Mike Lupica is trying but he hasn't got it right yet. The plot is good but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. First, I kept thinking I had read this Spenser book before. It's a different setting and decade, but I really can't differentiate it much from other Spenser books I've read over the decades. Then there is the issue of dialogue. It's really awful. And Susan, although she speaks a lot in this book, and it quite articulate, mostly serves as a Chorus, telling us what we should think. In this, she is is indistinguishable from any other fictional sidekick. Hawk is barely a factor.

As with some other series of RBP I’ve mentioned how well new authors took them over and this is no exception. The tone, storylines and wonderful sense of humor has been carried on. Another great addition to this series and I hope there’s more to come. Many thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this copy for read and review

It's been over a decade since I've read a Spencer novel and Mike Lupica does a really good job in the latest novel, Broken Trust. Good plot, great cast of characters(some new ones), and the usual witty banter between all involved. A whodunit mystery that keeps you on your toes and I always watched the TV show, way back when.
Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP for the ARC.

Lupica does an excellent job of keeping to Robert B. Parker's voice and writing style in this episode of Spenser's detective adventures. The quips, sarcasm and wry look at life and people keep the story flowing and make this a page turner. Both Lupica and Parker are particularly skilled in character dialogue.

In this one, Spenser investigates the death of Susan's friend, Laura Crain. Laura is the wife of billionaire Andrew has been acting oddly and has her worried. After Laura reaches out to Spenser, he immediately becomes targeted and the chase is on and intensifies when Laura is murdered and her husband seems to be suppressing access to people and information that could help Spenser figure out whodunnit. Again, this is a typical Spenser tale, so readers familiar with the other books should expect more of the same. My only criticism is the ending was "soft," and not the high impact/twist/shock factor that make people notice a murder mystery.

I have long been an avid reader of anything Robert B. Parker wrote and approached this one with a lot of questions. It is difficult to take over a series of someone as beloved as Robert B. Parker. That being said I found this to be an interesting attempt to keep loyal fans happy. We were reintroduced to old characters and met some new ones. The story moved at a good pace although at times I did feel there was way too much snappy dialog. Some of it was like before but I feel it was overdone. I do recommend this as an entertaining mystery and look forward to future writings by this author.
I wish to thank NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam, G. P. Putman’s Sons publishers for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

“Broken Trust” by Mike Lupica is the continuation of the Spenser and Hawk series by Robert B. Parker. For all of you who have enjoyed these books over the years, it is clear to me that Lupeca is the first person to find Parker’s voice. The novel is cleverly written, fast moving, and a must read for old fans as it reunites us with our favorite characters including Dr. Susan and Pearl my favorite dog in a mystery series. I am hoping Mr. Lupica will continue to write these novels.

Thank you NetGalley, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, and the author for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Robert B. Parker's Broken Trust by Mike Lupica will be published on November 28, 2023. G.P. Putnam and Sons, a subsidiary of Penguin Group Viking, provided an early galley for review.

Back in 2008, I discovered the Spenser mystery novels series by Robert B. Parker. Over the course of six months, I devoured the then-available thirty-five books in the series (thanks to my local public library). The author passed a few years later (after completing four more novels), and I kind of forgot about the series. Ace Atkins picked up the ball and provided ten more novels in the series about the Boston detective. Now, with this novel - which is the fiftieth book in the series (and the first by Lupica), I really wanted to jump back in.

Even though I've gotten fifteen years older since we last spent time, Spenser and his usual associations (Hawk and Susan) have not. Sure, this book starts with him moving to a new apartment, however Spenser remains timeless despite his debut back in 1973's The Godwulf Manuscript. Fifty never looked so good. Lupica even has Spenser make some meta comments relating to how his friends and associates are always pretty much the same.

Lupica does a solid job getting the narrative to have the old Parker feel and sound. As Parker used to do, he gingerly peppers in references to prior novels to remind us of the history of the franchise. Like Parker, he uses plenty of "in the moment" references so that the reader knows that Spenser inhabits a world very much like our own (with just a few subtle differences). He also describes food and clothes in the same manner that Parker had Spenser do so. It is like going back home again.

