A book cover with an image of a fish bowl.

Robert B. Parker’s Cheap Shot, Ace Atkins, 2014

A good story line has Spenser hired by a star linebacker for the Pats who feels he’s being threatened. The feeling is validated when his 8 year old son is kidnapped. Spenser, Hawk, and Zebulon Sixkill run around shooting people and eventually save the son.  Many old friends have cameo roles—Quirk, Belden, Susan Silverman, Tony Marcus, Henry Cimoli.  Good plot but Atkins is no Parker. Love the Boston landmarks and references but the dialogue lacks snap and sizzle. Finally disappointing.