Robert B. Parker’s Hot Property by Mike Lupica is a solid mystery full of investigation and occasional action. Add in a few twists and sarcasm plus literary, music, and baseball references and you have a winning combination.

Private investigator Spenser gets word that Rita Fiore has been shot. While their relationship has been awkward at times, she’s considered family, not just a friend. Family will always be protected. While Rita is no stranger to controversy as a tough criminal defense lawyer, there is a long list of potential suspects. Rita’s life is touch and go. Who shot her? With so many suspects, it’s up to Spenser, with help from some friends, to narrow the field.

Spenser is self-reliant, protects those he cares about fiercely, and confident. He’s a strong protagonist with a level of determination that many lack. He’s also a tough guy who cooks and loves baseball and old movies. Psychologist Susan Silverman is his long-time girlfriend and sounding board. It was great to also catch up with other familiar characters from the series.

This is the first book in the series that I’ve read by Mike Lupica. I felt the characters felt true to the original. That, combined with the author’s own writing style and voice as well as a fresh plot and great prose made this a fun book to read. The world-building is great with Boston as the scene for most of the novel. From weather to food to neighborhood bars to politicians to the police, readers find themselves immersed in the imagery.

The writing is effective and crisp, with characters who are emotionally rich, snappy dialogue, and conflicts that move the story forward through some unsettling events. The narrative lured me in and made me want to stay longer with old friends. The well-crafted and suspenseful story hooked me from the beginning. With multiple believable suspects who have realistic motives, can Spenser discover the killer? The story unfolds with tension that builds up and keeps you invested in the outcome. Themes include friendship, found family, lies, attempted murder, and more.

Overall, this is a solid and enjoyable mystery with familiar characters filled with intense moments and some action that kept me turning the pages. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Those who enjoy crime mystery and private detective stories will likely enjoy this book with its engrossing plot, fast pace, and snappy dialogue.

PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G. P. Putnam’s Sons and Mike Lupica provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for November 26, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.

Ah, Spenser. The Boston private eye has held the No. 2 spot on my Top 10 list of book heroes since, well, forever. And after original author Robert B. Parker's death in 2010 at the age of 77, my favorite takeover author - by a country mile - is the author of this guy (Mike Lupica). Why? Well, I've been impressed with his sports knowledge for many years. But more to the point, besides making Spenser seem like Parker never left the building, he's the only one so far who, in my eyes, has been able to put realistic dialog into the mouth of Spenser sidekick Hawk (who would be on my Top 10 list of heroes except that he's a sidekick).

This one begins with a snowstorm of epic proportions, followed by the unwelcome news that Spenser's old and dear friend, hotshot attorney Rita Fiore, has been shot. With her very life hanging in the balance, there's no shortage of possible suspects. In fact, she'd just come off of a trial defending TV anchorman Brian Tully, who ultimately was acquitted on charges of sexual harrassment by fellow TV journalist Shannon Miles. She - and many others who are upset with Rita for "unjustly" freeing someone they consider guilty as sin - have plenty of motive for making sure she never sees the inside of a courtroom again.

But thinking isn't proving; Spenser and Hawk have a lot of investigating to do before the person who put Rita in ICU can be held accountable. The chase leads to a local hot-shot politician and friend of Rita's, some prominent and well-connected real estate developers vying for a lucrative project and even some of the mobsters with whom Spenser has had run-ins (both bad and good) over the years and who will be familiar to regular series readers.

The thrill of the chase remains a thrill here, especially since Spenser gets some help from a couple of old friends from Paradise, Maine, who as good luck would have it happen to be friends of Rita as well. It's wonderful to see them all together again, and I think long-time readers of Parker's various series will agree. At this point, all I can say is more, please - and thank you to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy.

Mike Lupica's continuation of the very special Spenser series is like a visit with old friends. In Hot Property, Spenser is navigating a tough winter when he gets the news that Rita Fiore has been shot and clinging to life. It's all hands on deck investigating with Quick, Frank, Hawk, and Spenser meeting at the hospital trying to sort through who would want Rita out of the picture. Rita's law firm hires Spenser to deep dive into the investigation. Digging through Rita's life makes them both uneasy, but they find several avenues to explore in their own, unique style. It's one of the best books I've read this year - especialy exploring the Rita/Susan non-relationship. And, a couple of Paradise police officers are also called into service. Mr. Lupica stays so true to the characters lovingly created by Robert B. Parker. I look forward to each and every book to catch up with Spenser. A great big thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for an advanced reader of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.

