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Available
Call number
Series
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Collection
Publication
St. Martin's Press (2018), 400 pages
Description
"In the new thriller from New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, Mary DiNunzio's ruthless nemesis Nick Machiavelli is back...with a vengeance. When three men announce that they are suing the Rosato & DiNunzio law firm for reverse sex discrimination--claiming that they were not hired because they were men--Mary DiNunzio and Bennie Rosato are outraged. To make matters worse, their one male employee, John Foxman, intends to resign, claiming that there is some truth to this case. The plaintiffs' lawyer is Nick Machiavelli, who has already lost to Mary once and is now back with a vengeance --determined not to not only win, but destroy the firm. It soon becomes clear that Machiavelli will do anything in his power to achieve his end...even after the case turns deadly. The stakes have never been higher for Mary and her associates as they try to keep Machiavelli at bay, solve a murder, and save the law firm they love...or they could lose everything they've worked for. Told with Scottoline's trademark gift for twists, turns, heart, and humanity, this latest thriller asks the question: Is it better to be loved, or feared... Feared, the sixth entry in the acclaimed Rosato & DiNunzio series, expertly explores what happens when we are tempted to give in to our own inner darkness."--… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member RobynELee
Excellent book in a series of great reads. The characters and their struggles are so honest and heartrending, I had to remind myself that this was fiction. Unlike hour long TV dramas about law offices, this story rings true with all the nitty gritty and stress of a real law office. Whether you know
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all of the characters as if they are old friends, or are just starting a journey with this law firm, this is a riveting and worthwhile read. One of the author’s best. I almost wish I could forget all the earlier books so I could discover them again. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of the book. Loved it! Show Less
LibraryThing member Pam50627
Wonderful book! In a storyline that could be taken out of today’s headlines, the firm has been served with a reverse discrimination suit by three men that said that they weren’t hired because the firm is all women. There’s something fishy in the entire lawsuit but no one can figure it out.
Lisa Scottoline writes terrific legal thrillers with a touch of romance. She manages to keep the plot intense & interesting while keeping up a good pace. The storyline doesn’t drag. The women have really developed a sense of family at the firm & are shocked when John admits to feeling he won’t be advanced there. There are multiple storylines going on but they are all kept straight & resolved by the end of the book. I love that Mary’s loud, brash Italian family are a big part of the story & the way it ends.
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Then the only male employee, John, decides to resign & it causes more tension & problems. Besides defending themselves, they are trying an anti-trust suit & John was a big part of the team. As they try to rotate duties & pacify the clients, John is murdered & his girlfriend, Judy, is a person of interest. Can things get any worse?Lisa Scottoline writes terrific legal thrillers with a touch of romance. She manages to keep the plot intense & interesting while keeping up a good pace. The storyline doesn’t drag. The women have really developed a sense of family at the firm & are shocked when John admits to feeling he won’t be advanced there. There are multiple storylines going on but they are all kept straight & resolved by the end of the book. I love that Mary’s loud, brash Italian family are a big part of the story & the way it ends.
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LibraryThing member BettyTaylor56
I have always loved Scottoline’s stand-alone novels. This is the first in this series this I have read, but I found I did not need to read the previous ones to understand this one. But now I would like to go back and read the previous five in the series.
Mary DiNunzio and Bennie Rosato are
Mary and her husband Anthony are expecting their first child. Her late-term pregnancy presents complications but also more humor. Mary’s South Philly family is delightful. Her parents and neighborhood buddies bring heart and humor to the story, and wherever her parents go “the Tonys” also go. They are so funny! And loyal to the end! The character development was superb which is why I want to read more of the series so I can revisit these memorable characters.
The ladies are determined to find the murdered of their colleague. This places demands on Mary as she juggles her dedication to her firm and friends and her health (and that of her baby) in these last two months of her pregnancy.
Amidst all this chaos they still have a client to represent – a small company that stands to be eaten up by a couple of mega firms. Thus the story line gets a bit more complex. There are several threads going in this story and, at first, they seem to have no connections. But I wouldn’t shut that door just yet.
A mastery of dialogue, humor, suspense, a lot of heart, and family all come together to give us a book that is fun to read, that tugs at our hearts, that gives us an example of strong female friendships, and keeps us glued to it late into the night.
I gave the book a four star rating (versus a five) because the motive behind the murder didn’t quite seem believable. But other than that I loved it and definitely recommend it to others.
I received an Advance Reading Copy from the publisher.
