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Sunny Randall #7
Robert B. Parker's Blood Feud
Robert B. Parker's iconic and irresistible PI Sunny Randall is back, and the stakes are higher than ever as she races to protect her ex-husband--and his Mafia family--from the vengeful plan of a mysterious rival. Sunny Randall is "on" again with Richie, the ex-husband she never stopped loving and never seemed to be able to let go, despite her discomfort with his Mafia connections. When Richie is shot and nearly killed, Sunny is dragged into the thick of his family's business as she searches for answers and tries to stave off a mob war. But as the bullets start flying in Boston's mean streets, Sunny finds herself targeted by the deranged mastermind of the plot against the Burke family, whose motive may be far more personal than she could have anticipated...
409 pages, Library Binding
First published November 27, 2018
923 people are currently reading
1682 people want to read
About the author
Mike Lupica
111 books1,217 followersMichael Lupica is an author and American newspaper columnist, best known for his provocative commentary on sports in the New York Daily News and his appearances on ESPN.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 317 reviews
January 9, 2019
First time I heard of author Mike Lupica was through ESPN sports network in the USA. On the program he was so obnoxious that he was dismissed the next day. Little difference between then and this story. 0 of 10 stars
August 16, 2021
Oh how I miss Robert B. Parker! Since his death in 2010 many different authors have tried to fill his shoes and continue his Spencer and Jesse Stone series. Although not too familiar with the Spencer series, I was an ardent fan of Jesse Stone and Sunny Randall so, when other authors stepped in to continue the series, I was skeptical and with good reason. I mean who could take the place of Robert B. Parker?
The first few authors who started writing the Jesse Stone series were just terrible. Robert B. Parker had a knack all his own and with the new authors, the books just didn’t flow well, so, unfortunately, I had to say goodbye to my old friend, Jesse Stone.
Enter Mike Lupica and my old friend, Sunny Randall. Robert B. Parker introduced us to the Sunny Randall series later in his life, with only six books in the series. I immediately loved the character and was obviously saddened that with Robert B. Parker’s death there would be no more Sunny Randall. When I found new Sunny Randall books,Robert B. Parker's Blood Feud, Robert B. Parker's Grudge Match and Robert B. Parker's Payback in Barnes and Noble recently I almost did a little dance in the store! I couldn’t wait to delve in and see what my old friend Sunny was up to and how Mike Lupica would handle the task of continuing the series.
I have to say, I was quite impressed. Mike Lupica’s gets the flow of how Robert B. Parker wrote. The story wasn’t great but it wasn’t bad. Kinda slow in parts but overall, it was nice to meet up with Sunny Randall again. I plan on reading the next two books mentioned above and I can only hope that Mike Lupica will someday take on Jesse Stone as well.
The first few authors who started writing the Jesse Stone series were just terrible. Robert B. Parker had a knack all his own and with the new authors, the books just didn’t flow well, so, unfortunately, I had to say goodbye to my old friend, Jesse Stone.
Enter Mike Lupica and my old friend, Sunny Randall. Robert B. Parker introduced us to the Sunny Randall series later in his life, with only six books in the series. I immediately loved the character and was obviously saddened that with Robert B. Parker’s death there would be no more Sunny Randall. When I found new Sunny Randall books,Robert B. Parker's Blood Feud, Robert B. Parker's Grudge Match and Robert B. Parker's Payback in Barnes and Noble recently I almost did a little dance in the store! I couldn’t wait to delve in and see what my old friend Sunny was up to and how Mike Lupica would handle the task of continuing the series.
I have to say, I was quite impressed. Mike Lupica’s gets the flow of how Robert B. Parker wrote. The story wasn’t great but it wasn’t bad. Kinda slow in parts but overall, it was nice to meet up with Sunny Randall again. I plan on reading the next two books mentioned above and I can only hope that Mike Lupica will someday take on Jesse Stone as well.
January 25, 2019
Of all the main characters in the late Robert B. Parker's books - among them Spenser, Jesse Stone and Susan Silverman - I'd have to say Sunny Randall has been my least favorite (although I suspect that's mostly because I wasn't happy back when she had a fling with Jesse). After reading this one, though, I've moved her up several notches.
I'll chalk that up to the writing skill of the author, who was chosen by the Parker estate to bring this character back to life in this, the seventh book in the series. In many ways, I was reminded of the original as written by Parker; the above-mentioned characters and a few other old familiars appear here, either by reference to past interactions (e.g., Jesse) or in person (Susan is Sunny's therapist). And the action and dialog are, for the most part, reminiscent of Parker as well.
It is in the ways that aren't quite the same, I think, that make me like this Sunny better. I really can't explain it, but while the author has done a good job with keeping Parker's style alive and well, the subtle differences make Sunny his own. That may be a plus or minus depending on who's doing the reading, but count me among those who are very happy with the result.
As this one begins, Susan and her ex-husband Richie Burke - the son of longtime mobster Dominick Burke - have reconciled of sorts; they're getting together now and again (if you get my drift), but Sunny isn't convinced she wants to renew a more permanent relationship. In fact, she commented that she'd "rather run my hand through Trump's hair" than get married again (that line alone won me over on the spot).
One night, Sunny is called with the devastating news that Richie has been shot; he's alive, but it appears that was by the shooter's intent - perhaps to send a message to his mob family. Not long thereafter, Richie's uncle - the youngest of the three Burke brothers - is shot, this time fatally. Someone, it appears, may be nursing a big-time grudge against the Burke dynasty. But mobsters don't share their secrets, not even with their own children (and certainly not with their children's ex-wives). To get to the bottom of things, then, Sunny has to do some serious investigation into family history - a process virtually guaranteed to threaten already tenuous relationships and maybe even get somebody else killed.
Of course, I can't reveal the ending. But I do have a verdict: Five thumbs up. And I have one other thing - a wish that the next one won't be long coming.
I'll chalk that up to the writing skill of the author, who was chosen by the Parker estate to bring this character back to life in this, the seventh book in the series. In many ways, I was reminded of the original as written by Parker; the above-mentioned characters and a few other old familiars appear here, either by reference to past interactions (e.g., Jesse) or in person (Susan is Sunny's therapist). And the action and dialog are, for the most part, reminiscent of Parker as well.
It is in the ways that aren't quite the same, I think, that make me like this Sunny better. I really can't explain it, but while the author has done a good job with keeping Parker's style alive and well, the subtle differences make Sunny his own. That may be a plus or minus depending on who's doing the reading, but count me among those who are very happy with the result.
As this one begins, Susan and her ex-husband Richie Burke - the son of longtime mobster Dominick Burke - have reconciled of sorts; they're getting together now and again (if you get my drift), but Sunny isn't convinced she wants to renew a more permanent relationship. In fact, she commented that she'd "rather run my hand through Trump's hair" than get married again (that line alone won me over on the spot).
