The Judas Goat

A Spenser Novel

By: Robert B. Parker

Narrated by: Michael Prichard

Spenser has gone to London -- and not to see the Queen. He's gone to track down a bunch of bombers who've blown away his client's wife and kids. His job is to catch them. Or kill them. His client isn't choosy.

But there are nine killers to one Spenser -- long odds. Hawk helps balance the equation. The rest depends on a wild plan. Spenser will get one of the terrorists to play Judas Goat -- to lead him to others. Trouble is, he hasn't counted on her being very blond, very beautiful and very dangerous.

Crack another case with Spenser.©1992 Robert B. Parker (P)2009 Random House

Critic reviews

"Spenser is Boston's answer to James Bond...with a little Sam Spade and Nero Wolfe thrown in...Irreverent, witty, worldly...makes for fast, amusing reading." ( Pittsburgh Press)

THE PERFECT RECIPE...

ONCE AGAIN, I HAVE REVISITED ONE OF ROBERT PARKER'S EARLIER SPENSER NOVELS, AND THIS ONE IS A GEM. THE JUDAS GOAT BRINGS ALL THE ELEMENTS OF A GOOD SPENSER NOVEL TOGETHER IN A PERFECT RECIPE OF ACTION, SUSPENSE, HUMOR, AND HUMAN INSIGHT THAT HAVE MADE SPENSER SUCH A POPULAR CHARACTER FOR SO MANY YEARS. THE PLOT HERE INVOLVES SPENSER TRACKING DOWN TERRORISTS, AND TAKES HIM FROM THE UNITED STATES TO ENGLAND, AND ACROSS EUROPE. HIS LETHAL COMPANION HAWK JOINS UP WITH HIM HALF-WAY THROUGH THE STORY, AND THINGS REALLY TAKE OFF FROM THERE. THE PARTNERING OF SPENSER AND HAWK IS PERFECTLY WRITTEN, A RICH PATOIS OF HUMOROUS BANTERING AND THOUGHTFUL INSIGHT IS REVEALED THROUGH THESE TWO CHARACTERS THAT ARE AT ONCE ALIKE AND YET EXPONENTAILLY DIFFERENT. THEY ARE TWO SIDES TO A VERY DANGEROUS COIN. ROBERT PARKER'S WRITING SHINES IN THE EXPLORATION OF HIS MAIN CHARACTERS; AND HE MANAGES TO DO IT WITHOUT BEING HEAVY, OR WEIGHING THE STORY DOWN IN EXPOSITION. LIKE A GOOD STEW, YOU MAY NOT REALIZE ALL THE INGREDIENTS THAT HAVE GONE INTO MAKING IT, BUT IT TASTES GREAT JUST THE SAME. AND ONCE AGAIN, MICHAEL PRICHARD DOES A STELLAR JOB BRINGING PARKER'S WORDS TO LIFE. HIS PERFORMANCE OF THESE SPENSER NOVELS ARE BY FAR MY FAVORITE.

Entertaining

Spenser novels are not great literature, but they can be entertaining. I've always enjoyed narration by Michael Prichard and for me, there is a comfort in hearing his familiar voice.

Good book in a great Series

Spenser and Hawk are super. I’m going back and listening to the books that I read a few years ago. This one is good, it’s just not great....and there are some really good books in the series. Our Hero’s are the kind of men that are multi-dimensional and fun to get to know. 4 stars from me!

just the right level of intrepid

Fun detective story. First I've ever read or listened to though, so my opinion may be trained. Really great narration! My only criticism is that, it was occasionally more "raunchy" at times than I care for - it wasn't without purpose for the characters in question though.

Good story, flat, uninspired reading.

I’ve been a fan of Robert B. Parker since his books appeared in print. His Spenser series is a favorite of mine. Judas Goat deserves a MUCH better reader! Why on earth did Audible choose Michael Prichard? When I first read Judas Goat in print, I couldn’t put it down until I finished. This narrator took an exciting novel and made it sound like a lecture. I won’t purchase any more Audible books narrated by M. Prichard.

Perfect Parker

Tuff and gritty but will make you laugh too. Nobody writes like Parker anymore. Great.

If you like Wolfe, you'll like Spenser

I see the other review says that Prichard does not fit the tone of the Spenser novels. I disagree, I suspect because I grew up reading the Nero Wolfe novels by Rex Stout. Michael Prichard narrated the entire Wolfe series and I've come to associate him strongly with the kind of dry, sarcastic wit that Archie brings to every Wolfe mystery. When I picked up the Spenser audiobooks at my mother's urging, I was delighted to discover Prichard as the narrator. The humor and wit is all there, if you listen for it. These are not Phillip Marlowe stories, and Prichard does not make them out to be something they aren't.

ANOTHER ENTERTAINING SPENSER STORY

Would you consider the audio edition of The Judas Goat to be better than the print version?

Yes - I think Michael Prichard did an excellent job. His narration was seamless. His interpretation of Hawk was a bit different than others I've heard.

What other book might you compare The Judas Goat to and why?

This book can be compared to any of the books in the Spenser series - and there were many. Spenser is a tough PI who loves Susan and has a best friend Hawk. Reading this books is almost comfort food for the soul.

Have you listened to any of Michael Prichard’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I've listened to Michael Prichard's narration of the Nero Wolf series. To me he is the voice of that series. He did a great job with Spenser.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It only made me sad - I miss Robert Parker. He entertained.

Best one yet!

Love these books. They always keep me wanting the next one. Love the story taking the plot to England and Europe.

Love Spenser Series

Each book I listen to gets better and better. The characters are really developing.
Can't wait for the next book in the series. "Looking for Rachel Wallace".