I just finished Robert B. Parker's 25th Spenser novel, 1998's Sudden Mischief. In this one, Susan Silverman, Spenser's girlfriend, comes to him and asks that he help out her ex-husband Brad who is facing some sexual harrassment charges. In typical fashion, the Boston detective quickly finds there is more going on than appears on the surface. His investigation stirs up trouble with some local heavy hitters in the organized crime.
The other aspect of this book is that we learn more about Susan and her past, her relationships with other men in her life and, by extension, her relationship with Spenser. How she and Spenser interact is realistic, complicated and mature. Parker has a good ear for dialogue and a feel for human interaction. That's one thing that makes his books so enjoyable.
While not as fast paced as other Spenser novels, this one is still very good. I'd put it in the middle of the pack when stacked up against others.
