Night Passage
Fans often feel uneasy when the creator of a popular character ventures  into new turf, and sometimes their trepidation is justified. But readers of  Robert B. Parker's immensely popular Spenser series can breathe a sigh of  relief: whileNight Passagedoesn't feature Spenser, his usual gang of  associates, or a Boston setting, it's vintage Parker--fast, witty, suspenseful,  and engaging. Told in short, crisp chapters, it's the story of Jesse Stone, a  34-year-old ex-cop who just lost his L.A. policeman's job and his marriage due  to a drinking problem. The book opens as Stone leaves California for his new job  as chief of police in the picturesque town of Paradise, Massachusetts.But Paradise isn't as placid as it seems--in fact, it's a festering mass of  petty corruption, right-wing militia, sexual scandal, and bad guys who favor  strong-arm tactics.Night Passageboasts a delicious, classic setup: the  lone lawman, new in town, must make his stand to clean the place up. Stone has  been picked for the job because the town fathers figured he'd be weak and  malleable; as he gradually pulls himself together, it turns out they have a  surprise in store. Stone's qualities may remind you of Spenser's--he's taciturn,  fearless, good-looking, and compassionate--and in the end the plot's pleasing  complexities get resolved a bit simply. But Robert B. Parker is in fine form inNight Passage,with his smart-aleck wit under control and his prose at  its economical best. Spenser fans and Parker neophytes alike will find plenty to  enjoy here. And the setting is, after all, not far from Boston--dare we hope for  a Spenser-Stone meeting in future books?