The late Robert B. Parker turned out easy-to-read novels prolifically, the majority featuring 'series' characters like Spenser and Jesse Stone. Several of the Jesse Stone novels were adapted for television and all of those I have seen have been excellent primarily because the producers have had the good sense to cast most of the roles with fine actors rather than signing a half-decent lead and then surrounding him/her with a group of ho hums. Apart from Tom Selleck as Jesse Stone the standout supporting actor is Viola Davis by a country mile, unfortunately she fell or was pushed halfway through the series and her character was renamed. Another of its strengths lies in having Stone concentrate on one main case yet still manage to deal with others, just as a real chief of police in a small town would. Excellent.
Review of Jesse Stone: Death in Paradise