Overall, the story this time was enjoyable and touched on some very topical themes. I look forward to future additions to the series.

Of all the characters in the late Robert B. Parker's arsenal of books, Spenser is - by far - my favorite. And in the years following Parker's death in 2010, I've continued to read (and for the most part enjoyed) those that were carried on by other writers (all of whom, for the most part, did admirable jobs). But now, a favorite author has tackled Spenser - and I couldn't be happier.

Much of that comes because the others never quite got the hang of Hawk, Spenser's sometime sidekick; in some of the books he was conspicuous in his absence, and I always suspected that was because it was so hard to find Hawk's "voice." This time, though, it rang true (well, as true as it can get minus Parker himself). It also hits a timely topic as Laura Crain, the wife of the world's sixth richest man - and an acquaintenance of Spenser's longtime main squeeze, psychologist Susan Silverman - walks into Spenser's office. Her hubby Andrew, she claims, hasn't been himself lately and she wants to know why. His longtime business partner, Ethan Lowe, is honchoing a major merger with a Canadian company - one that could push the combo into the financial stratosphere (or possibly in the opposite direction).

But with the ink on Laura's retainer check barely dry, disaster strikes; now Spenser is even more intrigued and, like a dog with a bone, doesn't want to let go of the case. As his investigation progresses, he gets to interact with old friends from the Boston Police Department and frenemies who are not - plus, of course, the aforementioned Hawk - all of whom should be familiar to loyal readers of this series. For details, though, you'll just have to read the book. Already, I'm chomping at the bit for the next installment, and I heartily thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the privilege of reading and reviewing a pre-release copy of this one.

Altho Parker is gone Mike Lupica has done a great job continuing the series. The books still have the same feel as before and the plots are interesting and engaging. It was great getting back to the characters in this series. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a light, fast, mystery with a bit of humor thrown in . Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy

3.5 stars rounded up for an entertaining book in the Spenser series started by the late Robert B. Parker and now written by Mike Lupica. These books are like cotton candy: light, easy reading, with a predictable formula: Spenser is asked to investigate, and he is attacked to stop him from investigating. He does solve the case, but with a bittersweet ending
#RobertBParkersBrokenTrust #NetGalley.
Thanks to Penguin Group for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.

I haven't read a Spenser novel in a long time. I was pleased when I read this. Lupics did his best to channel Parker and it shows. From the plot, to the characters to their interactions with each other, this one took me back to the glory days of Spenser. Would happily recommend this book to all my customers!

I really enjoyed this book. It starts as an investigation into why the 6th richest man in the world is acting so weird and morphs into a murder investigation and much more. I really enjoyed the main character and how he learned things throughout the book. I enjoyed the plot.

I've been reading Spenser novels since God Save The Child over 45 years ago. Spenser and Hawk have been dear friends since I was a teenager and I missed them after Bob passed away. Even though Ace was filling in as best he could, it just wasn't what I'd come to expect from Boston's finest. It only took three pages for me to hear the old friends I'd been missing for so long. I don't know if it's the Boston connection or that Mike is just that great an author, but Bob's voice shines through in this latest book, which is like coming home after being away for far too long. Mike builds on history created not just by Bob, but also Ace, and we get to catch up on all our old friends, some of whom have been neglected recently. I almost ignored the actual case because I was having so much fun enjoying the banter between Hawk and Spenser. It was a case where the mystery deepens as our intrepid hero forces his way through the muck to find justice. I figured out the underlying mystery fairly quickly but my appreciation for this series was never about whodunit, but the interaction between these great characters. It's clear that Mike isn't the cook Bob was, and some of the back and forth between the main characters wasn't as polished as it has been but I'm hopeful that will improve over time. It's obvious that Mike is an amazing author, all it takes to prove it is the number of writing projects he's got out right now. I pray he remains as the primary author for the Spenser series moving forward because once again I can use the books as a travelog if ever I visit Boston. It was very satisfying and sad to finish this book, which I haven't felt since I finished Sixkill. I can't wait to see what's next, and I'm excited now moving forward that these books will be cared for by someone who feels as deeply for those characters as I do.