Mary DiNunzio and Bennie Rosato are
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partners at the Rosato & DiNunzio law firm and Mary’s best friend Judy also works there. Nick Machiavelli, considered a neighborhood thug, is rolling in dough. But he and Mary have had previous conflicts and this time he is determined to take the entire firm down. He has manufactured a reverse discrimination suit on Mary, Bennie, and Judy for denying employment to three male attorneys who had applied. To make matters worse Machiavelli has manipulated their one male attorney into incriminating them. Since the law suit is directed at the ladies individually they stand to lose everything. Then a member of the Rosato & DiNunzio firm is murdered and Machiavelli accuses Mary, Bennie, and Judy of the murder. Everything is now truly on the line.Mary and her husband Anthony are expecting their first child. Her late-term pregnancy presents complications but also more humor. Mary’s South Philly family is delightful. Her parents and neighborhood buddies bring heart and humor to the story, and wherever her parents go “the Tonys” also go. They are so funny! And loyal to the end! The character development was superb which is why I want to read more of the series so I can revisit these memorable characters.
The ladies are determined to find the murdered of their colleague. This places demands on Mary as she juggles her dedication to her firm and friends and her health (and that of her baby) in these last two months of her pregnancy.
Amidst all this chaos they still have a client to represent – a small company that stands to be eaten up by a couple of mega firms. Thus the story line gets a bit more complex. There are several threads going in this story and, at first, they seem to have no connections. But I wouldn’t shut that door just yet.
A mastery of dialogue, humor, suspense, a lot of heart, and family all come together to give us a book that is fun to read, that tugs at our hearts, that gives us an example of strong female friendships, and keeps us glued to it late into the night.
I gave the book a four star rating (versus a five) because the motive behind the murder didn’t quite seem believable. But other than that I loved it and definitely recommend it to others.
I received an Advance Reading Copy from the publisher.
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LibraryThing member Dokfintong
I have been enjoying Bennie Rosato books from the beginning but this one is awful. It's a completely implausible story with loose ends all over. The reveal is impossible – a blurry photo leads to instant ID of the murderer. I don't want to go into a catalog of errors because it would spoil
Is this the effective end of what had been a strong series? I'll maybe give Lisa Scottoline one more.
I received a review copy of "Feared: A Rosato & DiNunzio Novel" by Lisa Scottoline (St. Martin's) through NetGalley.com.
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everything, but one thing I can say is that if John is such a super lawyer how did he miss the course on professional code of conduct and #MeToo? My reading notes pick up the plot way early and I simply do not believe the identity of the murderer. The chorus of gushing Italian moms is becoming painful.Is this the effective end of what had been a strong series? I'll maybe give Lisa Scottoline one more.
I received a review copy of "Feared: A Rosato & DiNunzio Novel" by Lisa Scottoline (St. Martin's) through NetGalley.com.
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LibraryThing member grumpydan
In the sixth Rosato & DiNunzio novel, They are being sued by three men who are using reverse sex discrimination when they didn’t get jobs for which they applied for. Behind it is Mary DiNunzio’s nemesis from the neighborhood, Nick Machiavelli. He lost a cost against Mary once before and now
I must admit I haven’t been following this series and may have missed a few but that doesn’t make a difference since each one is a standalone story. This time Mary is pregnant and close to her due date, which makes for some hilarious comedic moments. It doesn’t mean there aren’t any serious ones either. There are many. Also, love the characters from the South Philly neighborhood. They are so colorful. This is still a thriller and a mystery that had me stumped. The author certainly keeps my entertained!
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wants to ruin her and the firm. But would he resort to murder?I must admit I haven’t been following this series and may have missed a few but that doesn’t make a difference since each one is a standalone story. This time Mary is pregnant and close to her due date, which makes for some hilarious comedic moments. It doesn’t mean there aren’t any serious ones either. There are many. Also, love the characters from the South Philly neighborhood. They are so colorful. This is still a thriller and a mystery that had me stumped. The author certainly keeps my entertained!
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LibraryThing member Bonnie.Franks
I have followed Lisa Scottoline's writing since I first discovered her years ago. Rosato & DiNunzio novels are my favorites. These characters are people you know or have known or want to know. Mary is from such an uber Philly Italian family! The interactions amongst the characters in any one of the
I love that no matter how horrible the circumstances, and some are truly horrible, there is a light thread of humor that always runs through the writing. This book is just so enjoyably readable that it is difficult to put down. I was fearful, I was shocked, I was wrong about some guesses, but I loved every minute of it and would recommend this book highly to anyone who enjoys stories about family, mysteries, legal thrillers, friendships. It's all in here. Enjoy.
