Broken Trust by Robert Parker (Mike Lupica

Spenser investigates the past secrets of a tech billionaire in this latest installment of Robert Parker’s beloved v series.

Excellent novel. Full of murder, mergers and suspense. Great character base. I recommend this book.

Thanks to Net Galley for sharing this advanced reader’s copy.

Thanks to Netgalley for a prepublication copy. Never having read a Spenser novel, I came only with my appreciation of Mike Lupica as a great young adult novel author. Not disappointed. The banter in this reminds me of the Andy Carpenter books by David Rosenfelt. Self-deprecating but witty. Spenser is more literate which I appreciated. The wife of a wealthy entrepreneur comes to Spenser to ask him to investigate her husband's odd behaviour as of late. The plot rapidly moves to murder and intrigue. I like Spenser as a character. He's monogamous with a Harvard educated psychologist. He has a code of conduct he is loyal to. He quotes poetry and Shakespeare. He can fight. What's not to like? I'll be reading more of the Spenser series.

I enjoyed this book but it’s complicated! Mike Lupica is perfect here- the transition from the beloved
Robert B. Parker is literally seamless in the humor and style you’d expect in a Spenser book.
The book takes us into the ugly inner workings of ‘Super High Tech’ as it applies to humanity and our (sometimes)
inner conflicts and inability to do more harm than good. And our secrets, We all have secrets…
In this installment we find Spenser being talked into taking on a client based on the recommendation of his long
time, “not my wife,” loving companion, Susan Silverman, a Harvard educated Psychotherapist, with whom he’s been involved for years. I rather enjoy their relationship because while their friends occasionally wish they would marry, they seem to have worked out a relationship that fits their needs well.
Laura Crain, wife of ridiculously wealthy Andrew, sits before Spenser. We pretty much know he’ll be taking her
case, whatever it turns out to be, because she’s Susan’s friend. The story she tells is the usual - she thinks her
husband is either up to something or in trouble and she believes only Spenser can help her. He has always been a
sucker for ladies in distress. Her case is nightmares for Spenser…
Andrew Crane is in business in a big way-a high dollar business that is highly speculative but in his mind is a sure
thing;.
Andrew’s company had come up with a major development in the battery industry - it would be economical and
would change how we use batteries forever. If Andrew’s merger with an electric car company went through they
would be richer than they could imagine.
Secrets will be the downfall in this story and everyone has them. Spenser will have everyone’s secrets, and will
have to negotiate and navigate them carefully in order to keep Laura alive-she knows her husband is in some kind of trouble, but Spenser will learn about so much more…
I really enjoyed the complexities of this book. Avoiding the urge to read faster to see around a corner, is tough,
but you want to take in each of the many character because there are no small characters in the story.
To avoid spoilers, I’ll say that by the time you come to the end of the story, and the pieces come together, there
will be a sense of satisfaction that things have been put right. Mostly.
I highly recommend this book to fans of John Sanford , to fans of the great Spenser series, to all
thriller & suspense fans. I think it’s important to read the series in order, however, the book is excellent as a
stand-alone if necessary.
My thanks to NetGalley and PenguinGroupPutnam for this free download copy and this is my honest review.

Mike Lupica bursts on the scene with the new Spenser novel Broken Trust echoing the best of Robert B. Parker. Laura, concerned with her husband’s new and unusual behavior, comes to Spenser asking for help. Andrew (think Jeff Bezos) is the controlling partner of a hugely successful battery company. His copartner Eric is planning a merger but Andrew has doubts. Before Spenser can do much, Laura is found dead and he is in the middle of a confusing blend of business, puzzling personal relationships, and past history.

Reading Broken trust is like putting on a favorite old sweater. Lupica brings not only Spenser back to his many readers but adds Susan, Hawk and Pearl the Wonder Dog to the mix. I’m looking forward to what he does next. 5 stars.

