Stranger in Paradise

by Robert B. Parker

Life is far from perfect in Paradise, Massachusetts. Just ask Jesse Stone, the boozy police chief and the hero of our story.

Trouble begins with the appearance of Wilson “Crow” Cromartie, an Apache hit man who is already familiar with Paradise. He’s back in town because he has been hired by Louis Francisco, a big shot criminal from Florida. He has asked Crow to find his ex-wife and daughter. Once that happens, Francisco wants two more things from Crow: the murder of his ex-wife and the return of his daughter, Amber.

Well, there’s a problem with those requests. Crow doesn’t harm women. But someone else will, if there’s enough money involved. And that’s where the action really begins. . .

The plot’s pretty thin, the characters are pretty one-dimensional, but the dialogue is great, and Jesse Stone is a great hero.

2/1/10