Physical versus Psychological Strength

Spenser's power is both physical and psychological. His first altercation is a physical one, between himself and two thugs hired by Vinnie Morris to frighten Meade Alexander. Spenser's boxing skills and agility allow him to dispense of the two out-of-shape men in rapid succession. Spenser dedicates a lot of time and thought to his physical health, jogging by the Charles River, working out at the Harbor Health Club, and constantly reminding himself to drink less coffee and eat well. Therefore, when he finds himself in the second of only two physical conflicts in the novel, he is prepared to act on instinct. His corporeal strength allows him to survive both a gunshot wound and a car accident, and his finely honed instincts leave his assaultors dead.

However, Spenser spends the majority of the novel locked in psychological skirmishes. Professionally, he has a major case with...