Musical Chairs

Who would want to kill the former Texas Jewboys? Apparently, any number of people. And that's what Kinky Friedman ( Frequent Flyer ), retired musician-turned-private eye, has to figure out. To protect his fellow ex-band members, three of whom have died mysteriously, Kinky brings the survivors of the group, which broke up 13 years ago, to New York City for a reunion tour. Kinky goes about solving the case in his typical manner--imbibing copious amounts of espresso and liquor and enjoying many cigars, while repeating the facts of the case over and over until they gel. Kinky fans will appreciate his style; others may be put off by the nonstop references to Texas Jewboy (and music) trivia, sexual (and sexist) cracks and snippets from past cases. In the end, of course, with a little help from his friends, Kinky solves the crime, with a nice twist. Author tour. (Mar.)