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BIBLIOGRAPHY

ISBN: 1842431439
EAN:
Price: £16.99
Casing: Hardback
Format: Royal (234 x 156mm)
Extent: 320pp
Rights: UK & Commonwealth excl. Canada
Pub. Date: October 2005

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Robert B Parker is the best-selling author of over fifty books, including Small Vices, Sudden Mischief, Hush Money, Hugger Mugger, Potshot, Widows Walk, Night Passage, Trouble in Paradise, Death in Paradise, Family Honor, Perish Twice, Shrink Rap, Stone Cold, Melancholy Baby, Back Story, Double Play, Bad Business and Cold Service. He lives in Boston.
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ABOUT THE BOOK

News: October 15th 2005: School Days straight into New York Times Bestseller Charts at number 3

A troubled teenager accused of a horrific crime draws Spenser into one of the most desperate cases of his career

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 investigation that grows more harrowing at every turn. Though seven people were killed in cold blood, and despite 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 investigating, to Jared's own parents, who are completely indifferent to the boy's defence. 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, Spenser is forced to make a series of difficult decisions—with fatal consequences.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM

"...the Boston private eye redeems himself in School Days, energized by a case that demands more brains than braggadocio and challenged by a client who could really use a hero...." - Marilyn Stasio, New York Times

"...a highly enjoyable outing for Boston's toughest PI...." - Sam Leith, The Telegraph

"...School Days is a reminder of how good [Robert B Parker] can be...." - Susanna Yager, The Sunday Telegraph

"...Those who have stuck with Spenser as Parker invented (and set loose) other case-crackers will be rewarded once again with another solid installment in this fine, enduring series...." - Publishers Weekly

"...Just when you thought the Spenser saga had tailed off into attitude and wryly clipped trash talk, Parker socks another home run with a tale ripped from not-so-recent headlines...." - Kirkus Reviews