Spenser

The detective hired by Roger and Margery Bartlett to find their son, Kevin, who they believe has run away. Spenser is a large man and says he had once believed he might be a boxer but doesn't say why he changed his line of work. He had been an employee of the Attorney General's office but had been fired for "hot dogging." Spenser tends to do things his own way and has a wisecrack for almost every situation. For example, when the police chief asks if anyone has tampered with the box and the dead guinea pig that arrived at the Bartlett's house, Spenser says he's kept a close eye on the evidence and that he believes the guinea pig is faking.

His size and attitude are misleading because Spenser is also a tender, caring person when the situation calls for it. He seems to care for Susan...