Stranger in Paradise by Robert B. Parker (2008)

I have all seven of the Jesse Stone novels by Parker. This is the most recent and, in my opinion, the least believable of the seven. It struck me that Parker may be under signficant pressure to crank these out as quickly as possible, and that may account for the "novel by recipe" feel of this one.

It has the usual suspects--a loudmouth attorney/parent or two, meals at the favorite restaurant, and Jesse wrestling with his past and his future. No issues there--as a former assistant prosecutor and as a current football official, I like the way Parker skewers defense attorneys and parents.

There are two significant twists to this book that do not match up with the previous novels. Perhaps that is a good thing, but as I read I found myself thinking, "Parker is rounding the final curve before the finish line and he is jerking the steering wheel back and forth to slosh gasoline into the fuel intake--he's on empty". In other words, he has run low on good ideas and is reaching for a storyline that is a stretch.

I will buy his next Stone novel on momentum if nothing else. I like the characters and the fact that Jesse Stone is human--he battles daily with relationships and alcohol.