Then there is 'Mortal Stakes'. It's a story that delves deep into the seedy underbelly of the world of sports and the people who will do anything to win. Spenser has to navigate through a web of lies and danger to get to the truth.
The characters in Robert Parker novels are well - developed. For example, Spenser is a complex character with his own code of ethics. He is tough but also has a soft side.
Some of the highly regarded Robert Parker novels include 'The Godwulf Manuscript'. It introduced his iconic detective, Spenser. The character is complex and the story is filled with mystery and engaging dialogue.
I'm not entirely sure about the specific order of all Robert Parker novels as he has written a large number. But some of his well - known series like the Spenser novels are often read in the order they were published, starting with 'The Godwulf Manuscript'.
Another good one is 'Early Autumn'. In this novel, Spenser takes on a rather complex case involving a young boy, and through the story, we see more of Spenser's character, his values, and his detective skills. He has to deal with the boy's family issues and a mystery that unfolds gradually.
Some of his well - known novels include 'The Bourne Identity'. It's a classic spy thriller that introduced the character Jason Bourne, a man with amnesia who discovers he has a dangerous past filled with espionage and assassination skills.
His novel 'The Parsifal Mosaic' is also popular. It has a lot of mystery and espionage elements as the main character tries to uncover the truth behind a series of events and a complex mosaic of secrets.
Another excellent one is 'Promised Land'. Spenser's character really shines in this. It deals with complex moral issues and has a great mix of action and mystery. The way Parker writes about the seedy underbelly of society in this novel is really engaging. There are great dialogues that add depth to the story and characters.