Dog Kelly is like other Spillane heroes, a man of action with a violent past associated with the war in Europe and membership in some sort of clandestine, shadowy operation abroad. He retains many of the old Mike Hammer/Tiger Mann characteristics: He is physically tough (a killer on occasion), predatory with women (although perhaps somewhat less so), smart and resourceful at outwitting his enemies (this time using more legal means), and oddly sentimental. Sharon Cass is the younger woman who loves Dog, which she has for years but from afar we learn later, and who is willing to be tough herself if it will help her man and keep them together. Unlike other Spillane novels The Erection Set does not end on a tragic note. The hero's lover does not betray him, and it appears as though that Sharon and Dog will be able to get married...