AS SHE RIDES BY

Survivors of V. (Vic) Daniel's two previous hardcover exploits (Write Me a Letter, 1993, etc.) already know whether they want to continue their relationship with the relentlessly jokey stringbean. Uninitiates needing guidance are advised that this time V. takes on the Pussycat Adult Cinema chain, which proposes to install an outlet next door to his office; the enemies and obstacles to the comeback of washed-up singing duo Tom 'n' Jerry; and the author of a suspiciously fatal drive-by mugging. As usual, Pierce takes all the conventions of the private-eye novel--threatening hoods, corrupt corporations, the detective's loyal team, the big score--and refracts them as labored farce. A hilariously good time is had by all the characters, though readers are left to fend pretty much for themselves.