I’ve read all the Jesse Stone novels and find them easy to read and very enjoyable.  This Spenser novel, my first read in this series was also easy to read.  The Spenser in this first book is a wise ass and somewhat lacking in moral fiber.  Not yet the character/hero type portrayed in the TV series but there are many more books for him to grow.  There were also a couple scenarios that were totally unnecessary, like the satan worshipers.  Overall, I still liked the book and plan to keep reading the series.