Lobster Boy - Rodman Philbrick - aka The Young Man and the Sea

Lobster Boy

Usborne Publishing

ISBN 9780746065099

eISBN 9781409591092

ASIN B00UXA3YJG

The Young Man and the Sea  

Rodman Philbrick

Scholastic Canada

The Blue Sky Press

ISBN 9780439856300

eISBN 9780545600309

ASIN B00B9FX1ZG

First this volume has been published under two different titles in North America it is published as ‘The Young Man and the Sea’ in the UK it is published as ‘Lobster Boy’, at the time of the writing of this review there are 27 editions on Goodreads under the former name and 3 under the latter. Apparently Philbrick wanted the ‘Lobster Boy’ title, but the publisher kept referring to as ‘The Young Man and the Sea’ and it ended up sticking. And it has been through a wide range of covers over the last 12 years.

A few months ago I was having a discussion with a young man in his early 20’s and asked about his favourite book, because that is what bibliophiles do. He immediately said this Freak the Mighty, no hesitation, no pause just an immediate answer. I looked it up later in the day and discovered there was two books in that series and also a movie. While working on the review of the first Mighty book, I found at least a dozen I was interested in just from the titles. So this is the sixth volume by Rodman reading not quite one every other week, and every time I read one the list of ones I want to read grows! I have now compiled a list of all books published by Philbrick, under his various pen names. I enjoyed that first one so much I had picked up 3 other volumes by Philbrick before I even finished it! And by the time I had read three I had picked up nearly a dozen. 

I have been publishing reviews for 21 years now, first in papers and magazines and then on my blog and other platforms. I continue to read and write reviews because I must. I am a dyslexic bibliophile. I have tagged Scholastic over 450 times on my blog for reviews of books, or for my Top Ten Lists each quarter or year. I was greatly surprised I had not encountered Philbrick, it was absolutely my loss. Back to the book at hand. 

The description of the ‘The Young Man and the Sea’ edition states:

 “A story of determination and survival from the acclaimed author of FREAK THE MIGHTY. "This thrilling and elegant book ... will hold the interest of even the most stalwart landlubber." -- PW

Twelve-year-old Skiff Beaman's mom just died, and his fisherman dad is too depressed to drag himself off the couch and go to work. So these days Skiff has to take care of everything himself.

But when his dad's boat sinks, Skiff discovers it will cost thousands to buy a new engine. Skiff's lobster traps won't earn him enough, but there are bigger fish in the sea -- bluefin tuna. If he can catch one of those monster fish, Skiff just might save the boat -- and his family.”

The description of the ‘Lobster Boy’ edition states:

“Skiff Beaman has a problem. A BIG problem. He needs to fix up his family's fishing boat, but to do that he needs money. A whole heap of money.His father isn't going to help – he can't see further than the next can of beer since Skiff's mother died – and nor is his classmate, Tyler, inventor of the nickname "Lobster Boy".But Skiff can still hear his mother's voice telling him "Never give up". So he comes up with a plan. It's crazy, it's dangerous, and it's going to take all Skiff's grit and strength to win a great battle against the sea. An inspirational and compelling action-packed tale by the internationally bestselling author, Rodman Philbrick.”

About the author in another volume we are informed:

“After years of writing mysteries and suspense thrillers for adults, Rodman Philbrick decided to try his hand at a novel for young readers. That novel, Freak the Mighty, was published in 1993 to great acclaim and stellar reviews. In addition to being named an ALA Best Book for Young Adults and winning several state awards, it was also made into the Miramax feature film The Mighty in 1998. Rod returns to Maxwell Kane’s story in a sequel, Max the Mighty, a fast-paced cross-country odyssey.

Rod takes young readers to the American West in his exhilarating tale of two brothers on the run in The Fire Pony, winner of the Capital Choice Award, and on to a land where nothing is as it seems in the science-fiction adventure REM World. His thought-provoking novel The Last Book in the Universe, also an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, takes place in a futuristic world where no one reads anymore. Rod thought back to his New England roots and knowledge of boat building to write The Young Man and the Sea. School Library Journal praised its “wide-open adventure” and “heart-pounding suspense” and named it a Best Book of the Year in 2004.

Rodman Philbrick has also written several spine-tingling series for young readers with his wife, Lynn Harnett, including The House on Cherry Street and The Werewolf Chronicles. Rod and Lynn divide their time between homes on the coast of Maine and in the Florida Keys.”

There are supplemental sections at the end of each edition. For the US edition they are:

Acknowledgements

About the Author

Q&A with Rodman Philbrick

Rod’s Writing Tips

A Sneak Peek at Freak the Mighty

In the UK Edition they are:

A Conversation with Rodman Philbrick

About the Author (In his own words)

Sneak Preview of Fire Pony by Rodman Philbrick

Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick

More Usborne fiction

A quick check and the text appears to be identical or nearly so. 

This story could be considered a school story because of the school age protagonist, but the events take place over summer vacation. But in many ways it is a father son story. It is a story of both of them dealing with loss. And the son, Skiff Beaman, is just trying to keep things up after the passing of his mother. He wants to restore the family boat in the hopes his father will start working again. He wants to fix things, first the boat, then his father. But life at times is a lot harder than many expect. And Skiff is just trying to live by the three rules him mother instilled in him, and her voice reminding him what she would say in different situations. 

The volume is clearly written in homage to The Old Man and the Sea, And Moby Dick. It is written in a way that when young readers encounter them later in life they will recognize the echoes. And for us older readers we will se a similar story with very different eyes.

