In this 36th addition to the 'Spenser' series, the private detective deals with abduction and murder. The book can be read as a standalone, though familiarity with the characters is a bonus.
*****
As the story opens, beautiful socialite Heidi Bradshaw glides into Spenser's Boston office to engage his services.
Heidi tells the private detective that her daughter Adelaide is getting married on her private island, Tashtego, in a few days. With come hither glances, the sexy diva goes on to explain that she's separated from her husband and needs a 'substitute man' for the weekend celebration - presumably to watch out for trouble.
Heidi offers Spenser a large fee to attend the affair, even though the island has a professional security service. Spenser agrees to go, and arranges to bring his longtime girlfriend -psychologist Susan Silverman - to the festivities. Susan packs enough clothes to fill Bloomingdale's and off they go. 👗🕶
On the day of the wedding, Spenser and Susan are shocked to see Spenser's longtime nemesis, Rugar (The Gray Man) stroll into the venue.
They hope Rugar won't make any trouble, but no such luck. During the ceremony, Rugar's cohorts arrive in a helicopter, and - before long - shots are fired, people are dead, and newlywed Adelaide is kidnapped.
Spenser is shocked, because this kind of flamboyant abduction isn't Rugar's style. The Gray Man is a pro, and his crimes are usually less showy. So what's up? Is the kidnapping a cover for something else? The picture gets even murkier when there isn't an immediate ransom demand for the bride.
Spenser, who's upset about the crime occurring on his watch, is determined to find out what's going on - and to rescue Adelaide. Spencer starts investigating, with backup from his tough-as-nails friend Hawk.
The two men learn that Heidi has always been a gold-digging vamp; that the socialite's various husbands need looking into; that Adelaide is a troubled girl; that a lot of money is at stake; and more.
After Spenser starts making inquiries, a bunch of thugs try to kill him and Rugar phones to warn him off. This is followed by the brutal murder of another person of interest. Nothing will stop Spenser, though, until he gets answers, and hopefully the girl.
As usual, Spenser and Hawk exchange lively humorous repartee - which is always a highlight of these books.
The two bruisers also get into scrapes with the bad guys, and (of course) come out on top.
In the course of the story, Spenser, Susan and Hawk hang out and play with Blanche (the bulldog).
They also have lively conversations; exchange opinions about the crimes; drink some bubbly; dine out; etc. They go to an Italian eatery where Hawk enjoys his chop; Spenser has his usual pasta Bolognese; and Susan nibbles a salad. (I'd be surprised if Susan eats more than 600 calories a day.) I always enjoy these scenes of the characters' normal, everyday activities.
Susan and Spenser's love affair, and the accompanying banter and intimacy, is going strong. 🧡 I could do with a bit less of this, but it's a boon for romance lovers.
The novel is a good addition to the series, with plenty of excitement and suspense. I'd recommend it to mystery readers, especially fans of the Spenser books.
Rating: 3 stars
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