Many of the reviews listed compare this book, and it's protagonist Sunny Randall, with Parker's Spenser books. This is the first Robert Parker book I've read, so I'm not going to try to make that comparison. Instead, I will give you my impression as an out-and-out newcomer. There was one word that kept flashing through my head as I was reading this book. That word was "lightweight".The mystery, involving two murders never really became intriguing enough for me to care who committed them. The story never gathered any momentum nor reached any heights. Rather than building up suspense and reaching some thrilling conclusion that had me on the edge of my seat, the story just petered out. No high point to speak of.Sunny appears to be a Stephanie Plum character - only capable and with more boring friends. The shtick with the dog struck me as too cutesy. I'd call this a good beach book, a nice quick read to kill some time.