Spencer is always an enjoyable read, although it may not be as good as his last book. Nevertheless, it does not disappoint. The ending is particularly well-crafted.
I would like to express my gratitude to NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of this book.

A very good Spenser novel. Impossible to tell it wasn’t written by Robert B. Parker. Love the familiar banter and witticisms.

“Hot Property” is such a good book! I loved it and couldn’t put it down! Mike Lupica has given us the perfect Spenser with his dry wit, clever comebacks, his love for the Red Sox and his utter devotion to his long time love, Susan Silverman. You would never know that Robert B. Parker did not write this book. Each chapter revealed more possible suspects, intriguing clues and secrets that the guilty would rather leave in the past. Spenser dug deep to unearth all those secrets because he wouldn’t rest until he determined who tried to kill Rita Fiore! His relationship with Rita was purely platonic but she had made it known years ago that she wanted more. Her flirtatious personality was just for Spenser, but in the courtroom she was a legal genius whose no nonsense attitude scared everyone that crossed her path. Could one of her former litigants be behind this heinous crime? As usual, Spenser was assisted by his best friend and confidant, Hawk, who brings strong men to their knees with just a glare. Together they interrogated, followed, showed up unannounced and protected all innocent parties along the way. Their journey takes them from Boston to Nantucket, from the hospital to the gym, because nothing would stand in the way of finding out the truth.

Before Reacher, before Elvis Cole and Joe Pike, before Joe Pickett, and before Myron Bolitar, there was Spenser . . . and Hawk. Rita Fiore has been shot. But why? Is it because of something she knows or has? Could it have something to do with a disgruntled former client? Who is behind the shooting? And what, if anything, does it have to do with an old clandestine relationship she had with a Boston politician? Once again, Spenser is on the case. And the world is safer because of it.

Robert B. Parker’s Hot Property is the 51st installment of the Spenser series.

Since the original creator’s death in 2010, the Spenser series was more than been competently steered by Ace Atkins for 10 novels, the last being Bye Bye Baby published in 2022.

Mike Lupica assumed the helm with the 2023 publication of Broken Trust, a novel that I found particularly succesful because Lupica did something Parker nor Atkins ever did — admitted that Spenser has grown old. With age, Spenser has had to re-adjust when investigating a case and putting himself in danger for the greater good. That particular character development made the book especially compelling.

Lupica was brought into the Parker family trust when he revived the Sunny Randal series in 2018 with Blood Feud, which was met with critical acclaim, and he has written 3 Jesse Stone novels.

I suspect the family realized they were lucky when Lupica assumed creative control. His prose is as close to Parker’s as the fans ever will get; he has a better understanding of Parker’s characters, which enables him to take some creative license to make the books especially relevant today; most importantly, he knows the winning formula for the series — Spenser + Hawk + Susan = crime fiction gold.

In the newest addition to the Spenser series, ROBERT B PARKER’S HOT PROPERTY, written by Mike Lupica, Rita Fiore is shot. Rita is a Boston lawyer who has many enemies. Who shot Rita? Spenser to the rescue.

The author, Mike Lupica, has certainly done justice to Robert Parker and his Spenser series. He does a good job emulating Parker’s writing with scenes that are short and to the point. He also uses clear, concise dialogue tags. All the Boston touches are there, from the Boston Globe newspaper to the Boston Red Sox baseball team. What fun! I like Spenser’s smarts, including his references to great literature. I also like the crisp, sometimes humorous, dialogue—especially between Spenser and Hawk. Besides the usual cast of characters one finds in the Spenser books, Parker’s Jesse Stone and Sunny Randall make appearances. It is a treat to read ROBERT B PARKER’S HOT PROPERTY, and I look forward to reading the next book in the Spenser series. Thank you, PENGUINE GROUP Putnam and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance copy of ROBERT B PARKER’S HOT PROPERTY.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Mike Lupica’s “Robert B. Parker’s Hot Property” is a thrilling continuation of the beloved Spenser series, capturing the essence of Robert B. Parker’s iconic detective while injecting fresh energy and suspense. This latest installment sees Spenser embroiled in a case that hits dangerously close to home, testing his resolve and resourcefulness.

