The Godwulf Manuscript (Spencer, No. 1) (Spenser)

After re-reading Parker's first Spenser book for probably the 30th time, I am somewhat surprised at some of the reviews published in this space. Most critics agree that the first 4 or 5 books in the Spenser series are genre classics, after which the quality suffered a bit while Parker transitioned Spenser's character into an older, perhaps more mature and stable one (somewhat like when Philip Marlowe finally settled down and actually married). As an aside, everyone, including the NYT Book Review, agrees that in Parker's "Poodle Springs" in which he took the last 4 chapters that Chandler ever wrote of Marlowe and finished the novel, it is a seamless thread where Parker picks up and Chandler leaves off. Therefor, if one likes Chandler (to my mind as true an American author as Hemingway), he will like Parker, especially early Parker. There is no romantic/relationship innuendi with Susan Silverman, their isn't the racially de-compressive commaradery with Hawk; no, this is too early in the series. Plus, it is the early 1970's after all: Spenser does sleep with both the wife and daughter of a client and is a bit rough-around-the edges. He has to in dealing with the likes of Mafia boss Joe Broz (who stayed through the series). Do people forget that Sam Spade shed barely a tear when his partner was bumped-off (and was indeed probably sleeping with his wife) - but vowed to avenge his murder. The principles and code of ethics that make Marlowe and Spenser unique men are still evident in "The Godwulf Manuscript": he can't be bought; he is rough yet attractive to women, yet respects them in a way that society doesn't - in short, gallant in a time when gallantry towards women was most definitely UN-P.C.; he is a loner and an individualist; a reader, a player of chess and a gourmet cook. He also works out, drinks hard, fights well yet can quote Yeats but can't help cracking wise. If I ever write a letter to Mr. Parker, it would be to write one final Spenser book from when Spenser was a little rougher around the edges: pre-Susan, pre-Pearl, pre-Hawk and pre-Paul Giacomin, the boy he so lovingly basically adopted in "Early Autumn" - another one of my favorites. I want to know more of what Spenser was doing in the early 1970s and why he got kicked off the Suffolk DA's office. I want to know him before he had his support network of loyal friends; he will always consider himself alone (except maybe for Susan), but this is when Spenser was TRULY alone.... A friend lent me this book and I was skeptical back in 1985 - I picked it up on the day I was supposed to return it to him and read it in one sitting. I have read and re-read Parker's evolution of Spenser ever since. It is a constant source of enjoyment, even if one doesn't like the genre (witness it's/his popularity with women). Don't listen to some of the half-baked reviews I was disappointed to see here - pick up Spenser and he will be a friend for life...

This first Spenser novel does an excellent job introducing our hero. Most introductory stories drag - but this one moved at a fast-pace with lots of thrills and plot twists. I highly recommend this to any fan of the PI / Mystery genre.

Parker's cut his teeth on this, his first Spenser novel. The 1973 setting is fun to read about. The book describes a Boston that was filled with The Friends of Eddie Coyle, long-haired radical college students, hard-nosed cops, and an ideologically twisted college professor. It is enjojable to see the influence of Raymond Chandler in the dialogue.

As a mystery novelist with my debut novel in its initial release, I am well aware of how series protagonists evolve as a series progresses. THE GODWULF MANUSCRIPT marks Spenser's debut. In his spare time, his hobby is woodcarving. He also likes to cook--which is handy because Susan Silverman struggles to boil water. But that doesn't matter here because Susan isn't yet in this series. Neither is Hawk or Pearl the Wonder Dog, but Spenser's essence is the same as it is in Parker's recent works. In THE GODWULF MANUSCRIPT, Spenser is hired by a college to recover a stolen manuscript. A murder occurs, and a stunning coed is the obvious murderer. Obvious is not alway correct, and Spenser proves that simple truth true, not for the last time. THE GODWULF MANUSCRIPT marks an auspicious debut for Spenser. While some of the trappings and the supporting cast have changed as Robert B. Parker has developed his series, Spenser remains true to his inner soul.

I first picked up a Spenser novel in 1988. Since then, I've read all the Spenser novels every year as my own annual "rite of passage".I agree with others - Spenser wasn't exactly my idea of a man's man in this book. But don't give up ... his randiness dissipates, and he develops into a loyal, devoted, caring, sensitive thug.Start here, and don't stop. You'll wish you knew someone like Spenser before too long ...