This is another excellent story from Philbrick’s masterful pen. It reminds me a lot of the works of Andrew Clements or Gordon Korman, Tony Abbott, and Dan Gutman. All of whom I loved and have read numerous stories. Because of the various genres he writes in I am beginning to think of him as an American Arthur Slade. I am really surprised I had not encountered the author previously. These first six books are so great; I might just end up reading everything from the author. After reading more Philbrick I am also being reminded more of Madeleine L’Engle who wrote adult fiction, nonfiction, children’s fiction, teen fiction, and even theology.  

This is another one of those excellent stories for middle grade or tween readers. It is even strong enough for us older folks for I am in my mid 50’s and could not put it down and read it over an afternoon, over several mugs of tea. It is a very moving story, one I can easily recommend. And I know I will be reading more by Philbrick and the various names he publishes under!

Books by Rodman Philbrick:

Max the Mighty Series:

Freak the Mighty (1993)

Max the Mighty (1998)

…

 

House on Cherry Street Series: (with Lynn Harnett)

1. The Haunting (1995)

2. The Horror (1995)

3. The Final Nightmare (1995)

…

 

Werewolf Chronicles Series: (with Lynn Harnett)

1. Night Creature (1996)

2. Children of the Wolf (1996)

3. The Wereing (1996)

…

 

Visitors Series: (with Lynn Harnett)

1. Strange Invaders (1997)

2. Things (1997)

3. Brain Stealers (1997)

…

 

Wild Series:

1. Wildfire (2019)

2. Wild River (2021)

3. Wild Wave (2024)

4. Wild Blizzard (2026)

…

 

Other Books:

Shooting Star (1982)

The Black Moon (1989) 

Brothers and Sinners (1993)

The Fire Pony (1996)

Abduction (1998) (with Lynn Harnett)

The Mighty (1998)

The Last Book in the Universe (2000)

Dark Matter (2000)

Rem World (2000)

The Journal of Douglas Allen Deeds (2001)

Coffins (2002)

The Young Man and the Sea (2004)

Lobster Boy (2005)

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg (2009)

Listening To Kids In America (2011)

Zane and the Hurricane (2014)

The Big Dark (2016)

Who Killed Darius Drake? (2017)

We Own the Sky (2022)

…

Written as William R Dantz:

Pulse (1989) (as by William R Dantz)

The Seventh Sleeper (1991) (as by William R Dantz)

Hunger (1993) (as by William R Dantz)

Nine Levels Down (1995) (as by William R Dantz)

Written as by W R Philbrick:

The Big Chip (1990) (as by W R Philbrick)

…

J.D. Hawkins Series:

1. Shadow Kills (1985)

2. Ice for the Eskimo (1986)

3. Paint It Black (1989)

4. Walk on the Water (1991)

…

 

T.D. Stash Series:

1. The Neon Flamingo (1987)

2. The Crystal Blue Persuasion (1988)

3. Tough Enough (1989)

…

Written as by Chris Jordan:

Randall Shane Series:

1. Taken (2006)

2. Trapped (2007)

  aka Lost

3. Torn (2009)

4. Measure of Darkness (2011)

…

St. Michael and His World - Mike Aquilina

St. Michael and His World

Mike Aquilina 

Scepter Publishers

ISBN 9781594170508

eISBN 9781594170546

ISBN B0HGHRF48S

 

This was one of two volumes by Mike Aquilina I received the same day. I literally flipped a coin to see which I would read first, and started the second as soon as I finished this one. That other volume is ‘The Church Fathers For Our Time’. To date I have read 16 volumes form the pen of Aquilina, and have at least that many on my ‘to be read’ list.  I have yet to read anything from his masterful pen that was not well worth the read and this is another excellent read. Over the years I have read several volumes about Saint. This one is a most excellent offering. It is a follow up to St. Joseph and His World and St. Patrick and His World which are both worthy reads as well. But back to the volume at hand.

The description of this book states:

“The great wings of the Archangel Michael overshadow all human history. He is mentioned in three books of the Bible, but the Church Fathers and ancient rabbis saw him in many other places, unnamed, hidden in plain sight. In St. Michael and His World, Mike Aquilina explores the biblical record alongside its interpretations from antiquity, unveiling a history - from creation to the end - in which St. Michael is a constant and active presence.

But this is not a book about mythology or pious legend. Drawing on Scripture, rabbinic texts, the Dead Sea Scrolls, patristic writings, Coptic tradition, and Islamic sources, Aquilina traces how the Church's greatest archangel has captured the imagination of believers across two millennia. From Daniel's visions to the vision that inspired Pope Leo XIII to revive his devotion in the modern age, St. Michael emerges not as a distant heavenly abstraction, but as a figure central to how Christians have understood spiritual warfare, divine providence, and the cosmic struggle between good and evil.

For those seeking to understand the invisible warfare that shapes human history, or for those simply curious about one of the Bible's most enigmatic figures, St. Michael and His World offers both scholarly depth and the kind of compelling storytelling that makes history come alive. It is a book for anyone who has ever prayed "St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle" – and wants to know the full measure of the one they were calling upon.”

About the author we are informed:

“Mike Aquilina is a popular author of Church history, especially the study of the early Church Fathers. He is executive vice-president of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, a research center based in Steubenville, OH. He is a contributing editor of Angelus News and general editor of the Reclaiming Catholic History Series from Ave Maria Press. He hosts “The Way of the Fathers,” a podcast produced by CatholicCulture.org. Aquilina is the author or editor of more than seventy books, including St. Joseph and His World, also published by Scepter.”

The chapters in this volume are:

Introduction

  1: Sources for the “Life” of an Angel

  2: What Is Michael?

  3: St. Michael in the New Testament

  4: Between the Testaments

  5: Michael Among the Rabbis

  6: Michael in the Age of the Fathers

  7: The Special Case of the Copts

  8: St. Michael in Islam

  9: St. Michael in the Dark Ages and the Middle Ages

 10: The Eclipse of Devotion

 11: The Revival

Bibliography

I highlighted a number of passages while working through this book some of them are:

“He cuts a swashbuckling figure against the Roman skyline. Michael stands armored and tall as he sheathes his sword atop the ancient monument now named for him: Castel Sant’Angelo.”