I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review-
When her husband seems paranoid and secretive. She asks Spenser to investigate why. What he discovers is startling!

Robert B. Parker’s Broken Trust, the 50th edition in the venerable Spenser series, entertains and provides everything long-time fans love and expect – intriguing characters, a difficult case to solve, humor, danger, love and copious amounts of Hawk. Mike Lupica has seamlessly picked up the torch to this iconic series from Ace Atkins and run with it, keeping Spenser’s dogged investigations, sarcastic wisecracks and tough-but-virtuous personality in our lives.

The wife of the sixth richest man in America hires Spenser to find out what’s driving her genius husband’s suddenly erratic behavior that is putting his tech company’s merger at risk. As Spenser investigates, a few key players wind up dead and he finds himself in harm’s way – as usual – which makes the case personal. However, the more he digs, the more dead ends he runs into. But with Hawk and Susan at his side, he won’t quit until he finds the truth. And it only takes one lead to break things wide open, unearthing secrets that have been dead and buried for years.

Anytime there’s an author transition in a beloved long-running series, there’s a risk that the books just won’t be the same or that it’ll take several books to hit the right notes. But that’s not the case here. Mike Lupica does a fantastic job in Robert B. Parker’s Broken Trust to capture the essence of Spenser and Hawk, nail the right level of sarcasm in the dialogue, find the balance between safety and danger during the investigation, and grasp the core tenants of the love between Spenser and Susan. Add in a modern story mixed with the old school nature of the main characters and the result is a novel that delivers on all fronts. An excellent read for fans old and new.

No series in print is as important to me as the Spenser series. I started reading it as a teenager and have finished all 50 books. Every time a new one comes out, it’s like old friends are back for a visit and we pick up as if no time has elapsed at all. I’m forever grateful to Ace Atkins for continuing the series after Robert B. Parker’s passing and now I’m thrilled to see Mike Lupica taking it forward. The future is bright and I’m excited to see where storylines go from here.

Mike Lupica deftly carries on Robert B. Parker’s excellent Spenser series. The story was engaging and entertaining as the mystery was presented and solved. The usual supporting cast for Spenser was featured - Susan, Hawk and of course, Pearl. Funny, witty dialogue moved the story along quickly as usual for this series and frequent inclusion of Boston landmarks, culture and restaurants added extra dimension to the novel.

Thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for the opportunity to read this great ARC.

This one was not as quick of a read as normal, but it still has most of the elements that is the reason this is the 50th Spenser mystery. Readers continue to be invested in the characters and the relationships he has with Hawk, Susan, Z, Quirk, that is just as long lasting as this series.

Hints of comparison as well of actual mentions of Bill and Melinda Gates enables you to see the elusive tech billionaire and his philanthropic wife as someone that transcends the pages into someone in the "real world". But that is where it ends.

Scandals are revealed, the past comes back to haunt them, and worlds collide.

Thanks to NetGalley, I received an ARC for a series I have been here for since #1

I received an ARC of this 50th novel in the Spenser series, but the first written by well-known sportswriter Mike Lupica, through NetGalley.

I was interested in this book, though I have never read any previous book in this series, because of Mike Lupica, who is insightful and provocative in his coverage of sports. Lupica doesn't disappoint, as he uses sports references regularly in dialogues and descriptions. Humor is also prevalent, oftentimes combined with smart-aleckyness.

I was hindered some by not being a previous reader in this series, as there are a lot of characters in this book, unfamiliar to me but old friends to veteran readers of this series.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed this book. It is set in Boston. The plot revolves around wealthy owners of a tech company which is planning to merge with a Canadian car company. Spenser is hired to investigate the odd behavior of one of the owners. But once he gets involved, he finds himself in the midst of murder and mayhem, adding considerably to the risk and complexity of his task.

Book review for Robert B. Parker's Broken Trust by Mike Lupica
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you so much to @netgalley and @penguinrandomhouse for this early release copy. I loved it. Kept me guessing the whole way through.
This book will be out November 28, 2023 so pre-order it now!

