Justice for Hi

Randisi invited specialists in detective fiction to write original stories for this volume. Distinguished by quality and variety, the 10 tales included here feature many PI heroes as well known as their skilled creators. Matt Scudder in Lawrence Block's ``Batman's Helper'' epitomizes the quiet voice heard above the clamor as he explains ethical reasons for quitting a profitable job. With a totally different tone, ``Death of a Cat,'' stars Paul Engleman's Charley Davenport, a hard-boiled woman executing a madly comic caper to avenge a murdered pet. Sharon McCone in ``Final Resting Place,'' by much-admired Marcia Muller, is the only other female operative here; although Julie Smith contributes (``Montezuma's Other Revenge''), her famous shamus is Paul McDonald. The imbalance may jar, given the growing number of popular female investigators. Judicious in other regards, the collection is uncommonly fresh and satisfying. (Aug.)