“But, according to later accounts, Pope Gregory looked up and saw the archangel Michael looming above the monument, sheathing his sword. It was a clear sign that the plague was over. It was a clear sign, too, that hell’s outpost in the city had been exorcised. Hadrian’s demons had been driven out by the Prince of the Angels.”

“And in the eleventh century the people of Rome raised a wooden statue of the archangel on the very top of the tomb. The statue has had many successors, first in marble and now in majestic bronze. From the ninth century onward, the “castle” has borne the name of the “Holy Angel” rather than the debauched emperor.”

“Michael appears in significant places in the Bible, both the Old Testament and the New. He plays a starring role in the books produced “between the testaments”—the pseudepigrapha of Second Temple Judaism. He plays a prominent role in the fevered imaginings of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the library discovered at Qumran in Israel in the mid-twentieth century. Michael makes his appearances in the Talmud, the earliest records of Rabbinic Judaism. He appears in the works of the Apostolic Fathers, the first Christian authors after the generation of the apostles.”

“Thus, for Jews and Christians in the ancient world, devotion to St. Michael was a matter of consequence, and it remained so for believers in the ages that followed.”

“The title is cheeky, but the purpose is serious. For his world encompasses our own, and his life is bound up with our lives, collectively and individually.”

“Writing a biography of any flesh-and-blood figure is demanding. Writing a biography of an angel, however, is harder still. An angel is a pure spirit and has no material body. He leaves no footprint, carries no identification, maintains no bank account, pays no utility bills. He writes no letters and receives no postcards. He has no DNA.”

“Our evidence for the life of Michael is actually extensive. For a figure without a footprint, he has left a deep impression. Across centuries and cultures—especially, though not exclusively, among believers formed by biblical religion—he has been an object of fascination, devotion, and theological reflection.”

“The Book of Daniel presents Michael as the great prince who stands guard over God’s people (Dn 10: 13; 12: 1), whereas the Epistle of Jude and the Book of Revelation depict him as the leader of the heavenly hosts in their conflict with Satan (Jude 9; Rv 12: 7–9).”

“Scripture does not give us a cult of Michael fully formed, but it gives us the person and mission that make such a cult intelligible and legitimate.”

“Used prudently, rabbinic sources help the historian distinguish what is pre-Christian inheritance from what is distinctively Christian development. They can illuminate the continuity and discontinuity between Jewish and Christian understandings of Michael, while always remaining subordinate to Scripture and tradition.”

“Closely united to Scripture is Apostolic Tradition, the living transmission of the Faith under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Although no explicit, detailed cult of St. Michael can be traced directly to the apostolic age, the early Church’s angelology reflects a continuity with Jewish belief purified and reoriented by Christ.”

“Michael is consistently presented not as an independent divine power but as a servant of God, acting always in Christ and subordinate to Christ. This theological framework is an authoritative lens through which later sources must be read.”

“Patristic references to St. Michael—whether in homilies, biblical commentaries, or polemical works—are especially valuable when they are widespread, consistent, and integrated into doctrinal teaching.”

“Claims of private revelation associated with St. Michael occupy the lowest rung of authority. Even when approved by the Church, such revelations do not belong to the deposit of faith and demand no assent beyond prudent acceptance.”

“A Catholic history of devotion to the archangel Michael is neither credulous nor reductionist. It respects the Church’s hierarchy of truths and sources, allowing Scripture and liturgy to speak with full authority, the Fathers with venerable weight, and popular traditions with sympathetic but critical attention.”

“If the Old Testament lays the foundations for biblical angelology, the New Testament brings it into sharper focus. The Gospel narratives open with a flurry of angelic activity, as heaven seems to lean close to earth at the dawn of the messianic age. Angels announce the births of John the Baptist and Jesus, appear in dreams to Joseph, sing to the shepherds, and guide the Magi. The invisible world presses visibly upon history.”

“Michael’s power is real, but it is derivative. He conquers not by his own might but by fidelity to divine command. In this way, Jude presents Michael as a pattern for Christian spiritual warfare: confident, courageous, and utterly submissive to God.”

“By the end of the Second Temple period, devotion to Michael was already well developed. He was guardian, mediator, warrior, lawgiver, and intercessor. Far from being a late Christian invention, Michael stood at the heart of Jewish spirituality centuries before Christ. The New Testament did not invent Michael or inflate his role—it revealed his mission in its fullness.”

“The Church Fathers did not invent a new Michael. They recognized him. They discerned his role in Scripture, traced his activity through salvation history, and bore witness to his continuing and powerful ministry in the Church.”

“In Coptic Christianity, devotion to St. Michael was not an ornament of theology but part of the fabric of daily life. His feasts structured the year; his image guarded churches; his name filled prayers, sermons, and stories. Through many centuries of persecution, foreign domination, and cultural change, the archangel has stood as a symbol of divine protection and ultimate victory.”

“Whether standing armored above the dragon or silently distributing God’s mercy through rain and harvest, Michael exists for one purpose alone—to proclaim, in wordless fidelity, that there is none like God.”

“One of the most striking features of medieval devotion to St. Michael is geographical. His shrines rise not in valleys or city centers, but on heights—mountaintops, rocky promontories, and remote islands.”

“To medieval Christians, the symbolism was clear. Michael was the sentinel of the heavenly city, standing between order and chaos, heaven and earth. From the heights, he guarded what lay below.”