One night, Sunny is called with the devastating news that Richie has been shot; he's alive, but it appears that was by the shooter's intent - perhaps to send a message to his mob family. Not long thereafter, Richie's uncle - the youngest of the three Burke brothers - is shot, this time fatally. Someone, it appears, may be nursing a big-time grudge against the Burke dynasty. But mobsters don't share their secrets, not even with their own children (and certainly not with their children's ex-wives). To get to the bottom of things, then, Sunny has to do some serious investigation into family history - a process virtually guaranteed to threaten already tenuous relationships and maybe even get somebody else killed.
Of course, I can't reveal the ending. But I do have a verdict: Five thumbs up. And I have one other thing - a wish that the next one won't be long coming.
December 6, 2018
DNF
Great job Mike Lupica for ruining a fun character and series! Again, a liberal mouthpiece infuses his disdain for Republicans and Trump into a non political PI series. Lazy lazy writing.
All Republicans are white? Give me a break. The liberal elites in the USA mock or ignore black conservatives. And because someone is white, why does that mean to liberals that he/she is homogeneous, without diversity? I know white people with a variety of heritages - from Russia, England, Croatia, Ireland, France, Scotland, Scandanavian countries, South American countries, etc - has Lupica forgotten that diversity isn’t just skin tone? Meh. Characterizing an entire political party as single-dimensional and racist is just dumb and lazy. Lupica can suck it.
Great job Mike Lupica for ruining a fun character and series! Again, a liberal mouthpiece infuses his disdain for Republicans and Trump into a non political PI series. Lazy lazy writing.
All Republicans are white? Give me a break. The liberal elites in the USA mock or ignore black conservatives. And because someone is white, why does that mean to liberals that he/she is homogeneous, without diversity? I know white people with a variety of heritages - from Russia, England, Croatia, Ireland, France, Scotland, Scandanavian countries, South American countries, etc - has Lupica forgotten that diversity isn’t just skin tone? Meh. Characterizing an entire political party as single-dimensional and racist is just dumb and lazy. Lupica can suck it.
December 20, 2018
Private investigator Sunny Randall receives a call in the middle of the night to inform her that ex-husband Richie has been shot, although his injuries are not life threatening. Richie's father is a crime boss but Richie has never been a part of this way of life. Sunny is not about to let this attempt on Richie's life lie still. Although the crime bosses tell her to drop it, she refuses and calls in favors with the local cops and the other side of the law. Then Richie's uncle is shot and killed. Sunny has to find out if another mobster is trying to take over the turf or if these shootings are something much more personal.
The last Sunny Randall book I read was over 10 years ago so I had to re-acquaint myself with everything about her life but the author made that easy. I am complimenting Mike Lupica when I say that I couldn't tell this book wasn't written by Robert B. Parker. Lupica has captured the essence of the character. The pacing was good and the book was easy to read. It had the feel of a Spenser novel. I liked the mentions of other characters created by Parker -- Jesse Stone, Susan Silverman, and Vinnie Morris. I am so happy that the Parker estate has picked such good writers to carry on with all of his series.
The last Sunny Randall book I read was over 10 years ago so I had to re-acquaint myself with everything about her life but the author made that easy. I am complimenting Mike Lupica when I say that I couldn't tell this book wasn't written by Robert B. Parker. Lupica has captured the essence of the character. The pacing was good and the book was easy to read. It had the feel of a Spenser novel. I liked the mentions of other characters created by Parker -- Jesse Stone, Susan Silverman, and Vinnie Morris. I am so happy that the Parker estate has picked such good writers to carry on with all of his series.
January 22, 2019
Reed Farrel Coleman did an excellent job of seamlessly taking over the Jesse Stone series. Mike Lupica didn't do the same with Sunny Randall. The wit fell flat, the story was boring and drawn out and while Sunny has always had somewhat of a "sailor's mouth", it was over and above this time. This will most likely be my last Sunny book.
January 28, 2019
I am always surprised when a new author takes on one of Robert Parker’s characters and retains the flavor and strength that Parker gave them. Sonny Randall felt like an old friend. Thanks
February 23, 2019
I hated this book. It was 300 pages of not much happening. I also couldn't keep all the characters straight. I usually love Robert Parker's characters/books, but this time not so much.
January 22, 2019
An enjoyable return for Sunny as she investigates as to who has put out a hit on her former father-in-law. The only drawbacks: Spike is not believable, and her "on again, off again" romance with her former husband and current boyfriend. The action is good, the dialogue is taut and she has a new Rosie. Recommended to Sunny fans.
December 17, 2018
#7 in the Sunny Randall series (#1 by author Mike Lupica after 6 by series originator Robert B. Parker). This debut entry by author Lupica is a curiosity, he has Parker's snappy dialogue and Boston environment down. Series fans will be pleased to see familiar characters, but here Lupica verges close to writing a pastiche - Sunny and gay pal Spike appear, of course, with ex-husband Richie Burke and his gangster family but so does psychiatrist Susan Silverman with several references to her boyfriend Spenser and Sunny's ex-lover Jesse Stone, Sunny's father, retired cop Phil Randall, cop Frank Belson is here with references to his current boss Captain Glass and former boss Martin Quirk, mobsters Tony Marcus and Vinnie Morris have a part in the plot and reference is made to deceased mobsters Joe Broz and Gino Fish. This is a fun trip down memory lane for Parker fans and the story is interesting with a final twist. Let's see what Lupica's next effort looks like.
Sunny, a smart-aleck Boston PI, is wrestling with what role her ex-husband, Richie Burke, should play in her life. The stakes rise when a gunman shoots Richie, the son of powerful Irish mobster Desmond, with the intention of only wounding him, and tells Richie that he was paying for the "sins of the father." Sunny pursues the case, despite warnings to leave it alone from men on both sides of the law; her resolve only strengthens when escalating violence continues to claim People close to Richie.
Sunny, a smart-aleck Boston PI, is wrestling with what role her ex-husband, Richie Burke, should play in her life. The stakes rise when a gunman shoots Richie, the son of powerful Irish mobster Desmond, with the intention of only wounding him, and tells Richie that he was paying for the "sins of the father." Sunny pursues the case, despite warnings to leave it alone from men on both sides of the law; her resolve only strengthens when escalating violence continues to claim People close to Richie.
March 6, 2019
Almost a 3 but not quite. Based on previous Parker books this is a difficult book for me to rate or review. Didn’t dislike it but sure was not overly impressed with the writing. Although the story was extremely predictable I somewhat enjoyed the book. Was disappointed in the lack of growth in some of the charters since the last installment; especially Sunny. I did not enjoy or appreciate Lupica injecting his political views into the story line. Why was this necessary for this story other than giving Lupica a platform? Let’s just write a good novel without the political views being present; I get enough of that daily on TV – I read to get away from all that crap. Very irritating and disappointing. Not a fan of Lupica taking over this series.
January 4, 2019
Columnist Mike Lupica becomes the fourth author to take over one of Parker's character franchises (Spenser, Jesse Stone, Cole and Hitch, Sunny Randall). It just demonstrates how prolific -- and how good -- Parker was.
Lupica's first take on Sunny Randall is a good one.
The action, characters and dialog ring true. And it's a great beginning.
