Drama, a dog, and detective work

In Robert B. Parker's Twice Perish, private detective Sunny Randall is hired by a prominent feminist to investigate a stalker. She digs up too much information and winds up fired by her client.

Shortly after that, an associate of the client and the alleged stalker are found dead. In typical Sunny fashion, she can't let go of the case and continues to dig for the truth.

We trail along with Sunny, and her dog, Rosie, meeting a colorful assortment of mobsters, pimps, prostitutes, cops, and friends. Sometimes, she charms her way through situations; other times, she uses her gun.

Sunny uses her resources wisely, getting help from both the good and bad actors. She walks a fine line, and watching her emerge from danger with the answers in hand and her cool intact is interesting.

The plot structure will be familiar to fans of Parker. Still, he gets the most from Sunny's interactions--the dialogue and action are always tight and smart.

Some distractions make this less than Parker's best work. The side stories of Sunny's sister, Elizabeth, and friend, Julie, seem like padding, especially since both are having marital problems. They both make dumb decisions and then whine about it to Sunny, who tries to help or almost help. However, she seems as annoyed as the reader with these interludes.

Also, Sunny's bull terrier, Rosie, is ever present, and we get frequent updates on what she's doing: eating, drinking water, chasing a ball, and more. Sunny loves Rosie, but I'm not sure readers will hold the dog in the same esteem.

I like the Sunny Randall novels because gunplay and violence--while present--are concise and not gratuitous. Sunny gets more mileage out of conversations than bullets.

When "Perish Twice" spends time with its major players, it is a worthy read and an enjoyable detective thriller. Elizabeth, Julie, and Rosie hold this installment back; however, I'm anticipating Sunny's next case.