Robert B. Parker's Debt to Pay

Jesse Stone, Book 15

By: Reed Farrel Coleman

Narrated by: James Naughton

The brilliant new novel in Robert B. Parker's New York Times best-selling series featuring police chief Jesse Stone.

All is quiet in Paradise, except for a spate of innocuous vandalism. Good thing, too, because Jesse Stone is preoccupied with the women in his life, both past and present. As his ex-wife, Jenn, is about to marry a Dallas real-estate tycoon, Jesse isn't too sure his relationship with former FBI agent Diana Evans is built to last. But those concerns get put on the back burner when a major Boston crime boss is brutally murdered. Despite all evidence to the contrary, Jesse suspects it's the work of Mr. Peepers, a psychotic assassin who has caused trouble for Jesse in the past.

Peepers has long promised revenge against the Mob, Jesse, and Suit for their roles in foiling one of his hits - and against Jenn as well. And though Jesse and Jenn have long parted ways, Jesse still feels responsible for her safety. Jesse and Diana head to Dallas for the wedding and, along with the tycoon's security team, try to stop Peepers before the bill comes due. With Peepers toying with the authorities as to when and where he'll strike, Jesse is up against the wall. Still, there's a debt to pay and blood to be spilled to satisfy it. But whose blood, and just how much?

©2016 Reed Farrel Coleman (P)2016 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“His best to date.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“Coleman isn’t afraid to alter the status quo in his taut third continuation of Parker’s series featuring small-town police chief Jesse Stone...a complex cat and mouse game that will keep readers turning pages.” (Publishers Weekly)

“Coleman, a three-time Shamus winner, crafts a suspenseful, clever thriller that moves at breakneck speed.” (Booklist)

Great plot and narration

What did you love best about Robert B. Parker's Debt to Pay?

Great plot twists, one of the best Jesse Stone book, narration was great, highly recommended.

What did you like best about this story?

Plot and character

Which character – as performed by James Naughton – was your favorite?

Jesse

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

Recommended

Best damn book I ever listened to

If this is the worst book Parker ever wrote...then everything else ever written by every writer born pales in comparison and will never come close.

Tony's review

I found this book very good, interesting story. The narrator is kind of boring though. His reading is kind of dry. You need to get someone else to read, someone like Michael Prichard or Scott Brick.

Great Book

A very well written book by a good author that keeps you guessing till the book is over.

The Debt is Settled

One of my favorite books in the series thus far, the author gives a glimpses of our favorite characters that we hadn't seen before. My personal belief is, the better the bad guy, the better the story, Mr Peepers delivers!

Edge of my seat.

It was fast paced and exciting from beginning to end. I listened every possible minute.

Jesse Confronts a Psychopath

Jesse Confronts a Psychopath

Mr. Peepers is back with a serious grudge against Jesse and Jenn. This is a solid RBP type of thriller.

James Naughton does a great job of narrating.

A Great Addition to the Series

If you could sum up Robert B. Parker's Debt to Pay in three words, what would they be?

Extremely well written.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jesse Stone. He is the series character, of course, but the author does a good job of taking him back from where others in the post Parker writings did. Where Jesse was cleaned up for awhile, Coleman has him back to a character struggling with life, including a relationship to his ex wife, and drinking. Both of these make appearances in this novel, but really only add to Jesse as a character as a whole. If Parker could have come back to write one more novel, I would believe this was his!

Which character – as performed by James Naughton – was your favorite?

Jesse Stone, again! I assume that is an important piece when obtaining a narrator; that they can "voice" the main character. As the author draws Jesse as a complex character, James Naughton is able to play him well.

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

Even though there is the "bookmark" feature in the audible app, I am usually driving when I listen so I cannot stop to mark, but I recall more than one time saying "wow" at the way the author set a scene. This is very well written, and with care. I did not feel that Coleman was stealing Parker's creation, but was giving the fans what they might want.

Any additional comments?

I love how, unlike some in the post-Parker series, this novel makes an effort to grow a bit. Characters we have known for awhile are no longer frozen in time, and are aging, and entering into relationships or vocational changes. I cannot say more, lest I spoil anything.

Debt to Pay

Good story and an easy read. Some what surprised at the ending Stone loses again!

Almost made it!

Finished this one much too quickly. It was a great listen and this reader brings Jesse to life!