Over the years, a few writers have taken on the task of completing unfinished works by successful but deceased authors, with mixed success (in my humble opinion, for instance, no one has yet managed to bring James Bond back to life in a style close enough to Ian Fleming's to satisfy me). Parker's literary heir, Ace Atkins (so designated by Parker's estate), falls short of capturing the voice of the late Robert B. Parker, too, but only by a hair - close enough to make the books almost as enjoyable as the originals.

He's done an excellent job with the main character, Spenser, as well as Spenser's one-man back-up squad, Hawk (who could give bail bondswoman and investigator Stephanie Plum's Ranger a good run for his money, by the way). Spenser's long-time love, Susan the Shrink, isn't quite as spot-on, but she's close enough for horseshoes.

The plot here involves Spenser's "hire" (payment is in doughnuts and coffee) of a young teenager whose mother was murdered when she was 10 years old. The murderer was caught, convicted and is serving time - but the girl is convinced he's innocent and wants Spenser to prove it since the police are not willing to help. Spenser discovers early on that his investigation is a real can of worms that no one except he, Hawk and the girl want to see opened. Along the way, Spenser and Hawk bump heads (and trade bullets) with a couple of old enemies and a few new ones. Does it all work out in the end? Sorry, you'll just have to read it to find out! And for the record, I'd give this one 4 1/2 stars, but that's not an option!