The fourteen essays here examine Spenser’s place in the literary genre and anatomize the aims, techniques, and achievements of his creator. Included, too, are commentaries on Spenser’s accepting—but never self-abasing—attitudes toward race and sexuality.

— Edward Morris at ForeWord Reviews

Robert B. Parker, the man widely credited with reviving the hardboiled PI genre, gets the respect he amply deserves in this anthology of 15 essays. Editor Penzler . . . provides a thoughtful introduction that sets the stage for insights into a wide range of topics, including the role of food in the Spenser books, TV adaptations, and the series' Boston setting. Every piece is worthwhile.

— Publishers Weekly

In Pursuit of Spenser is written by fans of Robert Parker for fans of Robert Parker. It’s a fun read that brings back wonderful memories of the man who created Spenser and so many other characters.

— Wayne C. Rogers at ReviewJournal.com

A baker’s dozen of crime and mystery writers—including Loren D. Estleman, Lyndsay Faye, Gary Phillips, Max Allan Collins and S.J. Rozan—who look back on the author’s award-winning body of work, his Boston milieu, his continuing players and any influences his fiction had on their own.

— J. Kingston Pierce at Kirkus Reviews

If you're a fan of Robert B. Parker's work, particularly the Spenser novels, you won't want to miss this book. For those of us who felt as if we lost a favorite author, and a favorite character, with Parker's death, this extensive profile brings both of them back to life for just a little while.

— Lesa at Lesa's Book Critiques

Sharing memories of meeting Parker over the years, several contributors brought him to life for me. As Spenser did time and time again, In Pursuit of Spenser delivers on its promise.

— Gerald So at GeraldSo.blogspot.com

A festschrift in honor of the iconic Parker, who died in 2010 . . . the collection delves into all things Spenser and Parker, with side trips for Parker's westerns and Jesse Stone series. Susan Silverman, Hawk and Boston also get their due.

— Marilyn Dahl at Shelf-Awareness