This book was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.
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books can't be beat, and this book is no exception and probably proves the rule. This book introduces new characters and takes us back to some of our not so favorite characters as well. Surprises abound! I love that no matter how horrible the circumstances, and some are truly horrible, there is a light thread of humor that always runs through the writing. This book is just so enjoyably readable that it is difficult to put down. I was fearful, I was shocked, I was wrong about some guesses, but I loved every minute of it and would recommend this book highly to anyone who enjoys stories about family, mysteries, legal thrillers, friendships. It's all in here. Enjoy.
This book was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.
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LibraryThing member jfe16
When Nick Machiavelli brings a reverse sex discrimination lawsuit against the law firm of Rosato and DiNunzio, the women are stunned. Their situation deteriorates when their male associate, John Foxman, claims there is some truth to the lawsuit and resigns from the firm. When the case turns deadly,
With all the familiar characters in place, this sixth outing for the lady lawyers grabs readers from the beginning and pulls them into the story. Character development is a highlight of this smart legal series, and this one does not disappoint. Aside from the legal goings-on, there’s romance, drama, and lots of action as the plot twists and turns and unexpected reveals take the story in new directions.
With sufficient backstory woven into the narrative to support readers new to the series, this fast-moving tale is a treat for everyone. Several unexpected reveals keep the tension mounting as the story unfolds and readers will find it difficult to put this one aside before turning the final page.
Highly recommended.
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Bennie, Mary, and Judy find themselves working to unravel Nick’s schemes and solve a murder. Is this the end for their beloved law firm? With all the familiar characters in place, this sixth outing for the lady lawyers grabs readers from the beginning and pulls them into the story. Character development is a highlight of this smart legal series, and this one does not disappoint. Aside from the legal goings-on, there’s romance, drama, and lots of action as the plot twists and turns and unexpected reveals take the story in new directions.
With sufficient backstory woven into the narrative to support readers new to the series, this fast-moving tale is a treat for everyone. Several unexpected reveals keep the tension mounting as the story unfolds and readers will find it difficult to put this one aside before turning the final page.
Highly recommended.
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LibraryThing member MrsRJ
Kicking things off, an old foe still harboring a grudge against Mary, sees an opportunity for revenge and much, much more. He could be the one to bring down "Chicago's Premier La Firm," and make himself famous in the process. Attorney Nick Machiavelli sounded more like a mid-way carnival caller
Mary and Bennie had no idea that John Foxman, the only male associate at Rosato & DiNunzio, wasn't feeling like part of the team. That is until he up and quits. If an insider like Foxman were to Machiavelli, the results could be catastrophic for R&D. But when Foxman is found murdered, things get even worse for Mary and Bennie. Lead Philadelphia Homicide Detective Jason Krakoff follows the clues straight back to the law firm. Eyewitness statements leave no doubt troubles within his former employer's office played a role in Foxman's demise. Detective Krakoff is convinced Judy murdered John after an ugly, public break-up. Whoa! Break-up? Yep, Judy had been secretly involved with John. Now Judy is Krakoff's prime suspect.
Feared is the sixth novel in Scottoline's Rosato & DiNunzio series. Staying true to the formula that works, Scottoline weaves everything together giving listeners the desired happy ending. The audiobook is an incredibly entertaining listening experience. Kate Burton brings the law firm ladies to life. Through tone, inflection, and expert pacing Burton builds tension elicits emotion and pulls the listener into the fictional world of this popular law firm. From the first CD, I was hanging on every word. Searching for a "good place" to pause was nearly impossible. I just didn't want to turn it off. This is definitely a "binge audiobook."
Happy Listening,
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than high-priced polished attorney as he announced to reporters that on behalf of his clients he had filed a suit against the esteemed law firm accusing Rosato & DiNunzio of reverse discrimination. Mary, Bennie, and Judy simultaneously felt a knot tighten in the pit of their stomachs.Mary and Bennie had no idea that John Foxman, the only male associate at Rosato & DiNunzio, wasn't feeling like part of the team. That is until he up and quits. If an insider like Foxman were to Machiavelli, the results could be catastrophic for R&D. But when Foxman is found murdered, things get even worse for Mary and Bennie. Lead Philadelphia Homicide Detective Jason Krakoff follows the clues straight back to the law firm. Eyewitness statements leave no doubt troubles within his former employer's office played a role in Foxman's demise. Detective Krakoff is convinced Judy murdered John after an ugly, public break-up. Whoa! Break-up? Yep, Judy had been secretly involved with John. Now Judy is Krakoff's prime suspect.