“Michael’s monasteries were often situated at liminal places—on borders, near coasts, or atop mountains—where the natural world itself suggested vigilance. The archangel’s presence sanctified these margins, marking them as places claimed for God.”

“Its significance should not be exaggerated. Yet neither should it be dismissed entirely. Across widely separated regions, Christians repeatedly chose similar kinds of places—high, remote, exposed—for sanctuaries dedicated to the same heavenly guardian.”

“The dedication to St. Michael was deliberate. Skellig Michael is a place of thresholds—between land and sea, safety and danger, time and eternity. It is a place where vigilance feels natural and necessary.”

“In this renewal, we see not merely nostalgia but a rediscovery of the cosmic horizon of Christian faith in its most ancient and classic form. We receive a reminder that the battle is real, the help of heaven is near, and the story of angelic devotion is far from finished.” 

I hope those quotes give you a feel for this volume. It is very well written. It is engaging and entertaining. Aquilina does an excellent job so highlighting what might be legend and why, and what comes from various traditions. The chapter on ‘St. Michael in Islam’ was particularly insightful. With each new chapter I was more deeply engrossed in the material and how Mike presented it. The only thing I would have loved would have been a chapter on popular devotion to Saint Michael today and coverage of the Saint Michael Chaplet and Saint Michael’s Lent.

This is an excellent volume and has eclipsed many I have read about this saint and his times. This volume and series are ones I recommend often.

This is another excellent volume. Anyone from a high school level or on could easily engage with it. It would be a wonderful addition to any home, school, or church library. I can easily recommend this and the companion volumes, and hope that Mike continues the series with more books. I can easily highly recommend this book!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan!

For reviews of other books by Mike Aquilina click here.

Other posts about Saint Michael:

St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church Waterloo Ontario - A Photo Essay

St. Michael The Archangel: History, Lent and Prayers - Maria Alinne Costa

Nine Days with Saint Michael - Andrew Offer, O.P. and Jonah Teller O.P.

Saint Michael the Archangel Through the Ages - Fr. Frederick Schmit O.Praem and Fr. Peregrine Fletcher O.Praem

St. Michael and His World - Mike Aquilina 

…

Prayer of the Day Prayer to Saint Michael

Prayer of the Day A Litany of St. Michael  

Prayer of the Day Litany in Honour of St. Michael 

Prayer of the Day A Saint Michael Prayer

St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church Waterloo Ontario - A Photo Essay

...

Books by Mike Aquilina:
A Year with the Angels: Daily Meditations with the Messengers of God
A Year With The Church Fathers: Patristic Wisdom for Daily Living
Angels of God: The Bible, the Church and the Heavenly Hosts
Companion Guide to Pope Benedict's 'The Fathers' 
Faith of Our Fathers: Why the Early Christians Still Matter and Always Will
Fire of God's Love: 120 Reflections on the Eucharist
Good Pope, Bad Pope: Their Lives, Our Lessons 
Love in the Little Things: Tales of Family Life
Ministers & Martyrs: The Ultimate Catholic Guide to the Apostolic Age
Praying in the Presence of Our Lord: With St. Thomas Aquinas
Roots of the Faith: From the Church Fathers to You
Sharing Christ's Priesthood: A Bible Study for Catholics
Signs and Mysteries: Revealing Ancient Christian Symbols
Sweet Gridlock: Selected Love Poems 
Terms and Conditions: Assorted Poems
The Apostles and Their Times
The Church and the Roman Empire
The Fathers of the Church Bible
The Fathers of the Church: An Introduction to the First Christian Teachers
The Mass of the Early Christians
The Resilient Church: The Glory, the Shame, & the Hope for Tomorrow
The Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church
The Way of the Fathers: Praying With the Early Christians
The Witness of Early Christian Women: Mothers of the Church
Understanding the Mass: 100 Questions, 100 Answers
Why Me? When Bad Things Happen
Yours Is the Church: How Catholicism Shapes Our World

The Church and the Roman Era

The Holy Mass

Work Play Love

St. Joseph and His World

St. Michael and His World 

...

Books co-written by Mike Aquilina:
A Pocket Catechism for Kids - Fr. Kris Stubna
Dion: The Wanderer Talks Truth - Dion DiMucci
Keeping Mary Close: Devotion to Our Lady through the Ages - Fr. Frederick Gruber
Living the Mysteries: A Guide for Unfinished Christians - Scott Hahn
Praying the Psalms the Early Christians - Christopher Bailey
Saint Monica and the Power of Persistent Prayer - Mark W. Sullivan
Seven Revolutions: How Christianity Changed the World and Can Change It Again - James Papandrea
Something More Pastoral: The Mission of Bishop, Archbishop, and Cardinal Donald Wuerl - Ann Rodgers
Take Five: Meditations John Henry Newman - Fr. Juan Velez
Take Five: Meditations Pope Benedict XVI - Fr. Kris Stubna
Take Five: On the Job Meditations With St. Ignatius - Fr. Kris Stubna
Talking to Youth About Sexuality: A Parents' Guide - Fr. Kris Stubna
The Ancient Path: Old Lessons from the Church Fathers for a New Life Today - John Michael Talbot
The Church: Unlocking the Secrets to the Places Catholics Call Home - Cardinal Donald Wuerl
The Doubter's Novena: Nine Steps to Trust the Apostle Thomas - Christopher Bailey
The Feasts: How the Church Year Forms Us as Catholics - Cardinal Donald Wuerl
The Grail Code: Quest for the Real Presence - Christopher Bailey
The Great Life: Essays on Doctrine and Holiness in Honor of Father Ronald Lawler, O.F.M. Cap. - Kenneth Ogorek
The Holy Land: A Guide for Pilgrims - Fr. Dave Halaiko
The How-To Book of Catholic Devotions - Regis J. Flaherty
The Mass: The Glory, the Mystery, the Tradition - Cardinal Donald Wuerl
The World's First Christmas: Jubilee 2000 - Regis J. Flaherty
Weapons of the Spirit: Selected Writings of Father John Hugo - David Scott
What Catholics Believe: A Pocket Catechism - Fr. Kris Stubna

...

