Re: Dick Lochte's query:
I moderate a list treating Spenser as a theme, tracing him
from what may have influenced Parker to Parker's influence on
writers and pop culture trends. I recently posted there on
why I read/criticize Parker:
"I have a critical view of Parker because his work once stood
up to it. Despite my criticism, I favor Parker. I pick up his
next book even though I hated the last. I can only say that
about Parker and Tom Clancy. I'm more loyal to characters
than to authors if that makes sense. I give authors credit
for creating great characters, but creating is not enough.
The greater the character, the more I expect the author to
sustain him.
Parker sustained Spenser for a long time, but IMO, he hasn't
done right by Spenser since HUSH MONEY. ...The plots are
there each year but, though the characters move quickly
through them, I still feel gypped in the end. By contrast, I
read from GODWULF through CRIMSON JOY three books a week, and
didn't miss a beat.
Right now I don't want to believe Spenser...showed up for
books like HUGGER MUGGER...Given what he's done (or hasn't
done) recently, I almost feel Parker doesn't deserve creative
control over Spenser..."
Again, I complain (and I suspect many here do) because
Parker's work stood out on so many levels, hooking me on PI
fiction and clean, sharp writing in general. Compared to his
past work, it seems today's Parker isn't trying. If DEATH IN
PARADISE is genuinely his best effort, I'll gladly withdraw
my complaint.
Gerald http://odo6140.s5.com/
Spenser's Sneakers -- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spensneak
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