Book ~ "Sixkill" (2011) Robert B. Parker

From Amazon ~ On location in Boston, bad-boy actor Jumbo Nelson is accused of the rape and murder of a young woman. From the start the case seems fishy, so the Boston PD calls on Spenser to investigate. The situation doesn't look good for Jumbo, whose appetites for food, booze, and sex are as outsized as his name. He was the studio's biggest star but he's become their biggest liability.

In the course of the investigation, Spenser encounters Jumbo's bodyguard: a young, former football-playing Native American named Zebulon Sixkill. Sixkill acts tough but Spenser sees something more within the young man. Despite the odd circumstances, the two forge an unlikely alliance, with Spenser serving as mentor for Sixkill. As the case grows darker and secrets about both Jumbo and the dead girl come to light, it's Spenser - with Sixkill at his side - who must put things right.

This was the last Spencer novel that Parker completed before he died last January.

The story was good. I like the introduction of Zebulon "Z" Sixkill, Junior's ex-bodyguard who Spencer takes under his wing. I imagine had Parker lived, there would have been more stories about him and I would have been okay with that. I liked their interaction ... it was reminiscent of his conversations with Hawk who has for reasons disappeared in the last few books.

As always, the character of Susan annoys me. Spencer loves to cook and eat and Susan always makes a point of just nibbling on a piece of lettuce or an olive. She seems like a snotty bitch and I can't see why anyone as easy going as Spencer would have the patience for her. Also, I didn't see the need for them to yet again discuss their relationship in such great deal. They have been together forever and it seems like they always have to have the same conversation about how dangerous his job is and she loves him as he is.

All in all, I enjoyed this book and would recommended it. I read that there will be ghost writers carrying on with the Spencer character ... should be interesting to see how that works out.