Q Clearance is not one of Benchley's sea adventures, but like his previous works does present people in danger.

Comic Soviet agents have replaced sharks, and Benchley again shows his skill in creating suspense. His next book, Rummies (1989), also contains much humor. It is a study of alcoholism and rehabilitation. Alcoholism is not treated humorously. It is far too serious a problem for that. Scott Preston, the book's hero, is a humorous man who jokes constantly, but who is not aware of how ill he has become. He believes he is fine but has to have at least two belts of Stolichnaya vodka before beginning work each day. He is finally compelled to go to a detoxification clinic in New Mexico founded by Stone Banner, a onetime actor in Westerns who has become a sort of saint in the struggle against alcohol and drugs, addictions he...