The Spensarium Group was created by Dodd Vickers on January 17, 2000 as a complimentary resource to the website that he began in 1994. In the summer of 2000, The Spensarium merged with Jill Williams's robertbparker OneList. We have a current membership of over 500+ readers and fans. Below are some frequently-asked questions. Study the answers. There will be a quiz later.

-- Who is Dodd Vickers?

Dodd is the creator of "The Spensarium: An Unofficial Robert B. Parker Fan Site" and its namesake mailing list. Founded in 1994 as an HTML based reference for his personal use, he later found that the site had been discovered by other Parker fans and re-vamped it naming it the Spensarium. His site offers in-depth information on each of Parker's books (Spenser and non-Spenser), a guide to Parker's literary allusions, sample chapters, and Parker's latest tour schedule. The Spensarium web site can be found at www.spensarium.com

-- Why a mailing list?

This list is for the discussion of Parker's work and influence (novels, TV, movies), i.e. we talk about fiction. Critical comments should not be seen as assaulting or diminishing Parker. Similarly, praise posted here will not improve Parker or make him feel better. Complaints about list atmosphere (e.g. "too positive," "too negative") or about specific messages should be sent to me offlist at editor@linkingpage.com. Do not use the list to broadcast complaints.

-- How do I post or reply to a message?

Send messages to spenser@yahoogroups.com or use the Post feature on our Yahoo! Groups site.

-- How can I avoid too much e-mail?

If you don't want to receive individual e-mails, our messages are available in digest format or at our Yahoo! Groups site. Set your delivery preference here. Also, as a courtesy to others, avoid quoting entire messages or digests when you reply. This wastes network bandwidth, causing slower downloads.

-- What's the current topic?

Catch up with our discussion at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spenser/messages.

-- What about spoilers?

Spoilers are specific plot details that take the surprise out of reading a book for the first time (e.g. identity of the killer, death of a recurring character). Please include a spoiler warning when discussing a new book not yet released in paperback (e.g. Potshot, Perish Twice). Many of us don't read Parker in hardcover. All other spoiler warnings are left to the poster's discretion.

-- What is Spenser's first name? Is it ever mentioned?

Parker originally named Spenser after his firstborn son, David. Later he realized his younger son might be jealous, and removed all the "Davids" from the manuscript. Spenser readily mentions his name to other characters, but we readers are never in on it. Apparently not even RBP knows.

-- How old is Spenser?

Spenser is thirty-seven in the first novel, The Godwulf Manuscript. This was published in 1973, but RBP began writing it in 1971. The math would put Spenser in his sixties; however, RBP still describes him as "middle-aged" in the latest books.

-- What special features can I find on the list and Yahoo! Groups site?

The Bookmarks section provides links to Parker in print, audio, and video, along with mystery-related links and listmember websites.

The Database section includes the following:

* The Spenser Novels, a complete list with publication year and commentary

* Something Like Spenser, authors whose styles are similar to Parker

* At The Movies, a list of the Spenser/Parker-related movies that have aired to date

* Parker Off Beat, books beyond the Spenser series

In the Files section are interviews, essays, and rare photos.

We also conduct occasional group chats. (Your browser must be Java-enabled.) Our next chat will be Saturday, June 16 from 8pm to 12 midnight ET.

N.B. Members who joined Spensarium from OneList or eGroups must sign up with Yahoo! Groups to receive full access to the above features.

-- How can I write to Parker? Does he have e-mail?

Write to Parker care of his publisher:

Robert B. Parker
c/o G.P. Putnam's Sons Publicity
375 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10014

RBP does have e-mail, but he isn't sharing.

-- Where can I find the Spenser short story "Surrogate?"

"Surrogate" is available as part of the anthology New Crimes #3. Look for it on eBay or rare book sites.

-- What/When will Parker publish next?

The next Spenser novel, "Now & Then", is scheduled for release on October 23rd, 2007.
"Spare Change," the latest Sunny Randall novel is now in stores!.