Stranger In Paradise

The setup here goes back to the second book of the series <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/26107322" rel="nofollow noopener">Trouble In Paradise</a> in which Police Chief Jesse Stone faced a crew of professional thieves including Winston ‘Crow’ Cromartie that looted an entire wealthy island of Jesse's ocean side community. Crow got away, but he’s returned now that the statute of limitations has run out on that crime, and he’s taken a job to locate the missing daughter of a crime kingpin from Florida. However, Crow balks when the kingpin orders him to murder his wife who was trying to hide the kid from him which forces Jesse into an uneasy partnership with Crow to try and protect the women.<br /><br />The idea of a cop having to team up with a guy he knows is a criminal isn’t half-bad, but the execution is so completely botched that all the characters come across as incompetent and unlikable to the point where I was kinda hating everyone by the the end of it. Robert B. Parker’s books were never police procedurals, and he often had flawed characters bending the law for the greater good, but this one just stretches credibility far past the breaking point.<br /><br />First and foremost, we’re supposed to buy into the idea that even though Crow was involved in multiple felonies including murder, kidnapping, bank robbery, and the deaths of two police officers that Jesse makes only a token effort to build a case against him before giving up and just trying to keep an eye on him in a half-assed kind of way. I’m pretty sure that the FBI would have more than a few things to say about the bank robbery alone. It also seems that Jesse and his cops forget all about their two guys who died during a crime that Crow was part of because none of them seem to hold a grudge other than a few random comments about their deaths. Even when Jesse knows that Crow has been running around shooting people later in the book he just shrugs it off.<br /><br />RBP loved writing about certain types of badasses who are all of a kind that recognized and respected each other no matter what side of the law they were on, and that’s what he was going for here. However the circumstances under which Jesse met Crow in the previous book just do not allow for any type of believable plot other than Jesse doing everything he can to immediately arrest Crow. It really felt like RBP was trying to take a character he’d created as a pure criminal and tried to retcon him into being another Hawk. Plus, the whole idea of the statute of limitations being a factor also creates a huge problem with the internal timeline of the series. <br /><br />There’s the usual nonsense with Jesse’s ex-wife Jenn and their inability to either let each other go or maintain a healthy relationship, but because of RBP committing to the ten year time frame (Which aligned to the publishing dates of the books as well.) it also means that Jesse and Jenn have now spent over a decade in which they’ve been unable to get their shit together even with the help of therapists. The idea that the two of them having been doing this same exact routine for that long with no improvement or end in sight just makes me tired.<br /><br />We’ve also got severe problems in that Jesse is supposed to be bending the rules and working with Crow because he’s trying to save a girl. However, she’s an unlikeable little shit who also is involved with some truly evil stuff. <input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="7e1d04f4-8b6b-44a9-b76a-a5e6c3be1b58" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="7e1d04f4-8b6b-44a9-b76a-a5e6c3be1b58">She helps get her own mother murdered without a second thought or moment of regret, and she’s also willing to set Crow up to be killed.</label> Yet by the end Jesse has risked the lives of his officers as well as his own career to help this girl, and absolutely nothing is done to hold her responsible for her actions.<br /><br />Overall, Jesse comes across as even more than a sap than ever because at least it’s usually just his ex-wife that he allows to manipulate him, but here Crow plays him for a chump as well. Even the other supporting characters who have generally been reliable also turn into sex crazed idiots, and yet it’s all played as if it’s a cute source of amusement.<br /><br /><input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="5ec03456-d902-40c2-a9c0-bbcc3546bccb" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="5ec03456-d902-40c2-a9c0-bbcc3546bccb">Bad enough that Suitcase Simpson apparently has a thing for older married women, but it’s especially galling when Molly has a one night stand because not only has she been the conscience of Jesse's department, she also frequently reminds everyone that she's happily married with four kids. She was also disgusted and repulsed at the behavior of promiscuous people when watching sex tapes as part of another case in an earlier book. It seems extra skeevy that Suitcase is sleeping with a women who is being a pain in the ass to Jesse by trying to keep poor kids from being bussed into her area, and that Molly sleeps with Crow with little thought or regard that he's a killer who was involved with a crime that resulted in the deaths of two of her fellow cops. It’s extra salt in the wound that it’s Jenn, who is incapable of monogamy with Jesse, who gives the blessing to this business that absolves Molly of any guilt. </label><br /><br />I’m not even sure of who I was supposed to be rooting for because the supposed hero of this series came across as complete rube who is not only incapable of arresting a guy he knows committed multiple crimes, he essentially ends up getting played for the entire book in the interest of trying to save a worthless kid who is guilty of terrible things herself.

