Robert B. Parker's Slow Burn by Ace AtkinsMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
As I've said in previous reviews of Atkins' Spenser: he does a great job of capturing Parker's voice and style. Over the course of the several Spenser books by Atkins, however, you can tell that more of Atkins is coming through. That is not bad in itself; I enjoy the books. But it's clear you are reading Atkins writing as Parker and not Parker. There are just little things and moments that are not quite right. For example, something Hawk says which fits the story but it is just not what Parker's Hawk would say.
This was a good story; all the classic set pieces for Spenser stories are there. I enjoyed it as I have the previous books. I have to admit, though, that I am ready to say goodbye. I'll buy the next Spenser book by Atkins for sure, but if this is it. I'm good. The end of the book had a feeling for me very much like the last episode of Cheers. The story goes on; the characters live on; it's just our window into it that has closed.
I'd rather see Atkins take the Z character and see what he can do with him; make Z his own (to continue the Cheers analogy: Z could be Frasier).
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