"A subtly different Spenser novel from Robert Parker. In Double Deuce, Spenser agrees to help Hawk drive the gangs out of a slum project called The Double Deuce. Three is very little investigating, as the gang that runs the place confronts our heroes from day one. More action, more shooting, more of the Parker-signature manliness as they intimidate the gangbangers with their cool, mature toughness. As Parker makes abundantly clear, real men stand up for themselves, women, the oppressed, and they do it without showing any emotion. They don't explain or justify, and they use just the right amount of force.
It turns out silence is big part of these super men. Susan, Spenser's love, can't get him to explain why he is the way he is. It turns out only true men would understand; it turns out Spenser just KNOWS, and can't explain.
But, surprise, Hawk had a tough start in life, and his superman status is conditioned on NOT connecting emotionally with anyone. He can, fortunately, relate to other manly men like Spenser.
Lots of action and a reasonably satisfying surprise ending."