The Godwulf Manuscript - Robert B. Parker - Spenser Book 1

The Godwulf Manuscript

Robert B. Parker

Bantam Books

Penguin Random House Canada

ISBN 9780440129615

eISBN 9780307569561

ASIN B00309SD02

Recently I read the Mysterious Profiles series piece Spenser. And now I am planning to read or read again many of Parker’s novels. I read many in my late teens and early 20’s but that was before I kept a list of everything I read, and even longer before I started reviewing. I can admit I have been a long time spencer fan. My Father loved the TV show and I have fond memories of watching the series as a youth. I even enjoyed the updated Mark Wahlberg Spencer Confidential movie and had hoped they would release more. In my youth I read a lot of Robert B. Parker books. A roommate and I bought them read, traded and swapped at the used book store. That was a few years before I started keeping a list of everything I read, or started writing reviews. Recently I watched the Jesse Stone movies and decided to look into the books. It led down a rabbit hole. I believe Parker published 71 works during his lifetime. A few of his series have been continued by others, both before he passed and since his passing. There appears to be about half as many books as he wrote in his series now written by others. I believe Parker wrote 40 novels in this series and 17 more have been penned by others, including one finished by his long time agent.

But back to the volume at hand. The description of this volume states:

“Spenser earned his degree in the school of hard knocks, so he is ready when a Boston university hires him to recover a rare, stolen manuscript. He is hardly surprised that his only clue is a radical student with four bullets in his chest. The cops are ready to throw the book at the pretty blond coed whose prints are all over the murder weapon but Spenser knows there are no easy answers. He tackles some very heavy homework and knows that if he doesn't finish his assignment soon, he could end up marked "D" -- for dead. From the Paperback edition.”

I do not believe this was one I previously read. And I was surprised that Spenser bedded a mother then her daughter. Based on reading this and having read all the Reacher novels, Spenser was a precursor or architype that Reacher took to the next level. It starts with Spenser at the office of a Dean and being tasked with tracking down a stolen manuscript that is being ransomed back to the university. During the case Spenser has a few encounters with the police, a very rich family and some key players on campus. He also has a brush with the mob. He has a pretty good idea what is really happening and by who, but he needs to find the proof. And after taking a second retainer even though he believes the two are linked he will have divided loyalties. How many bodies will pile up as Spenser unravels the case.

For anyone who has read others of the books or watch the old TV show that ran from 1985 to 1988 with 65 episodes. There were also 4 made for TV movies set later that aired between 1093 and 1995.

While researching a previous review I discovered that Parker was a lapsed Catholic, much like the character Spenser. Based on what I had read of his works, I had just assumed he was a Catholic with some concerns. I even read that spencer’s morality and philosophy was mirroring Parker’s. Friends call me a ‘completionist’ in that when I find an author I like, I try to read everything they have published.  Even though I read many when younger with all the Parker books out there I have a lot I just added to my ‘to be read’ pile! 

I am glad I picked this up as my second foray back into the works of Parker after about 30 years. It was fun to return to the character Spenser. It was quick, dark, witty, and leaves you wanting more. It is a good volume in a great series. I really enjoyed it, and look forward to other offerings from Parker’s pen.

Books by Robert B. Parker:

Spenser Series:

1. The Godwulf Manuscript (1973)

2. God Save the Child (1974)

3. Mortal Stakes (1975)

4. Promised Land (1976)

5. The Judas Goat (1978)

6. Looking for Rachel Wallace (1980)

7. Early Autumn (1980)

8. A Savage Place (1981)

9. Ceremony (1982)

10. The Widening Gyre (1983)

11. Valediction (1984)

12. A Catskill Eagle (1985)

13. Taming a Sea-Horse (1986)

14. Pale Kings and Princes (1987)

15. Crimson Joy (1988)

16. Playmates (1989)

17. Stardust (1990)

18. Pastime (1991)

19. Double Deuce (1991)

20. Paper Doll (1993)

21. Walking Shadow (1994)

22. Thin Air (1995)

23. Chance (1996)

24. Small Vices (1997)

25. Sudden Mischief (1998)

26. Hush Money (1999)

27. Hugger Mugger (2000)

28. Potshot (2001)

29. Widow's Walk (2002)

30. Back Story (2003)

31. Bad Business (2004)

32. Cold Service (2005)

33. School Days (2005)

34. Hundred-Dollar Baby (2006) aka Dream Girl

35. Now and Then (2007)

36. Rough Weather (2008)

36.5. Chasing the Bear (2009)

37. The Professional (2009)

38. Painted Ladies (2010)

39. Sixkill (2011)

42. Silent Night (2013) (with Helen Brann)

Spenser: A Mysterious Profile (2022)

…

Jesse Stone Series:

1. Night Passage (1997)

2. Trouble in Paradise (1998)

3. Death In Paradise (2001)

4. Stone Cold (2003)

5. Sea Change (2005)

6. High Profile (2007)

7. Stranger in Paradise (2008)

8. Night and Day (2009)

9. Split Image (2010)

…

Sunny Randall Series:

1. Family Honor (1999)

2. Perish Twice (2000)

3. Shrink Rap (2002)

4. Melancholy Baby (2004)

5. Blue Screen (2006)

6. Spare Change (2007)

…

Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch Series:

1. Appaloosa (2005)

2. Resolution (2008)

3. Brimstone (2009)

4. Blue-Eyed Devil (2010)

…

Philip Marlowe Series:

Poodle Springs (1989)

Perchance to Dream (1991)

…

Novels:

Wilderness (1979)

Love and Glory (1983)

All Our Yesterdays (1994)

Gunman's Rhapsody (2001)

Double Play (2004)

Edenville Owls (2007)

The Boxer and the Spy (2008)

Surrogate (1982)

...

