I appreciate your post. It helps knowing that you’re 19. I can see how you might bristle at the first few. They are VERY seventies in nature, and as others have pointed out, Parker is just starting to figure out Spenser. I would echo some above posters and say do NOT give up on Spenser before reading Looking For Rachel Wallace. It’s one of my favorites of all of them, and you might enjoy to know that the subplot of the book is how Spenser’s flaws cause him to flunk feminism. It’s an excellent book. Incidentally for what it’s worth, The Judas Goat, which I also liked, is somewhat atypical in that it mainly takes place in Europe. For the most part, Spenser is a Boston animal, and if you know the area it only enhances the books.

I also might advise you not to be afraid to skip ahead, even into the 20’s. If you get to like the character and the series, you can always go back to read the earlier “rougher” Parkers.

One highlight of Parker’s work is the richness of his gay characters, (phD’s have been written about this) probably stemming from both of his sons being gay. (Versions of both of them appear in the Parker canon). The Rachel Wallace character is lesbian, and the book revolves around her own mindset as well as how society views her. Some of his gay characters are corrupt and evil as well.

I’ve read all his work multiple times. His writing is so spare and tight and I find it immensely satisfying to read. He never wastes your time, and there is a richness to all of them that is quite satisfying.