Robert B. Parker’s Broken Trust
Mike Lupica
Nov. 28
G.P. Putnam
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
#50 Spenser series
Mystery written by Mike Lupica who I originally followed in youth series my boys enjoyed. Excellent author!
Although we have lost Parker Lupica does a wonderful job bringing his characters to life. The plot rapidly moves to murder and intrigue. This is a must read for readers of power,secrets and a blurred line between right and wrong.
4 stars

I was so excited to get an ARC because of how much I love Robert B. Parker (and Mike Lupica)! This book did not disappoint. I read it in one day as I couldn’t put the book down.

Mike Lupica does a good job of writing Spenser in Parker’s voice. But it’s still not the same. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.

I had the exhilarating opportunity to dive into the world of tech billionaires and past secrets in Robert B. Parker's Broken Trust by Mike Lupica. The story unfolds as Spenser, the beloved character of Parker's series, takes on the task of unraveling the enigmatic life of a generous philanthropist and loving family man who has recently become shrouded in secrecy and paranoia. The billionaire's wife seeks Spenser's help to uncover the skeletons lurking in her husband's closet, and what he discovers goes far beyond what he could have imagined.

As I followed Spenser's investigation, I found myself questioning the very notion of morality, as the billionaire's rise to the top reveals a darker side to his success. The twists and turns in the plot kept me on the edge of my seat, and Lupica's skilled writing style seamlessly carried on the legacy of Robert B. Parker's beloved series. With every revelation, Spenser delves deeper into danger, making this installment an electrifying and thought-provoking ride. Broken Trust is a must-read for fans of the series and newcomers alike, offering a thrilling exploration of power, secrets, and the blurred lines between right and wrong.

Every one of Mike Lupica's Spenser novels is like a visit with old friends that you don't want to end, Spenser is hired by a friend of Susan's to learn why her husband is acting so strangely, erratic even. They are one of the richest couples in America, on the verge of making a strategic partnership to pair their lithium battery business with an electric vehicle manufacturer. There's a lot that can go wrong - and usually does. Spenser and Hawk are at their absolute best - and readers are treated to sweet cameos from other members of Spenser's circle. An absolutely fabulous read! Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons for an advanced reader of this book - the opinions expressed are my own.

Mike Lupica (2023). Robert B. Parker’s Broken trust. G. P. Putnam’s Sons. ISBN 9780593540244.
Thanks to NetGalley and G. P. Putnam’s Sons for the opportunity to review a draft version of the text.

The latest entry to the long-running series of adventures of Boston-based detective, Spenser, will soon be available. Emerging in the early 1970s, Spenser appeared in novels written by Parker until 2011. Ace Atkins has written ten additional books centered on Spenser; Mike Lupica now has stepped in to provide additional offerings featuring the detective and his allies. Broken Trust offers a mix of themes and remarks that echo those found in earlier books by Parker and Atkins. Indeed, while reading the latest novel, I was reminded of my childhood experiences with the adventures of the Hardy Boys. Multiple authors, all labeled as Franklin W. Dixon, were ghostwriters for that mystery series. My love of Parker’s characters is in many ways a parallel to my fondness for the juvenile books I devoured as a child. Atkins and Lupica have been quite successful in updating the story line into the 21st century. Mookie Betts and Taylor Swift, for example, pop up more than once in the current offering. The short chapters and rapid pace of events draws the reader forward. Whether you should seek out Broken Trust will depend on your interest in previous offerings. (I enjoy re-reading many of the earliest Spenser novels from time to time.) For those doubters who have trouble believing that Spenser could endure the physical limitations of his presumed age, let alone consume mass quantities of doughnuts at a time, might seek out other best sellers in the genre.

I think I've said it before, but Mike Lupica really delivers in the same way that Parker did. His writing is closer to Parker's than any other who has attempted to pick up his characters, with the possible exception of Ace Atkins. This is another great read, perfect for the Spenser fan, with momentary flashes to long-time characters from past novels. I appreciate that Lupica is also allowing Spenser to begin to show some age. (After all, Spenser should be in his 90s at this point.)