RICK "SHAQ" GOLDSTEIN SAYS: "JESSE STONE AND "THE CROW" TEAM UP LIKE SPENCER AND "THE HAWK"!

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	• Stranger in Paradise (Jesse Stone Novels) Robert B. Parker Putnam Adult, 2008 - 304 pages average customer review:based on 50 reviews view larger image
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(4 ½ stars) An Apache Warrior Looking for a War

This is the seventh book in the Jesse Stone series by Robert Parker; it builds on the storyline and characters in the earlier novels. It begins with the surprise visit of Wilson Cromartie (Crow) to Jesse's office; thus proceeding from the point where TROUBLE IN PARADISE (the second book in the series) concluded ten years ago, with Crow disappearing with a boatload of money (literally), several dead bodies left behind, and the innocent maidens rescued from their captors. (As Crow now tells Jesse, "You know I'm not going away, and I know you're not going away.") The usual cast of characters who have peopled the series (Molly Crane, Suitcase Simpson, Dix, Daisy Dyke, and Jesse's former wife Jenn) all play integral roles, but except for a brief appearance by Healy and an oblique mention of Rita Fiore, the characters from the other two Boston area Parker series (Spenser and Sunny Randall) who are often interwoven with action in this series in are conspicuously absent this time. And while the nuances of the established relationships and knowledge of the series characters certainly added to my enjoyment as an unabashed long time Parker fan, enough of that background information is woven into this story so that both occasional Parker readers and first time buyers should greatly enjoy this story.

It is standard Parker fare, and my rating is in comparison with his earlier work and the crime/mystery genre - not in comparison to the literary classics. The book consists of short chapters and terse dialog, is heavy on the discussion of Jesse's flaws and the continuing drama of his relationship with Jenn, has lots of sardonic humor, and as usual is the repeated morality play that is the basis of all Parker novels. It is a one day read if you get hooked or have a long plane ride, or a two day read if you have other things to do or just want to take a little time to savor the fact that another Parker book has been published.

Crow informs Jesse that he has returned to Paradise in the employ of an unnamed individual who is searching for a missing person who he believes resides in the area; we soon learn that it is Amber Francisco, a young girl who has disappeared with her mother to escape a controlling father and difficult and perhaps violent home environment. Of course, Jesse is both unsure of Crow's endgame and desirous of being able to arrest him on some charge related to the events of ten years ago, although Crow assures him that the statute of limitations is past for all crimes except murder (of which there is no evidence and no witnesses wiling to testify). At the same time, Jesse recognizes that in some ways he and Crow share many traits (and an expertise with firearms) in common; and perhaps a code of honor as well although Crow is not inhibited by the legalities which circumscribe Jesse's work. There are also a few subplots which add to the story, both including Crow's love of and appreciation for women and the "threat" to Paradise created by the opening of a school for disadvantaged kids from the neighboring town of Marshport. (A complicating factor is that Amber has become involved with a violent Latino game from that town.)

However, the main plot involves three interrelated elements. First, can Crow and Jesse somehow establish a modus vivendi which will enable them to develop a plan which will allow them to have a chance of rescuing Amber from both the gang and her pursuer, despite the fact that she may not to be saved. (And even if she is rescued, has she been too damaged to be have a chance at redemption?) Second, what are Crow's real motives? Is he simply following the code and tradition of his supposed Apache ancestry or are there more complicated factors involved? ("Cowboys and Indians. With real guns and real bullets...this could get him killed. Or not. The uncertainty made the game.") Third, how will the fact that this becomes a news story of great interest to Jenn in her role as a TV investigative reporter affect Jesse's and Jenn's relationship? (Will the situation involving Amber and Crow somehow become an agent for change?) For readers of the series, the developments in this case may have a dramatic impact and afford a possible breakthrough on both the lives of Jesse and Jenn and their possible future together, although the extent is only hinted at by the conclusion.

