Alison Gaylin is a welcome addition to the Robert Parker legacy. In this installment Sunny takes on the case of social media influencers that are being harassed. With some good red-herrings thrown in to distract the reader, the tale takes many twists and turns. Readers will be glad to see the story lines of Spike and Richie continued throughout the novel.

I received this eARC from Netgalley.com and am providing an unbiased review.

Having been a fan of Robert B. Parker's writings for many years, I requested this 11th book in the Sunny Randall series. For those of you not familiar, Parker wrote the original series of 'Spenser', that lead into a television show called 'Spenser For Hire' featuring Robert Urich and Avery Brooks. I became a fan of the show, which led me to reading the books. Parker has created the Jesse Stone (made into several movies starring Tom Selleck) and Sunny Randall series. He has several stand-alone novels and another series based in the old west.

So being a big fan, when Parker passed away around 2010, I was very happy several authors took up the reins on these series of books. This is the first one I have seen from Alison Gaylin, and she has copied Parker's writing and story style very well. In fact, I believe she has improved it, as she seems to write with more detail than Parker did, which helps add more color to the world we are reading about.

Overall, finding a storyline in a detective series that is fresh and new can be daunting, but Graylin has done a very good job with this novel. I was kept guessing throughout most of the story to determine the 'whodunit', and once discovered, she wrapped it up well. I definitely would look forward to more from this author, even if it not following a series by Parker.

This was another great Sunny Randall book I am glad all of Parker series’ are being continued and that the right writers were found to do them Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book early

In return for Instagram influencer Blake James driving his followers to Spike's restaurant, hit hard by the pandemic, Sunny Randall agrees to bodyguard and investigate threats against Blake.

Fudging time from the late 1970s until his death in 2010, Robert B. Parker's novels made scant mention of computers and the Internet. Continuation authors Ace Atkins, Reed Farrel Coleman, and Mike Lupica were slightly more assertive than Parker updating Spenser, Jesse Stone, Sunny and their world. Gaylin is the first to explore the pervasiveness of social media in depth, squarely aiming to turn prime social media users on to Parker.

As a longtime fan, I especially appreciate the moments Gaylin goes against Parker tropes. For one, where we'd expect Sunny to call Spike, Richie, Vinnie, and/or Jesse for backup, Gaylin gives us a standout solo showdown.

Look for Robert B. Parker's Bad Influence June 13. My thanks again to Putnam for the NetGalley.

Sunny Randall books are my longtime favorites, and I was nervous for a new author. Imagine my delight, when the book was as great as Robert Parker! Truly loved it, felt the characters got the loving attention they deserve, and I'm delighted by the new caretaker!!!

Alison Gaylin does Robert B Parker's Sunny Randall total justice. I have loved this character from the beginning and Sunny still kicks butt.

Bad Influence relates the tale of how people today are influenced by others — particularly those who are celebrities or have a strong presence and following on social media. It is also the story of Sunny Randall, a private investigator, who is engaged as a bodyguard for one of these “celebrities “ who is being threatened online via text messages and emails. Sunny’s interpersonal relationships with her parents, her ex-husband, her ex-father in law and, of course, the ever present best friend Spike are all prominent in this story.

The novel is fascinating reading and has many surprises in store for the reader as well as some great descriptions — for example, a TV cooking show called Lovin Oven. I highly recommend this novel to all and thank NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to its publication.

I received an ARC of this upcoming novel through NetGalley.

This is Alison Gaylin's first novel, taking her turn as a writer of Robert Parker novels. I am not a regular reader of Robert Parker novels. This is more of a thriller than it is a mystery. It is a light, breezy read.

The plot features Sunny Randall, a female private investigator. She takes on the assignment of protecting a pair of young "influencers" who are receiving threats on their social media accounts. The couple are Instagram stars, made famous by their female agent. Aside from keeping the couple safe, Sunny is also trying to get to the bottom of who is making the threats.

The characters are not who they say they are. Sunny spends much of her time trying to figure out the personal backgrounds of the people she is trying to protect. In the end, the identities of all the characters are cleared up, but not before some carnage takes place.

THIS BOOK! I really enjoyed reading this one. It was compelling and a pretty easy read. Glad I took a chance on this one!

Alison Gaylin is a new author for the Sunny Randall series, taking over from Mike Lupica. Her freshman effort is off to a great start with a very consistent style and a relevant storyline about social media. With the typical involvement of her ex, Richie, although her feelings for him seem a bit stronger! Great characters (exaggerated Instagrammers) and appearances by her dad, and Richie's dad. These are always quick reads, devoured one one session. Welcome aboard Alison. Hope you are hard at work on the next one!

I love the Parker novels, and am continually amazed at the quality of the novels since his passing. I was afraid when I saw another new author had taken over the Sunny Randall series. This book might be one of the best of the series. Not only is it great, but in some spots, it’s laugh out loud funny.

Great plot, incorporating very up to date plot points. The story revolves around the new influencer culture and involves Sunny doing work for the group. Gaylin incorporated some of Sunny’s stalwarts, such as Spike, her dad and Richie.

The story is lively, fun to read and pulls the story together with perfect closure. So, Parker fans, this new author has Sunny Randall under control!
Thank you Netgalley for this delightful visit with Sunny.