Playmates: Amazon.ca: Robert B. Parker: Books

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Product Description

From Publishers Weekly

Boston private eye Spenser returns to investigate rumored cheating by Taft University's star basketball team in Parker's 19th novel. The challenges of the case at first seem straightforward: when Bobby Deegan, representing mob gangsters, strongly advises the detective to stop snooping, Spenser and his equally intrepid sidekick, Hawk, simply do in Deegan's hired guns. But a trickier moral dilemma then presents itself, and Spenser asks his lover, psychiatrist Susan Silverman, to help him resolve it. Evidence of point-shaving by Dwayne Woodcock, Taft's power forward, threatens the fragile future of this talented black student trying to rise from the slums. Finding that Woodcock has been passed all the way to senior grade, without ever learning to read, Spenser redoubles his efforts to serve justice and mercy both. 150,000 first printing; $150,000 ad/promo; Literary Guild, Mystery Guild and Doubleday Book Club.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

With characteristic acerbic wit and impudent independence, Spenser tackles a case of alleged point shaving by Dwayne Woodcock, a famed black forward on the Taft University basketball team. Spenser discovers the truth of the allegation and ties to a New York mobster, but, because of Woodcock's illiteracy and sensible girlfriend, decides to save Woodcock's career if he can. The solution works itself out all too easily, even for Spenser; however, Parker's compressed prose, recognizable regulars, and no-nonsense action will satisfy his followers.-- REK
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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10 Reviews

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4.2 out of 5 stars (10 customer reviews)

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5.0 out of 5 stars When the Day is Done and The Game is Won. Is The Playmate There for Dinner and Rum?, April 26 2007

By	Linda G. Shelnutt "Author" (Hotchkiss, CO USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Playmates (Hardcover)

The sass quotient went off the charts in the opening of PLAYMATES, as Spenser lunched in luxury with a big shot trustee on the board of Taft University, then faced off with the cool cats at the college newspaper office (giving a classic line for the heart of journalism), then connected with the hot shot coach of the basketball team, which was allegedly shaving points somewhere in the ranks. Each time Spenser met a new person or persons I smirked in anticipation of how they'd respond to him and how he'd prod tender spots. Of course, whenever Spenser met someone worthy of him I all but leaped out of my chair and clicked my heels.

The return to the university scene reflected back to some of the themes and setting auras in THE GODWULF MANUSCRIPT, the pilot to the Spenser series. Parker's writing style seemed to take a reminiscent walk in PLAYMETES, as he described physical scenes with the crisp depth and detail of his first few novels which opened the series in the seventies. In a sense, PLAYMATES seemed to be a pleasant pivotal point for the trilogy of Spenser, Parker, and his readers, as many of the prior ingredients-with-pull in books 1 - 15 were surged and stirred into this pot of philosophical, literary gold.

When I ordered PLAYMATES from Amazon, for some reason, I was more curious than normal about the title, how it would fit into the plot. I was still wondering about the title, after having read to the last page of this novel's ingeniously unusual type of impossible solutions and resolutions, which went on to become one of the signatures of Parker's denouement genius.

With a bit of contemplation after completing the last page of PLAYMATES with a smile, I could see who the pair of playmates were, and why Parker's use of that word would capture anyone with a sensitive soul protected by a gruff, sassy, or classic exterior. After having read the first 16 Spenser novels now, with a peppering of some of the later books into the mix, I was reminded pleasantly why I continue to crave Spenser's sass and genuine class, starting from the first few paragraphs I read in one of the later books in this series.

I contemplated closing this review by listing the ingredients from previous plots which I noted above as having been surged and stirred into PLAYMATES. Then I thought, "Maybe not. Better to let that list become bait for further study of this series, including a soul dip into its prime review collection." You might slip on a hint of allergy remains here and there, but let the "faithful" leading the show to pull you out.

Of course, in addition to Amazon's Customer Reviewers, some of the best big name journalists also pose posh and perceptive on Spenser, who seems to bring out the sass and spark in a massive collection of readers.

Live long and well, Parker. When you leave, your trail will endear and endure,
Linda Shelnutt

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4.0 out of 5 stars A welcome breather after CRIMSON JOY, Jan 30 2003

By	Neal C. Reynolds (Indianapolis, Indiana) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Playmates (Mass Market Paperback)

This is a bit of a relief after the very intense predecesser. Here, you're dealing primarily with point shaving in college basketball, not with serial murderers.

However, as usual in a Spenser novel, there's more here than just the primary plot. There's insight into racial relations, a theme that Parker explores deeper in the later PASTIME. There's also the very human theme concerning dealing with a person who's abilities you admire, but who is an insufferable so-and-so.

It's a typical fast read and yet leaves you with a feeling that you've picked up something of value from the reading.

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4.0 out of 5 stars Basketball, Bookies and Mobsters, Oct 10 2001

By	Paul Skinner (Manassas, Virginia United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Playmates (Mass Market Paperback)

This was my first Spenser book. It was much better than the TV series. I loved the no nonsense character of both Spenser and Hawk. The vulgarity was strong, but believable. Spenser drifts through most of the story wondering what he's supposed to do, since his moral compass is nagging him to correct the wrongs of the world, even if they aren't in alignment with his customer. Will Spenser live to see another day? Given the large number of Robert B. Parker novels, you can bet on it.

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Most recent customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Very funny and well-paced
This is the first Robert B. Parker novel I've read, and I love it. Spencer (the main character) has an uncanny sense of humour that is both addictive and inspirational. Read more

Published on Sep 3 2001 by Laurent Boulanger

5.0 out of 5 stars Basketball Follies
In this edition of the exploits of Spenser and Hawk, it appears that there is a case of points shaving going on involving Tate University�s basketball team. Read more

Published on Aug 10 2001 by Untouchable

4.0 out of 5 stars Spenser investigates college basketball point shaving
After wallowing in the mind of a serial killer in the previous Spenser novel "Crimson Joy," it is something of a relief to discover "Playmates" is just about a... Read more

Published on Jan 17 2001 by Lawrance M. Bernabo

4.0 out of 5 stars Spenser 4 Hire
This is the first Spenser novel I have read, and I think I am off to a good start. I never really watched the tv show and I don't know if it was indicative of the books. Read more

Published on Aug 15 2000 by Mark S. Winger