Orphan X - Gregg Hurwitz - Orphan X Book 1

Orphan X 

Orphan X Book 1

Gregg Hurwitz 

Minotaur Books

ISBN 9781250758798

eISBN 9781466876514

ASIN B010M4T5C2

This book and series was recommended to be by a co-worker. He was surprised with how much I read that I had not read anything by Hurwitz, And specifically this series. So, I thought I would give it a try, while on a road trip. It was so hard to put down! 

The description of this volume states:

“Who is Orphan X?

The Nowhere Man is a legendary figure spoken about only in whispers. It’s said that when he’s reached by the truly desperate and deserving, the Nowhere Man can and will do anything to protect and save them. But he’s not merely a legend.

Evan Smoak is a man with skills, resources, and a personal mission to help those with nowhere else to turn. He’s also a man with a dangerous past. Chosen as a child, he was raised and trained as an Orphan, an off-the-books black box program designed to create the perfect deniable intelligence asset: An assassin. Evan was Orphan X―until he broke with the program and used everything he learned to disappear. But now someone is on his tail. Someone with similar skills and training who will exploit Evan’s secret new identity as the Nowhere Man to eliminate him.”

About the author we are informed:

“Gregg Hurwitz is the author of the New York Times bestselling Orphan X novels. Critically acclaimed, his novels have been international bestsellers, graced top ten lists, and have been published in thirty-two languages. Additionally, he’s sold scripts to many of the major studios, and written, developed, and produced television for various networks. Hurwitz lives in Los Angeles.”

While researching this review I discover that Hurwitz has also written extensively for comics, both for DC and Marvel. And that fits well with how this story played out. I have described it as a mashup of Person of Interest with The Equalizer (the TV Show) and Jack Reacher. 

Evan Smoak has been trained from a young age. He has a specific skill set. He began to question his missions and the people running them. So he has decided to help those who have nowhere else to turn. Doing so one case at a time, by word of mouth. But people have started noticing the work of the Nowhere Man, and in this volume have set a trap for him. Soon Even finds himself working 2 cases, one real and one a trap. Can he figure it out in time? Can he still protect the innocent. And who is really after him. 

This story is high octane action adventure mixed with some mystery! It is a story that sinks its teeth and does not let go. It has the meticulous planning and high tech of Person of Interest, it has the skills and mastery of both Reacher and the Equalizer. 

It was hard to put down and with 12 novels and 6 published short stories there is a lot to read. It is an excellent volume that leaves you wanting more. Fortunately there is a lot already available and one more announced. 

A great read!

Books by Gregg Hurwitz:

The Tower

Minutes to Burn

Do No Harm

The Crime Writer (aka I See You)

Trust No One (aka We Know)

You're Next

They're Watching (aka Or She Dies)

The Survivor

Tell No Lies

Don't Look Back

The Delivery

…

Evan Smoak Orphan X Series:

 1.0 Orphan X 

 1.5 Buy a Bullet 

 2.0 The Nowhere Man 

 3.0 Hellbent 

 3.5 The Intern 

 4.0 Out of the Dark 

 5.0 Into the Fire 

 5.5 The List 

 6.0 Prodigal Son 

 7.0 Dark Horse 

 8.0 The Last Orphan 

 8.5 The Recital 

 9.0 Lone Wolf 

10.0 Nemesis 

10.5 The Code 

11.0 Antihero 

11.5 The Damage Man 

12.0 Last Man Standing 

…

The Rains Brothers Series:

1.0 The Rains

2.0 Last Chance

…

Tim Rackley Series:

1.0 The Kill Clause

2.0 The Program

3.0 Troubleshooter

4.0 Last Shot

…

Sleep No More - Guy Hale - The Shakespeare Murders Book 4

Sleep No More

Shakespeare Murders Book 4

Guy Hale

Bullington Press

ISBN 9781068363382

eISBN 9781068363399

ASIN B0FZJVTSB5

I picked up the first volume in this series for a few reasons. First over the last several years I have become a big fan of mystery books coming out of England, Ireland and Scotland. I have read most volumes from the likes of J.D. Kirk, Alex Smith, K.T. Galloway, and J.E. Mayhew and am always willing to give another author a try. Second my kids and I are huge fans of Shakespeare and we attend the Stratford Festival in Ontario often and typically go to all the Bards plays each year. Third I have been reading some other Shakespeare based fiction lately like Ted Neill’s Post Apocalyptic Space Shakespeare Series and the Shakespearean Shorts from Pettyfeather Publishing. Volume one was highlighted in a Kindle blast of books on sale I might be interested in. I loved that first volume and almost started the second offering as soon as I finished that first one. The first three were great reads and this one took it to the next level. About the author on his site we are informed:

“Guy Hale was born in Worcestershire, England. His first job was as a Professional Golfer. He also played Rugby and raced motorcycles until his mid-twenties. When this failed to kill him he started writing plays, mostly two handers which he performed in pubs and assorted venues with his mate, Andy.”

This was an excellent story I am now planning on reading everything in print from Guy Hale. My friends call me a ‘completionist’ in that when I find an author I love I try and read everything they have in print. But I am getting ahead of myself, back to the volume at hand.

The description of this volume is:

“Act The Way To Dusty Death

Sir Morris Oxford lies critically wounded in Stratford Hospital. Oliver Lawrence, whose cunning plan put him there, thought his revenge was complete but it takes a lot to kill a King

Boundless ambition collides headlong with the cold fury of revenge as we enter the final scene of this tragedy. There can be no hiding place for those that harbour secrets. As Toby Marlowe and Fred Williams try desperately to catch their killer, a huge storm surges into Stratford and drowns all hope of a happy resolution.