<br><br><b> 2.5 stars </b><br><br>Wilson Cromartie (Crow) - who claims to be an Apache Indian - perpetrated a huge robbery in Paradise, Massachusetts ten years ago and got away. <br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1612374346i/30807216.png" alt="" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>Now that the statute of limitations has expired Crow is back in Paradise, having been hired to find the ex-wife and 14-year-old daughter of a big-time Florida criminal.<br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1612374346i/30807217.png" alt="" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>As a courtesy Crow stops by the Paradise Police Department to tell Chief Jesse Stone he's in town and doesn't want any trouble with the cops.<br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1612374346i/30807218.png" alt="" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br> Crow finds the ladies he's seeking and learns that Amber, the teen......<br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1612374346i/30807219.png" alt="" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>.....is involved with a 20-year-old low-life/gang banger.<br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1612374346i/30807220.png" alt="" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>As it turns out the Florida mob guy, Louis Francisco, wants his ex-wife killed and Amber sent back to Florida, but the girl absolutely doesn't want to go. Moreover, Crow has an aversion to harming women. Thus Crow makes it his mission to 'save' the girl. Due to a confluence of circumstances, Jesse decides to help Amber as well. So, oddly enough, the police chief and the criminal have a common goal in this book.<br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1612374346i/30807221.png" alt="" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>Meanwhile, a hoity-toity wealthy Paradise woman is trying to stop the opening of a pre-school for Hispanic children in Paradise, claiming this will ruin property values and bring crime to town. <br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1612374485i/30807235.png" alt="" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>Soon enough her fears seem to be validated when a dead body is found on the school property.<br><br>Regular characters in the series make an appearance including Jesse's psychiatrist,<br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1612374346i/30807222.png" alt="" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>his ex-wife Jenn, <br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1612374346i/30807223.png" alt="" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>and Paradise cops Molly and Suitcase (both of whom engage in illicit romance....not with each other). <br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1612375158i/30807268.png" alt="" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1612375158i/30807269.png" alt="" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>There's also a gang of young, vicious, but not-too-bright criminals. As usual Jesse is having trouble with his drinking, an ongoing theme in the series. There's some amusing repartee among some characters, which makes a nice break from the more violent scenes.<br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1612374346i/30807226.png" alt="" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>The book is an easy, quick read with a straightforward main story and a couple of side issues. The primary plot is fairly predictable, no big surprises. Also, a good number of characters in the book are not especially likable. Crow is a killer without a conscience (though apparently with plenty of sex appeal), Amber is a foul-mouthed, badly behaved teenager, the rich lady has an agenda (though her backstory isn't particularly believable), and so on. Also, Robert Parker has a sort of tic in his writing and uses the phrase "he said' or "she said" a million times (it seems like). This gets really old.<br><br>Overall, a so-so book. Best for for a plane trip or beach read where you don't want too much of a challenge.<br><br>You can follow my reviews at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com/">https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....</a>

4 Stars. He's not Parker's Spenser, but who really is? Sheriff Jesse Stone in Paradise, Massachusetts has more faults than that Boston wisecracker. He drinks too much, can't get past his divorced wife Jenn, and seems to care little about the rap sheet of a visitor to his office. The man is Wilson Cromartie, an Apache for hire, who we learn was involved in a local heist of $10 million a little more than a decade ago. Beyond the statute of limitations. Stone is curious, but keep's his revolver close at hand when asking "Crow" why he's in town. Apparently, he has a client who wants him to find someone. It turns out the client is a mob boss in Miami looking for his former wife and their 14-year-old daughter. Crow has instructions to kill the woman and bring back the kid, Amber Francisco now Alice Franklin, a real brat. If the money is right, is a job just a job? Except Crow likes women and doing nasties to them is not his thing. He finds the two but decides to stiff Miami. The next envoys from Florida are not only seeking the girl but Crow as well! Watch for the editing mistake as Jesse asks Molly Crane, his Sergeant, the same questions twice. A little light, but enjoyable. (May 2020)

A fun read with very easy to care about characters. Who wouldn't love some Stone.

