Time to address some input from blogees:
Negotiations continue on the Spenser For Hire front. The mills of Hollywood grind exceeding fine. But I have no reason to think it won't happen in awhile. . . . The response to BRIMSTONE has been gratifying. I don't know very far ahead, what I'm going to write. But I rather don't like the idea of not writing anymore about Hitch and Cole, so, probably, I will. . . . to the high school teacher who is planning to teach my books to her 10th graders (shame on you), I think you should start with some of the adult stuff (maybe EARLY AUTUMN?) and then go back to CHASING THE BEAR. However, I can report that I was once banned in Concord New Hampshire ("live free, or die") because there were swears and maybe some tasteful sex (write what you know). CHASING THE BEAR has little of either. You know your students (and their parents); you should be the final judge. . . .as for the current baseball season, we need to get Papi turned around and Jed Lowrie back at short, after that I think the Sox roll on through the season to another World Series Championship . . . As for the Celtics, wait'll Kevin Garnett comes back. . . . Several of you have asked how I can produce so many books a year. One answer would be: I am a creative giant. Another would be: I have no life. But the truth is probably more that Joan thinks I should. . . . I am currently writing a book with the working title SIXKILL in which a new character joins Spenser's world. Probably be out next year. Joan likes it. . . . time to go box with my trainer (who has promised not to hurt me).
rbp
When I was a young adult, Robert B. Parker's books helped me grow up. My worn paperbacks were passed on to my dad, who found them helpful while navigating the end of one marriage and the beginning of a new one. And yet, instead of feeling grateful for all those great books, stories and values, when I found a notice at the local public library informing me of RPB's passing, I felt cheated. I cried in the stacks. The storyteller died and I wanted to know what happens next, dammit!
At the time I didn't know that two, maybe three books were completed and ready for publication. I am humbled by this man's generosity to us readers. To his family, I express my deepest sympathy.
Valhalla is yours, Mr. Parker.
Posted by: Kate Pavelle | February 10, 2010 at 11:23 PM
I hope the family checks here for comments... I am going to sorely miss you Robert B. Parker! As a disabled 51 year old who despises TV and chooses to read, you enriched my life immeasurably! The laughter and joy you brought to my life can never be replaced and will never be forgotten. I want the family to know that I cannot imagine your feelings of loss. To the boys, what a blessing to have had a dad who seemed to understand you so well and love you so richly! May you each be comforted in your loss.
Regards,
Phil Jones
phil.jones@cmaontheweb.com
Posted by: Phil Jones | February 12, 2010 at 07:48 PM
I am an avid reader of Spenser, and Jesse Stone. I would love to read the book when Jesse Stone tells his ex-wife Jenn to take a hike! He is such a woman's man, that I find his obtuseness (is that a word?) to her selfish maneuvers to be distracting. Maybe I am a little old fashioned, however, I don't think Jesse deserves her treatment.
Just my opinion.
I love your books, and your humor. Thanks!
Posted by: Jeanne Raynes | February 15, 2010 at 12:32 PM
In his last blog post, Mr. Parker mentioned he was working on a new Spenser called Sixkills, as the working title. that was in May, and knowing how quickly he writes, I wonder if he finished it. Is it Painted Ladies due out in October or a different one?
Hope lives on. One more Spenser.
Posted by: Lisa | February 17, 2010 at 12:49 AM
I had no idea my favorite author had passed away - I am so very sad. My deepest condolences to Joan and their sons. I cannot imagine a world without Mr. Parker's fabulous characters, nor a world without Mr. Parker. Trips to the library will be a little less joyous.
Posted by: Sarah in VT | February 18, 2010 at 06:32 AM
You will be missed, Mr. Parker.
Posted by: Josh Jasper | February 22, 2010 at 10:40 PM
First attempt:
Donald Westlake is dead? Really?
Second attempt:
I had become fascinated, in the mid-'70's, with the uniquely American myth-figure of the Urban Loner, typified by the Hardboiled Dick, and had discovered that there seemed to be an important literary "line of succession" between the Big Three: Dashiell Hammett, followed by Raymond Chandler, followed by Ross MacDonald. One night, shortly before or after the Great Blizzard of '78, I was sitting, at 2:00 AM, at the counter of the old Bulkie Delicatessen on Boylston Street, next to an attendee of a comic book convention that was going on in Boston that week, and we discussed that arcane subject. He was an out-of-towner, and he knew about RBP, and he said to me something like, "Well, if you want to read the next guy in that line of succession, read Robert Parker... his 'Spenser' books are set right here in Boston." If I had to list the top five life-changing conversations I have ever had, that chance encounter would be on the list.
