After more than 40 books from the comical mind of this author, he turns in another Spenser Novel with the Parker pattern of flinty humor. His world is one in which the fun is contagious -- he's a supersleuth who presides at the center of a small universe of friends and professional confederates who adopt his verbal style even in circumstances most people might consider too serious for banter.

His latest case starts when the beautiful, educated, and rich Marlene Rowley, the spoiled wife of an executive in a failing company, starts the interview off with the question, "Are you any good?" and goes on to accuse him of being too expensive but probably worth it. He tries to break down this potential client's haughty challenges with his most good-natured smile, the one that could melt a 38 special. But maybe he shouldn't have because the case takes him into a labyrinth of nasties: guru-inspired wife-swapping, cooked company books, and a "gaggle of private detectives" trying to catch all the players in their legally compromising activities that lead to a couple of unexplainable murders.

All the while, Spenser is making out just fine with the sole and single "woman of his dreams," gorgeous psychiatrist Susan Silverman, with whom he consults on the myriad characters and developments of his case. At the end of one such consultation she asks, "Can we talk about sex again?" "We'd be fools not to," Spenser swiftly responds. If you like a light touch in the unraveling of a complex mystery and haven't yet discovered Parker's singular corner of thriller entertainment, it's time you get on his case. He has a knack of making a best seller seem easy.