On page 113 of the most recent collaboration between comedian-actor Richard Belzer and crime novelist-cop Michael Black, it’s written, “Sometimes cops can make pretty good writers.” When it comes to their second novel together, this is an incredible understatement.

Belz is at it again as a suitably smart-assed self-insert in his own fiction, a character in his tale of conspiracies akin to Marilyn Monroe and the Kennedy era, in which an old acquaintance, Paul Venchus, (who used to be a fellow journalist) is killed when he gets a little too close to the truth. Paul’s girlfriend, Veronica Holmes, a self-proclaimed psychic, contacts Belz by cellphone and the mystery begins. Hesitant at first, Belzer warms to the need for his investigative skills as the fog surrounding the death of Brigid Burgeon (read: Monroe) ostensibly at the hands of the Kaye (read: Kennedy) clan, when word has it Venchus was on to something big. There’s plenty of grist for the conspiracy mill, as you can imagine.

The action intertwines with Belz’s need to help an old friend, his comedy mentor and idol, Johnny Leland (think Jerry Lewis here, folks) do a charity telethon. There’s a lot more to producing a telethon than you may realize, which brings many other memorable and fully-developed characters into the fray. Belz walks the fine line between investigating a mystery growing deeper every moment, with bodies stacking up precariously, while giving as much help to Leland as he can muster.

There’s even a Sal Fabell/Johnny Leland reunion to rival that of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. You’ll still enjoy this book, even if you’re too young to remember all these historical similarities.

Veronica, the loose cannon who seems glued to Belz’s side, undergoes a Pygmalion-like transformation through the course of the crimes, but whether or not psychic abilities come into play, I’ll let you decide.

Everything transpires in a credible, action-oriented manner, which will keep you turning pages until the very end. The ending itself will have you asking aloud, “How’s Belzer going to get himself out of life-threatening trouble THIS time?” (And whether or not his gorgeous wife, Harlee McBride, will have to “come out there.” It’s great to see her included in this novel!) It’s a thriller of an ending, so don’t cheat yourself by sneaking a look at it early on. (Yes, I know you’re tempted, but trust me on this one.)

All of this happens by way of the Belzer & Black co-authorship, which is even more seamless and polished this time. Those familiar with Michael Black’s writing style will recognize his prose, but so many of the details are pure Belz at his best. I can’t say enough good things about this one, because it’s even better than their first offering, “I Am Not a Cop.”

If there’s a conspiracy in your town, you’ll undoubtedly want Belzer on your side. In the meantime, I’m crossing my fingers there will be many more collaborations between Belzer & Black – maybe next time they’ll set one in Atlantic City.

Perhaps one day Belz will actually get to see one of those MMA bouts he keeps missing.