I can't really judge this book neutrally because this is the sequel to one of the most important books of my teenage years. But The Piper's Son, while not quite as good as Saving Francesca in my opinion, is pretty great. I love books that mix in texting and e-mail formats and this even has some of those sweet, sweet, late-night long-distance phone calls that always get me. I can't really judge how well it connects to Saving Francesca, it's been so long since I've read it, but the way the characters feel is very much in-line with what I remember - Frankie seems a little less multi-faceted here, but she is a side character, so I suppose that tracks. Almost all the old characters make some kind of appearance - with the tragic exception of Jimmy Hailler, who is only talked about. The new characters are interesting and feel vivid and real as Marchetta's characters always do. 

Overall, a very good book about grief and what it does to people and especially to the people around them, but one that would probably seem confusing or dragging on if you hadn't read Saving Francesca or another book by the author first.