While the violence was over the top, it was nice to meet with the series characters.<br />Only Parker can write dialogue, tagging most lines as he said he said she said.

I have read one of <a href="https://goodreads.com/author/show/397.Robert_B__Parker" title="Robert B. Parker" rel="noopener">Robert B. Parker</a>'s Spenser mystery series books and enjoyed very much. I've also enjoyed the Jesse Stone movies based on Parker's books. <a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/1029961.Stranger_In_Paradise__Jesse_Stone___7_" title="Stranger In Paradise (Jesse Stone, #7) by Robert B. Parker" rel="noopener">Stranger In Paradise</a> is my first Jesse Stone book and is the 7th in the series. Most enjoyable I must say.<br /><br />Jesse is sheriff in Paradise, Massachusetts. He's reinventing himself after moving from a police job in LA. He's got an interesting police department, about 12 cops; the two most interesting being Molly and Suitcase. His ex-wife, Jenn also lives in Paradise, trying for a career as a TV journalist. They love each other, see each other, but haven't decided where to go from there. Jesse is also seeing psychiatrist, Dix, trying to sort out his issues / problems. Of course there are other characters as well.<br /><br />An old case from ten years ago resurfaces when Wilson Cromartie (Crow) shows up in Jesse's office. Crow was part of a bank robbery / kidnapping that took place then. Wasn't able to be convicted of anything and it seems he may have prevented the other robbers from killing the hostages, especially the woman. He likes women (you will find this out). Crow has been hired to find a mother and daughter for some fellow from Florida. He wants Jesse to know he's in town.<br /><br />That's the gist of the story. When Crow finds the two, he is told to kill the mother and bring the girl to Florida. He refuses and this sets off a chain of events, involving a gang from the next town and also killers who work for the father. A minor story line involves Paradise protesters who don't want Latino children from the neighboring town to come to a small school near their residences. Are the two stories related? Read it and find out.<br /><br />I really enjoyed this story. Parker has a sparse writing style but still manages to craft a rich, interesting story. The characters are interesting, some likable, some not so much, but still engrossing. The story moves along quickly and is difficult to put down. Once you get into it, say on page 1, you will want to see how it ends. And along the way, you will be fascinated. Most enjoyable. (4 stars)

This is book #7 in the Jesse Stone series. So far it is a decent series and I was hoping to get through the whole series this year, but whether or not that happens I am hoping it will be enjoyable throughout the whole series.<br /><br /><b>Synopsis</b><br />Police Chief Jesse Stone faces his most fearsome adversary in the latest addition to the celebrated series. The last time Jesse Stone, chief of police of Paradise, Massachusetts, saw Wilson "Crow" Cromartie, the Apache Indian hit man was racing away in a speedboat after executing one of the most lucrative and deadly heists in the town's history. Crow was part of a team of ex-cons who plotted to capture Stiles Island, the wealthy enclave off the Paradise coast, by blowing up the connecting bridge. Residents were kidnapped, some were killed, and Crow managed to escape with a boatload of cash, never to be seen again. Until now. So when Crow shows up in Jesse's office some ten years after the crime, it's not to turn himself in. Crow is on another job, and this time he's asking for Jesse's help-by asking him to stay out of his way. Crow's mission is simple: find young Amber Francisco and bring her back to her father, Louis, in Florida. It should be an easy payday for a pro like Crow, but there are complications. Amber, now living in squalor with her mother, Fiona, is mixed up with members of a Latino gang. And when Louis orders Crow to kill Fiona before heading back with Amber, he can't follow through. Crow may be a bad guy, but he doesn't kill women. It's up to Jesse to provide protection. Meanwhile, Jesse's on-again, off-again relationship with ex-wife Jenn picks up steam as Jenn investigates the gang problem for her TV station. As they dig deeper, the danger escalates. The life of a young girl hangs in the balance, and saving Amber could be the miracle Jesse and Jenn need for themselves, too. <br /><br />One thing I really enjoy about this series is the pacing and how well the books flow, and this installment is no different. I love that these cases are in a small town environment, makes it feel more relatable to me since I am in a small town myself. I also enjoy the Authors use of dialogue. He is so good with that. I love all of the interaction between characters and it keeps the story moving along, makes for a quick fun read, and also it allows readers to keep track of the characters and who they are. <br /><br />The characters are really fun for me as well. I enjoy Jesse a lot, mostly because he is so flawed, but I think besides him, I love Molly and her quirkiness and her mishaps, while she is still able to get the job done. She is always there for Jesse along with Suitcase, his right hand man. There is a full cast of very colorful characters in this series and they are developing very well. They are all a very enjoyable part of the series and I look forward to meeting many more characters throughout the series.