Feared is the sixth novel in Scottoline's Rosato & DiNunzio series. Staying true to the formula that works, Scottoline weaves everything together giving listeners the desired happy ending. The audiobook is an incredibly entertaining listening experience. Kate Burton brings the law firm ladies to life. Through tone, inflection, and expert pacing Burton builds tension elicits emotion and pulls the listener into the fictional world of this popular law firm. From the first CD, I was hanging on every word. Searching for a "good place" to pause was nearly impossible. I just didn't want to turn it off. This is definitely a "binge audiobook."
Happy Listening,
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LibraryThing member Charlotte_Lynn
Feared is an amazing legal thriller. It is book #6 of the series but can easily be read without reading the rest of the books. As with most standalone series, reading them in order gives the reader more background to the story and the character but this book in wonderful on its own.
In Feared we
In this book, we get an inside look at the home lives of the women. They head home to get dirt on Nick since he was from a family in the neighborhood. I loved seeing how these strong Italian families get together, protect each other, and fight for themselves. I liked seeing how their families come first, religion holds a strong place in their lives, and how family included all those who live in the neighborhood.
Lisa Scottoline is a must-read author, this series is one of my favorites, and I will always recommend everyone read them.
In Feared we
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find the women of the law firm going against Nick Machiavelli. He holds a grudge against Rosato & DiNunzio after losing to them in a past case. The case is a reverse sex discrimination case, three men are accusing Rosato & DiNunzio of not hiring them because they were men and the law firm is all women. Mary and Bennie along with the rest of their law firm stay strong, work together, and figure out how to fight fire with fire. From the beginning there is no doubt that the women will win, the women will stay strong and figure out how to save their jobs and their lives. In this book, we get an inside look at the home lives of the women. They head home to get dirt on Nick since he was from a family in the neighborhood. I loved seeing how these strong Italian families get together, protect each other, and fight for themselves. I liked seeing how their families come first, religion holds a strong place in their lives, and how family included all those who live in the neighborhood.
Lisa Scottoline is a must-read author, this series is one of my favorites, and I will always recommend everyone read them.
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LibraryThing member jepeters333
When three men announce that they are suing the Rosato & DiNunzio law firm for reverse sex discrimination—claiming that they were not hired because they were men—Mary DiNunzio and Bennie Rosato are outraged. To make matters worse, their one male employee, John Foxman, intends to resign,
The plaintiffs’ lawyer is Nick Machiavelli, who has already lost to Mary once and is now back with a vengeance —determined not to not only win, but destroy the firm. It soon becomes clear that Machiavelli will do anything in his power to achieve his end…even after the case turns deadly. The stakes have never been higher for Mary and her associates as they try to keep Machiavelli at bay, solve a murder, and save the law firm they love…or they could lose everything they’ve worked for. Told with Scottoline's trademark gift for twists, turns, heart, and humanity, this latest thriller asks the question: Is it better to be loved, or feared...
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claiming that there is some truth to this case. The plaintiffs’ lawyer is Nick Machiavelli, who has already lost to Mary once and is now back with a vengeance —determined not to not only win, but destroy the firm. It soon becomes clear that Machiavelli will do anything in his power to achieve his end…even after the case turns deadly. The stakes have never been higher for Mary and her associates as they try to keep Machiavelli at bay, solve a murder, and save the law firm they love…or they could lose everything they’ve worked for. Told with Scottoline's trademark gift for twists, turns, heart, and humanity, this latest thriller asks the question: Is it better to be loved, or feared...
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LibraryThing member nancyadair
It was Lisa Scottoline's Rosato and DiNunzio series that brought me to reading her and Mary DiNunzio remains a favorite character. Who can resist a South Philly girl with a close Italian community that includes so many Tonys--Pigeon Tony, Tony 'Two-Feet', Tony-From-Down-the-Block, not to forget
In Feared, Scottoline once again puts Mary in harm's way. But this time it's not just Mary's life that is on the line, for she is seven months pregnant.
Nick Machiavelli has targeted Bennie Rosato and her partners Mary and Judy in a lawsuit accusing them of sex discrimination in hiring. And their associate John's own words are being used against them. They are being sued as individuals and they could lose everything.
Then John turns up dead and Judy is the last one to have seen him alive.
Mary struggles with the demands of her career and impending motherhood. Judy mourns the loss of her happy ending. The clients are small fry business owners who are about to be swallowed by the big fish in the market. And John's brother with Cerebral Palsy may be force feed for convenience.