But I must admit there were times I found this version sounding more like Spenser than Sunny Randall. Lupica and Parker were friends so there's probably a little bit of Spenser in everything they shared. But I did find myself wondering how Hawk and Spenser would fare in Lupica's hands.
Lupica's first take on Sunny Randall is a good one.
The action, characters and dialog ring true. And it's a great beginning.
But I must admit there were times I found this version sounding more like Spenser than Sunny Randall. Lupica and Parker were friends so there's probably a little bit of Spenser in everything they shared. But I did find myself wondering how Hawk and Spenser would fare in Lupica's hands.
January 6, 2019
Mike Lupica stands in for Robert B. Parker to breathe new life into the late author's Sunny Randall character. BLOOD FEUD represents a slight departure from the terse prose that characterized Parker's work. Lupica is a bit more expansive in both plot and style. Still, this is a good yarn with strong characters against the gritty background of Boston's underworld.
December 25, 2018
Was good to see some of my old friends again but just didn’t have the feeling of the homecoming I had hoped it would be. Hoping it was just nerves from first one but it felt a little too like he was trying to hard and Parker made it all feel so effortless.
November 29, 2018
Too easy to figure out the twist. Liked the side players better than Sunny. We all need a Spike in our lives
June 8, 2019
You can skip the first 100 pages. This is a book has characters you don't really care about, and an
ending you can guess fairly early.
ending you can guess fairly early.
February 4, 2019
I have been reading Robert B. Parker’s “Spenser” mystery series since the 1980’s when my English professor introduced the first book in the series “The Godwulf Manuscript” to me and invited me to write a paper comparing and contrasting Spenser with some classic character that I can no longer remember.
However, Spenser I never forgot. I grew to love him over the years and looked forward every spring to a new outing with my private investigator hero. Then Parker introduced the “Jesse Stone” followed by “Sunny Randall”, which was the result of a request from the actress, Helen Hunt, a fan of “Spenser” and friend of Parker’s who was trying to create a serious role which could be built into a franchise, and she wanted him to write it. Parker agreed but struggled with writing a script, and instead produced “Family Honor”, the first Sunny Randall novel. Parker hoped that if he wrote the books, Hollywood could use them as a resource to create scripts. However, that never came to fruition, and with Parker’s passing. Sunny Randall was left on the sidelines while other writers continued the stories of “Spenser” and “Jesse Stone”.
Finally, in 2019, the adventures of Sunny Randall are being continued. The Parker estate has put her in the hands of Mike Lupica, a well established and proven sports writer, columnist, and commentator. He is also a longtime personal friend of Parker.
The results of Lupica’s first outing with resurrecting Sunny is “Blood Feud”. Sunny is a former cop in her late thirties, has definite authority issues, and is someone who's a little less certain of herself. She has a very complicated relationship with her ex-husband Richie Burke, who is Mafia connected. She’s never stopped loving him nor really ever let him go emotionally. When the book starts off, Richie has been shot and almost killed, dragging Sunny into the middle of his family’s business to try and find answers behind the hit before a mob war breaks out in her hometown of Boston. However, the deeper Sunny investigates, she finds herself with a big target from an unknown enemy, who is plotting revenge against the Burke family in the most personal of ways.
Lupica’s first attempt at capturing Sunny and the rest of her cast is off to an interesting start. I give him kudo’s for introducing a strong, multi-layered layered plot that creates conflict on several layers. Conflict between Sunny and her ex-Richie, his father, their family, and other mobsters wanting her to stay out of their business. Lupica creates longtime family secrets and history that threaten Richie’s family and his relationship with Sunny. It turned out to be an excellent way to re-introduce Sunny Randall and those close to her in hopes of building future momentum for the series.
Another one of the ways in which this novel works well is Lupica’s libera; use of already established characters from Parker’s established world of Spenser’s Boston. During her investigation, Sunny crosses paths with mobster Tony Marcus, sarcastic but lovable crusty copper Frank Belson, the beautiful and super-intellectual psychologist Sr. Susan Silverman (and love of Spenser’s life), FBI resource Nathan Epstein, and my personal favorite, the greatest shooter Vinnie Morris. Each of these nostalgic personalities brought a certain strength that enhanced the quality of the story.
Even with the good things, Sunny Randall is still a character that I find myself struggling with, and this plot brings that struggle to the forefront. Sunny, in many ways, is modeled as a female version of Spenser, a strong-willed investigator who never played well with others in the sandbox. Sunny doesn’t like to be told what to do and puts her nose into the business of others, which usually works because someone has hired her to perform the work. However, in this book, she really sticks her nose into her ex-husband’s family business in a way that to me, borders on arrogance. She is asked over and over to stay out, and when she continually refuses, it almost feels more selfish than good intentioned. For me, this behavior took away from liking her character as much as I wanted. Hopefully, other readers won't be bothered by that behavior as much as I was.
In closing, there are several things to like, especially seeing the life of another Robert B. Parker character resurrected and given new life. Again, Lupica’s plotting and use of classic Parker characters was a plus. And to be fair, taking over another award-wining writer’s series is never easy. It takes time to find the right rhythm of an established character. However, Lupica is going to have to work harder to make Sunny’s character more likable and present herself as less spoiled. Until then, this was a worthwhile attempt, and I look forward to her next outing.
However, Spenser I never forgot. I grew to love him over the years and looked forward every spring to a new outing with my private investigator hero. Then Parker introduced the “Jesse Stone” followed by “Sunny Randall”, which was the result of a request from the actress, Helen Hunt, a fan of “Spenser” and friend of Parker’s who was trying to create a serious role which could be built into a franchise, and she wanted him to write it. Parker agreed but struggled with writing a script, and instead produced “Family Honor”, the first Sunny Randall novel. Parker hoped that if he wrote the books, Hollywood could use them as a resource to create scripts. However, that never came to fruition, and with Parker’s passing. Sunny Randall was left on the sidelines while other writers continued the stories of “Spenser” and “Jesse Stone”.
Finally, in 2019, the adventures of Sunny Randall are being continued. The Parker estate has put her in the hands of Mike Lupica, a well established and proven sports writer, columnist, and commentator. He is also a longtime personal friend of Parker.
The results of Lupica’s first outing with resurrecting Sunny is “Blood Feud”. Sunny is a former cop in her late thirties, has definite authority issues, and is someone who's a little less certain of herself. She has a very complicated relationship with her ex-husband Richie Burke, who is Mafia connected. She’s never stopped loving him nor really ever let him go emotionally. When the book starts off, Richie has been shot and almost killed, dragging Sunny into the middle of his family’s business to try and find answers behind the hit before a mob war breaks out in her hometown of Boston. However, the deeper Sunny investigates, she finds herself with a big target from an unknown enemy, who is plotting revenge against the Burke family in the most personal of ways.
