LA Break down . . .

Joan and I have returned from Hollywood. We visited Dan, dined with moguls, and were generally the talk of Tinsel Town. . . several moguls asked me if I was the wine guy. . . the fifth Jesse Stone Movie, an original called THIN EDGE, starring Tom Selleck again as Jesse Stone, is in post production (we Hollywood insiders refer to that simply as "post") and is expected to air in February. APPALOOSA is now shooting in Santa Fe. Jeremy Irons has joined the cast, and so has Daniel T. Parker. They shot the railroad train scene this week, I believe.  The new Spenser, NOW & THEN will be published on October 23. Be sure to get yours (we Hollywood insiders refer to that as pleading). The CD, "Songs That Spenser Taught Me" is completed (though not yet available). Noted actor,Dan Parker sings classics from the American Songbook, joined harmonically on one track by his father,  known fondly as the velvet rasp. I'll let you know when it's available. Despite the presence of the old groaner, it's a very good album. And noted choreographer David Parker brings his company (David Parker and the Bang Group) to Boston for a week at the Calderwood Pavilion, starting November 7. Details to follow . . . there's nothing wrong with nepotism as long as you keep it in the family.
Go Sox!!!!!

rbp

Comments

[DM Benfer]

Excellent news RBP. 10 days until a new Spenser. Happy days! I surely wish the series would come back to TV, even if everyone disliked Montagna. Not enough Spenser to keep me satisfied...

[K Filling]

Thanks for the update. New Spenser, new Stone movie coming and Appaloosa in the works...throw in the Velvet Rasp on CD and it's almost overload :-)

All the best, Sir.

[David Salter]

An English fan (since 1985). My wife and I have just got back from New York, Boston, Vermont, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. first time in Boston for seventeen years although I was there quite a bit in the 70s and 80s. Boston is beautiful though sorry to just miss the swan boats (DUCK instead!). New England wonderful in the Fall. Look forward to new Spencer. Guess Murder One will have it soon after 23 October. Will we be able to get your CD in UK? Very best wishes David Salter

[Greg Bellan]

REALLY looking forward to the next Spenser. Just finally got through the last Randall and was VERY happy. Keep writing them and we'll keep reading them!

Greg
http://www.killthecan.org/
http://forum.killthecan.org/

[D Catterson]

I'm an old guy who just discovered the Spenser series. I remember hearing about the TV show, but can't recall watching it. I guess it's not hip to admit, but I completely missed the fun until about a month ago.
I thought you might enjoy getting a note from a brand new (old) fan. As the kids say, your stories are awesome! Spenser rocks!
For all your (younger) older fans who might read this with some slight sense of superiority, I say harrumph! I've got hours of reading pleasure ahead of me - without having to wait for you to finish writing your next book. Don't slow down though. I'm catching up as fast as I can.
Highest Regards,
DCat

[Floyd Bogart]

Always looking forward to your new works...

Whenever I put my writer's hat on, I always start by picking up whatever RBP book I have close at hand to get a feel for fluid prose.

There has always been such a feeling of rhythm to your books that can't be had anywhere else. Have gotten at least five enjoyable readings out of every one of your books I have picked up and look forward to at least as many more.

[Georgiann Kite]

Hi Mr. Parker, I am looking forward to the new Spenser and the other projects as well. You must be very proud of both your boys. What a talented clan and so well deserved for all of you. Good wishes as always And the Sox are still hanging in...

[K Filling]

DCat,

Welcome to the faction of readers known as 'Spenserians'. Nice to have you among us.

No superiority here, kind sir. While not terribly spry myself, you may have me beat in years. 'Discovery' knows no bounds, age-wise, and you're in for a great read. May I suggest reading them in order of release...get a sense of Spenser's (and RBP's) growth and maturation (a redundancy?).

Best,

Keith

[Mark]

Sox/ Rockies in World Series

Sox in 6

[Mark]

Sox/ Rockies in World Series

Sox in 6

[Mark]

Sox/ Rockies in World Series

Sox in 6

[Mark]

Sox/ Rockies in World Series

Sox in 6

[Greg Bellan]

who do you think will will the world series mark?

greg
http://www.killthecan.org/
http://forum.killthecan.org/

[DM Benfer]

Mike O'Malley, actor (Yes, Dear) and die-hard Sox fan blogged from the stadium via his cellular phone:

"Dear John Henry: I broke my chair jumping on it when Dustin "Little Papi" Pedroia went yard. Sorry."

Such a storied franchise, such passionate fans. Yesterday the Bambino smirked and nodded as the Sox again battle their way to the WS. God bless the Sox...

[Helen G.]

