Holiday Blog 2007

The question of spelling Spenser's name has arisen.  I may be the only one who has never mis-spelled it. Spenser, with an S like the English poet (who probably also spelled it right, though they were less picky about spelling in the 16th century). . . . Several have raised a question about who this "Rose" is, to whom NOW & THEN was dedicated. That would be Rosie, Joan's miniature bull terrier, who died at age 14 this past March. She was the model for Sunny Randall's dog. There is a picture of Rose on the back cover of PERISH TWICE . . . It has been suggested that the back list of my books is not available. I believe this is wrong. In paperback, to my best knowledge, all the books are out there. Great Xmas gifts! . . . on the show biz front: APPALOOSA has, I believe, wrapped. Should be ready to go in spring. After that, when it does go is pretty much a marketing decision. If you haven't been paying attention, the cast includes Ed Harris, Viggo Mortensen, Rene Zellweger, Jeremy Irons, Lance Hendrickson, and, of course, the brilliant Daniel T. Parker. Harris directs.  The new Jesse Stone movie, THIN ICE, with Tom Selleck doing his usual dandy job,  is tentatively scheduled to air on CBS in February. If that changes I'll issue a blog alert. As for my day job, STRANGER IN PARADISE (Jesse Stone) goes on sale in February. My second YA novel, THE BOXER AND THE SPY appears in May, and RESOLUTION (the sequel to APPALOOSA) comes out in June. I'll be doing a week in Texas (strating June 2) to promote the book. Houston, Dallas, Ft. Worth, San Antonio, and Austen, I believe. . . .  Boston is having a particularly good year, weather's good so far. In addition to having the best baseball team in the world, again, we also have, apparently, the best football team, and, incredibly, so far, the best basketball team. It also seems that we have become Hollywood east, or Toronto south, thanks in noticeable part to Dennis Lehane (whose success, of course, I deeply resent) . . . I'll be having my right knee replaced in April.  I had my left knee replaced in 2004, and its working very well, so by the time y'all see me in Texas, you'll think I'm Fred Astaire. . . . And, of course, my annual endorsement of presidential candidates -- Except for John McCain, whom I admire but disagree with, I hope they all lose. . . . Happy Holidays.
rbp

Comments

[franni]

Mr. Parker, Since you will be in Texas promoting Resolution. Would it be possible to recall that there is a Texas below the San Antonio line. We here in the Deep south of Texas (Valley) where we have all of the modern conveniences Like Barnes & Nobel, So we do read.
I do look forward to the sequel even though you don't ever get to the boonies. McAllen,
is growing so that we have a very large reading pop.

[Bill]

You forgot Boston College...not such a bad year for them either

[Library Lady]

Does Rosie have a successor? I always feel sad when people decide not to have another animal when one dies. You can't replace them, but you can find a place for a new one. I was relieved that you wrote in a Pearl II for Spenser and Susan.

[Nancy]

My condolences on Rosie's passing. Losing a pet is devastating.

A happy holidays to you, sir.

[Richard Mabry]

Dr. Parker,
(Don't you miss getting called that since you left academics?)
Looking forward to seeing you when you're in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Best wishes with the surgery. And as for Patriots being the best team in football--How 'bout them Cowboys?

[Jim Anthony]

I have read every book you have written, except the one horse-racing book, and I too have never mis-spelled, unlike some who have mis-spelled it here on your blog, Spenser. Throughout the book series, Spenser has referred to his name in reference to the English poet, so I really don't see why the concept is so difficult. It is a name, by the way, and one may spell it anyway one wishes, right?!?!?!

Condolences to you and your wife regarding Rosie.

Happy Holidays, I anxiously await all of your new releases, both in print, and on the screen.

[Susan]

Looking forward to seeing you in Texas. When/where will a schedule of your appearances be available? June is not necessarily the best time to visit Texas but you'll love it here! Happy Holidays!

[Georgiann Kite]

Hi Mr. Parker,
I always await your next blog with anticipation of new things to come. You never diappoint me either. I hope your surgery goes well and a speedy recovery. I hope you like Texas. I have relatives there and in Oklahoma. They are currently still digging out after the horrendous ice storm. Anyway Happy Holidays to you and yours. Always look forward to new reading or viewing material. Keep them coming. I am collecting them as they appear.
Fondly, Georgiann Kite

[Ron Doble]

I am a 53 yr old new fan. Now that I'm pretty much retired, I am attempting to read all of the Spenser books. I'm keeping my wife awake at these days but not in the same old ways. I can't help it, I laugh out loud quite often in spite of myself.

