Inside Job

In Willis's charming tale of the paranormal, Rob, a professional skeptic, and Kildy, his too-good-to-be-true ex-actress sidekick, try to debunk a psychic channeler, who just might be hosting the spirit of legendary skeptic H.L. Mencken. Willis fans will find the funny, snappy narrative familiar, from the "how can you not know I'm in love with you" relationship to the quick-witted social commentary. Apt quotations from Mencken or Inherit the Wind , Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee's play inspired by the Scopes trial, which Mencken reported, head each chapter. While not as tightly woven as one of Willis's typical short stories nor as layered as her novels (Passage , etc.), this novella is still highly enjoyable, somewhat educational and will leave readers happy at the end. Agent, Ralph Vicinanza. (June 24)