WIDOW’S WALK

In real years, Spenser would now be pushing 70; however, he remains frozen in time--cool, tough, fit, articulate, irresistible to the ladies. Joe Mantegna plays him this way in his latest adventure, involving a mega-dumbie who may or may not have killed her mega-rich husband. The presence of the detective’s usual sidekicks, also age-resistant, allows Mantegna to simulate voices for Hawk, the lippy African-American bodyguard, and Susan, the longtime love, as well as a variety of unsavory folk who complicate the plot. The language is as rough as the action as more bodies turn up. Parker’s repartee includes many "he said"s; these stand out in audio. This isn’t one of Spenser’s best outings, but fans of the series will probably like it anyway. J.B.G. © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 02]