Not that you need my encouragement but...keep up the great work.

[PG]

Mr. Parker....what do you think of Cormac McCarthy's THE ROAD?

[Dave Curtis]

RBP,
Having just finished "Now and Then," I thought it time to return to Spenser's roots, so I paid a visit to the library for a copy of "The Godwulf Manuscript." On page 4, Spenser discloses that he's 37 years of age. Now, I'm not any better at math than Spenser is, but I can figure that if he was 37 in 1973, then he must be around 71 today. I think it's time he cut back on his drinking, started watching his diet, and gave some serious thought to getting married.
Regards,
Dave Curtis
Bloomfield Hills, MI

[Dave Grady]

Mr Parker,

I enjoy reading your periodic updates here, and I have only one quick question, something that occurred to me the other day: any idea why last year's Spenser, HUNDRED DOLLAR BABY, was retitled DREAM GIRL here in the UK? So far as I know all your previous novels kept their original titles. Anyway, happy holidays to you, and I look forward to STRANGER IN PARADISE and THIN ICE in a couple of months.

Dave G

[anne]

I cannot wait for "Stranger in Paradise" to come out in February. I am addicted to your Jesse Stone series (and the movies airing on CBS). I love this character...definitely one of my favorites! I know you're the busiest guy on earth, but I would love to see more of these than just one or two a year! That's just not enough! You're the best!

[Lisa]

I'm so glad to hear that both movies are coming soon; my husband and I loved Appaloosa and we've also tremendously enjoyed the Jesse Stone movies. And a sequel to Appaloosa; how wonderful!

You might possibly be interested in an event that I and another food blogger started this year; it's called Novel Food and it celebrates the meals found in works of fiction. For the winter edition of the event, I chose to feature the first meal Spenser made for Susan Silverman, from God Save the Child. Here's the link, in case you'd like to look at the post:

http://champaign-taste.blogspot.com/2007/12/novel-food-winter-2007-edition-pork.html

Thank you for the great books and movies, and happy holidays.

[Gretchen]

I discovered you when I was planning a trip earlier this year (2007) to Boston, and wanted to read some fiction based there. Your wonderful descriptions of places, streets, etc, added to the enjoyment of my trip. I've read most of your books now, and am impatiently waiting for your new ones. I'm now looking forward to your upcoming visit to Houston.

[sharon miller]

Boy, do I wish I lived in Houston. Any chance you'll come to Baltimore, home of (lately) the worst football team in the world and a really lousy baseball team, too?
I read your books with reverence--as an English teacher and a lover of the written word, I respect your skill more than that of anyone writing today in any genre. The problem is that I can only make a book last a day or two. Thanks!

[bruce m]

If memory serves me right, and it may not, Mr. Parker during a TV interview some years ago, revealed Spenser's first name: Joe.

Has this ever been expanded upon?

[Reese Lloyd]

Please, please kill Jenn. Think of the tragic possiblilities, the emotional trial for Jesse, etc.
Oh, and by the way, make her death painful. Real painful.

[kdip]

To my shame, I discovered Spenser, Stone and Randall only two years ago when I became a librarian. I had known about the Parker mysteries and remembered Spenser For Hire only because of Robert Uhrich. I read every book we had (about a shelf and a half) in two months and recommend the books constantly. I am starting the new year out right by rereading all the Stones and Randalls and watching the 3 Stone videos I have. I learned here on your blog about Ed Harris and Viggo Mortenson starring in Appaloosa and can't wait for the video to come out. I was also comforted to know Joan was still with you, as I have been touched by your dedications to her, and was little concerned about a couple of recent dedications. You, Steve Hamilton, Lee Child, and Harlan Coban are at the top of my reader's advisory list for patrons, but you are definitely Leader of the Pack. More, more, more!

[Mike Adams]

Thanks for making hundreds of business flights tolerable. Was Robert Urich your choice for Spenser?? He was great in the part.. was he as nice in real life??

[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 also traveled to Tombstone this summer with my family and enjoyed reading your account of the Gunfight at the OK Corral.
I'm thinking about starting the Spenser (with an "S")series. Is there a "reading order" that you would recommend?
Thanks for some great reading!
(Sorry, not a big baseball fan, but....
GO PACKERS!!)
Scot

[Sean]

Was your son the inpiration behind the character Paul Giacomin in Early Autumn?

