Book Review: ‘Robert B. Parker’s Showdown: A Spenser Novel’ By Mike Lupica

by | Nov 5, 2025 | Books | 0 comments


The book is in stores on Tuesday, November 25th from Putnam. Click on the link to buy a copy. https://amzn.to/47Hv3Zc

Spenser gets a call from Rita Flore telling him he has someone she wants him to meet. A man named Daniel Lopez, whose mother was an immigrant, was killed six weeks ago in Miami. Daniel soon learns that his father may be Vic Hale, whose father Spenser was friends with, who has a right-wing, anti-immigrant show that’s really popular. Daniel is about to attend Harvard Law and wants to meet and have Vic acknowledge him as his son that’s all he wants. He has a DNA test that was done showing the man was his father, and he even paid off his late mother with money every month. Spenser manages to meet with Hale, who denies being the father, and tells Spenser to back off. When Spenser is attacked, he takes it upon himself to find out the truth, especially when a reporter, who was working on the Hale story, is murdered. Daniel goes into hiding, being watched by Hawk, and Spenser finally gets answers, and it all comes out in a dramatic showdown. This is another great novel by Mike Lupica. With great supporting characters in Hawk, Susan, and the Boston Police Department, this book never disappoints.