Judge Spencer Dissents

In previous novels, Denker has specialized in irascible old men (Horowitz and Mrs. Washington and a troubled court system (Outrage, with the theme of one man fighting the system against all odds and prevailing. The formula is repeated in this occasionally charming but altogether predictable story of Harry Spencer, an aging, eccentric, uncompromising federal judge. Hewing a course neither liberal nor conservative, Spencer has written major decisions in his day, but almost always in a manner that outrages all parties, as well as his embarrassed fellow jurists. When these colleagues act to force Spencer's removal, he fights back with truth, justice and a big media appearance. A romantic subplot and a cuddly child provide homey ornaments to the unabashed sentimentality of the proceedings. (April 16)