Synopsis: 'In The Godwulf Manuscript, Spenser is hired by a Boston university to recover a rare manuscript. The police suspect a pretty blond student, but Spenser isn't ready for easy answers - especially when a radical student who can provide the only lead is murdered.
In God Save the Child, Spenser investigates the disappearance of a fourteen-year-old boy, an assumed runaway until a ransom note arrives. The investigation leads Spenser to some startling revelations about the boy's family . . . and to Susan Silverman, the psychologist who becomes an important part of Spenser's life.
Mortal Stakes brings Spenser into the world of baseball, when he is called in to find out the reasons behind the blackmailing of a Red Sox pitcher.' From the book jacket
Review: These three books develop the characters of Spenser and Susan Silverman. For me, there's too much detail about baseball, a particular brand of firearm, and what a particular place in Boston is like. The Godwulf Manuscript sets the tone for the Spenser books in that he is rescuing the damsel in distress and doing 'what's right'. The description of the clothing, which was high fashion during this time period, is laughable.
In God Save the Child, Spenser meets his long-term girlfriend who appears throughout the series. He has to come to grips with not knowing whether the right thing to do is 'right' for everyone. These themes in the first two books are carried out in the third book, Mortal Stakes. The time period is really apparent in the treatment of women.

The Early Spenser was an enjoyable and amusing read. The private detective, Spenser, is sarcastic and sharp in his dialogue which keeps the story moving. I believe that the lack of swearing and the well read nature of Spenser put him in a class above Mike Hammer or Sam Spade.
This entire series is a delightful romp. ( )

The politics and clothing are way out of style but Spenser, Susan & Hawk are always a great read. ( )

If I was ever going to spend more than $1 to buy a book, it would be one by Parker. ($1 is the going price for books at Good Will, Thrift Stores and yard Sales) Parker creates heroes that are unrealistically courageous but funny and droll, keeping the reader entertained at all times with something to smile or outright laugh about on nearly every other page. In true classic detective mold, Spenser is a womanizing, hard drinker with special morals that are unshakable; He is someone you would love to know personally. ENTER SPENSER is a book of three unrelated short stories. If you have never read Parker this would be a good start. ( )