robert b parker Novelist Robert B. Parker diesRobert B. Parker, a best-selling mystery novelist and the creator of the “Spenser” series of novels, has died.

Parker, 77, died Monday (Jan. 18). The cause of death isn’t known yet; according to several reports, he was just “sitting at his desk” when he passed away.

Parker is probably best known for the Spenser series, which spans more than 30 books and stars a tough, worldly Boston private eye. The novels were the basis for the 1980s ABC series “Spenser: For Hire,” which starred Robert Urich, and several TV movies starring Joe Mantegna.

Parker also penned the Jesse Stone novels about about a burned-out, alcoholic LAPD detective who moves to Massachusetts and becomes the chief of police in a small town. The books have been adapted for several TV movies on CBS, with Tom Selleck playing the title character. His western novel “Appaloosa” was turned into a 2008 feature film starring Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen.

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