Spectre (Star Trek)
In his fourth contribution starring his alter ego, Shatner (The Return, Audio Reviews, LJ 12/95; The Avenger, Audio Reviews, LJ 1/97) once again deposits Capt. James T. Kirk into the center of a highly intricate plot, where only he can save the universe. Co-written with Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens, the author provides everything a Trekkie could ask for: two Mr. Spocks; a 150-year-old Dr. "Bones" McCoy; a time-displaced "Scotty"; a generous helping of action balanced by a pinch of camaraderie and sentiment; and topped off with contributing efforts by Captain Picard and Captain Janeway and their crews from The Next Generation and Voyager, respectively. This latest installment doesn't have quite the emotional investment in the family of characters as his last offerings. No matter; bestowed upon the reader are Kirk's heroics and love life, Spock and McCoy's acerbic bantering, and a crossover among three different casts. Shatner does his usual adequate job, offering a melodious reading with a hint of apathy. Recommended for all sf collections.ACharlie Weiss, formerly with "Library Journal"Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.