School Days

By: Robert B. Parker

Narrated by: Joe Mantegna

Lily Ellsworth--erect, firm, white-haired, and stylish--is the grand dame of Dowling, Massachusetts, and possesses an iron will and a bottomless purse. When she hires Spenser to investigate her grandson Jared Clark's alleged involvement in a school shooting, Spenser is led into an inquiry that grows more harrowing at every turn. Though seven people were killed in cold blood, and despite Jared's being named as a co-conspirator by the other shooter, Mrs. Ellsworth is convinced of her grandson's innocence. Jared's parents are resigned to his fate, and the boy himself doesn't seem to care whether he goes to prison for a crime he might not have committed.

As the probe goes on, Spenser finds himself up against a number of roadblocks--from the school officials who don't want him asking questions, to Jared's own parents, who are completely indifferent to the boy's defense. Ultimately, Spenser discovers a web of blackmail and some heavy-duty indiscretions--and a truth too disturbing to contemplate. Before the case reaches its unfortunate end, he is forced to make a series of difficult decisions--with fatal consequences.©2005 Robert B. Parker; (P)2005 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

Praise for School Days

“Crackling prose and juicy repartee.”—Entertainment Weekly

“The best Spenser novel since Early Autumn.”—The Associated Press

“Plenty of entertainment...The two-fisted P.I. is in good form and his creator in fine fettle here.”—Los Angeles Times

“Spenser fans...will be thrilled to have their wise-cracking Boston private eye back again...navigating the perilous shoals of suburban discontent and ripped-from-the-headlines horror stories—with only his fanciful German pointer, Pearl, to keep him company.”—New York Post

“Spenser returns! He fights, he flirts, he cooks, he wisecracks, he quotes poetry. This thirty-third outing for the Boston private eye is one of the most psychologically astute and well-choreographed entries in the entire series. This is a high point in one of the genre’s classic series.”—Booklist

“A pleasure...another solid installment in this fine, enduring series.”—Publishers Weekly

“Vintage Parker...Everyone interested in mystery and contemporary writing in general should read at least one of the Spenser novels.”—Library Journal

“Parker is at the top of his game...School Days [is] one of the best and most timely books Mr. Parker has ever written.”—Midwest Book Review

“A crackling yarn.”—Boston Magazine

love Joe Manyegna as the reader!

Great story, read by a great reader. I enjoy all of Spencer's exploits, and this was most enjoyable

Rolls Along Nicely ...

This is a typical Spencer adventure with fewer--thank goodness-- "I said"/"she said"s. Parker has offered a storyline that amalgamates 3 top news stories of the last several years, and it is evident what the author's opinions are regarding these themes, but this does not detract from an offering that rolls along nicely.
The fact that Susan and Hawk are not in the thick of things also does not detract,and although not spectacular, this narrative is much more fluent than some of his recent books. Enjoyable.

Spenser at his best -- almost

Very good plot but ending not so good. I missed Susan in this story about two boys involved in a school shooting one needing a psychologist 's perception. And there was a twist in the plot that Susan's insight would have been grand. As a teacher, I enjoyed the school setting as well as the cleverl involvement of different types of students. It was appropriate since we have experienced similar school shootings in our time, but upsetting because young men were the shooters and many people died. I wish the ending didn't leave me wondering the outcome. Spenser was his usual debonair, clever self. Pearl was a sweet gem!

Well done!!

Joe Mantegna does his usual great job. It's a well written story. It's worth your time.

Reliable Robert Parker

Would you consider the audio edition of School Days to be better than the print version?

No.

What was one of the most memorable moments of School Days?

Always Spencer's humor is the best part.

Which character – as performed by Joe Mantegna – was your favorite?

Spencer

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

no extreme reaction. but i laughed a lot.

Any additional comments?

I wish Parker were still alive. i very much enjoy his books and i've been listening to the Spencer series in order. i will be very sad when i'm finished.