Runaway Man: A Benji Golden Mystery

This promising first in a new PI series from Handler (The Snow White Christmas Cookie and eight other Berger and Mitry mysteries) introduces Ben “Benji” Golden of Golden Legal Services. The small agency, founded by Benji’s father, Meyer Golden, an ex-NYPD homicide detective, is now owned by Meyer’s widow, Abby, a former pole dancer. Joining her is the agency’s secretary, Rita, once a lap dancer. Benji, Abby, and Rita make a formidable team as upscale lawyer Peter Seymour learns when he hires them to locate missing Bruce Weiner, a student at Manhattan’s Canterbury College. Finding Bruce leads to murder and involves the low-profile detective with some of New York City’s most high-profile families. Gorgeous Sonya Posner, introduced to Benji by a match-making friend, provides some romantic distraction. Benji holds his own with the big shots and a skilled professional killer in this auspicious and amusing debut. Agent: Dominick Abel, Dominick Abel Literary Agency. (Aug.)