One of the hallmarks of Parker's fiction is its smooth and effortless prose style. And although he has perfected his writing skills through the series, The Godwulf Manuscript does not read like a beginner's novel. From his very first book, Parker displays his easy mastery of plot, characterization, and exposition. His handling of the first-person narrative is sure and convincing. His evocation of place is done economically. One of the achievements of Parker's series has been its exploration of Boston and its environs, putting that city into the crime lexicon just as Dashiell Hammett or Ross Macdonald did for San Francisco and Southern California. Parker creates his Boston without cluttering the narrative with unnecessary and confusing detail. In all ways, this first Spenser novel provides a masterful beginning to his long-running series; it is an exceptional inaugural effort.