This is a typical Spenser novel - WHICH IS GREAT!! Lupica captures Robert B. Parker's "voice" perfectly. The plot is engaging with all of the characters that we know and love (or love/hate). Readers of the series won't be disappointed in the newest Spenser adventure.

Mike Lupica is carrying on the style of Robert Parker's Spenser with style and action. I look forward to the next one.

Suspenseful, honest, witty and engrossing, Robert B. Parker’s Showdown is a well-crafted modern take on this cherished five-decade long series. Mike Lupica has given us another wonderful Spenser novel that provides new challenges for our old hero. Delivering a thrilling no-nonsense detective story with the comforting dry humor and moral complexity readers have come to appreciate from our beloved Boston PI.

Spenser is pulled into a sensitive case by his friend and powerful attorney Rita Fiore. Rita represents a young man whose mother was murdered and is now trying to find his birth father, with evidence pointing to controversial podcaster Vic Hale. Given Hale’s anti-immigration position and the young man’s mother having entered the US illegally, this has the potential to be big news. Especially with Hale about to sign a massive deal that will make some powerful people a lot of money. Spenser, feeling responsibility to Hale’s father for having once saved his life, promises to take the investigation to wherever it may lead. And despite death threats, shootouts and offers of big payoffs, he will not be deterred from finding out the truth.

Showdown will appeal to long term fans of the series as well as those who are just looking for a good book to read. It’s a timely story that features the ever-growing influence of podcasters while addressing several hot button topics such as immigration, money, power, and divisiveness within an investigation that includes paternity, murder, and capitalism. It has it all!

And for those of us who have followed the series for decades, Showdown leans on a familiar formula of Spenser tackling a deadly serious case with his trademark sarcasm and playfulness to provide balance and entertainment. Add in a healthy dose of Hawk, Susan Silverman, Rita and other long-time characters, and it feels more like visiting with old friends than reading a fictional book.

No matter what your familiarity with Spenser and friends, Showdown is a book that provides entertainment while provoking thought. Leading to a reading experience filled with juicy drama, amusement, reflection and fun within a thrilling package.

Spenser is asked for assistance by his friend Rita regarding the paternity of a young man, Daniel. He is visiting Boston from Miami and has questions about a paternity test from many years ago. His mother is not available to answer questions as she recently has been murdered. Rita, Spenser, Hawk and Spenser's new office assistant Cassius come to Daniel's assistance. The supposed father-in-question, Vic Hale, is a hate-spewing podcaster who is anti-immigrant. Daniel's mother was Guatemalan who formerly worked for Hale. The question of Daniel's paternity and the knowledge that Hale had an affair with an immigrant he employed is something that many want kept secret....by any means necessary. There is a huge financial deal in the works regarding Hale - and a number of people want their claws in Hale, Spenser and/or in the deal. Will Spenser drop his investigation and not do the right thing? Not the Spenser his fans have come to love -

This is an entertaining read - quickly paced with sharp dialogue and wit.

Thanks to G. P. Putnam's Sons, Mike Lupica and NetGalley for this ARC.

Lupica does a great job with theses novels it is almost like reading the old Parker books. something have changed but Spenser stays the same

Reading Mike Lupica's Showdown was like catching up with old friends... Spenser, Hawk, Susan, and even a guest shot of Jesse Stone.. and there's a new "intern" in Spenser's office, Cassius, who will remind readers of a young Hawk.. The wit, Spenser's pontificating, and so much more. This book is an absolute delight for any Robert B. Parker loyalists. The narrative is wrapped in the culture of Boston that is so enticing. Spenser is asked to help Rita Fiore's client with a paternity issue. This ask is tied to so many other people and potential murders. Spenser digs in as he always does - but Haek and Susan aren't so sure as the potential father is a podcaster who sprews hate. It's a very timely story. I cannot thank Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for an advanced reader of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.

Robert Parker's fifty-three book Spenser series has featured one of my favorite fictional detectives--on a par with Elvis Cole. Spenser is witty and quick with an irreverent sense of humor that always makes me laugh. Combine that with plotting that is always fast and purposeful, there are few in this series I haven't devoured. In this one, Robert Parker's Showdown (G.P. Putnam 2025), by Mike Lupica because Robert Parker is no more, Spenser is asked to help a young man establish the paternity of an old friend of Spenser’s. Spenser might have passed on such a mundane case if it hadn't come through his lawyer friend, Rachel and if he didn't owe the man's would-be father a favor. Yes, the old friend is dead, but the balance sheet with the favor owed remains. That was a good start and I settled into my favorite reading chair expecting the usual clever, original repartee.

This time, not so much. By 25% of the way through, I'd been assaulted by so many triggers and dog whistles and tropes about the political darling of the day that the plot got lost in the never-ending hyperbole. I've praised Mike Lupica's rendition of Robert Parker's voice in the past. Two books I reviewed, I awarded 5/5. I said he was spot on with the voice. but this one seemed to lose some of the energy. The humor is a bit frayed with not enough originality which meant the effort to produce it slowed the pace. Still it’s a solid 4/5. If you are a Spenser fan, I'd love to hear what you think.

--Review on Pinterest and my blog at a later date

I admit it. I’m in love with Spenser. It’s been going on for years. He never disappoints. So, again a terrific and timely Spenser adventure. The usual gang is here with a wonderful addition.

When an ultra right wing, hate pushing, podcaster is involved in a huge financial deal to take his broadcast to a new height, his possible illegitimate son, product of a liaison with one of his vilified illegals comes to get help from Spenser…. The story and the myriad complications begins.

It’s a great and especially timely story. Loved it, loved all the characters. Thanks Mike Lupica for making me very happy!

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC featuring one of my favorite characters.