Rick H. (WileyCoyote) reviewed on 5/25/2006 + 98 more book reviews

by Robert Parker, Read by Joe Mantegna (star of the "made-for-cable" series Spenser for Hire) 5 CDs - 6 hours

This is the first Parker audio that I have listened to, and as I understand it, this is number 31 in the series! Loks like I only have 30 to go to catch up!

After talking to others who are familiar with this series, it has been said that this is a classic Robert Parker novel! If this one is indicative of his other works, I would categorize them as "Cotton Candy for the Brain".

The main storyline follows Spenser being hired by a doubting wife to keep tabs on her husband to see if he is cheating on her, and at the same time, Spenser runs into another detective hired by the husband to keep tabs on the wife to see if she is cheating on him. Throw in another detective who is keeping an eye on the husband's girlfriend, and it starts to get a little confusing. Toss in a couple of murders, and some Corporate book cooking, and things get heated up.

You'll find nothing groundbreaking in this audio - there are no inovative detective techniques, not any high-tech equipment. What you will find is an entertaining listen! Apparently, all the regular characters are present, and the dialog between them snaps with wit, wisdom and humor. The constant banter and the quips shooting back and forth are great!

The mystery aspect of the book is fine, only if a little transparent, but you probably don't listen to books of this genre for intricate plots.

I enjoyed it! I will probably request more of PArker's audios if I see any of them show up in the postings.

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