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
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...
Posted by: DM Benfer | October 13, 2007 at 10:58 PM
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.
Posted by: K Filling | October 14, 2007 at 11:45 PM
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
Posted by: David Salter | October 15, 2007 at 06:40 AM
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/
Posted by: Greg Bellan | October 15, 2007 at 09:02 AM
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
Posted by: D Catterson | October 18, 2007 at 11:15 PM
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.
Posted by: Floyd Bogart | October 19, 2007 at 06:50 PM
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...
Posted by: Georgiann Kite | October 20, 2007 at 01:15 AM
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
Posted by: K Filling | October 20, 2007 at 07:55 PM
Sox/ Rockies in World Series
Sox in 6
Posted by: Mark | October 22, 2007 at 08:51 AM
Sox/ Rockies in World Series
Sox in 6
Posted by: Mark | October 22, 2007 at 08:51 AM
Sox/ Rockies in World Series
Sox in 6
Posted by: Mark | October 22, 2007 at 08:52 AM
Sox/ Rockies in World Series
Sox in 6
Posted by: Mark | October 22, 2007 at 08:52 AM
who do you think will will the world series mark?
greg
http://www.killthecan.org/
http://forum.killthecan.org/
Posted by: Greg Bellan | October 22, 2007 at 09:30 AM
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...
Posted by: DM Benfer | October 22, 2007 at 09:38 AM
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.
Posted by: Helen G. | October 22, 2007 at 05:12 PM
Sorry for the typos!
Posted by: Helen G. | October 22, 2007 at 05:13 PM
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
Posted by: Peter S. in Arlington VA | October 23, 2007 at 01:35 PM
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
Posted by: GFS3 | October 23, 2007 at 03:18 PM
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 !
Posted by: MELODY | October 24, 2007 at 11:10 PM
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 !
Posted by: MELODY | October 24, 2007 at 11:11 PM
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?
Posted by: Nancy | October 25, 2007 at 12:11 PM
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?
Posted by: Richard J. Gasylord | October 28, 2007 at 12:56 PM
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..
Posted by: tim Smith | October 28, 2007 at 11:02 PM
Hi Mr. Parker:
YAY!!!!!! RED SOX!!!!! Quite an acheivment after breaking the "curse". Two in 4 years...
Posted by: Georgiann Kite | October 29, 2007 at 03:16 AM
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.
Posted by: Beth | October 29, 2007 at 09:32 PM