Robert B. Parker’s Revenge Tour: A Sunny Randall Novel

In Edgar finalist Lupica’s fine fourth continuation of Parker’s Sunny Randall series (after 2021’s Payback), the PI is consulted by former client Melanie Hall, a mega-bestselling romance novelist. Years earlier, after Sunny freed Melanie from her creepy husband, John Melvin, by getting him convicted of assault, Melanie gave Sunny an opulent Boston house to live in virtually rent free. Melanie’s alarmed that an anonymous email has accused her of stealing the idea for her books, a plagiarism charge that could end her career. The threat came just months after John wrote Melanie from prison, advising her to enjoy her success while she could. The throat of someone associated with Melanie is slit as Sunny tries to find out who’s behind the threat—and whether Melanie is guilty of plagiarism. Meanwhile, Sunny’s retired cop dad, Phil Randall, is at risk from Joe Doyle, a powerful attorney who holds Phil responsible for his son’s death. The climax is a bit of a letdown, but this is Lupica’s best yet in the franchise. Parker fans unfamiliar with Randall will be charmed. Agent: Esther Newberg, ICM Partners. (May)