Sudden Mischief / Robert B. Parker / 288 pages / Deceased Author Challenge

This is a story about a messed-up, murdering cad - one Brad Sterling, Susan Silverman's ex-husband.  When Brad is charged with sexual harassment and a lawsuit is filed by four women, he turns to Susan (Boston PI Spenser's girlfriend) for help - money.  Susan asks Spenser to investigate and ameliorate the charges if at all possible.  In the course of his investigation, Spenser uncovers problems with Galapalooza, a fundraiser organized by Brad and doubts the veracity of the sexual harassment claims.  A murder occurs with a horrifying detail; Brad disappears; and Spenser and Hawk are repeatedly threatened.  As always, Spenser succeeds, but what makes this Spenser novel of particular interest is Spenser's relationship with Susan.  We see Spenser as a keeper - sensitive, understanding, intuitive, and self-sacrificing.