The novel opens with Spenser waiting out a brutal Boston snowstorm when he receives alarming news: Rita Fiore, a close friend and formidable attorney, has been shot. As Spenser dives into the investigation, he uncovers a tangled web of real estate scams, political corruption, and personal vendettas. The snowy, urban landscape of Boston serves as a fitting backdrop for the unfolding drama, with Lupica’s vivid descriptions bringing the city’s gritty charm to life.

Spenser remains the quintessential hard-boiled detective, his sharp wit and moral compass guiding him through the murky waters of crime and deception. His relationship with Susan Silverman, his significant other, adds emotional depth to the story, providing moments of warmth amidst the tension. Hawk, Spenser’s loyal and formidable partner, is as enigmatic and reliable as ever, offering both muscle and wisdom. .

“Hot Property” explores themes of loyalty, justice, and the complexities of human relationships. The novel delves into the personal stakes of Spenser’s quest for truth, highlighting the sacrifices and risks involved in his line of work.

Lupica’s writing is crisp and engaging, capturing the snappy dialogue and fast-paced action that fans of the series have come to love. His ability to balance suspense with character-driven moments ensures that the narrative ensnares the reader from start to finish.

“Robert B. Parker’s Hot Property” is a standout addition to the Spenser series, offering a blend of classic detective fiction and contemporary relevance. Mike Lupica has crafted a novel that honors Parker’s legacy while bringing his own unique voice to the table.

This book is a must-read for fans of the series and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted mystery with rich character development.

It amazes me that fifteen years after Robert B. Parker’s death new books in his series keep coming out. Thrills me as well because Parker is responsible for creating some truly iconic characters. This is the second Spenser book Mike Lupica has written but his fifth RBP book, as he also wrote the last three Jesse Stone novels. And as always, Lupica delivers.

It’s amazing that a series that has now been going on for more than fifty years still manages to be thoroughly engaging, and Lupica does a fantastic job of delivering a tale worthy of RBP. When Rita Fiore is shot and nearly killed, Spenser and Hawk set out to undercover who is behind it all. Excellent mystery, tightly paced, and I loved seeing a number of long time characters making appearances. 4.5 stars: this is top tier Spenser and is sure please longtime fans and created plenty of new ones. I’d like to thank PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an eARC of Hot Property.

Another great addition to the ongoing Spenser series! Mike Lupica writes in Robert Parker’s witty, clever and fast-paced dialogue, keeping the fun and mystery constantly underway.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Mike Lupica is doing a great job carrying on the series. The characters are familiar, have the same sarcasm as when Parker wrote the books. The storyline is good and characters from other series were brought into the story. It was fun to see them all together. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

Mike Lupica is doing a great job keeping Robert B. Parker’s iconic Spenser alive. He deftly navigates the classic vibe of a bygone Boston and the original series characters and merges it with a contemporary storyline. In Hot Property, one of Spenser’s friends is shot, and he, Hawk, and their friends set out to find the culprit and, perhaps, exact vengeance.

It’s a great story — and it’s lovely to catch up with these old friends. 

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

G.P. Putnam and Sons / Penguin Random House provided an early galley for review.

This is the fifty-first book in the Spenser series and the thirty-seventh I've read. To say I am a fan of Parker's Boston detective would a valid statement. Once more Lupica is behind the wheel (after a nine book run by Ace Atkins following Parker's passing in 2010).

There are some standard formula elements that readers come to expect in the series, and Lupica hits them all with ease. He is clearly at home playing in Parker's sandboxes (also dipping into a bit with Parker's Jesse Stone series for which Lupica has also penned a few novels as well). After over fifty years (the series started in 1973), this is very much comfort food.

The chapters tend to be short which keeps the pacing ever moving forward. The dialogue is sharp and snappy with an often sarcastic hint as well. It all fits the genre, the characters and the Boston locale. It all goes down quite easily.

I have loved Spenser books since the very beginning. I was not sure other authors would be able to capture that special way of writing dialogue that Robert B. Parker had in every book, especially the Susan and Spenser ones. Mike Lupica has accomplished the dialogue, the pacing and the storylines. Hot Property is another great addition, this time with government corruption and bringing characters back in that we have come to know and love. Can’t wait for the next Spenser entry.