Lupica’s first attempt at capturing Sunny and the rest of her cast is off to an interesting start. I give him kudo’s for introducing a strong, multi-layered layered plot that creates conflict on several layers. Conflict between Sunny and her ex-Richie, his father, their family, and other mobsters wanting her to stay out of their business. Lupica creates longtime family secrets and history that threaten Richie’s family and his relationship with Sunny. It turned out to be an excellent way to re-introduce Sunny Randall and those close to her in hopes of building future momentum for the series.
Another one of the ways in which this novel works well is Lupica’s libera; use of already established characters from Parker’s established world of Spenser’s Boston. During her investigation, Sunny crosses paths with mobster Tony Marcus, sarcastic but lovable crusty copper Frank Belson, the beautiful and super-intellectual psychologist Sr. Susan Silverman (and love of Spenser’s life), FBI resource Nathan Epstein, and my personal favorite, the greatest shooter Vinnie Morris. Each of these nostalgic personalities brought a certain strength that enhanced the quality of the story.
Even with the good things, Sunny Randall is still a character that I find myself struggling with, and this plot brings that struggle to the forefront. Sunny, in many ways, is modeled as a female version of Spenser, a strong-willed investigator who never played well with others in the sandbox. Sunny doesn’t like to be told what to do and puts her nose into the business of others, which usually works because someone has hired her to perform the work. However, in this book, she really sticks her nose into her ex-husband’s family business in a way that to me, borders on arrogance. She is asked over and over to stay out, and when she continually refuses, it almost feels more selfish than good intentioned. For me, this behavior took away from liking her character as much as I wanted. Hopefully, other readers won't be bothered by that behavior as much as I was.
In closing, there are several things to like, especially seeing the life of another Robert B. Parker character resurrected and given new life. Again, Lupica’s plotting and use of classic Parker characters was a plus. And to be fair, taking over another award-wining writer’s series is never easy. It takes time to find the right rhythm of an established character. However, Lupica is going to have to work harder to make Sunny’s character more likable and present herself as less spoiled. Until then, this was a worthwhile attempt, and I look forward to her next outing.
October 13, 2018
★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
An expanded version of this originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
Since we saw her last, Sunny has had to move, Richie (her ex-) has gotten another divorce (giving them the chance to date or whatever you want to call it) and has replaced her late dog, Rosie, with another Rosie. Other than that, things are basically where they were after the end of Spare Change 11 years ago (for us, anyway, I'm not sure how long for her, but less time has passed you can bet).
By the way -- does anyone other than Robert B. Parker, Spenser and Sunny really do this? Your dog dies, so you go and get another one of the same breed and call him/her the same name? Is this really a thing?
Then one night -- Richie is shot. It's not fatal, but was done in such a way that no one doubts for a moment that it could have been had the assailant wanted it to be. For those who don't know (or don't remember), Richie is the son of an Irish mob boss, although he has nothing to do with the family business. He's given a message for his father -- his shooter is coming for him, but wants him to suffer first. This kicks off a race for the shooter -- Sunny, the Burke family and the police (led by Sgt. Frank Belson) are vying to be the one to find the shooter.
Before long, the violence spreads to other people the Burkes employ -- both property and persons are targeted by this stranger. It's clear that whoever is doing this has a grudge going back years. So Sunny dives into the Burke family history as much as she can, so she can get an answer before her ex-father-in-law is killed. Not just the family history -- but the family's present, too. As much as the roots of the violence are in the past, Sunny's convinced what the Burkes are up to now is just as important to the shooter.
Richie's father, Desmond, isn't happy about Sunny sticking her nose into things. Not just because of the crimes she might uncover -- but he really wants to leave the past in the past. But as long as someone might come take another shot at Richie, Sunny won't stop. This brings her into contact with several criminal figures in Boston (like Parker-verse constants Tony Marcus and Vinnie Morris) as well as some we've only met in Sunny books.
There are a couple of new characters in these pages, but most of them we've met before -- Lupica is re-establishing this universe and doesn't have time to bring in many outsiders, but really just reminds us who the players are. Other than the new Rosie, I can't point at a character and say "that's different." He's done a pretty good job of stepping into Parker's shoes. Not the pre-Catskill Eagle Parker like Atkins, but the Parker of Sunny Randall books, which is what it should feel like (( wouldn't have objected to a Coleman-esque true to the character, just told in a different way). I think some of the jokes were overused (her Sox-apathy, for one), but it wasn't too bad. Lupica did make some interesting choices, particularly toward the end, which should set up some interesting situations for future installments.
The mystery was decent enough, and fit both the situations and the characters -- I spent a lot of the novel far ahead of Sunny (but it's easier on this side of the page). I enjoyed the book -- it's not the best thing I've read this year, but it's a good entry novel for Lupica in this series, a good reintroduction for the characters/world, and an entertaining read in general. If you're new to this series, this would be as good a place to hop on as it was for Lupica.
I want better for Parker's creation (but I think I'd have said that for most of Parker's run with the series), and Lupica's set things up in a way that we could get that in the near-future. He's demonstrated that he has a good handle on the character he inherited, the question is, what can he do with her from here? I was ambivalent about this series coming back, but I can honestly say that I'm eager to see what happens to it next.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Putnam Books via NetGalley in exchange for this post -- thanks to both for this.
An expanded version of this originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
Since we saw her last, Sunny has had to move, Richie (her ex-) has gotten another divorce (giving them the chance to date or whatever you want to call it) and has replaced her late dog, Rosie, with another Rosie. Other than that, things are basically where they were after the end of Spare Change 11 years ago (for us, anyway, I'm not sure how long for her, but less time has passed you can bet).
By the way -- does anyone other than Robert B. Parker, Spenser and Sunny really do this? Your dog dies, so you go and get another one of the same breed and call him/her the same name? Is this really a thing?
Then one night -- Richie is shot. It's not fatal, but was done in such a way that no one doubts for a moment that it could have been had the assailant wanted it to be. For those who don't know (or don't remember), Richie is the son of an Irish mob boss, although he has nothing to do with the family business. He's given a message for his father -- his shooter is coming for him, but wants him to suffer first. This kicks off a race for the shooter -- Sunny, the Burke family and the police (led by Sgt. Frank Belson) are vying to be the one to find the shooter.
Before long, the violence spreads to other people the Burkes employ -- both property and persons are targeted by this stranger. It's clear that whoever is doing this has a grudge going back years. So Sunny dives into the Burke family history as much as she can, so she can get an answer before her ex-father-in-law is killed. Not just the family history -- but the family's present, too. As much as the roots of the violence are in the past, Sunny's convinced what the Burkes are up to now is just as important to the shooter.
Richie's father, Desmond, isn't happy about Sunny sticking her nose into things. Not just because of the crimes she might uncover -- but he really wants to leave the past in the past. But as long as someone might come take another shot at Richie, Sunny won't stop. This brings her into contact with several criminal figures in Boston (like Parker-verse constants Tony Marcus and Vinnie Morris) as well as some we've only met in Sunny books.
