R.I.P. Robert B. Parker

--by Hanje Richards

Prolific author of Spenser mystery novels and a host of other fiction, Robert B. Parker died suddenly on January 18, 2010, of a heart attack while sitting at his desk in Cambridge, MA.

He was 77.

Parker was best known for his Spenser novels (the wise-cracking, street-smart Boston private-eye Spenser earned him a devoted following and reams of critical acclaim), and the TV Show based on this character. However, Parker also wrote several other series as well as stand-alone novels, including Jesse Stone novels, Sunny Randall novels, Philip Marlowe novels, Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch westerns.

Parker received three nominations and two Edgar Awards from the Mystery Writers of America. He received the first award, the "Best Novel Award" in 1977, for the fourth novel in the Spenser series.

In 2002, he received the Grand Master Award Edgar for his collective oeuvre. In 2008, he was awarded the Gumshoe Lifetime Achievement Award.

Robert B. Parker will be missed, but his books can still be enjoyed. If you haven't already, check out our large selection of Parker titles at the Copper Queen Library in the Mystery section.