With enough plot for two mysteries, this eighth in Block's Robin Light series (after 2001's Blowing Smoke) involves torture, double-dealing and the Russian mafia. Robin, part-time PI, part-time pet-store owner in Syracuse, N.Y., receives a job offer from ex-cop Paul Santini—locate the runaway wife of a rich lawyer. A piece of cake. But when Robin finds that the husband, Walter Wilcox, has a rundown office with a stretch limo parked out front, she realizes something is definitely askew. Walter's story changes: it develops that he has a 19-year-old mistress; what's more, his wife, Janet, took off with a lot of money; and Walter's employers, members of the Russian mob, want the loot back. Before Robin can inform Walter she's tracked Janet to New York City, somebody tortures the lawyer to death. He talked before expiring, and now the Russians are after Robin. Despite all the action, readers are likely to think the story is over halfway through. There's more to come, however, and most of it is fast-paced enough to gloss over the rough spots until the usual climactic shootout. Robin Light is an engaging creation, and there are sufficient plot twists to satisfy the average mystery fan. Even if the novel blazes no new trails, it's an exciting read with an attractive and strangely plausible heroine. (Nov. 12)