One caution- these are flawed characters, consistent with Parker's view of the world and the nature of this genre. But perhaps more than usual, there is gratuitous sleeping around, although not in the same depressing and exploitive manner as SEA CHANGE (an earlier book in the series). However, one particular incident in this book (not central to the plot) disappointed my wife (an avid Parker fan) as out of character with the individual involved and lessened her enjoyment of the story. However, it certainly was in keeping with Jesse's observation that at times he felt like he was "police chief of Peyton Place", an apt reference for those who remember the sensation caused by that novel about a small New England town when it was first published in 1956.

Despite the above caveat, this is vintage Robert Parker. I thoroughly enjoyed STRANGER IN PARADISE, and highly recommend it to readers who are looking for a crime story which utilizes a reasonably straightforward plot as a means of character development of individuals both previously familiar and newly introduced to the reader. It is great fun when an interesting character reappears in a series after a several year absence, a device which Parker has utilized to good effect in the Spenser series as well.

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RICK "SHAQ" GOLDSTEIN SAYS: "JESSE STONE AND "THE CROW" TEAM UP LIKE SPENCER AND "THE HAWK"!

This is the seventh book in Robert B. Parker's "JESSE STONE" series. Jesse is the police chief in Paradise a small town in Massachusetts. Jesse was originally on the police force in Los Angeles but was drummed out due to his drinking problem. Except for one "major" exciting exception, Jesse is surrounded by his usual cast of characters: Molly Crane police officer and "gatekeeper", Suitcase Simpson policeman, Dix, his psychiatrist, Jenn his philandering ex-wife, who for the life of me I can't understand why he doesn't just put her behind him and become serious with one of the bevy of women Jesse seems to have waiting in line taking numbers, and last but not least, Daisy Dyke a local restraunteur, who may become a safe haven. Added to this friendly, familiar, but otherwise staid group, is a wily character from a previous "JESSE STONE" novel "TROUBLE IN PARADISE" Wilson "CROW" Cromartie. Crow is a full-blooded Apache warrior, hit man and thief. But despite these less than honorable traits he wears his mantra "Thing you can trust, though, I keep my word" like a badge of honor. And since Jesse wears the exact same "Badge Of Honor" along with his police badge, there is a spoken and unspoken bond that bridges the two men despite their being on different sides of the law!

Crow simply walks into Jesse's office and tells Molly he'd like to talk to Jesse, in spite of the fact that the last time the two men set eyes on each other was ten years ago. And at that time, Crow was speeding away from Paradise in a speedboat weighted down with millions of dollars acquired in a heist on Stiles Island, a wealthy enclave off the coast of Paradise. Crow explains he is here on a job and Jesse tells him he is going to try to arrest him for his legal transgressions a decade earlier. Crow says the statute of limitations has run out and then proceeds to confide in Jesse that he was hired by Louis Francisco who lives in Florida to find and bring back his daughter Amber and kill her mother who are both in the local area. Crow says killing women are against his personal code and the Apache code. He also said Louis would not be happy if he did not complete the job. This could create a lot of bloodshed since Louis isn't just "in" the rackets in South Florida, "HE IS THE RACKETS IN SOUTH FLORIDA!" Adding to the problem with the mob in Florida is the fact that Amber is sleeping with a scumbag local Latino gang leader who Crow met while searching for Amber. The fact that Crow shot one of the gang members in the head while he was introducing himself, as he was inquiring as to Amber's whereabouts, created problems for all involved.

As Jesse and Crow put their minds together on how to secure and protect Amber by bonding together and becoming a team covering both sides of the law, the author really fleshes out and expands Crow's character. And that's where the beauty and power of this saga lies. As Crow's character expands and the mutual respect/acceptance of each protagonist grows, any fan of Parker's "SPENSER" series can't help but reminisce about the relationship between Spenser and the detective world's greatest sidekick "HAWK"! Most loyal "SPENSER" readers have strongly felt that there has not been enough "mano-a-mano" action involving "Hawk" lately. Crow becomes the "HAWK OF PARADISE" in this story and I truly hope he becomes an ongoing character in future Jesse Stone novels because he makes this story rise above the others.

