Mystery writer Robert B. Parker, dead at 77

I was shocked and saddened when I saw a story on a ‘Google Alert’ email that mystery writer Robert B. Parker died suddenly Monday January 18 of an apparent heart attack. Parker died at his writing desk, doing what he loved best, writing a new Spenser novel.

I began reading Parker’s novels in high school, and for a time, appeared to be addicted to them. The plots seemed simple enough, yet had an undercurrent of complex twists and turns. In fact, all those novels I read (which seemed to be a perfect escape from the angst of high school) inspired me to write my own mystery stories.

A lot of what I remember about these novels is how Parker wrote in great detail about Boston, where Spenser lived and worked. Parker really put Boston on the map for many readers, myself included. The streets, buildings and other landmarks are real Boston areas you can visit.

When I first read of Parker’s death, my first thought was “Oh no, no more Spenser novels.” But luckily for all of us, Parker was a very prolific writer and according to this Boston Herald article there are more Parker novels to be published.

Robert B. Parker will be missed. The mystery genre and publishing world have lost a great writer. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

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