There are a couple of new characters in these pages, but most of them we've met before -- Lupica is re-establishing this universe and doesn't have time to bring in many outsiders, but really just reminds us who the players are. Other than the new Rosie, I can't point at a character and say "that's different." He's done a pretty good job of stepping into Parker's shoes. Not the pre-Catskill Eagle Parker like Atkins, but the Parker of Sunny Randall books, which is what it should feel like (( wouldn't have objected to a Coleman-esque true to the character, just told in a different way). I think some of the jokes were overused (her Sox-apathy, for one), but it wasn't too bad. Lupica did make some interesting choices, particularly toward the end, which should set up some interesting situations for future installments.
The mystery was decent enough, and fit both the situations and the characters -- I spent a lot of the novel far ahead of Sunny (but it's easier on this side of the page). I enjoyed the book -- it's not the best thing I've read this year, but it's a good entry novel for Lupica in this series, a good reintroduction for the characters/world, and an entertaining read in general. If you're new to this series, this would be as good a place to hop on as it was for Lupica.
I want better for Parker's creation (but I think I'd have said that for most of Parker's run with the series), and Lupica's set things up in a way that we could get that in the near-future. He's demonstrated that he has a good handle on the character he inherited, the question is, what can he do with her from here? I was ambivalent about this series coming back, but I can honestly say that I'm eager to see what happens to it next.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Putnam Books via NetGalley in exchange for this post -- thanks to both for this.
December 3, 2018
One of the primary questions that has been asked since Robert B. Parker’s sudden death in 2010 is whether or not someone would take up the reins of his Sunny Randall series. Sunny, a Boston private investigator with an interesting public and private life, appeared to have vanished into the ether. The question of succession has been answered with the publication of the wonderfully written BLOOD FEUD. The author of this extremely pleasant surprise is Mike Lupica, a somewhat acerbic sportswriter and political commentator who is also the highly regarded author of sports novels for younger readers. So it should not be a shock to learn that this book is a fast-paced and entertaining read that is true to Parker’s voice.
Lupica picks up where Parker left off on SPARE CHANGE without a misstep. Sunny is involved with her ex-husband, Richie Burke, demonstrating that the old flame still flickers. Richie, who comes from a well-known Boston-area crime family, has eschewed his father’s and brothers’ business. Apparently this is not enough to save him, as he is the victim of a deliberate street shooting. The interesting element of the hit is that it is obviously professional, but the doer shoots Richie to (seriously) wound, not to kill, making reference to “the sins of the father” as he lay bleeding in the street.
The attack is by no means the last of the moves against the Burke crime family. Things escalate, and soon there is a trail of bodies that lead ever closer to Desmond Burke, the family patriarch. The problems with investigating the shootings are that the Burkes will not talk to the police, and there are countless suspects. Regarding the latter, Desmond has left an army of enemies in his wake on both sides of the law, but particularly among his fellow crime families.
Sunny, motivated by her concern for Richie and her relationship with her quasi-father-in-law, takes it upon herself --- even when her help is not wanted --- to investigate the several tentacles of Desmond’s past to see who has the greatest grudge against him and possibly the most to gain. She manages to uncover a family secret or two along the way that also fractures a few of her own alliances, the consequences of which may play out in future installments of the series.
Lupica hits all the right notes here, from the stunning cover and a couple of cameo appearances from some characters in one of Parker’s other series to the very satisfying ending. It also contains one of those unintentional ironies that puts the events in BLOOD FEUD squarely in the real world. Whitey Bulger, who is frequently mentioned as an influential player in the background of the book, was murdered in prison while I was reading it, making the ruthlessness described therein all the more believable.
Even with that aside, I cannot imagine that anyone who was a fan of Sunny during the Parker years would be anything less than totally satisfied with Lupica’s stellar handling of the character. As for those who may not have been completely enamored of this particular Parker creation, I would urge them to read BLOOD FEUD. This would be a terrific and worthwhile novel if it was introducing a new PI series featuring a detective named Samantha Jones. That it continues the Sunny Randall canon, and does it so well, makes it all the better.
Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
Lupica picks up where Parker left off on SPARE CHANGE without a misstep. Sunny is involved with her ex-husband, Richie Burke, demonstrating that the old flame still flickers. Richie, who comes from a well-known Boston-area crime family, has eschewed his father’s and brothers’ business. Apparently this is not enough to save him, as he is the victim of a deliberate street shooting. The interesting element of the hit is that it is obviously professional, but the doer shoots Richie to (seriously) wound, not to kill, making reference to “the sins of the father” as he lay bleeding in the street.
The attack is by no means the last of the moves against the Burke crime family. Things escalate, and soon there is a trail of bodies that lead ever closer to Desmond Burke, the family patriarch. The problems with investigating the shootings are that the Burkes will not talk to the police, and there are countless suspects. Regarding the latter, Desmond has left an army of enemies in his wake on both sides of the law, but particularly among his fellow crime families.
Sunny, motivated by her concern for Richie and her relationship with her quasi-father-in-law, takes it upon herself --- even when her help is not wanted --- to investigate the several tentacles of Desmond’s past to see who has the greatest grudge against him and possibly the most to gain. She manages to uncover a family secret or two along the way that also fractures a few of her own alliances, the consequences of which may play out in future installments of the series.
Lupica hits all the right notes here, from the stunning cover and a couple of cameo appearances from some characters in one of Parker’s other series to the very satisfying ending. It also contains one of those unintentional ironies that puts the events in BLOOD FEUD squarely in the real world. Whitey Bulger, who is frequently mentioned as an influential player in the background of the book, was murdered in prison while I was reading it, making the ruthlessness described therein all the more believable.
Even with that aside, I cannot imagine that anyone who was a fan of Sunny during the Parker years would be anything less than totally satisfied with Lupica’s stellar handling of the character. As for those who may not have been completely enamored of this particular Parker creation, I would urge them to read BLOOD FEUD. This would be a terrific and worthwhile novel if it was introducing a new PI series featuring a detective named Samantha Jones. That it continues the Sunny Randall canon, and does it so well, makes it all the better.
Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
May 2, 2019
Narrator Kate Burton
Ok, whose idea was it to hire a guy most well known for sports themed books for kids in the preteen/teen age group and let him take over Sunny Randall? Wherever you are, please whack your head into your desk a few times, from me. So many disappointments . . .
Here's hoping it sells enough to get another Sunny Randall story - and another Sunny Randall writer.
Ok, whose idea was it to hire a guy most well known for sports themed books for kids in the preteen/teen age group and let him take over Sunny Randall? Wherever you are, please whack your head into your desk a few times, from me. So many disappointments . . .
Here's hoping it sells enough to get another Sunny Randall story - and another Sunny Randall writer.
January 5, 2019
I do like the Sunny Randall character. RB Parker's Sunny books always seemed lighter and with less substance than Jesse Stone books and that hasn't changed. Sunny is Sunny, she does her thing and not much else happens.
December 17, 2018
Great continuation of Robert Parker’s series starring Sunny Randall. Mike Lupica did a nice job getting Parker’s nuances down.