Saw somewhere that you moved from Medford?

Aren't the Sox just great - win or loose? Are you one of the luky ones with tickets? What could be better than this weather and those games?

Keep on writing - soemtimes they seem to have been a little too easy for you (?) but the best thing is that you keep giving good value and fun - thaks - we need the fun these days.

[Helen G.]

Sorry for the typos!

[Peter S. in Arlington VA]

Dr. Parker,

Just picked up the new Spenser (two copies) at a Borders in D.C. Saw that "Now and Then" is not dedicated to Joan, but rather, to Rose. Is that Rosie, your pup?

Best,

Peter S. in Arlington, VA

[GFS3]

I've been a huge Spenser fan for many years, but despite Mr. Parker comments to the Boston Globe magazine that he has no plans to kill off everyone's favorite gumshoe, perhaps it is time...

My argument: http://darkpartyreview.blogspot.com/2007/10/robert-b-parker-should-kill-spenser.html

[MELODY]

you must b in heaven ! both boys doing well, new cd and book coming out , movie cooking, AND THE SOX ARE IN THE SERIES ! (people out here in so cal just dont understand- a baseball fan remembers pudge fisk frm 1975, but a red sox fan remembers him and bernie carbo !) we're in the 1st game and the rockies pitcher has lost the strike zone, 13 to 1. GO SOX !

[MELODY]

you must b in heaven ! both boys doing well, new cd and book coming out , movie cooking, AND THE SOX ARE IN THE SERIES ! (people out here in so cal just dont understand- a baseball fan remembers pudge fisk frm 1975, but a red sox fan remembers him and bernie carbo !) we're in the 1st game and the rockies pitcher has lost the strike zone, 13 to 1. GO SOX !

[Nancy]

I'm very much looking forward to reading Now and Then.

In the Boston Globe interview, you mentioned that Joan isn't crazy about Susan Silverman. Why is that?

[Richard J. Gasylord]

i have just finished your new book "Now and Then" and loved it (
(note: i personally think "early autumn" was your most 'human' book in the sense of getting inside the characters).

a personal question, what's with "This is for Rose .... Always" dedication? who is Rose and why isn't this book dedicated to Joan as are, i believe, all your other Spenser novels?

[tim Smith]

I grew up in New england and live in So California. Spencer novels are alway like a trip back home. If these fires got any closer I might head back for real..

[Georgiann Kite]

Hi Mr. Parker:
YAY!!!!!! RED SOX!!!!! Quite an acheivment after breaking the "curse". Two in 4 years...

[Beth]

Ok guy, I have a bone to pick. The last couple of books I have read by you (I read in no particular order....so shoot me) your dedication has been ambiguous enough to cause me to worry that something had happened to Joan, or that something had happened to "you and Joan".
After searching the info on the web, I now know that all is fine in the Parker family. Plus I got to learn about your sons! Cool! My sister and hub have two gay daughters and live in Newton Highlands! They are both wonderful and talented children as well.

Just a spot of trivia for you.

So don't scare me again, ok? Some of us out here need to believe in the Bob-and-Joan kind of relationships. If you ever DO split up for good, trust me, my heart will be broken. So don't.

Ok, I'm not a fawning syncophant. However, I am a large fan of both your books and the personalities of you and your wife reflected in your characters. And of your relationship as depicted in your books and news articles.

Not to leave out Pearl, of course. I have kittens, but I'm sure Pearl wouldn't eat them, because she's a wonder dog.

Excuse me. THE wonder dog.

ahem.

That's it. Hooray Sox.
Isn't Autumn great........sigh.
Beth O.

[Lori M]

Hello! I am a great Spenser fan, and love all the others as well. I just want to say 2 things; 1. Every time I see your photo on the book jacket, I picture you as Spenser....and 2. My husband, who is a non-fiction kind of guy, finally broke down and tried some fiction...I gave him a Spenser book to read ;) He can't get enough!
You must be happy the Sox won the series! They sure whooped butt. Poor Rockies.
Happy Halloween!
Lori in AR

[Candy M.]

Now and Then was great. Intrigued by the marriage debate and thought the nutty psychologist/do-gooder (doing good but accomplishing evil) was a great story line. Will you share - who is Rose? Looking forward to the movies - esp. Appaloosa.

[DavidO]

Hello Mr. Parker.

Im happy to hear that things went well for you and Joan in LA.

I love your books. My English teacher recommended "The Godwulf Manuscript" to me in 11th grade in '03 and I really enjoyed it. Since then Ive read everything from the Spenser, Sunny, and Jesse Stone series and had a blast doing so. My favorite book would have to be "Potshot" with the whole gang. Ive read it like 10 times.