Thank you so much for the wonderful novels...I have enjoyed them sooo much for many years. Spenser is like a part of the family!

[Betsy]

It's January in central PA -- the Steelers lost and those boring Patriots just keep winning. The very best news is that Robert B. has two books coming out this spring--the only downside is that I read them the day in the first few days they're out and then....I have to wait for the next ones. Keep writing! We'll all keep reading.

[Wayne C. Rogers]

Jesse Stone: Sea Change will be out on DVD on February 26th. You can order it through Amazon. It's probably timed to coincide with the new Jesse Stone movie, Stranger in Paradise, on CBS television.

[Richard MacLemale]

Awesome news on the Hollywood front. Appaloosa was an absolutely fantastic book - if the movie comes anywhere near close, it will be outstanding. And I have to ditto what Sean wrote - when I get one of your books, I read it in a day or two. You've been my fave author for the past ten years - all I can say is "Thank You."

[Mel C.]

Austen, Texas? Is that a riff on the Spenser (mis)spellings...

[Peter S]

Thank you for confirmimng my inkling that the dedication to Rose was for your pup "Rosie." I am sorry for your loss. I have three beagles, and the oldest is now 14.

(In the previous blog entry, someone named Joan gets mad at me because she thinks I posted somethjing about killing off Spenser--a. I hope this wasn't your Joan, and b. the way these blog comments are set up, it makes it look like my name is associated with the person who posts below me. Long Live Spenser.)

[Linda]

rbp, Thanks for hours of entertainment escaped in mystery and clever wise-cracking. You're a wonderful leap from my stack of English essays to grade. Keep up the literary references. I loved the Hamlet stuff in Sea Change. A glass of vine and thou! Linda

[Les Goins]

Mr. Parker,

Just, yet, another Spenser fan who has laughed so hard at the dry, laconic exchanges between Spense and Hawk that I have truly fallen over in bed...:-)
god, I love your style...!

Thank you for so much fun---

Les

[Sandy R.]

LOVE the picture on the back of the new book, Stranger in Paradise!!!!!! You look GREAT!!! You're coming to Austin? YAY!

[deelind]

Thanks for your blog, it's really good thing.
Looking forward to your next post. Sorry about Rosie, really heart breaking. Best~deelind

[Deloris Douthit]

I have really enjoyed your Jesse Stone movies,so when I read your Paradise series I can see the characters that are in the movies.But although I really liked the story in Stranger in Paradise, I am very offended by your taking my Lord's name in vain on almost every page and the use of the F word so often and unnecessarily. The movies tell the story very well without the curse words and the F word. So I will just be watching your movies and not buying your books any more until you clean up your language.

[Kathy]

Any word on the air date for Thin Ice?
By the way, I'm reading Stranger in Paradise....very enjoyable, as usual!

[Stu Barnhill]

Mr. Parker,
For those who mis-spell Spenser, Oh, well, none of us are perfect. Oh, and by the way, it's Austin, Texas, not Austen. Just teasing, sir. I'm looking forward to seeing you in Dallas.

Stu Barnhill,
Garland, TX

[Steve Carruthers]

Several of the Spenser novels make reference to when Spenser and "the good Dr." were apart for one reason or another. I haven't read all of your books as yet (I'm about half way there to date), and I'm wondering. What book, if any, do you go into detail of the "separation" of Spenser and Susan Silverman?
Do you ever make it to Utah and Salt Lake City in particular?
I enjoy and have enjoyed all of your books.

Steve Carruthers
Salt Lake City, Utah

[Liz]

Just heard about Appaloosa being turned into a movie and while searching around the internet for more news I stumbled across your blog. Pleasant surprise that, since I have enjoyed your books for many years. In fact, I'm running out of room to put all those books, but that's a story for another time.

I can't decide now whether I'm more happy about Viggo Mortensen playing Everett (he'll do a phenomenal job), or about a sequel to Appaloosa in the works. Both good news.

Sincere thanks for sharing your stories with us.

Liz
Columbus, Michigan

[Bea Mitrosky]

Mr Parker,
Why no 2008 blogs? Did I miss Thin Ice on CBS? The month is almost over and I'm frantic.
Someone let me know please.

Bea Mitrosky
Howell, NJ

[Kathy]

Me too! (Blogs and Thin Ice!)

[John McKibben]

I've got all of your books and all of the DVD's available to date. Stranger in Paradise is on order through Amazon and should be here any day. My favorite book is A Catskill Eagle and I love the Jesse Stone TV movies.

