Hello Maureen,
I lucked onto the Barnard book that you had mentioned, 'Bad Samaritan'.  It
was vintage quality Barnard, IMNSHO. I liked his little bits of humor, like
naming Dark Satanic Mills; and his partner's name Ferrett as in the weasel-
like animal.  His humor is pretty subtle, doesn't very often jump out and
rabbit punch you.
Currently I'm reading the lastest Robert B. Parker thriller 'Chance'.  This 
s
another Spenser novel, tightly written, dialog heavy, a good quick read.  
ots
of snappy dialog, and one liners by Spenser, and Hawk's brooding presence as 

foil.  A lot of that stuff is pretty predictable, but among all the floss and
gloss Parker does occasionally insert a gem of wisdom; an insight that makes
me pause and consider.
The one I like best in this book (so far anyway) is Spenser musing on
separation from his significant other, Susan. He takes her to the airport, 
nd
as she passes through security he considers how he is changed by her absence.
He is a different man without her, and a lesser man at that.  I am often
physically separated and isolated from my wife by work.  I had never thought
about how I'm two slightly different people depending on whether I'm at home
or away. A basis for some contemplation and analysis; something that women
tend to be better at, especiallly when it involves personal relationships.
I finished the next to last book in the Brother Cadfael series, and I will be
sorry to finish this series as I've enjoyed it immensely. Perhaps I will go
back a re-read the books in order, as I jumped around quite a bit in my
reading of them.  I find the historical narrative that Peters has woven into
many of the plots fascinating, to the point that I think I will look up a
history of the period and see what eventually happens in the civil war 
etween
King Stephen and the Empress Maud.
Bob 8-{)
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