A tech billionaires wife comes to Investigator Spenser to find out what is going on with her husband. She is afraid he is going crazy. His behavior is erratic and she is deeply worried. As Spenser investigates and learns more, we find several murders around this tech giant company and his partner. Can Spenser figure it out before he becomes a casualty as well.

Fast paced and a thriller. You will love his supporting characters as well. His girlfriend Susan, dog Pearl and friend Hawk.

#netgalley
#crazybooknerd
#bookstagram
#robertbparkerbrokentrust

I admit I was skeptical about the Spenser series continuing after Robert B. Parker’s passing, but Mike Lupica won me over. While there will never be another Parker, Mr. Lupica has the feel of how to write a Spenser novel quite entertainingly.

Robert B. Parker’s Broken Trust starts with the wife of a fabulously wealthy and successful man (Bill Gates-ish) coming to ask Spenser to figure out why her husband has been behaving so strangely. Before he can get very far, his client is murdered. Spenser being Spenser, decides she’s still his client and he’s going to find out what happened to her. There are plenty of good suspects: the almost but not-quite-equal partner, the hot headed lawyer, the executive assistant among them. There’s a merger only the lesser partner wants, and another death staged to look like a suicide. Spenser has his usual cast of characters helping him, including, of course, the nearly perfect Susan Silverman and Hawk. A young assistant at the company shows up claiming she has a way to help, The resolution isn’t perfect, for Spenser or the reader, really, but comes close enough to make this entry in the series most welcome.

The beautiful wife of one of the world’s richest men comes to Spenser in the hope that he can find out what skeletons lurk in her husband’s closet. Though he is a generous philanthropist and loving family man, she is concerned—he recently has become secretive, bordering on paranoid, and she wants Spenser to find out why. As Spenser digs into the billionaire’s past, he discovers things that will cause him to question his own views on morality—and place him in grave danger.

This is Mike Lupica's first outing as the writer of Robrt B. Parker's Spenser series, and he does a more that credible job, Broken Trust will keep readers flipping pages far into the night. While this reader will miss Ace Atkins' installments, she'll be rooting for more from Lupica. #RobertB.Partker'sBrokenTrust #NetGalley #SaltMarshAuthors

Classic Spencer but so much better! Seeing Spencer being portrayed as the middle aged man he has to be after all those books) but is so satisfying. It was great to read another book where our hero is still physically tough and bulldogedly persistent but more reliant on his brains than his fists. He actions are still ruled by the same unwavering moral compass and sense of needing to 'set things right, especially when it comes to innocent victims while the plots have started becoming more complex. This newest book should appeal to a broad fan base. Kudos to Mr . Lupica for keeping Spencer and his sidekicks alive in 2023. The world needs more heros that chase down bad guys and make them pay for their crimes.

I am so glad I had the opportunity to once again visit the world of Spenser in his hometown of Boston. “Broken Trust” written by Mike Lupica, is an intriguing and action-packed story that all Spenser fans will certainly enjoy. Mr. Lupica was the perfect choice to continue the Spenser legacy and he captured the essence of Spenser with so much detail I thought that Mr. Parker had written this book. Spenser is, of course, still with Susan and they spend their time dining out, walking her dog Pearl, and being in love. Hawk will always be Spenser’s best friend and confidant and he was more than willing to assist Spenser with his latest case.

I was thrilled to see that Spenser still had his dry wit and brutal honesty as he interrogated the business executives he was investigating. His old friends at BPD were always there to help, but Spenser does things his own way and that will never change. The mystery behind the billionaire's past created quite a stir within his company and the one thing Spenser was sure of was that no one could be trusted. Spenser traveled around Boston and all the way to California before he finally got the answers he was looking for. Spenser protects those he cares about and throughout his investigation he came upon witnesses who were brave enough to come forward with valuable information, while at the same time, putting their lives at risk. Spenser called upon Hawk and other associates to safeguard these individuals, while he searched for the truth, once and for all.

