I've tried to read this series in order, yet somehow I missed this gem. Going back in time (before even Pearl I) reminded me why I remain loyal to this series. Spenser brings us along every step of the way as he tries to solve Boston's Red Rose Murders. One of his moves (I won't spoil it here) makes you wince as he does it because we know, as surely he must, that he won't get away with it, but we sense his frustration and know why he must give it a try. The villain of this piece is nuts, and there's unpredictability that reasonably goes a long with that. Having the villain share narration duties with Spenser helps heighten the suspense. And then there's Susan. I have never been a fan of hers, but she's integral to the story and for once isn't desperately obnoxious! In fact, when she's in "Dr. Silverman" mode, she's interesting and even earned by grudging respect.

Robert Parker's Spenser series is always good, and Crimson Joy is even better than many of the Spenser books.

A serial killer has been targeting black woman. He ties up his victims, shots them, and leaves a red rose on each woman (thus he's been dubbed Red Rose by the press). Homicide detective Lt. Martin Quirk of the Boston Police Department brings private investigator Spenser in on the case. Red Rose wrote a letter to Quirk claiming that he's a cop, and Quirk wants at least one person on the investigation who is not associated with the BPD. Red Rose then starts leaving red roses for Spenser's girlfriend, psychologist Susan Silverman. Spenser suspects that Red Rose is one of Susan's patients, but Susan is reluctant to help because of patient confidentiality issues. In the meantime, Spenser and Hawk take turns guarding Susan while Spenser and the BPD investigate the murders. The race is on to catch Red Rose before he kills again--especially before Spenser and Silverman become victims.

I enjoyed Crimson Joy for a number of reasons. First, this becomes a psycho-thriller as Spenser matches wits with Red Rose. We even get to hear the voice of Red Rose as he struggles with his demons and his past. Then there is the conflict between Spenser and Silverman about what is more important---patient-doctor confidentiality or catching a killer. There is also a twist at the end. And then there is always the repartee between Spenser and Hawk. These all add up to a great book.

A truly adult story, with an eerie feel to it unlike most Parker stories. THe story presented chracter development in Belson and Quirk and displayed a deeper understanding of the Spenser/Silverman relationship. The most satisfying Spenser I've ever read.

Spenser is called in by the police on a murder investigation in this, the 15th book in the series. There is a serial killer on the loose - the killer is targeting black women in their 40s, binding and gagging them and killing them in a most gruesome manner. His signature? A single red rose. As race and class tensions rise in Boston, the police put pressure on the team investigating the murders - and Spenser - to close the book on this as quickly as possible.

As Spenser edges closer to the truth, the killer targets Susan. With the police off the case (due to the confession of another man), Spenser calls in Hawk to help him. The two primaries on the murder investigation - Quirk and Belson - are asked to take vacation, because they believe that the wrong man is in jail. They join Spenser in protecting Susan and trying to find the killer.

The action in this book comes and goes - but when it is there, it is high intensity! This book is a thriller and a rather gruesome serial killer murder mystery. As such, it is atypical of Spenser - not to say that murders do not occur, just that usually murder is not the crime Spenser is investigating. Nonetheless, I enjoyed this book a great deal - a recommend from me!

How dumb and coincidental is this - the bad guy is a patient of Spenser's girlfriend. This is good for readers who can't keep 4 characters in a book straight. He's done much better. Must of had a big boat payment due.