September 17, 2019
Spoiler Notes
Robert B. Parker's Blood Feud (11/18) by Mike Lupica
[Sunny Randall - 7] (D+ Implied Sex) [9-04-19]
Library -- Audible: Kate Burton, Okay
Tags:
Divorced Couple - Second Chances
Dog: Rosie (not the original Rosie)
Sins of the Father - Revenge
Look-A-Like Brothers
Organized Crime - Mafia - Irish Mafia
Gun Trafficking - Murder
1st Person POV - Female
Too Much Profanity
Too Much Political Shading
Too Many Characters
Sunny Randall, Private Investigator - Boston
Richie Burke, Saloon Owner - Boston
I was excited and had high hopes for this continuation of the series. Mike Lupica is a new-to-me author and a great disappointment as far as this book goes. If it hadn't been twelve years since Sunny was last on-scene, I might have remembered more of the characters who make an appearance here and appreciated their history more. Had some problems keeping them all straight.
This was an audible read and I think if I'd been reading it in book form it would have gone better. Kate Burton, the reader, did a Good to Okay job with it. At times it sounded like she was actually reading the book out loud rather than expressing the characters with personality. Other times I didn't notice her reading to me.
Another reason book form might have been better is the author's over use of the word "said" ... As in "I said." Or, "he said." Where was an editor needed more than to throw in the words "replied" or "commented" or "stated" or any number of other synonyms for "said" that I, who am not a wordsmith, would enjoy reading or listening to lots more. This "said" over usage became a major irritant before the book was finished.
The plot was predictable with a secret son on a revenge rampage against Desmond Burke, Richie's dad who is an Irish Mafia leader. The twist at the end was the secret son had the name of his father wrong, it was actually Felix Burke who is Desmond's beloved brother. Richie has always done his best to stay out of the Mafia business but when he is shot in the back at the beginning of the book, he's in the middle of it.
Years ago there was a young woman named Maria, daughter of another Mafia big shot who everyone fell in love with... Felix, Anthony, and Desmond who was married and had to break things off with her. Apparently she went to Felix to be consoled and after a night of drinking he went from consolation to rape and she got pregnant. Her father banished her from his life and no one knew what happened to her. When her money ran out many years later and she was dying with Parkinson's disease she reached out to Anthony and he provided for her and her son. Anthony, another Mafia big shot, who hates Desmond and has a business beef with Desmond regarding who is in charge of gun trafficking.
So, Maria dies and her son has been told by Anthony, his mentor by now, that Desmond raped and threw both of them away. The secret son goes by the name Bobby Toms and has an especially strong resemblance to Richie when they were boys.
Big scene at the end where Anthony okayed the killing of Bobby Toms because he had become a loose cannon. And Anthony wanted the warehouse full of stolen guns which was a deal Sunny put through in trade for Desmond's safe return from being kidnapped and beaten by Bobby Toms.
Felix died at the end, taking a bullet fired by his son Bobby that was meant for Desmond.
Sunny gave the location of the guns to either a FBI or DEA contact (I think), thus screwing over various underworld guys that had helped her get Desmond back alive. Desmond wasn't happy she gave his guns away either, they were to be his last big score before retiring.
So, all in all it was a Mafia soap opera revenge tale with near warring Mafia factions looking for those stolen gun shipments. Do Sunny and Richie stay single or do they decide they are better as lovers living apart? Stay tuned, I guess.
I might read the next book in the series that Mike Lupica has planned to see if he improves with his craft. But, I don't think I'll listen to the next one. Either way, it depends on if my Library orders it.
My Ratings, So Far:
Sunny Randall by Robert B. Parker
1. Family Honor (B+ N/A) [5-10-01]
2. Perish Twice (9/00) (B+ N/A) [5-11-01]
3. Shrink Rap (9/02) (A N/A) [10-16-02]
4. Melancholy Baby (9/04) (A N/A) [1-01-05]
5. Blue Screen (6/06) (B+ Subtle) [6-14-06]
6. Spare Change (6/07) (B+ N/A) [6-28-07]
7. Blood Feud (11/18) (D+ Implied Sex) [9-04-19] -- by Mike Lupica
8. Grudge Match (5/20) -- by Mike Lupica
Robert B. Parker's Blood Feud (11/18) by Mike Lupica
[Sunny Randall - 7] (D+ Implied Sex) [9-04-19]
Library -- Audible: Kate Burton, Okay
Tags:
Divorced Couple - Second Chances
Dog: Rosie (not the original Rosie)
Sins of the Father - Revenge
Look-A-Like Brothers
Organized Crime - Mafia - Irish Mafia
Gun Trafficking - Murder
1st Person POV - Female
Too Much Profanity
Too Much Political Shading
Too Many Characters
Sunny Randall, Private Investigator - Boston
Richie Burke, Saloon Owner - Boston
I was excited and had high hopes for this continuation of the series. Mike Lupica is a new-to-me author and a great disappointment as far as this book goes. If it hadn't been twelve years since Sunny was last on-scene, I might have remembered more of the characters who make an appearance here and appreciated their history more. Had some problems keeping them all straight.
This was an audible read and I think if I'd been reading it in book form it would have gone better. Kate Burton, the reader, did a Good to Okay job with it. At times it sounded like she was actually reading the book out loud rather than expressing the characters with personality. Other times I didn't notice her reading to me.
Another reason book form might have been better is the author's over use of the word "said" ... As in "I said." Or, "he said." Where was an editor needed more than to throw in the words "replied" or "commented" or "stated" or any number of other synonyms for "said" that I, who am not a wordsmith, would enjoy reading or listening to lots more. This "said" over usage became a major irritant before the book was finished.
The plot was predictable with a secret son on a revenge rampage against Desmond Burke, Richie's dad who is an Irish Mafia leader. The twist at the end was the secret son had the name of his father wrong, it was actually Felix Burke who is Desmond's beloved brother. Richie has always done his best to stay out of the Mafia business but when he is shot in the back at the beginning of the book, he's in the middle of it.
Years ago there was a young woman named Maria, daughter of another Mafia big shot who everyone fell in love with... Felix, Anthony, and Desmond who was married and had to break things off with her. Apparently she went to Felix to be consoled and after a night of drinking he went from consolation to rape and she got pregnant. Her father banished her from his life and no one knew what happened to her. When her money ran out many years later and she was dying with Parkinson's disease she reached out to Anthony and he provided for her and her son. Anthony, another Mafia big shot, who hates Desmond and has a business beef with Desmond regarding who is in charge of gun trafficking.
So, Maria dies and her son has been told by Anthony, his mentor by now, that Desmond raped and threw both of them away. The secret son goes by the name Bobby Toms and has an especially strong resemblance to Richie when they were boys.
Big scene at the end where Anthony okayed the killing of Bobby Toms because he had become a loose cannon. And Anthony wanted the warehouse full of stolen guns which was a deal Sunny put through in trade for Desmond's safe return from being kidnapped and beaten by Bobby Toms.
Felix died at the end, taking a bullet fired by his son Bobby that was meant for Desmond.
Sunny gave the location of the guns to either a FBI or DEA contact (I think), thus screwing over various underworld guys that had helped her get Desmond back alive. Desmond wasn't happy she gave his guns away either, they were to be his last big score before retiring.