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A well crafted story.

I have followed the Jesse Stone series since its inception; this book may be the best ever. As he does with his other two series, Spenser and Sunny Randall, Robert B. Parker, builds on characters established early. However, as in this case, his books all can stand alone. Stranger in Paradise continues a story begun with the first Jesse Stone book and develops what was then a minor character into a person that one would know on the street. Parker has done this same thing with characters from his other series, Hawk from the Spenser series comes to mind, and in each case, the series was better for the added insights into each of the characters. Stranger in Paradise also presents us with multiple moral dilemmas through the characters of Jesse, Jenn, and Molly. A story well crafted by a master of the game.

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Paradise for Jesse Stone fans

Solid suspense involving Florida gangster Louis Francisco, who enlists hitman/"fixer" Wilson Cromartie (from previous Jesse Stone entry "Trouble In Paradise") to kidnap wayward daughter Amber from his ex-wife Fiona. They're living below the poverty line in Paradise and Amber is entangled with a local gangbanger, who happens to be involved with the same crew that Stone's ex-wife and TV news reporter Jenn is investigating. "Crow" slipped through Stone's fingers years before after a spectacular and deadly heist on nearby Stiles Island, and now asks him to look the other way while he takes care of business. But when Francisco orders the hitman to kill Fiona, Stone's hand is forced - not only to protect the fourteen year old girl and her mother, but also to prevent Jenn from becoming the latest victim of lethal gang violence. With shades of the quietly menacing Hawke from the Spenser novels, Wilson Cromartie has a welcome return and the taciturn Jesse Stone gets more engaging and complicated with each book. And Parker's lean, staccato prose gives "Stranger In Paradise" a headlong narrative drive.

Also recommended: A Stranger Lies There - this mystery won the Malice Domestic Award for best first mystery, and earned "two thumbs way up" from the other major online bookseller's Editorial Review.

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solid thriller

Apache hit man Wilson "Crow" Cromartie brazenly walks into the office of Paradise, Massachusetts Chief of Police Jesse Stone to ask the cop to make his latest consulting job easier. Jesse reminds Crow that a decade ago, he was part of a gang that executed a deadly heist on nearby affluent Stiles Island. Crow says he had nothing to do with the homicides as he was forced to flee on a speedboat from a dangerous shootout, which Jesse reminds him led to the death of two police officers.

Louis Francisco, reputed crime boss of South Florida, hired Crow because he knows the Paradise coast and has a reputation for success. He wants Crow to find his daughter and report back to his client for further instruction. Jesse says he will discuss an arrest with the ADA. After Crow leaves Jesse tells his staff that Crow freed the female hostages because he does not kill women, but when it comes to men, he is STONE COLD.

Crow informs Louis he found Amber living in poverty with her mother Fiona. Louis orders Crow to kill Fiona and bring Amber to him. Since he does not murder women, Crow brazenly tells Jesse to protect Fiona. The question for Jesse is whether Crow will abduct Amber to take her south; complicating matters is his ex wife TV reporter Jenn is involved as she investigates local teen gang activity.

Crow steals the show with his odd but fascinating morality that enables him to double cross clients as he did ten years ago, kill men in cold blood, steal from the dead, and not harm a woman. Jess is at his best when he reluctantly collaborates with Crow; he is at his worst when he begins to reconcile with Jenn; ignoring her sexual betrayals to further her career that turned him into an alcoholic, which in turn cost him his LAPD job. Time lines since LA and the Stiles Island caper aside, this is a solid thriller, but Robert B. Parker needs one more DEATH IN PARADISE so that Jess can stop obsessing over Jenn.

Harriet Klausner

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reviews: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, page 10

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