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Pale Kings & Princes (Mass Market Paperback)

by Robert B. Parker (Author)

3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)

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Product Details

Mass Market Paperback
Publisher: Dell (May 1 1993)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0440215846
ISBN-13: 978-0440215844
Product Dimensions: 17.3 x 10.4 x 2.5 cm
Shipping Weight: 159 g

Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)

Amazon.ca Sales Rank: #1,300,510 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Product Description

From Publishers Weekly

The TV series Spenser: For Hire is based on Parker's bestselling series of mysteries starring a Boston private detective, and this taut thriller will no doubt match its predecessors' success. The murder of newspaper reporter Eric Valdez takes Spenser to Wheaton, Mass., where Valdez was investigating a Colombian cocaine operation. After a meeting with the police chief, Bailey Rogers, the detective is waylaid by thugs whom he beats handily. Spenser confirms his suspicions that a grocery wholesaler, Felipe Esteva, is dealing the drug and paying off the police. The next murder victim, however, is Rogers, whose young son drives a truck for Esteva. Spenser daringly hijacks a fortune in cocaine and offers to sell it to Esteva, as dangerous a ploy as the macho detective has ever attempted. When his only ally, a state trooper, is "reassigned," Spenser brings his lover Susan to help with psychological warfare and his sidekick Hawk to face Esteva's mob. Parker keeps the reader's adrenalin pumping overtime until Spenser and company claim the victory. Mystery Guild dual main selection; Literary Guild/Doubleday Book Club alternate. (June
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From School Library Journal

YA Parker's story has a timely plot revolving around cocaine smuggling through a Massachusettes town from a syndicate in South America. Spenser comes to town to probe the death of a newspaper reporter who knew too much. It soon becomes apparent that the chief of police is involved in the drug operation. After a second murder, Susan, his psychologist girlfriend; Hawk, a man of special skills; and Lindquist, the cooperative state trooper, join forces against the drug kingpin. Lots of action, some violence, and a little romance keep the plot moving right along. Easy, fast-paced reading that should appeal to teen mystery fans. Anne Paget, Episcopal High School, Bellaire
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Customer Reviews

5 Reviews

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Average Customer Review

3.0 out of 5 stars (5 customer reviews)

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1.0 out of 5 stars An insult to any intelligent reader, Mar 24 2003

By	Steven K. Dentel (Newark,, DE United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Pale Kings and Princes (Paperback)

I found this book to have little redeeming value. The dialog is particularly crude and the "detective" work is simplistic.

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4.0 out of 5 stars Vintage Parker, Mar 9 2001

By	Old Fisherman "Jim" (Orange, California USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pale Kings and Princes (Paperback)

Spenser is hired to find out who killed reporter Eric Valdez. Valdez's assignment was to get to the bottom of the cocaine trade in Wheaton, Massachusetts, but the town is owned by the Columbians, including the police force. So Spenser does what he does best. He parks himself in town and asks questions until he annoys enough people and something shakes loose.

I read this book years ago and just re-read it. I think it stands up well. I've always liked the Spenser series because of it's dialog between Spenser and Hawk. Actually the dialog between Spenser and whoever he's talking to always crackles. I also like the fact that the story makes sense. Many mystery/crime novels today depend on the serial killer schtick but to me Parker's mysteries are always grounded on something believable. Cocaine trade in Wheaton, Massachusetts? Might seem ridiculous at first but after it's explained it makes perfect sense. It could happen that way and the story that follows also could have happened that way.

Anyway, like all of the Spenser series I enjoyed it and recommend it. It's not deep literature but it is a fast enjoyable read.

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4.0 out of 5 stars Darn good read, Oct 15 2000

By	Mark S. Winger (Wood Dale, IL United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Pale Kings and Princes (Paperback)

I thought this book, like other Spenser books I have read or listened to was well worth the time. Parker has a definite knack for keeping you entertained. Admittedly I liked Playmates and Widening Gyre a little better, I would not pass on this book at all. Having read the other reviews I am anxious to get into more Spenser novels because if this one is middle of the road, then I can't wait for the others. The story centers around the murder of a journalist investigating a small town in Massachussetts that seems to be the cocaine depot of the northeast. Parker's storytelling and Spenser's keen wit make it a quick read.

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Most recent customer reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars Not one of the best, but worth it if you love Spenser
This book was certainly not one of Robert Parker's best but it as a good read. It is also a very fast read and there is never a lull in the action of the book. Read more

Published on Feb 20 2000 by doc_ew

3.0 out of 5 stars A solid entry in the Spenser canon.
This is not a spectacular book but a solid one. It took me over 2 decades(!!) to acquire a taste for Spenser but am now caught. Read more

Published on July 15 1998 by Enrique F. Bird