The Professional (Robert B. Parker) 3

This just in: Spenser finds women interesting. We know this because he tells us so. Frequently. More than one interesting woman fuels events in The Professional, Parker's front-line Spenser offering for '09. Within the first page or so, Spenser speaks of no less than 4 women who interest him. Of course, his primary interest is Susan Silverman, and he is nothing if not loyal. Still, interested.

He's hired by one of them to look into the affairs of a bunch of other women (of as yet undetermined interest levels) who are all having an affair with the same guy and are all being blackmailed by him. That would be the titular Gary Eisenhower, self-employed cad.

If ever there was a case for Spenser requiring the constant input of his Sugar Plum, this is it, and constant she is throughout
The Professional.

As Spenser digs in, he comes to know Mr. Eisenhower and we see a certain affinity for him. It's kind of odd, at first, but when we think of Spenser's history, he's certainly had his "Swordsman Era", so a bit of appreciation for what Gary is pulling off can be understood. And of course it provides fodder for much cracking of wise between Spenser and Hawk.

As he interviews the women involved, Parker reminds us how women love to offer themselves to Ol' Spens in various and sundry fashions. It's always fun to watch, even if somewhat predictable. Look, you wouldn't want to see Springsteen without knowing he'd play "Born To Run", right? Ok, then.

Parker mixes in what are essentially cameos from both Hawk and Vinnie Morris, as well as some Underworld flavor courtesy of Tony Marcus and some new players central to the action; middle-level player Chet Jackson and his back-watchers Boo and Zell. Turns out one of the women in Eisenhower's orbit is Jackson's wife. Uh-oh. These three criminals are pretty much the center of action here, and the Mice-and-Men-like relationship between Boo and Zell provides a pleasant soft spot.

Parker takes his famously casual approach to events in The Professional, but eventually the bodies do start piling up, and the book gains some altitude.

Developments allow Spenser and Susan to spend much time discussing the nature of love, obsession and morality, so if that's a big part of the series for you, The Professional will make you happy. If not, you'll still find plenty to like, as Parker scatters the usual blend of action, humor and thrilling heroics throughout.