It was not just that Ross Macdonald taught us how to write; he did something much more, he taught us how to read, and how to think about life, and maybe, in some small, but mattering way, how to live.

Robert B. Parker (1932-2010) was an American author of detective novels and Westerns, best known for his long-running series of novels featuring the private detective Spenser. His works were adapted into several successful films and television series, including the popular TV series Spenser: For Hire. Parker was the author of more than 70 books, including the Jesse Stone, Sunny Randall, and Virgil Cole series. He was widely recognized for his hardboiled detective style and witty dialogue, and his works have been praised for their realistic dialogue and vivid characterizations. He was awarded the Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America in 2002.