Book Review: Bad Business

Reviewed By: Pat Reid - RAM

Bad Business     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Robert B. Parker
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Private Investigator
Series: Spenser # 31
G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2004, 310 pp

Spenser is back and wittier than ever. Marlene Cowley, wife of a Kingery Corporation executive, hires Spenser to follow her husband, Trent and prove that he is cheating on her. Spenser quickly learns that Trent is having an affair with Ellen Eisen whose husband also is employed by Kingery. He also discovers that Ellen is being followed and later finds out that yet another detective is involved and is following Marlene.

On the second day into the case Trent is murdered in his office during working hours while Spenser is outside waiting for him to leave work. Marlene begs Spenser to continue on the case because she feels she will be a suspect and she wants him to clear her. Although he has made initial contact with the other two detectives involved when he attempts to follow-up on some leads the detectives have disappeared, their offices shut down and no one home.

Most of the Kingery employees that Spenser attempts to talk to have some connection with Darrin O’Mara, radio talk show host and they are quick to spout O’Mara’s theory of open marriage.

Hawk, Spenser’s long time buddy, as well as his girl friend Cecile, go under cover and attend a sex-therapy seminar put on by Darrin O’Mara who also has been serving as advisor for many of the Kingery executives. Spenser’s girl friend Susan helps with suggestions and Pearl, their dog acts as a sounding board for Spenser’s ideas.

Just when you think you know who the murder is another suspect will show up and Parker keeps you guessing right up to the end.

Pat Reid - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Pat Reid - RAM