Robert B. Parker’s Grudge Match: A Sunny Randall Novel

In Edgar–finalist Lupica’s strong sequel to 2018’s Blood Feud, Boston PI Sunny Randall—who is as wiseass, fearless, and dedicated to justice as Spenser, Robert B. Parker’s best-known series lead—faces challenges in both her personal and professional life. The ex-wife of her significant other, Richie Burke, has returned to Boston with her and Richie’s six-year-old son, a development that threatens to alter Sunny’s relationship with Richie. Meanwhile, gangster Tony Marcus asks her to find his missing girlfriend, Lisa Morneau, who knows a lot about his illegal ventures. Despite Sunny, Richie, and Marcus’s complicated past, which includes Marcus having helped save the life of Richie’s father, she agrees to look for Morneau. The trail leads to multiple murders, as well as a welcome encounter with another notable Parker character. The superb plotting is enhanced by Lupica’s well-written scenes set during Sunny’s therapy sessions with Spenser’s love, Susan Silverman, which deepen the reader’s understanding of Sunny. Fans of tough, competent female PIs such as V.I. Warshawski will approve Lupica’s continuation of the series. [em]Author tour. Agent: Esther Newberg, ICM. (May) [/em]