Early Autumn is a 1981 detective novel by Robert B. Parker, published by Delacorte Press, and the seventh in the Spenser series. It follows the titular Spenser protecting a boy, Paul, from kidnapping. It received mixed critical reception, with praise towards Spenser as a character and his growth with Paul, but some criticism of the commercial nature and thin plot of the series.
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Synopsis
Spenser is hired to protect a boy, Paul Giacomin, from being kidnapped in a custody quarrel. He ends up taking care of the boy, who is socially immature, having been ignored by his parents, only used as a pawn in their quarrelling. Spenser takes him in and helps him mature through learning to box, exercising, weight-lifting and building a cottage. At the same time, with the help of Hawk, he collects enough information about the parents that they leave the boy alone and let Spenser unofficially adopt him.
Publication history
Early Autumn was published in February 1981 by Delacorte Press. It was the seventh novel in the Spenser series.
Reception
Early Autumn received mixed reviews. Kirkus Reviews called the book "disappointing for mystery lovers", but "nice enough ... for those tolerant of Parker's particular brand of tough-guy treacle". The Boston Globe's book editor Margaret Manning was more positive, praising the dialogue and presentation over the plot. Reception to Spenser's raising of the young Paul as a father figure was positive. Spenser himself remained a popular character, and the series general main appeal, although Charles Chaplin of the Los Angeles Times considered the humor irritating and the Spenser series more of a commercial necessity for Parker than a true act of passion.