On the dark streets of Stratford, something wicked this way comes!”

This story is set in the 1970s Stratford-upon-Avon and is a police procedural. This story features elements mainly from Macbeth. Felix has doubts, regrets and fears his days are numbered. He creates a sort of insurance policy, locking his journal away in case something happens to him. Oliver is pushing the limits even he begins to suspect he goes too far. Sir Morris initially survives the stabbing during the live production of Julius Caesar. So he comes up with a new plan and a hot diversion because of the police protection. Oliver remains at large, executing his plans. And seeing his revenge through to the bitter end. Detectives Toby Marlowe and Fred Williams are willing to do almost anything to catch him, including working with the press, and trusting Whomper yet again.

I will say pay close attention to the chapter titles some are terribly clever. The characters in this series are excellent, and they just keep getting better. The plot surprising and fresh, though this one is much darker. And the book leaves you The reader surprised. The ending can be interpreted a few ways. And I cannot but wonder if we have yet to see the last of Oliver and his dastardly deeds? This is an excellent read I can easily recommend it and the whole series! 

Books by Guy Hale

Comeback Trail Series:

1. Killing Me Softly (2022)

2. Blood on the Tracks (2022)

3. All The World's A Stage (2023)

…

Shakespeare Murders Series:

1. The Croaking Raven (2024)

2. All Our Yesterdays (2025)

3. Put Out the Light (2025)

4. Sleep No More (2025)

…

Other Posts Related to Shakespeare:

A Weekend of Three’s A Trip to Stratford

Romeo & Juliet - Oxford School Shakespeare 

MacBeth - Oxford School Shakespeare 

King Lear - Oxford School Shakespeare 

Cymbeline - The Pelican Shakespeare

Twelfth Night - The Pelican Shakespeare

Macbeth - Pelican Shakespeare 

As You Like It - Pelican Shakespeare 

The Winter's Tale - Pelican Shakespeare

The Tempest - Pelican Shakespeare 

A Midsummer Night's Dream - Pelican Shakespeare 

Othello - Pelican Shakespeare 

The Sonnets - Pelican Classics Edition 

The Dark Lady and Pandora: Two Plays - Jessica B. Hill 

…

Reviews of Stratford Shakespeare Productions:

The Tempest - Stratford Festival 2019 

Richard III – 2022

Hamlet – 2022

King Lear – 2023

Goblin MacBeth - 2023

Romeo & Juliette – 2024

Cymbeline – 2024

Twelfth Night – 2024

Macbeth - 2025  

As You Like It - 2025 

The Winter's Tale - 2025 

The Tempest - 2026  

Something Rotten – 2026 - Bottoms Up! 

A Midsummer's Night Dream - 2026 

Othello - 2026  

...

Reviews of Shakespeare Movies:

Cymbeline – 2014

The Hallow Crown 2012-2016

Macbeth - 2015

…

Books by Ted Neill:

Post Apocalyptic Space Shakespeare Series:

Hamlet

Othello 

Twelfth Night

As You Like It

A Mid Summers’s Night Dream 

Much Ado About Nothing 

…

Shakespearean Shorts from Pettyfeather Publishing:

Hostile Takeover: A Macbeth Remix -  Rex MacDuff 

ERROR 404: LOVE NOT FOUND: A Romeo and Juliet Reboot - Ty Balt 

…

Guy Hale's Shakespeare Murders Series:

1. The Croaking Raven  

2. All Our Yesterdays 

3. Put Out the Light  

4. Sleep No More 

…

Saturday, Sunday, Monday Stratford Festival 2026 A Review

Saturday, Sunday, Monday

2026

Stratford Festival

Director Antoni Cimolino

Set Designer Douglas Paraschuk

Costume Designer Francesca Callow

Lighting Designer Michael Walton

Composer Wayne Kelso

Sound Designer Ranil Sonnadara

Dramaturge Donato Santeramo

Fight Director Anita Nittoly

Executive Producer David Auster

Casting Director Ari Weinberg

Creative Planning Director Jason Miller

This review will be a little different. First we will have a micro review from my 15 year old daughter, and then my normal review format will follow. So her in her own words, my daughter’s review:

“HELLO AGAIN! I am back for another Stratford review (It’s the youngest daughter again, Z.E McEvoy). Recently, my dad brother and I went and saw Saturday, Sunday, Monday at the Stratford Festival and I have two main words for it. You will be BLOWN AWAY if you have the chance to pick up tickets. This show is a dramatic comedy packed full of funny one liners to implicated “issues” which carry out throughout the entire show. But, the show didn’t start when the lights went out this time and that stage lights up, no. This show starts right when you enter the building, the amazing team at Stratford has turned the upper lounge room into an entire city with interactive parts. You even can purchase tickets to get the ragu in which they make live on stage during the show to feel even more into the story and as if you are at that Sunday lunch with the entire family. From captivating acting and character work, to amazing service and environment I highly recommend taking any chance you have to watch this incredible live performance.”

The description on the websites is:

“Passion, pride and pasta 

In this comic masterpiece, a lively Neapolitan household is thrown into turmoil when a simmering marital rift between the family matriarch and her withdrawn husband comes to a boil. As emotions flare and generations clash, laughter and love guide the family toward reconciliation and a deeper understanding of one another.”

