The New York Times has an obituary (from 20 January; missed it at the time, sorry) by Bruce Weber for
Robert B. Parker, a writer of mysteries and the creator of
Spenser, a character who will outlive him:
Parker's popular Spenser novels are known for his characters of varied races and religions. According to critic Christina Nunez, Parker's "inclusion of characters of other races and sexual persuasions" lends his writings a "more modern feel". For example, the Spenser series characters include Hawk and Chollo, African-American and Mexican-American, respectively, as well as his Jewish girlfiend, Susan, various Russians, Ukrainians, Chinese, a gay cop, Lee Farrell, and even a gay mob boss, Gino Fish. The open homosexuality of both his sons gives his writing "a sensibility," Ms. Nunez feels, "which strengthens Parker's sensibility toward gays." In 1985 Spenser was made into a successful television series, Spenser for Hire, which starred Robert Urich, Avery Brooks, and Barbara Stock.
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