Robert B. Parker’s Big Shot is a high-stakes thriller that proves Christopher Farnsworth has perfectly captured the voice and gritty personality of Jesse Stone. The story kicks off when Jesse arrests Ramsey Devlin, a wealthy hedge fund manager who thinks his money makes him untouchable. Farnsworth highlights a modern kind of villain here—not a guy with a gun, but a man who uses high-priced lawyers and political connections to crush anyone in his way. This setup turns the quiet town of Paradise into a battlefield, creating a classic struggle where Jesse must fight a powerful enemy who plays by a completely different set of rules.
The tension reaches a breaking point when Devlin suddenly disappears and Jesse is framed for his murder. Suspended from the police force and stripped of his badge, Jesse is forced to work outside the law. This is where the book really hits its stride; it’s fascinating to watch Jesse rely entirely on his gut instincts and his few loyal friends when he no longer has the authority of his office to back him up. This results in the introduction of Jesse’s son, Cole, who steps in as his lawyer. This adds a great layer of personal drama to the mystery, showing a father-son relationship filled with history and quiet respect. For longtime fans, seeing Jesse interact with his son feels like a natural step forward for his character, making him feel more human without losing his tough, stoic edge.
The book perfectly captures the classic, seaside atmosphere of Paradise with a writing style that is quick and direct. The dialogue is full of the dry wit that made the original series famous, and the plot moves fast without feeling rushed. Ultimately, Big Shot is one of the strongest recent entries in the Jesse Stone series. It honors the legacy of Robert B. Parker by focusing on what makes Jesse great: his stubborn honesty and his refusal to back down, even when the odds are stacked against him. It’s a great read for anyone who loves a story about a man standing up for what’s right. And it’s a book that I highly recommend that you add to your 2026 reading list!
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