The synopsis in the playbill states:

“Saturday, Sunday, Monday unfolds inside a boisterous Neapolitan household, where long-simmering tensions rise to a boil over a single weekend. Patriarch Peppino, feeling unappreciated and misunderstood, suspects his wife, Donna Rosa, of infidelity. In turn, Donna Rosa feels neglected and unloved. Their marital strain fuels a chain of miscommunication that ripples through the extended family and neighbouring friends, each of whom adds their own quirks, grievances and comedic chaos. Across a weekend filled with arguments, humorous interruptions and heartfelt revelations, the household becomes a battleground of clashing personalities and long-buried frustrations. By Monday, the uproar subsides, honesty breaks through and Peppino and Donna Rosa begin to confront the truths that might finally allow them to heal.”

All three of us loved the production. 

The full cast is:

The Family

Rosa Priore - Rose Napoli

Giuseppe “Peppino” Priore (Her Husband) - Graham Abbey

Antonio Piscopo (Her Father) - Rod Beattie

Roberto Priore (Her Eldest Child) - Jakob Ehman

Rocco Priore (Her Second Child) - Emilio Vieira

Giulianella Priore(Her Youngest Child) - Katarina Fiallos

Raffaele Priore (Peppino’s Brother) - Geraint Wyn Davies

Aunt Amelia “Meme” Priore (Peppino’s Sister) - Seana Mckenna

Attilio (Her Son) - Josue Laboucane

Maria Carolina (Wife To Roberto) - Celia Aloma 

Federico Serretta (Engaged To Giulianella) - Maher Sinno 

The Neighbours

Luigi Ianniello (The Accountant) - Gordon S. Miller

Elena Ianniello (His Wife) - Michelle Giroux

The Visitors

Virginia (The Maid) - Jenna-Lee Hyde

Michele (Her Brother) - Liam Tobin

Catiello (The Tailor) - David Collins

Cefercola (The Doctor) - Michael Wamara

Understudies

Giulianella Priore - Ashley Dingwell

Attilio, Raffaele Priore - Paul Dunn

Rosa Priore - Michelle Giroux

Aunt Amelia “Meme” Priore - Jenna-Lee Hyde

Luigi Ianiello, Catiello - Matthew Kabwe

Antonio Piscopo - John Kirkpatrick

Elena Ianniello - Allison Lynch

Giuseppe “Peppino” Priore - Jamie Mac

Rocco Priore, Michele - Landon Nesbitt

Maria Carolina, Virginia - Marissa Orjalo

Roberto Priore - Liam Tobin

Federico Serretta, Cefercola - Dakota Jamal Wellman

When we go and see the play in person we have an almost an hour drive home, and usually spend the time discussing the performance. But this time we went across the street and sat on a patio and ate, listened to live music and discussed the play. I could barely get a word in as they both loved the production so much. One of the things we talk about is our favourite performers. It was a very heated discussion this time. We each pick our top 5. Our picks are:

My top ranking for the performers would be:

Graham Abbey as Giuseppe “Peppino” Priore

Katarina Fiallos as Giulianella Priore

Geraint Wyn Davies as Raffaele Priore 

Liam Tobin as Michele  the maid's brother

Rose Napoli as Rosa Priore

My son's (18) top picks are:

Geraint Wyn Davies as Raffaele Priore 

Rose Napoli as Rosa Priore

Katarina Fiallos as Giulianella Priore

Rod Beattie as Antonio Piscopo 

Graham Abbey as Giuseppe “Peppino” Priore

My daughters (15) were:

Katarina Fiallos as Giulianella Priore

Rod Beattie as Antonio Piscopo

Rose Napoli as Rosa Priore

Seana Mckenna as Aunt Amelia “Meme” Priore 

Graham Abbey as Giuseppe “Peppino” Priore

This play is an intriguing piece. And caused some family calendar confusion as we went on a Friday to see Saturday, Sunday, Monday. You come into the theatre and as mentioned above the upper lobby is set up as an Italian street. When you enter the auditorium the set is on full display and a pot is simmering on the stove. You can smell the aroma of the Ragu, and as ingredients are added throughout the first act only cause the enticing smell to amplify it. They offer servings of the Ragu and bread during the second intermission for sale. It is excellent. They also have a series of Italian styled beverages both with and without alcohol to enhance the experience. The play was written by Eduardo de Filippo and this is a new English version by Donato Santeramo and Antoni Cimolino. Cimolino, who is in his final year as artistic director had time to write this new version and it is masterfully done. 

So this becomes an entire immersive experience, sight, sound, and fury. The play focuses around a large extended family, and the prep for the normal social Sunday meal. Things do not go well at the meal and tensions that have been building boil over. Monday we find out if there can be resolution, or of things will go on as they had been, or if some mistakes once made cannot be undone. 

This is an excellent production, and if you have the opportunity to go this season It is absolutely worth it!

Note: Photos by David Hou/Stratford Festival or our own.

Reviews of Other Stratford Productions:

Richard III – 2022

Hamlet – 2022

The Miser – 2022

King Lear – 2023

Frankenstein Revived – 2023

Grand Magic – 2023

A Wrinkle in Time – 2023

Goblin MacBeth - 2023

Something Rotten – 2024

Romeo & Juliette – 2024

Cymbeline – 2024

Twelfth Night – 2024

Macbeth - 2025 

As You Like It - 2025 

The Winter's Tale - 2025 

Annie - 2025 

Anne of Green Gables - 2025 

Goblin Oedipus -  2025 

The Tempest - 2026  

Something Rotten – 2026 

A Midsummer's Night Dream - 2026 

Othello - 2026 

Saturday, Sunday, Monday - 2026 

... 

Other posts by Z.E. McEvoy:

I Want ...  A Poem

Staplers A Poem

At The Risk of Feeling Dumb 

Hurry Up! A Poem

Bottoms Up Everyone! Something Rotten Stratford Festival 2026 A Review

Saturday, Sunday, Monday tratford Festival 2026 A Review  

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