As She Rides by

Thrills and yuks in seamless tandem can often be found in good crime writing, but Pierce and his terminally smart-mouthed L.A. detective, Vic Daniel (Write Me a Letter), don't get the mix right this time out. In a plot held together with the narrative equivalent of baling wire and Krazy Glue, Vic's voice is hopelessly labored and cute. The lanky, 6'7"" PI has several challenges on his hands. First, two aging British rock stars want him to check out an aspiring record producer. Second, a porn palace is scheduled to be constructed next to his office. Finally, a gay florist would like two hoods waylaid so he can testify in court; this is the lightest of the assembled premises and, thankfully, the first to be resolved. But none of the cases generates much in the way of suspense. Pierce cuts away often for a weak laugh before a sudden and awkward onset of plot complexity-mostly concerning the record producer and his wife-carries things to a conclusion. (Feb.)