Parker's cast, as usual, includes the two mainstays of the series who, since Promised Land (1976), have been Spenser's closest allies: Hawk, the African- American mercenary who has been Spenser's closest friend and colleague, since Spenser allowed him to escape a police set-up in Mortal Stakes; and Susan Silverman, the Jewish psychologist with whom he has enjoyed a twenty year relationship.

Although Susan has a Ph.D. from Harvard and enjoys a thriving business as a counseling psychologist, her contributions to this novel mainly concern support, advice, and love during Spenser's recreational moments. Her intellectual observations (aside from her ongoing assessment of Spenser) present some perceptive psychological commentary about the problems of Shirley Ventura and Bibi Anaheim. Moreover, in addition to working on their house with Spenser and dining with him, she accompanies Spenser on one of his trips to Las Vegas.

In Vegas, Susan banters with Spenser and...