HUSH MONEY

It is key that a well-known hero sound as readers have imagined him. Reynolds's portrayal of detective Spenser is on target--intelligent, tough and sensual. Hawk, Spenser's African-American sidekick, is equally good, but Susan, the girlfriend, sounds too breathy and sweet for a razorsharp shrink. These friends lay two problems in Spenser's lap--the tenure denial of a possibly gay professor and a stalking situation. En route to solutions he runs up against academics and political activists of all stripes. Reynolds makes each one individual. He also savors the food scenes characteristic of Parker's novels. Spenser fans won't be disappointed here, and new converts may be won. J.B.G. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 99]