Pastime is the eighteenth Spenser

Spenser (fictional detective)

Spenser is a fictional character in a series of detective novels initially by the American mystery writer Robert B. Parker and later by Ace Atkins...

 novel by Robert B. Parker

Robert B. Parker

Robert Brown Parker was an American crime writer. His most famous works were the novels about the private detective Spenser. ABC television network developed the television series Spenser: For Hire based on the character in the late 1980s; a series of TV movies based on the character were also...

. The story follows Boston-based PI

Private investigator

A private investigator , private detective or inquiry agent, is a person who can be hired by individuals or groups to undertake investigatory law services. Private detectives/investigators often work for attorneys in civil cases. Many work for insurance companies to investigate suspicious claims...

Spenser as he attempts to find a man's missing mother.

Plot

Spenser's semi-adopted son, Paul Giacomin, visits Spenser in Boston asking for his help. He can't locate his mother, who has apparently left on an extended trip without telling him. While Paul's mother is somewhat lacking in motherly skills, he doesn't believe she would voluntarily leave her home for such an extended period without contacting him. Though Paul can't pay Spenser, he takes the case anyway as a favor to Paul.

Spenser takes Paul along in his sleuthing, introducing him as his "prentice", though Paul has no real intention of becoming a detective: he just wants to find his mother.

Recurring characters

• Spenser
• Paul Giacomin
• Hawk
• Dr. Susan Silverman, Ph.D
• Cpt. Martin Quirk, Boston Police Department
• Vinnie Morris
• Joe Broz
• Gerrie Broz
• Patty Giacomin

External links

• Page on the book from Parker's official website