Robert B. Parker's Showdown

By Mike Lupica

Spenser may have uncovered an explosive secret that threatens the career of a controversial figure, in this latest installment of Robert B. Parker's beloved series.

Vic Hale isn't anyone's idea of a father figure. He is one of the biggest - and loudest -- podcasters in the nation and got there by spewing overheated rhetoric that's reviled by some but loved by even more. His particular brand of "entertainment" is so successful, he's about to sign the biggest contract in the history of online broadcasting. Vic's riding high...until he gets a visit from Spenser, who specializes in bringing guys like Hale back down to Earth.

Spenser is there on behalf of Daniel Lopez, a young man who believes Hale may be his father. It's a potentially explosive revelation for a man in the podcaster's position and it might even be enough to blow up his massive new deal. That could explain the bodies that start popping up - bodies connected in one way or another with the mystery surrounding Daniel's birth. There are a lot of questions remaining, and Spenser's going to have to find the answers before someone shuts Hale or Daniel up for good.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0DYHHCXP2
• ISBN13: 9798217045297
• Release Date: November 2025
• Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 1.11 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.3" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Spenser is Back and Better Than Ever

When Rita Fiore brings a young man to Spenser for help finding the father he never met, it awakens all Spenser's protective instincts. But the young man's father isn't just any guy. He's a successful podcaster who made his name railing against immigrants. Which means the meeting won't go over well, as his mother was in the country illegally. And someone is determined that that truth never comes out. This story is a blend of suspense and a bit of a statement piece. Drawing on current events and using the strong divisions currently existing in society, the author creates an intriguing web of events. As dead bodies start piling up, the clues seemingly lead in opposing directions. Spenser's job is to untangle that web and see which side is more intent on keeping their secrets. I've been a reader of the Spenser novels since I was in high school. I've always enjoyed the concise, purposeful language of the writing, Spenser's sarcastic attitude and Hawk's quietly menacing character. And Mike Lupica has managed to maintain all of that. The sarcasm, the tone of voice, the frustrations he takes out on the heavy bag are all the Spenser I remember and so enjoyed Thank you to Netgalley and Putnam for a copy of this book. The thoughts and opinions are my own.