I received this eARC from NEtgalley.com and am providing an unbiased review.

This is the fiftieth book in Robert B. Parker's 'Spenser for Hire' series, and I have l very greatly enjoyed every book. Lupica's writing style is similar to Parker's, in not only how the character does his thing, but even the way chapters are done. I constantly think back to the '80's with Robert Urich playing the main character on the television show. I can't think of any greater words to say about this book other than I truly enjoyed reading another story from this series, and Lupica did a fine job.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the eARC.
So good reading a Spenser book again! Mike Lupida does a wonderful job of bringing back Spenser, Hawk and Susan.
The wife of a tech billionaire wants him to find out what her husband is hiding - he's been acting suspiciously and she wants to know why. As Spenser digs deep, he realizes the man has done some dirty deeds in his past. Were they justified?
Soon there's a murder, Spenser is in danger and
he's like a dog with a bone determined to solve this case.
I loved the joy Spenser feels at being back in his old neighborhood in Boston, being able to walk to work.
Love, loved it, such a great read!

A new Spenser book is always a welcome treat and Mike Lupica does a credible job of capturing Parker’s unique mood and dialog. The beautiful wife of one of the world’s richest men comes to Spenser in the hope that he can find what has caused the recent change in her husband’s personality. The technology genius has always been a generous philanthropist and loving husband, yet she is concerned—he recently has become secretive, bordering on paranoid, and she wants Spenser to find out why. Spenser has little to go on and most people attribute the behavior to nerves and stress from a huge company merger in the works. But then a shocking murder changes everything and Spenser finds himself in danger and obsessed with solving the case. As usual, the city of Boston plays a major role and the book can also serve as a travelogue of places to see, things to do and places to dine. Most of the usual Spenser cast of friends and associates are present, including Susan Silverman, Hawk, Vinnie Morris, Henry Cimoli, Martin Quirk, Frank Belson and Tony Marcus. I especially enjoyed Spenser’s joy at returning to an apartment in his old neighborhood and the way that he always found a way to brag to everyone he meets that he can walk to work. The book captured my interest from the start and I found it a quick and enjoyable read. Thanks to the publisher G.P. Putnam's Sons and to NetGalley for allowing me to review this ARC.

I have loved Spenser mysteries from day one and Mike Lupica has been able to maintain the pacing, dialogue and stories without skipping a beat after the passing of the great author Robert B. Parker, Rich tech people are in trouble in the latest Spenser case. You just never know where the story is going and the witty dialogue is in fine form with Spenser, Hawk and Susan. From detailing food preparation to the most recent narrow escape, Lupica knows the characters and the way Parker weaved his narrative. If you enjoy Spenser mysteries and if you have not tried one - this one is as good as any to start. Enjoy.

Publishing on 11/28/2023

Grade A-

Mike lupica does such a great job in continuing Robert B Parker's Spenser novels. I love the story and all the characters. Thanks so much

While I enjoyed the storyline of this book, I felt something was “off” about the character development. It wasn’t until I realized the Mike Lupica had authored this latest Spenser novel (rather than Ace Atkins) that it clicked. Yes, there was the usual repartee between Spenser, Hawk, Susan and other supporting characters, but some of the dialogue did not ring true, especially comments made by Susan. I did love the repeating theme of Spenser’s happiness in returning to his old neighborhood and the ability to walk to work.

There is plenty of action and twists as Spenser is hired to uncover the source of a billionaire’s troubling behavior, leading to death, the physical abuse of women and corporate intrigue between partners and their attorney. As usual the city of Boston plays a major role with detailed and evocative descriptions of neighborhoods, historical landmarks, and restaurants.

Overall, there is plenty to like in this novel – it offers great entertainment in a quick, engaging read. It just falls a bit short in comparison to previous Spenser offerings.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.