Robert B. Parker

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/jan/20/robert-b-parker-dies

Truly the ending of an era. Robert B. Parker has passed away. I'm so sadden by this news, and words fail to describe how much his books meant to me.

I started reading Parker's books back in the late 90's when I was working in downtown Pittsburgh. I would have a long commute from home to work, and so to pass the time I would often read. I had picked up my very first Parker book (The Spenser Series) at the suggestion of my mom and my sister, who had said "these are just laugh-out-loud" funny books, and that I should read them. By the end of "The Godwulf Manuscript" I was hooked. I couldn't get the books fast enough, and eagerly spent whatever Barnes & Nobel was asking for paperback versions at the time. And then came the moment when I was "caught up" in the series and I'd have to impatiently wait for the next book to come out. It would be torture. I'd have to bide my time with other authors, nothing quite satiating that need for a Spenser story. I wanted all my old friends back...that is to say Spenser, Susan, Pearl (the dog), Hawk, and a list of other colorful characters who would fade in and out of the series. It was a joy and a gift each time a new book would come out and I'd savor each written word.

The world has lost a great author.

Rest in Peace Robert B. Parker. What I wouldn't give to have even half this man's talent.