Spenser’s back with a vengeance in Robert B. Parker’s Hot Property, a thrilling story filled with suspense, violence, corruption and witty one-liners. Mike Lupica delivers a new Spenser tale with a classic feel containing heart, virtue and an abundance of Hawk. Everything a long-time fan of this series could ever want.

Rita Fiore, one of Boston’s top defense attorneys and Spenser’s long-time flirtatious friend, has been shot and left fighting for her life. Spenser is infuriated that someone would take a shot at someone he considers family and won’t rest until those behind this plot are brought to justice…or put six feet under. Along with Hawk, their friends in the Boston Police Department and a few other old acquaintances, Spenser conducts an investigation that puts him, his colleagues and his sources in the crosshairs of powerful people who will do anything to avoid their secrets being exposed.

Hot Property is a modern story with a nostalgic feel. The case involving politics, gun violence and urban development feels like something we would read in today’s news. But the nostalgia hits you in waves as Spenser and his old pals use old-fashioned sleuthing, dogged determination and a bevy of sarcastic quips to get to the bottom of things. They show unapologetic toughness and a whatever it takes attitude balanced with unconditional caring and protectiveness for the ones they love. The story is engaging, the characters perfectly depicted, and the dialogue is on point. Robert B. Parker would be proud to include this book in his impressive canon.

I am grateful to Mike Lupica for keeping these characters alive and thriving. The Spenser series is a big reason I love reading thrillers, having read and enjoyed these books for decades. Keeping Spenser, Hawk, Susan, Rita and the others in our lives is something for which I will be forever grateful. Here’s to more adventures for this esteemed crew.

After attorney Rita Fiore enlists Spenser and Hawk to recover nude photos from an ex-lover threatening to publish them, she is shot and seriously wounded. As Rita recovers, Spenser and Hawk set out to find her would-be killer, starting with the most obvious suspect. However, Spenser's investigation soon uncovers a deeper, more sinister connection involving one of Rita's lovers and the corrupt underbelly of local politics.

While the post-Robert B. Parker novels have sometimes fallen short of the original author’s work, Hot Property stands as an exception. Mike Lupica takes readers through familiar Boston territory, capturing their attention from the outset.

One of the novel's strengths is Lupica's skillful integration of characters from the Spenser universe, as well as from other Parker series. Their presence enhances the plot without overcrowding it, a balance that even Parker and his series successors occasionally struggled to maintain.

All these elements combine to create an outstanding addition to the Spenser series. With Robert B. Parker’s Hot Property, it’s clear that the series is in adept hands with Lupica.

Rita Fiore, a fiery and successful defense attorney who would like to be more than friends with our dear Spencer, is shot. Spencer, Hawk and various friends/lovers come to her aid while she fights for her life. Spencer and Hawk (with even Jesse Stone stepping in to help) investigate as only they can. With their friends on the force, they follow the clues to decide who can be trusted and who wants Rita dead. Was the shooting from a grudge, an ex-lover, or does Rita know something that can't be made public? Spencer and Hawk also have to wonder who else is in danger and what past /present crimes need to be investigated that are connected to Rita's shooting.

With quirky/refreshing humor and an entertaining story line, this is a solid read.

Thanks to Penguin Group Putnam, Mike Lupica and NetGalley for this ARC.

I'm absolutely hooked on this latest addition to the Spenser series! The continuation from Robert B. Parker is seamless, and the storyline is captivating right from the start. I was immediately drawn into the world of Spenser as he was confronted with the shooting of longtime friend, Rita Fiore. Rita's character has always been intriguing, and the dynamics within Spenser's circle add depth to the story.

As Spenser delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers more secrets and potential threats. I loved the addition of Al of our favorite characters, especially Jesse Stone. This book has definitely left me eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series—I'm already looking forward to the next thrilling adventure with Spenser!

I recently had the chance to read an advance copy of "Robert B. Parker’s Hot Property" by Mike Lupica, thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group. This was my introduction to the Spenser novels, and I found it to be an enjoyable read. The story revolves around Rita Fiore, who is shot and left in a precarious situation, which is a fairly typical plotline for this genre.

Although I found this book a bit more challenging to engage with compared to other works by Mike Lupica, it was still a solid read. I particularly liked the dynamic between Rita and Spenser and appreciated Rita's strong character presence throughout the story. Since I dove into this series without prior knowledge of the main characters, I would recommend new readers start with some of the earlier books to gain better context, but it's still a manageable standalone read.