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MELANCHOLY BABY is the fourth novel to feature Sunny Randall, and some of Robert B. Parker's best work is contained within these pages.
The plot is classic Parker, with Randall being retained by a young woman named Sarah Markham, who is convinced that her parents are not really her parents. Markham is, by anyone's definition, a difficult person, choosing --- at least initially --- to define her individuality by the degree of her obnoxiousness. Randall quickly determines, however, that all is not right in the Markham household.
When a couple of thugs rough up Markham and warn her against pursuing her background, Randall's reaction is to dig even deeper. Two unexpected murders then occur. They could be merely coincidental, yet they appear to be linked to Randall's investigation. Randall's friend Spike is there to help, as is her dad, with his ex-cop instincts and life experience. Richie Burke, Randall's ex-husband, is also there to assist. Randall's personal conundrum is that she loves Burke, but she can't live with him, or anyone. This leads to a situation that forms the undercurrent on which MELANCHOLY BABY flows and is by no means resolved by the end of the novel.
Parker is breaking down the barriers that exist between his characters. Jesse Stone has made an appearance in Spenser's continuum, and in MELANCHOLY BABY another character of Parker's --- who becomes integral to the story --- shows up in Randall's world. Parker also introduces a new character, New York City Police Detective 2nd Grade Eugene Corsetti. It would be fun to see Corsetti in his own series, though he works just fine here as a supporting character. What is most important, however, is that Parker, at a time when he could be resting on his laurels, continues --- impossible as it may seem --- to surpass himself. This is a man who still has many intriguing tales left to tell.
--- Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
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