New York Times bestselling author Ace Atkins is the literary equivalent of one of those guys who runs a marathon whilst juggling chainsaws. Or the guitar wizard who plays all of Jimi Hendrix's solos back-to-back while performing spinal surgery with his toes.

In Atkins' case, he deftly writes two books a year — one each in two incredibly different and excellent series. There's his violent but darkly funny Quinn Colson novels, which feature an ex-Army Ranger-turned-sheriff in a violent, rural Mississippi town. Brilliant stuff.

Also, several years back, Atkins was hand-picked by the estate of Robert B. Parker to continue and guarantee immortality for the Spenser private eye novels — arguably the greatest series in crime fiction history.

"Slow Burn" is Atkins' fifth Spenser adventure, and he continues to nail Parker's nuances in note-perfect fashion, honoring the late writer's plots, wit, style and dynamic cast of characters even as he carries the stories into the future. Meet Atkins Wednesday for a beer, a signing, and mucho Spenser lore at the Cottrell Brewery in Pawcatuck. It's the latest "Beer & Books," a fun and regularly occuring event conceptualized by Cottrell and Bank Square Books.

Beer & Books with Ace Atkins, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Cottrell Brewery, 100 Mechanic St., Pawcatuck; free, books and beer available for purchase; (860) 536-3795.