Now and Then

a good one!

I enjoy almost all of Robert B Parker's books, I enjoy Joe Mantegna's narration and the 'saids' are just a part of Parker's writing style that I've grown to love. Thoroughly enjoyed the story, the characters and the narration.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

A wonderful listen!

I guess I am really hooked on Spencer now - I generally like audio books that are a little longer than Robert Parker's seem to be but I thoroughly enjoy listening to them and do so at every opportunity until I finish. No one but Joe Montegna should ever read the Spencer series! He is just perfect and it is him I see when I listen to Spencer's voice during the book - to me he is what Spencer looks like and no one else can do the character or Parker's dry humour and irony justice. The others who have narrated some of the Spencer series are very good but not for these books - Joe Montegna IS Spencer and anyone else sounds wrong. All the Robert Parker books are well crafted and written, extremely engaging and enjoyable and well worth the price. I am off to buy a couple more. What will I do when I have finished them all??

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

It was better then

Once one of my favorite authors, Mr Parker has taken to writing novellas, having them published in large print with huge margins and calling them novels. This is the first Spenser novel I have heard as an audio book and it is obvious that Mr Parker's terse style along with his frequent "he said", "she added", "Pearl growled" doesn't transfer well to the spoken book.

Mr Mantenga is a competent actor but I never saw him as Spenser. When speaking Hawk's parts I was embarrassed for him and the character. When Avery Brooks played Hawk on the first Spenser series he played Hawk as an intelligent, multi-faceted person. It didn't sound that way with this narrator.

Mr Parker's "Early Autumn" was a wonderful book with interesting characters (and to his credit including a guidance counselor) and a very interesting protagonist. Please go back to the source, Mr Parker, even Hawk was boring in this book.

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

true spenser

this book is true spenser. all the characters and action you come to expect from him

Hawke and all the rest -- action, plot and a bad guy to stop

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Waste of money

As another reviewer put it: The "I said, He said, Everyone said," is so over powering that it is painful to listen to it... All concerned should be ashamed of putting this product out! Did anyone in authority even listen to it?
If the book reads likes this, Robert needs to go over to the home and put a blanket over his lap.

6 of 9 people found this review helpful

I said, he said

I have read in print most all of the Robert Parker titles and have loved them all. This was my first audio version of his books. I was very disappointed. I am not sure if it is the writing and I just don't notice it as much in print, or the narration. But all all of the "I said" and "they said" really bugged me. I listen to many audiobooks and this is the first time I have ever noticed it.

I don't think I would by another Parker book in audio.

4 of 6 people found this review helpful

Not good

I like Joe Mantegna a lot but he reads this book as if he's making fun of it. I do not think Robert Parker writes great literature but I have enjoyed his books in the past as good escapist fare. The thing is you look at his picture on the cover and then you read about all these stunningly beautiful and super smart characters and it's like "poor guy, I guess we all need our fantasies". I appreciate some of the other genre writers who allow their characters a few human failings. I would not buy this book or download it if I had it to do over. Check it out of the library.

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

WORST book I've ever tried to listen to!

This was the worst $9.95 I've ever spent on a book! The story would be good BUT, all it seems to say is "I said", "He said" and "She said". The sentences are 1-5 words long, followed by "I said, she said or He said." And there seems to be an emphasis on those words which makes that the only thing your hearing! Please, DO NOT waste your money on this one! It's awful!

11 of 18 people found this review helpful

Now & Then. Robert Parker

The book was good. I was skeptical from reading the reviews because most reader did not like the way the author said who was talking. But, that was one of the aspects I enjoyed because you always knew who was saying what. Plus there when not of character to reference back too.
Enjoyed it. Now on to my second novel.

Love the Spencer

Any additional comments?

A Spencer novel is the ultimate in thuggary. A man among men, this book tows the line. Who wouldn't want to be Spencer? Two thumbs up.