Sixkill by Robert B Parker

Sixkill was Robert B Parker’s last novel before he passed away in January 2010. He had written about 40 of them, mostly about Spenser, the Boston P.I. and leading character from the 1980’s TV show, Spenser for Hire. I’ve read many of Parker’s books but rarely mention it to anyone. I guess I’m a closet Robert B Parker fan. They are of little literary significance, stimulate little intellectual thought, and could be considered, well, fluffy.

Most of his works are the same formula. Someone hires Spenser to solve a problem. He plows into the situation to stir things up to see who reacts. He is sometimes fired for stirring things up but he finds something or someone involved with the case that he just can’t let drop. His beautiful and monogamous woman friend, Susan is worried for him but understands his integrity and principals will not allow him to do anything else. He proceeds to stir things up and someone tries to kill him. He wins the battle because he is a former boxer and experienced tough guy and because he never loses.

Somewhere in every novel Spenser and Susan have some version of the following dialogue:

Susan says, “If you keep pushing someone will come to kill you.”
Spenser says, “They will try.”
Susan says, “But you won’t stop pushing even if you are not getting paid.”
Spenser says, “I won’t.”
Susan says, “Because you can’t. Because that’s who you are.”
Spenser says, “Sounds right.”
Susan says. “And that’s one of the reasons I love you.”
Spenser says, “Guess so.”

So, why read this cowboy fluff? I think because on some level we all aspire to Spenser’s character. We’d like to have unwavering principals, be afraid of nothing, and gallantly risk ourselves for others. Perhaps if we know such character exists even in fiction, we can strive for some of those qualities for ourselves in reality. Hmm…that sounds like there was at least some intellectual thought going on. Anyway, thanks Mr. Parker for all the easy, enjoyable, and entertaining reads when I needed a break from the usual.