Awful.

Spellbinding.

This is the seventh installment in the Jesse Stone series and is so much better than the last book which I found disappointing. <br /><br />In this story, a character who helped stage a huge robbery on Stiles Island ten years ago, returns to Paradise. Several people were killed during the commission of that crime, including two police officers. The man is Wilson “Crow” Comartie, who claims he is a full blooded Apache Indian. Jesse last saw him fleeing from the crime scene in a speedboat with all the cash.<br /><br />When Crow steps into Jesse’s office, the two face one another as considerable opponents. Crow has an aura about him and reeks of power and confidence. He tells Jesse he has a job to do in town and doesn’t want to bump up against him, so he asks that they stay clear of each other while he carries out his assignment. Jesse promises nothing, determined to put a case together that will put Crow behind bars for the crime he carried out years ago. Jesse knows the statute of limitations may be a problem, but he is determined to try nonetheless. <br /><br />Crow is a dangerous contract killer. But he has another side to his character. Jesse remembers watching Crow releasing the hostages that he could easily have killed after that huge robbery. All of the hostages were women. <br /><br />Jesse and Molly meet with some of those women in an effort to put that case together. But the women are frightened and don’t want to co-operate. They remember Crow as the one who protected them from the other bad men. They feel he saved their lives and will not say a word against him. <br /><br />Crow has been hired by Florida racketeer Louis Francisco to find his wife Fiona and his daughter Amber. Crow’s attempt to locate the two women leads him to a confrontation with a Latino gang called The Horn Street Boys. He gets into trouble with their leader Estebhan when he is forced to kill their enforcer Puerco. Crow knows he will have to deal with the gang again and expects revenge for the killing. <br /><br />Amber who is only fourteen, is a mess. Her mother is a drunk who needs help and her father is a gangster whose men molested her. This young girl has never had a chance at life and has now fallen in with a gang. Her boyfriend is Esteban, the leader of the Horn Street Boys. <br /><br />When Crow locates Fiona and Amber, he contacts his employer Francisco, who tells Crow to kill the wife and bring the daughter back to him in Florida. Crow will not carry out this assignment because he does not kill women. But he also knows that Francisco is not one to let anybody double cross him or allow his daughter to avoid him when he wants her home. <br /><br />Crow first has to deal with the Latino gang he has annoyed and then he must deal with his employer who has already paid him for a job he is determined not to complete. He asks Jesse to look out for the two women while he takes care of the gang problem. <br /><br />Crow wants to free Amber from her father and give her a chance at a better life.<br />Jesse and Crow, still wary of one another, create a tenuous pact to work together and protect the two women. But Amber escapes protective custody and Fiona is shot, leading Jesse and Crow to meet once again to develop an intricate plan, which may save Amber and take out some of Francisco’s bad guys who arrive to kidnap her and haul her back to Florida. The will also be there to kill Crow who reneged on their boss’s assignment. <br /><br />During this time, Jesse is also approached by a small delegation of residents in Paradise Neck who are concerned about the opening of a school for disadvantaged students in their neighborhood. The students are mostly Hispanic from the nearby town of Marshland. The residents are concerned the influx of these students will attract gangs and drive down the value of their elite properties. Leading the charge is Marion Fielder one of the area residents who seems to be fervent about this cause. <br /><br />Jesse’s ex Jenn is now on assignment for Newsbeat Three News. She has been asked to work up a story about the new school and the possibility of Latino gangs infiltrating Paradise. Knowing Jesse has been visited by the resident delegation, she cozies up to him to see if she can get an inside story for the news desk. The couple’s difficult and dysfunctional relationship continues, although in this installment they finally begin to make progress sorting out their problems. <br /><br />This book is so much better than the last book in the series. Parker has really nailed the character of Miriam Felder, the older, affluent dissatisfied woman who is determined to stop the opening of the new school. And he has created a great character in Crow, although his sexual exploits do not seem believable. I would not be surprised if Crow turns up again in the series. He is an interesting character and a great focus for a good story. <br /><br /> <br />