So, all in all it was a Mafia soap opera revenge tale with near warring Mafia factions looking for those stolen gun shipments. Do Sunny and Richie stay single or do they decide they are better as lovers living apart? Stay tuned, I guess.
I might read the next book in the series that Mike Lupica has planned to see if he improves with his craft. But, I don't think I'll listen to the next one. Either way, it depends on if my Library orders it.
My Ratings, So Far:
Sunny Randall by Robert B. Parker
1. Family Honor (B+ N/A) [5-10-01]
2. Perish Twice (9/00) (B+ N/A) [5-11-01]
3. Shrink Rap (9/02) (A N/A) [10-16-02]
4. Melancholy Baby (9/04) (A N/A) [1-01-05]
5. Blue Screen (6/06) (B+ Subtle) [6-14-06]
6. Spare Change (6/07) (B+ N/A) [6-28-07]
7. Blood Feud (11/18) (D+ Implied Sex) [9-04-19] -- by Mike Lupica
8. Grudge Match (5/20) -- by Mike Lupica
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2020
Robert B. Parker’s Estate has presumably continued to make a fortune off extensions to the original popular multiple series of that great author. In addition to the 39-book Spenser series, there are 8 extensions by author Ace Atkins; to the 9-book Jesse Stone series, 3 extensions by author Michael Brandman, and 6 more by author Reed Farrell Coleman; and now we have as addition to the shorter 6-book Sunny Randall set, this first extension, “Blood Feud”, (with a second due soon) by noted sports reporter and author Mike Lupica. As we have with all these additional tales, we find little joy in quibbling about exact correspondence to the originals, but rather enjoy reading on about favorite characters even if their “voices” or other characteristics are slightly altered.
The rather complicated plot herein involves Sunny’s ex Richie (the two still really in love) and his dad, an elder, long-time mafia boss; as well as another elder Mafioso. When Richie is shot intentionally non-fatally, and then a couple more of the relatives or henchmen are shot, Sunny goes into high gear to identify the shooter and what the motive for this mayhem might be – much to the chagrin of all the mob principals. She and her pal Spike come into their own set of troubles to warn them off, but Sunny’s dogged pursuit cannot be stopped. Of course, in the end all is resolved, with some fairly surprising revelations to all concerned.
We found the story quite interesting, although perhaps drawn out a bit too long, despite the short chapters which always have the net effect of shortening the actual length of a novel. While we also recall that Sunny has a somewhat “rough” vocabulary for a female protagonist, we did feel the fairly constant profanity throughout was a bit over the top. That said, we enjoyed our reunion and look forward to Lupica’s next Sunny Randall adventure. {3.5}
The rather complicated plot herein involves Sunny’s ex Richie (the two still really in love) and his dad, an elder, long-time mafia boss; as well as another elder Mafioso. When Richie is shot intentionally non-fatally, and then a couple more of the relatives or henchmen are shot, Sunny goes into high gear to identify the shooter and what the motive for this mayhem might be – much to the chagrin of all the mob principals. She and her pal Spike come into their own set of troubles to warn them off, but Sunny’s dogged pursuit cannot be stopped. Of course, in the end all is resolved, with some fairly surprising revelations to all concerned.
We found the story quite interesting, although perhaps drawn out a bit too long, despite the short chapters which always have the net effect of shortening the actual length of a novel. While we also recall that Sunny has a somewhat “rough” vocabulary for a female protagonist, we did feel the fairly constant profanity throughout was a bit over the top. That said, we enjoyed our reunion and look forward to Lupica’s next Sunny Randall adventure. {3.5}
December 16, 2018
Robert B Parker died in 2010. Mr. Parker was the creator of several memorable series characters, such as Spenser, Jesse Stone, Cole & Hitch, and Sunny Randall, who last appeared in 2007's Spare Change. Unlike Parker's other series characters, her adventures were never continued. Now, after an absence of nearly a decade, Mike Lupica (and presumably the Parker estate) decided to revisit Sunny Randall. The result is Blood Feud, which I am rating at three stars only because it features the return of a favorite character. Years have passed since Sunny's last outing, and she is worried that she has put on weight and/or gotten old. I recognize these are real concerns for many people, but I think this is a condescending piece of characterization. A lot of the plot centers around Sunny's ex Richie Burke and his hoodlum/mobster family-I hate these characters. Also the mystery is not much of a mystery. The reader may not know the name of the person who is threatening the Burke family, but the answer to that question is cliched enough it will be the first thing you think of. This book was a let down lucky thing I got it from the library.
December 10, 2018
Mike Lupica does a good job of bringing back Robert B. Parker’s Sunny Randall. She a bit older than the last time we seen her (who isn’t!) and still conflicted over her relationship with ex-husband Richie Burke, but just as determined as ever. Lupica always had a sardonic wit even as a sport writer and it works well for him here. Looking forward to more books in this series.
December 15, 2019
It's Sunny, Spike and much ado, as usual, about Rosie the bulldog, the second! Someone is literally taking potshots at Richie's mob family, and he was first up, but just wounded. Others in the Burke family - plus the family goon - don't fare so well and are dead. Sunny, who is on-again, off-again with Richie, visits all the gangsters in town, one by one, including Ty Bop and Vinnie Morris, the sharp shooter. Cops Frank Belson and now-retired Martin Quirk; Jesse Stone with whom Sunny had a fling; and Spenser's Susan Silverman make appearances, too.
What's also still here is the trait I've never liked about Sunny: putting down her mother and idolizing her father. And in this one, Belson has a new female boss who's ridiculed. I'm put off by her concerns about her looks - and in this one, her age. A reader describes her as shallow; I concur, and would add "ditzy." Even her name seems condescending. Such a different take from the strong women (like Rita Fiore) Parker created in the Spenser books.
So the gang's all here, but Lupica added updates. Whitey Bulger is here, as is Trump. Sunny would rather "run my hands through Trump's hair" than get married again. At one point Sunny visits Tony Marcus's bar where "all the customers were black. As always at Tony's place, I felt whiter than the Republican National Convention." An FBI agent survives in the Bureau by "pretending I don't know who the president is." Sunny can have as many drinks as she wants at Spike's Place because that's "why God invented Uber."
Resolution of the crime has more to do with the Burke family's old romantic liaisions than about control of the illegal gun trade in Boston. Sunny's ill-adised mocking of a mobster is dumb, but I guess it sets up the next book. This was Lupica's first outing with Sunny after a 10 year hiatus. Can't decide if she has anywhere to go in new hands or not!
What's also still here is the trait I've never liked about Sunny: putting down her mother and idolizing her father. And in this one, Belson has a new female boss who's ridiculed. I'm put off by her concerns about her looks - and in this one, her age. A reader describes her as shallow; I concur, and would add "ditzy." Even her name seems condescending. Such a different take from the strong women (like Rita Fiore) Parker created in the Spenser books.