"Now and Then" was great of course. A bit of a mini reunion. I also liked the closure to the events from "A Catskill Eagle", and Vinnie provided some great humor. I really like his character in general as well as the Gray Man.

Sorry for the self centered, gushing response, but I just wanted to let you know what a joy your stories have been in my life these past years. Your books are the only books I read for pleasure unfortunately (Yikes! I know, but it's the truth!). Im a film/internet/video game fan like the rest of my generation (can't wait for "Appaloosa").

I also want to put my vote in for a Sunny meets Spenser and Hawk book if there's a running tally haha. Id love to read it.

Thanks again for the awesome books. You and Spenser are total men. I sincerely hope life is good up there in Boston. Best wishes, etc...

David

[Elaine]

I started reading your books this summer after my Dad passed away. It helped me get through some tough moments. Now I am addicted to your books! I love Spenser most of all. I can picture all the characters so vividly. I just heard on TV that Renee Zellweger say she currently working on the movie Apaloosa. I am so happy for you and all your success. One of my favorites is one of your earlier works called Love & Glory (I hope I remembered it correctly). But enough of babbling, I look forward to all your books. When you can take a reader on to a journey and all else is forgotten for the time, you are truly gifted.

[Frank]

I'm trying to work out what classics may have influenced your writing most. Leaning to the short stores of Hemingway and almost everything of John O'hara. Am I anywhere close?

[Joan]

I love Spencer & Robert B Parker. A "Joan" who has gotten a kick out of reading the "Joan" dedications for years, I was blown away when I picked up Now & Then. Who is Rose? I'm jealous!

PS: Tom Selleck fits as Jesse Stone, though reading the books I'd pictured him as younger. Surprised at the choice of Joe Montegna as Spencer.

[Steve W]

I think Peter S. from Arlington should go, not Spenser. Get a life dude!!

[Library Lady]

I was excited to find that you have a blog--God bless Kirkus. You have been a favorite author both to read and buy for the library for as long as you've been published! And every time I read a Spenser novel, I have to go out and find a corn muffin.

[Tina Brown]

I just finished reading all the Sunny Randall books except the latest (which was "out" at the library.) It took me 5 days and nothing else got done. Gotta say I'm sad that things didn't go better between Sunny and Richie but life's complicated and must go forward.

I read a bunch of Spenser novels years ago but am now going back to read them all - in order this time.

One of the things I really enjoy about your books is that you love your dogs and as much as I love mine. Pearl and Rosie are probably my favorite "characters." They make the books very "real-life" to me. I'm particularly fond of Spike, too.

Your characters ALWAYS provoke thoughts that help me learn something about myself, and my family, too. That's a nice bonus.

Not to sound too pompous, but keep up the good work! I'm one of a lot of people into whose lives you bring great enjoyment.

Oh, and Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you have as much to be thankful for as I do.

:-) Tina

[Chris]

Mr. Parker, I've been looking forward to a revival of 'Spenser' on the big, or little screen. You mentioned earlier it was being considered. I know the lead actor dilemma could be a big one. I can't think of anyone, right now, who could do justice to the part. One thing I'd like to suggest. No matter who plays the role, or in what format it's released, please keep the TV show theme music. It's brilliant! I can't (re)read Spenser novels without hearing the music in my head. I'm trying to find a way to get it downlaoded as a ringtone. Keep up the excellent work.

P.S.: I still can't believe how many so-called 'Spencer' fans there are. After Lord knows how many books, they still get the spelling wrong.

[Randy]

I read Now and Then in a single sitting last night and quite liked it. I must admit that I am a big fan of the earlier Spenser. Like most characters, the less contented they are with their lives the more interesting they are!
Keep up the good work...

Go Leafs...Go Jays...Go Argos!

Toronto

[Lisa]

Thanks for the update on Appaloosa and the next Jesse Stone TV movie, both of which my husband and I are eagerly awaiting.

[Scot Collins (Guidance Counselor Carroll H.S. Indiana)]

Robert:
We started a silent reading program here at our school. I was forced to read, so I started reading L'Amour. Caught a Jesse Stone video so thought I would try those books. Now I'm through all of them and NEED MORE!! Do we have a date for the follow up to "High Profile"? I'm also thinking about starting the Spenser series. Is there a "reading order" that you would recommend?
Thanks for some great reading!
Scot

[Peter S]

Note to "Joan." My post was about the dedication to Rose, not about killing Spenser. That post was by the person who posted just after me. The way the posts are set up here, it makes it look like I was the one advocating Spenser's demise. If you track back to the top, you'll see how it is very confusing.