Although it took the powers-that-be some time to find a suitable author to continue Robert B. Parker’s Sunny Randall series following his unfortunate passing, they struck gold with Mike Lupica ... he takes the character to new heights in Grudge Match. This new iteration of the series will appeal not only to its many fans, but also to those who are unfamiliar with Sunny Randall or have been away for a while. The magic that Lupica works on these mysteries will make a believer out of you.
Diehard fans of Robert B. Parker’s beloved characters should thank the thriller gods that Mike Lupica stepped up and took over this series. More so than any of the other estate writers (Ace Atkins, Reed Farrell Coleman, etc.) Lupica has managed to capture Parker’s voice and the distinct voice of his characters ... In his careful hands, Sunny is the tough, wise-cracking, smart-ass fans have come to know and love. Likewise, Lupica’s plotting is absolutely outstanding. Misdirection, suspense, tension, and plenty of twists and turns fill the pages, and a crossover with one of Parker’s other characters proves to be the proverbial cherry on top. If Mike Lupica hasn’t yet taken a bow, he should. Grudge Match is one of the strongest books set in Parker’s universe since his passing, and as long as Lipica’s at the helm, fans should expect plenty more must-read adventures.
Lupica, an award-winning sports journalist, is one of the best surrogates Parker’s estate has chosen to keep the late author’s legendary characters alive. He does an outstanding job with Sunny.
... a strong sequel to 2018's Blood Feud ... 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.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay[/caption]
