Review of Robert B. Parker’s “BROKEN TRUST” by Mike Lupica

My favorite anti-hero has got to be Spenser. One name like Madonna. A close second is his side-kick, Hawk. One name like Madonna. 
Broken Trust, another story from Robert B. Parker (posthumously) written by Mike Lupica,  is a real winner. Many of the old ‘cast’ has returned to assist Spenser in solving two murders while mired in global big-business, AND help keep Spenser alive. He never backs away from a fight even when one goon has a baseball bat and the other, a tire iron.  

The writing, seemingly effortless and flawless, in Parker’s voice continues to intrigue me, as a writer.  While the other writers do an excellent job of continuing whatever series they are working on; Sunny Randall, Chief Jesse Stone, or Virgil Cole & Everett Hitch, Mike Lupica excels beyond their offerings. There’s just something in the FLAVOR that Lupica brings that’s all Parker. 

You would never believe that Robert, himself, had not written the biting quips, sublime as they are. 
Quotes from Broken Trust: 

Whitson: “What are you, some kind of tough guy?” 
Spenser: “I am actually a very tough guy. But now I’m leaving, just so Ms. Megill doesn’t start to get the impression that I’m the asshole here.”  And I left.
Not even noon yet, and I’d already made a new friend.
***********
Hawk: “Hell, yeah. Look what happens, I let you go off on your own. …you get yourself killed, you know Susan’s gonna blame me.”
Spenser: “You told me one time you weren’t afraid of anything or anybody.”
Hawk: “‘Cept for her.” 
Spenser: “Same.”
********
Vinnie: “I feel like I got some of that deja vu going here.” 
Spenser:  “Because of the way I’ve managed to artfully reimagine my old apartment?”
Vinnie:  “Nah. Because here we go again with me watching somebody and Haw watching you and neither one of you knowing what the f*** is going on here.”
Spenser: “See there is still equilibrium to the universe after all.” 

Fans of true crime and murder mysteries can never go wrong when purchasing these series continued by the estate of Robert B. Parker. Fine writing, good stories, great characters. Each one is an individual gem. 
***********************

📬 Want more reviews, author interviews, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the writing life? Sign up on the Home Page — just enter your email address and never miss a post.