Virgil Cole & Everett Hitch

Robert B. Parker (1932-2010) was an American mystery writer best known for his detective novels featuring private investigator Spenser. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, Parker served as an intelligence officer in the Army. After his military service, he received a PhD in English from Boston University and became a professor of literature. In the early 1970s, he turned to writing fiction, publishing his first Spenser novel, "The Godwulf Manuscript," in 1973. The Spenser series became a critical and commercial success, with over 40 books published. Parker's work was praised for its witty dialogue, complex characters, and intricate plots. He received numerous awards, including the Edgar Award for "Best Mystery Novel" in 1974 and the Shamus Award for "Best Novel" in 1978. Parker's Spenser novels were adapted into a television series starring Robert Urich, and several of his books were made into films. His work has been translated into over 20 languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide.