Catherine Schaaf
cschaaf@st.philip-neri.org
Sports and Mystery: The Boxer and the Spy by Robert B. Parker
The Boxer and the Spy: A Mystery by Robert B. Parker Philomel, 2008, 210 pp.
$17.99Mystery/Detective/BoxingISBN: 978-0-399-24775-0
A body of a high school student is washed up on the beach of Cabot, a small town in New England. The student was a quiet boy, not interested in sports, but liked to draw and watch old movies.
When Terry, a student from the same school hears Jason died of a suicide linked to steroids; he can not accept the police report. He does not think the side-effects of steroids can lead to people killing themselves. He also, questions whether Jason even takes steroids, as he is not an athlete. Terry starts his own silent investigation.
Terry Novak is learning to be a boxer. He is a young neophyte, learning the “art of the dance” through George. George is thought to be an old boxing pro, a has-been of sorts.
He encourages Terry to “use your head” when fighting. George wants Terry to know his opponents strengths and weaknesses. Their relationship of mentoring, father and big brother, but always respect (a modern day “Rocky”) helps guide his patience and objectivity toward the investigation.
The mysterious death of Jason Green has William Dawes Regional High School talking.
Terry finds himself discussing his questions of Jason’s death with his friend Abby. She
helps keep track of their research and starts a spy network. Together, they start to confide their concerns with George.
The principal, Mr. Bullard finds out about their investigation and tells them to stop inquiring; this is not their business. When Terry continues to ask questions, a foot-
ball player is sent to quiet him. Terry may have to use his boxing skills to fight him
off. They have now placed themselves in “grave danger, and surviving is going to be
a fight”.
This novel is considered “a teen thriller” and mystery. It is appealing to YA high school students, male or female. The Boxer and the Spy reader does not have to be a boxing fan to enjoy this book. The substance of a small romance, friendship and mentoring lead to a surprise for the reader.
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This is an interesting start to reading the unknown, a mystery. Young adults like to read these to keep them in suspense. Do not change the way that you catch the readers' eye. The introduction was good. My question though is, do the students continue their investigating after being told to stop? and what do they find out along the way? Will the principal eventually help them out as clues are revealed? What other mysteries books are out there that relate to this one, maybe some nonfiction as well.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great mystery. The topics of suicide and steroids are very topical and I am sure any YA would enjoy this story.
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