Speaking of which, what's the story with Thin Ice? I see nothing under CBS and you're not posting to this site. I'm looking forward to seeing ( and eventually owning ) this chapter as well.

Thanks for all the entertainment over the years. Keep them coming!!

[Kinkazzo]

A short comment just to salute you and congratulate you on writing the Spenser Series: I've been enjoying it since its very inception and love it! Please continue writing it, with your usual humour and pace, which makes my reading it such a unique experience.
Bravo, Mr Parker, and let me part with a Scot's cheer from my Highlands:

May the best ye hae ivver seen be the warst ye'll ivver see.
May the moose ne'er lea' yer girnal wi a tear-drap in its ee.
May ye aye keep hail an hertie till ye'r auld eneuch tae dee.
May ye aye juist be sae happie as A wuss ye aye tae be.

("May the best you have ever seen be the worst you will ever see.
May the mouse never leave your grain store with a tear drop in its eye.
May you always stay hale and hearty until you are old enough to die.
May you still be as happy as I always wish you to be.")

~Kinkazzo

[Frank]

Mr. Parker,

Obviously, you don't know me, but that doesn't negate the fact that I would like to give you and Mrs. Parker my condolences on the loss of your beloved Rosie.
I don't mean to be offensive, but, anyone who claims to be a "fan" of yours should know how to spell Spenser (with an S, like the English poet).
I've yet to read Stranger in Paradise, (but will soon), and I'm referring to a comment made about your use of the F-word and using the Lord's name in vain, seriously now, I've read 99.9% of your work, and I can't recall you ever getting as vulgar as that, not on almost every page. But, I suppose, until I read Stranger in Paradise, I'm the only one entitled to my opinion.
And my opinion is that's not what you're all about.
I apologize for the ranting, it just irks me.
On a lighter note, I would definititely love to see Spenser and Sunny work a case together. I mean, they already have something in common, besides Boston, and that's the lovely Jewish-American Princess Susan Silverman.
In closing, I would personally like to thank you and Spenser for inspiring me to write and create my own world of fiction.

All the best.

[Nancy]

Dr. Parker,

I agree with Sandy R. about your back-cover picture. You look fantastic!

I'm not sure which version Ms. Douthit read but I do not recall seeing God's name taken in vain all over the book, nor do I recall the "F" word being used liberally. None of your books are like that. I don't think my mother THINKS the "F" word, ever, and she loves your books.

I really enjoyed Stranger In Paradise and the "no Spics on Paradise Neck" made me laugh so loud, the dog came over to investigate. I don't think you should have allowed Molly to cheat on her husband, especially with someone like Crow, but that's must my opinion. I didn't like the book any less because of it.

[george]

comment on spenser spelling
The very first time I meet my cousin's boyfriend my very first words after hi was to ask him if he spelled his name with an s like the spenser series or with a c.
comment on spenser tv show
Hawk and Susan were perfectly cast on the tv show. I did not like robert urich as spenser. too young to be cast as spenser. they possibly cast robert urich because of his playing a private detective on the vegas series 1978-1981, so he had tv detective show experience.

[Mary Stella]

Mr. Parker, please post another blog. I know you don't blog often, but I enjoy the posts that you write and am a bit bereft that you haven't written one since December.
Steve Carruthers asked:
Several of the Spenser novels make reference to when Spenser and "the good Dr." were apart for one reason or another. I haven't read all of your books as yet (I'm about half way there to date), and I'm wondering. What book, if any, do you go into detail of the "separation" of Spenser and Susan Silverman?

It begins with The Widening Gyre, intensifies with Valediction, and goes through A Catskill Eagle.

[Stu Barnhill]

Just heard the rendition of MOON RIVER by you and your son on this website. Not bad -- not bad at all, sir. I should do as well.

[Gayle]

Dear Mr. Spenser,
I had the pleasure of meeting you awhile back in Manchester, NH at the library.
You are such a hunk and I love your new picture on the back of "Stranger in Paradise". You age well!!!
Please, please have Jesse Stone finally end it with Jenn. What a selfish, whiny person. I cannot stand her. Jesse deserves so much better. Don't kill her off though because then we will have to endure months and months of Jesse mourning her death. Let him take control and boot her butt back to CA!!
Thank you, Mr. Parker. I hope to see you in NH again soon!!

