Robert B. Parker’s Angel Eyes

Bestseller Atkins’s routine eighth Spenser novel (after 2018’s Old Black Magic) takes Robert B. Parker’s PI from his native Boston to Hollywood, in search of 23-year-old Gabby Leggett, an aspiring actress whose mother grew concerned after not hearing from her for over a week. Spenser is aided by old friend and colleague Zebulon “Z” Sixkill, who’s filling in for Hawk as Spenser’s partner and muscle. The pair pursue obvious leads from Gabby’s personal life, including questioning her former boyfriend and current agent, Eric Collinson, who’s less than cooperative and denies having any knowledge of her whereabouts. Her latest lover, Jimmy Yamashiro, the president and CEO of a major movie studio, won’t disclose Gabby’s current location, but reveals that she’s been trying to blackmail him. Before long, Spenser and Z are menaced by the requisite gun-toting thugs, and Spenser must call in another old ally for help. It takes a while for Gabby’s fate to be disclosed, a reveal that’s neither original nor surprising. This by-the-numbers effort will appeal most to Parker devotees. Agent: Esther Newberg, ICM. (Nov.)