Third attempt:
RIP, RBP.
Posted by: G. Andrew Maness | February 23, 2010 at 11:44 PM
There are only a few authors I buy jacket unread, hardback to reward the author, and who I give away with the knowledge that I am giving a gift that will matter.
We were all lucky. Lucky Mr. Parker was prolific. Lucky he diversified, for as much as I loved Spenser, Hawk et al, Jesse, Sunny and Cole and Hitch grew with each novel. Lucky he shared a "code of the west" that can be lived anywhere (helps when you have friends like Hawk and Everett, but even in real life you earn those friends, right?)
I think the best epitah anyone can have is that he or she really mattered. Doesn't matter how much or how many, but in Robert Parker's case it is undoubtedly a vast number of readers that feel that he really mattered.
I hope he and John D. MacDonald and whoever Mr. Parker wants to hang around with are all swapping stories and hopefully somehow influencing a new talent. There is only one Robert Parker (sorry wine guy), and boy, did he matter.
Posted by: Mic Harris, Maine | February 25, 2010 at 04:02 PM
A most sad day when I heard of Mr. Parker's passing. I will very much miss his wonderful work. My condolences to his family and friends
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Posted by: オテモヤン | March 28, 2010 at 10:08 AM
I just found out that Robert B Parker died, I began reading his novels as a Freshman in college, and I haven't stopped since. I never thought to look since there have been new books of his coming out and I just assumed he would always be here with us.
God speed Mr Parker, and God be with your family that you held so dear.
And thank you for continuing to keep this blog open for us, his fans.
Posted by: Joy Sehl | May 07, 2010 at 10:01 PM
There is no doubt that happiness is the most precious thing in the world. Without it, life will be empty and meaningless. happiness consists in contentment. A man who is dissatisfied with his present condition is always in distress.
Posted by: coach handbags | June 25, 2010 at 09:51 PM
If you always going to be people that hurt you, what you have to do is keep on trusting and just be more careful about who you trust next time around.
Posted by: coach wallets | June 30, 2010 at 02:44 AM
I was really shocked to hear of your passing.
I've loved each and every book of yours.Sorely
missed.My condolences to Joan.
Patrick May
U.K.
Posted by: Patrick May | July 07, 2010 at 06:59 AM
I'm listening (and reading) to your books all over again, starting with the westerns.
I am wondering if anyone has taken an option on Resolution for a movie, and if it is scheduled for shooting.
I thought that the entire movie was done very well, and held up to the book very well. The characters picked were awesome, Harris, Mortensen, Irons, even Zellweger, who irritated me at first but more and more wound up fitting the role. I hope the series gets filmed before any of the actors pass on. I don't know if anyone could replace them and still be as good.
Posted by: mike | July 27, 2010 at 09:32 PM
I too did not read a Parker book untill 2006. I have read 48 and will read the rest. Rest in peace. Missing you!!!
Posted by: Sheryl Smith-Barr | August 31, 2010 at 02:12 PM
Has anyone commented about the similarities between "The Rembrandt Affair" and "Painted Ladies"? Robertwchorba@yahoo.com
Posted by: Bob Chorba | November 23, 2010 at 08:05 PM
Sixkill! There is another Spenser after Painted Ladies, hooray! I wonder if there are any more books in the pipeline that he finished before he died.
Been a year and a little now. Seems like yesterday.
Posted by: Lisa | February 16, 2011 at 09:38 PM
I am a Deputy Sheriff for a southern California and the Cole and Hitch series are very motivating to a Law man! I cant tell you how much I hope that there will be another in the series of already great book. Thank you again Mr. Parker
Posted by: Justin | July 04, 2011 at 02:57 PM
Parker sir has been one of the finest singer of the country,, when they sing I feel like flying in the sky..
Posted by: kamagra | September 23, 2011 at 05:14 AM