Killing the Blues by Michael Brandman

I thought I was done with Robert B. Parker novels since he died a couple years ago but apparently his estate has brokered a deal with Michael Brandman to continue the Jesse Stone character based novels.  Yes, I was highly skeptical that anyone regardless of his pedigree could carry on the legacy so purely Parker’s own.  But I have to admit Brandman pulled it off successfully in Killing the Blues.  The style is not exactly the same.  The chapters are longer, the plot more complex and some of the smart ass wit is gone that endeared you to Parker’s character…some but not all.  The new Jesse Stone has conquered his alcoholism, finally moved on from his ex-wife, but has retained those quietly self righteous, above the law, ‘do the right thing for justice sake’ qualities that Parker developed so well….all those character flaws we love in our fictional heroes.  Plus the aging Jesse Stone is still a chick magnet.

Jesse Stone is police chief in the small town of Paradise, MA.  Town selectmen are planning for a successful tourist season when a wave of car thefts, all Hondas, occurs.  During one of the car jackings, the owner tries to intervene and is murdered. Jesse has the town selectmen buy two preowned Hondas to use as decoys to capture the bandits.  His officers finally witness an auto theft and are led to a chop shop.  Instead of arresting the front line thieves, Jesse learns the identity of the Boston mob boss at the heart of the operation.  Jesse’s unconventional tactics while not entirely legal nonetheless yield the desired results.

Meanwhile, Jesse learns from his old boss in L.A. that a ruthless thug, Rollo Nurse is still holding a grudge against Jesse and may be headed to Paradise.  Soon after, some of Paradise citizen’s dogs are attacked at night and unexplained fires begin to happen.  As the psychopath’s activities escalate, Jesse’s home is ransacked and his officers fear for his life.  Jesse must get creative to cleverly conquer this threat.

In another subplot Jesse becomes involved in an adolescent bullying drama at the local Junior High and squelches a sexual predator at the school… thank you very much.  All this while sexually sparing with the young attractive Alexis Richardson, who was recently hired as the Paradise public relations person.  All in a day’s work for the macho small town cop.

I always thought of Robert B. Parker works as my guilty pleasure… no great literary masterpiece…little suspense or mystery…just a fun quick read when none of my favorites were available.  In Killing The Blues, Brandman continues that tradition… maybe actually improves on it.  Don’t expect too much but enjoy the ride… a great way to well…kill the blues.