Robert B. Parker's Damned If You Do

A Jesse Stone Novel

By: Michael Brandman

Narrated by: James Naughton

The woman on the bed was barely out of her teens. She wasn't exactly beautiful, but she'd tried to make the most of her looks. And now, alone in a seedy beachfront motel, she was dead.

Paradise Police Chief Jesse Stone doesn't know her name. Whoever she is, she didn't deserve to die. Jesse starts digging, only to find himself caught in the crosshairs of a bitter turf war between two ruthless pimps. And more blood will spill before it's over.

©2013 Michael Brandman (P)2013 Random House Audio

Maybe my favorite Jesse Stone by Mr. Brandman

While Michael Brandman is no Robert B. Parker - this book seemed closer to the books of old. I liked the two cases, a murdered teenager and the possible mistreatment of residents in an assisted living situation. While I'm not sure if a police officer could handle things the way Jesse does - I like his style!
My only complaint is that it was very short. Robert B. Parker's books weren't long either but this one seemed shorter. Perhaps I was enjoying it more and just didn't want my time with Jesse Stone to come to an end.

Awesome book

Another great book from a good writer that keeps you wanting more till the end

Damned If You Do

A well-told Jesse Stone story, if you are a fan, you will enjoy it.

Have to prove

Would you try another book from Michael Brandman and/or James Naughton?

The author taking over for Robert Parker will have to prove himself. This reading did not do that for me. Will see how other writings are handled.

Exposé

Another Jesse Stone with all my favorite characters. Robert Parker's mysteries take serious subjects and educate the reader/listener with humor and compassion. James Naughton is my favorite voice for the Paradise police chief and his team. I suspect I am preaching to the choir!

Naughton Shines even if the book doesn't

I gave this one 3 stars overall because James Naughton is fantastic performing this series. Unfortunately, the material he is working with is not as strong. Michael Brandman's characterizations of Parker's characters are fine, but the story never seems to go anywhere. Pleasant, sure, but this things seriously could have used somebody to punch up the story a bit.

Not bad; but not Parker.

Robert B. Parker Jesse Stone series continued by Michael Brandman is beginning to slip. The first two Jesse Stone mysteries done by Brandman were close in spirit to the Parker series. He did turn deputy Molly Grant into Charlie Sheen's housekeeper in Two and a Half Men; but in general kept Jesse's humanity intact. This selection did so as well. Unfortunately the works have become pretty formulaic as well as quite short in duration.
I still find a great deal to recommend in the continuing Jesse Stone series. They are pleasant listens as well as affirmations in the morality of treating people as you would wish to be treated. A Chief of Police who encounters and takes down bullies of all stripes is a nice read for those of us who feel strongly about the current culture rife with so many different types of bullying. I continue to recommend the Jesse Stone series. Even if not as enthusiastically as I did when Robert Parker was the writer.

Jessie Stones persona has changed.

With the original author, Jessie Stone has women in his life that he really cares about.
With then new author he has sexual innuendos with every conversation with the opposite sex, and sleeps with every women he meets. There are no close relationships.
With the original author, there was a close relationship with the Jessie Stone movies.

ROBERT PARKER'S JESSE STONE DOES HIM PROUD

Would you listen to Robert B. Parker's Damned If You Do again? Why?

Yes, it's a good story. Michael Brandman captured the true Jesse Stone, who I believe was Parker's best character.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

The story unfolds like an onion. Danger ramps up as it moves along.

What does James Naughton bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His voice makes Jesse Stone come to life - the mid-west/California sound. Naughton does an excellent job with the New England accents as well.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Jesse Stone and Molly - they crack me up.

Robert B Parker

I enjoyed this Robert B Parker book in the Jesse Stone series. Un this particular book it covered the topic of dementia.