So the gang's all here, but Lupica added updates. Whitey Bulger is here, as is Trump. Sunny would rather "run my hands through Trump's hair" than get married again. At one point Sunny visits Tony Marcus's bar where "all the customers were black. As always at Tony's place, I felt whiter than the Republican National Convention." An FBI agent survives in the Bureau by "pretending I don't know who the president is." Sunny can have as many drinks as she wants at Spike's Place because that's "why God invented Uber."
Resolution of the crime has more to do with the Burke family's old romantic liaisions than about control of the illegal gun trade in Boston. Sunny's ill-adised mocking of a mobster is dumb, but I guess it sets up the next book. This was Lupica's first outing with Sunny after a 10 year hiatus. Can't decide if she has anywhere to go in new hands or not!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2019
When my favorite author, Robert B. Parker died unexpectedly in January 2010 I was devastated. He was a great mystery/detective writer with several viable series in the genre. After his death the owners of his estate decided, together with Parker's publishers, to continue his series: Jesse Stone, Spenser, and Virgil Cole & Everett Hitch.
The Jesse Stone series has been continued, through 2016 with six novels, one a year, the first three by Parker's longtime friend and collaborator, Michael Brandman, and the last three by Reed Farrel Coleman. The Spenser novels have continued with the one Parker was working on at his death completed by his longtime literary agent Helen Brann, and through 2016 with five others by journalist/writer Ace Atkins. Parker's Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch series has been continued by actor and screenwriter Robert Knott with three novels published through 2016.
The Sunny Randall series received a 7th installment titled Blood Feud on November 27th, 2018. Written by a longtime friend of Parker's, sports journalist, and bestselling author, Mike Lupica. Lupica does justice to the previous work of Robert B. Parker in this splendid continuation of the late author’s Sunny Randall series. . . . he hits the sweet spot by balancing Sunny’s professional hyper-competence with first-person narration that exposes her fears and self-doubts. It was a great, fun read, and I was happy to see this Parker series continued by Mike Lupica.
From the publisher: Sunny Randall is "on" again with Richie, the ex-husband she never stopped loving and never seemed to be able to let go, despite her discomfort with his Mafia connections. When Richie is shot and nearly killed, Sunny is dragged into the thick of his family's business as she searches for answers and tries to stave off a mob war. But as the bullets start flying in Boston's mean streets, Sunny finds herself targeted by the deranged mastermind of the plot against the Burke family, whose motive may be far more personal than she could have anticipated...
The Jesse Stone series has been continued, through 2016 with six novels, one a year, the first three by Parker's longtime friend and collaborator, Michael Brandman, and the last three by Reed Farrel Coleman. The Spenser novels have continued with the one Parker was working on at his death completed by his longtime literary agent Helen Brann, and through 2016 with five others by journalist/writer Ace Atkins. Parker's Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch series has been continued by actor and screenwriter Robert Knott with three novels published through 2016.
The Sunny Randall series received a 7th installment titled Blood Feud on November 27th, 2018. Written by a longtime friend of Parker's, sports journalist, and bestselling author, Mike Lupica. Lupica does justice to the previous work of Robert B. Parker in this splendid continuation of the late author’s Sunny Randall series. . . . he hits the sweet spot by balancing Sunny’s professional hyper-competence with first-person narration that exposes her fears and self-doubts. It was a great, fun read, and I was happy to see this Parker series continued by Mike Lupica.
From the publisher: Sunny Randall is "on" again with Richie, the ex-husband she never stopped loving and never seemed to be able to let go, despite her discomfort with his Mafia connections. When Richie is shot and nearly killed, Sunny is dragged into the thick of his family's business as she searches for answers and tries to stave off a mob war. But as the bullets start flying in Boston's mean streets, Sunny finds herself targeted by the deranged mastermind of the plot against the Burke family, whose motive may be far more personal than she could have anticipated...
December 5, 2018
“Blood Feud” by Mike Lupica reintroduces readers to Sunny Randall, Robert B. Parker’s PI last seen in “Spare Change.” A few things have changed; she moved; she got a new dog, and she is a little older.
However, most things remain the same.
In a first person narrative, readers find Randall still in a turbulent on-again off-again relationship with her ex-husband Richie Burke, despite his “unfortunate” crime mob family connections. When Burk is shot, Randall searches for answers and finds herself plunged into the middle of his family’s business. The situation becomes more personal that she expected.
Lupica did a fine job of renewing the franchise and reacquainting readers with familiar characters after all the years. He also introduced a few new ones that advance and refresh the franchise. I received a review copy of “Blood Feud” from Mike Lupica, G. P. Putnam’s Sons, Penguin Group, and NetGalley and found it very entertaining. Previous readers will feel right at home with the new series. New readers will easily jump into the franchise. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
“Do I look as if I’m getting older?”
“This is some kind of trap,” he said.
“I’m being serious,” I said. “The UPS kid ma’amed me the other day.”
However, most things remain the same.
“I assume you shot him,” Spike said.
“No,” I said. “But I thought about it.”
In a first person narrative, readers find Randall still in a turbulent on-again off-again relationship with her ex-husband Richie Burke, despite his “unfortunate” crime mob family connections. When Burk is shot, Randall searches for answers and finds herself plunged into the middle of his family’s business. The situation becomes more personal that she expected.
Lupica did a fine job of renewing the franchise and reacquainting readers with familiar characters after all the years. He also introduced a few new ones that advance and refresh the franchise. I received a review copy of “Blood Feud” from Mike Lupica, G. P. Putnam’s Sons, Penguin Group, and NetGalley and found it very entertaining. Previous readers will feel right at home with the new series. New readers will easily jump into the franchise. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
January 15, 2019
When Robert B. Parker died in 2010, his estate placed the responsibility for three of his long running series in the hand of new authors with mixed results. As a fan of Spencer, Jesse Stone and Sunny Randall (never was much for westerns, so I did not follow his Virgil Cole series), I tried all of them. Ace Atkins started Spencer a little rocky but has settled in, I would say just okay... Jesse Stone has had the hardest time with two different authors and while I have not caught up to all of the efforts, I am losing interest as he has strayed the furthest from who I believe Parker intended him to be.
So now after ten years, Sunny Randall has finally returned. Sunny was Parker's last series creation and the shortest in terms of the number of books he wrote. Mike Lupica, the sports columnist and novelist was selected to continue the series...and while I was wary, he's done an excellent job here. No spoilers here but, Sunny feels like Sunny and this tale comes right out of the Parker mold.
If you have soured on the later efforts on Jesse Stone and Spencer, give this Sunny Randall entry a chance. I think it will feel right to you. What better compliment could I make?
So now after ten years, Sunny Randall has finally returned. Sunny was Parker's last series creation and the shortest in terms of the number of books he wrote. Mike Lupica, the sports columnist and novelist was selected to continue the series...and while I was wary, he's done an excellent job here. No spoilers here but, Sunny feels like Sunny and this tale comes right out of the Parker mold.
If you have soured on the later efforts on Jesse Stone and Spencer, give this Sunny Randall entry a chance. I think it will feel right to you. What better compliment could I make?
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