In HIGH PROFILE, the sixth and most intricately plotted novel in Robert B. Parker’s entertaining Jesse Stone series, a new dimension of social commentary seems to be added as every major character examines why marriage vows should be held sacred. As a master storyteller, Parker manages to combine this commentary in the confines as his plot, as well as, giving the reader an incredibly entertaining, imaginative story that uses witty dialog to drive the plot forward. That being said Parker wouldn’t be who he is without delivering a central mystery that slowly unravels to illuminate the secondary plotline, which is important to understanding the main character’s perspective on the dilemma he is facing.

The clever mystery and bittersweet romance of High Profile revolves around solving the case of a murdered radio celebrity, Walton Weeks, in the mythical harbor town of Paradise, Massachusetts, where Jesse Stone (a former member of the elite LAPD Robbery Homicide Division) is now Chief of Police. Jesse, who came to Paradise to escape his vices, of too much alcohol and too many women, soon finds himself at the center of a national media horde with even the governor, a friend of the deceased, breathing down his neck demanding quick results. The situation further intensifies when the victim’s pregnant assistant, Carey Longley, turns up dead and even more so when the autopsy reveals that the married radio host fathered the baby. However, for Jesse, who has rarely let a suspect escape, there are too many suspects, too few clues, and the nagging question of why do all of the victim’s relatives appear less concerned about their deaths that the local media. To complicate his life further Jesse is then faced with the ensuing conflict of having asked his now girl friend, Detective Sunny Randall, to help him care for his ex-wife Jenn, who descends on the scene needing help in eluding a rapist-stalker. Using the ploy that Sunny likes Jenn and understands Jesse’s feelings Parker successfully uses the characters to develop his major points about marital relationships.

Overall, Parker’s fast-paced storyline mirrors reality delighting his fans and creating new ones as he masterfully takes flawed heroes, with real-life problems, and clearly relates not only their struggles as they work to solve the case before them but also their own personal dilemmas.  I would definitely recommend that you read the book High Profile 

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Tags: high profile, robert b. parker, book review, jess stone, sunny randall, mystery, social commentary, relationships, murder, google