[Gayle]

Dear Mr. Spenser,
I had the pleasure of meeting you awhile back in Manchester, NH at the library.
You are such a hunk and I love your new picture on the back of "Stranger in Paradise". You age well!!!
Please, please have Jesse Stone finally end it with Jenn. What a selfish, whiny person. I cannot stand her. Jesse deserves so much better. Don't kill her off though because then we will have to endure months and months of Jesse mourning her death. Let him take control and boot her butt back to CA!!
Thank you, Mr. Parker. I hope to see you in NH again soon!!

[Gayle]

I'm so sorry, I meant, Mr. Parker, not Spenser. I'm so embarrassed! This is no reflection on the people of NH, we really are intelligent!!

[Wayne C. Rogers]

Just to let the "Spenser" fans know that the TV series with Robert Urich has been playing on the cable network, Lifetime, and that you still might be able to catch it.

[George Beinhorn]

Yes, please: Free Jesse Stone Now! Hint: expose her as the self-absorbed A.H. that she is - an unevolved human being, like April Kyle. Skipping lightly over that - thank you for writing the world's most re-readable novels. You and H.L. Mencken - God's gifts to your fellow writers. Hope I meet you on a plane - I won't say a thing, or shake your hand, or look at you; but you'll feel my warm regard.

[Nessa]

Adding my vote to requests for a new blog entry, perhaps reporting on your knee replacement adventure? And registering my opposition to those rooting for Jenn's end. I would have agreed before reading Stranger in Paradise, but after reading, feel more engaged with the Jesse/Jenn evolving personal-growth saga. Deep stuff going on here. It's an accurate (if agonizing) portrayal of 2 people whose individual weaknesses feed the worst in each other--despite their mutual love--and their struggles to change, requiring each to confront themselves (more than each other). Whether or not they end up together, in the process each will be revealed more fully to themselves, and thus to us. To our benefit. Bravo, Mr. Parker.

[Scott]

Three years ago we condemned our son to a life of proving the world wrong by naming him Spenser. "Like the poet," I told my wife. "No," she knew better. "Like the private eye." She's no fool.

[Wayne C. Rogers]

Does anyone know if Mr. Parker has been sick for the last five months? It isn't like him to go so long without a posting, unless something has happened.

[Wayne C. Rogers]

Now that the plug for Resolution is up, I guess we know that the author is alive and well.

[Max Effort]

All the plug for Resolution means is that the book is being released for sale. It means nothing regarding the well being of the author whose silence has become deafening.
This reader would prefer that the blog be abandoned totally if it is not going to be maintained on a regular basis. Otherwise, what's the point?

[Charles Foreman]

I, like most readers above, miss your blog entries and hope they will resume soon. I'm also in the doldrums waiting for the next Spenser release though if there is a surprise there like there is in the latest Jesse Stone, then I might not be. Something just grates about the idea of Molly and Crow. Now, Molly and Jesse would be another thing but to do that to her character frankly, ruins her character. Now I'm wondering if I will buy the book, and I have purchased the rest of that series. I suppose it's always something a popular author has to wrestle with; that is, the reaction of the reader to what the author does with the characters. And I am a little sick of Jenn still having a role in Jesse's life. I don't think Chief Stone would be less interesting without her, in fact he might seem a little better adjusted. But at this point, with Jesse's nagging weakness and Molly's infidelity, Paradise is turning into anything but. But, as I said, I look forward to next Spenser release, and if you have any influence with the owners of the TV shows, please suggest they release a DVD collection by season...

Thanks,

[סרטים לצפייה ישירה]

אתר המספק צפייה ישירה בסרטים , שידורי ספורט , שידורי כדורגל , שידורי כדורסל
צפייה בערוצי טלוויזיה בחינם באינטרנט ועוד!
ooooooooohhh i have this on my fone sumone sent me it :L i listened to it at night in the bathroom in the dark by myself sounded soooo real lmao

[Rosemary]

I have only become a reader of your novels in the last three months, but now I have just finished reading the last one. I so enjoy how the characters in every novel have evolved and interact with each other. Each character is flawed but are still somehow a perfect fit. I look forward to your next book release, please continue with all the series but especially the Spenser novels. Thank you

[how do i get spenser tv showes on dvd?]

you keepm going

[Mark Berbower]

Dear Mr. Parker,
I wanted to write to tell you that I have been a fan of your Spenser books. And I really like Tom Selleck in your Jesse Stone films. I hope that you have more Jesse Stone movies with Tom Selleck.
It would be interesting to see him play the role of Spenser too.
Thanks for the good reads.
Sincerely,
Mark Berbower