since your ancestors were running
around Ireland with their bodies painted blue."

Part of the same conversation with newspaper man. Page 5

"Cynical Mr. Spenser."
"Old, Mr. Kingsley."
"Probably the same thing," Kingsley said.

Which does make you think, or makes me think anyway. . .

Page 251.

"You thinking hearts full of passion, jealousy, and hate?"
"Maybe," I said.
"Makes the world go round," Hawk said.
"Thats love," I said.
"Same thing," Hawk said.
"Not always," Susan said.

Interesting how our life experiences influence our definition of love.