With her signature blend of humor, memorable characters, mystery, and thrills, the novel kept me turning pages. Through twists and turns and red herrings, you will be on a wild ride to an unexpected resolution.
I received an ebook from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
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Mary's husband Anthony! Just reading about her mother's gravy makes me hungry for pasta.In Feared, Scottoline once again puts Mary in harm's way. But this time it's not just Mary's life that is on the line, for she is seven months pregnant.
Nick Machiavelli has targeted Bennie Rosato and her partners Mary and Judy in a lawsuit accusing them of sex discrimination in hiring. And their associate John's own words are being used against them. They are being sued as individuals and they could lose everything.
Then John turns up dead and Judy is the last one to have seen him alive.
Mary struggles with the demands of her career and impending motherhood. Judy mourns the loss of her happy ending. The clients are small fry business owners who are about to be swallowed by the big fish in the market. And John's brother with Cerebral Palsy may be force feed for convenience.
With her signature blend of humor, memorable characters, mystery, and thrills, the novel kept me turning pages. Through twists and turns and red herrings, you will be on a wild ride to an unexpected resolution.
I received an ebook from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
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LibraryThing member LoriKBoyd
Trademark Lisa Scottoline...intense legal drama with her wit thrown in. I haven’t visited Bennie, Mary and the gang for a while. I prefer her standalone books. I picked up where I left off reasonably easy though with only a question or 2 on what happened previously but will go back and read
That’s to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone. #Feared #NetGalley
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previous books. No one does ethnic family like Lisa. Growing up in a ethnic household (Polish..same issues, different accent) with Italian next door neighbors (my second family), she nails the family drama part. Her research and knowledge show thru with tge different issues...law suit, murder and Philadelphia area. That’s to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone. #Feared #NetGalley
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LibraryThing member Lisa5127
I won a free copy of this book from Netgalley.com. My mom is a huge Lisa Scottoline fan, but I had never read any of her books. I picked it up yesterday and finished it today. Thank goodness my family was all busy and I was home alone. I don't think I could have been a good mom knowing that a
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killer was on the loose! I won't spoil anything, but this book had a lot of drama and suspense. It kept me guessing until the end! Now, I need to go find some good ravioli for supper! Show Less
LibraryThing member SallyElizabethMurphy
Easy read but silly
LibraryThing member books-n-pickles
I picked this up and skimmed the first couple lines--and, completely unexpectedly, I was hooked. I bombed through the whole thing in just a couple of days, knowing nothing about any other books in the series, and I was never once lost. Writing a series book that can also be a standalone takes some
Yeah, the English major snob in me had moments of eye-rolling disbelief...but in the end, I didn't care. Or rather, I did care because I actually ended up liking it. Because you know what? It turns out this book was exactly what I needed right now. A bunch of strong, powerful women running their own worlds, loving their careers, supporting each other professionally and personally--both colleagues and friends--and choosing to only hang out with men that loved and supported them, too. It's so easy to feel alone in life, and so often it seems like that's what books focus on: the chosen one, the reluctant leader, the odd one out. But for once, I found a book where everyone had a role but also shared roles. Collaboration was way more important than competition. Communities of women and families and neighborhoods mattered more than individual egos, at least to the main characters.
The world is enough like an episode of Black Mirror right now. People are lonely and afraid. I never expected a legal thriller to remind me that there is an alternative. Books don't just have to show the world as it is or at its worst--they can also show us the best possible reality. So while I don't buy for a minute that lawyers with reputations to uphold wouldaccuse other lawyers of murder without actual solid evidence , I also prefer to focus on the family that believes in their child and supports her even when they don't totally understand her choices.
Sometimes it's nice to dream about a world where eye-rolling disbelief exists instead of being par for the Twitter course. Where good and evil can be a little bit easier to spot and--more importantly--to stop.
So yes, I'm me, and I'm going to talk about the things that annoyed me. But who cares? I had enough fun reading this book to relax and enjoy the ride anyway.
Quote Roundup
p. 27) Mary was totally confused, since she thought they were talking about the Way of the Tao, not the Way of the Sage, and in any event, she had been raised Catholic, which was My Way Or The Highway.
There was some really great humor in here. Or maybe I just appreciated it because I went to school with so many (Irish) Catholics in Massachusetts.
p. 122) Frankly, Detective Krakoff's behavior in this situation seems perfectly reasonable to me, however much it frustrates Bennie. There's no reason at all why he should have to give information out to a random person--never mind a person who actually could have some bearing to his case. Throughout this book there were numerous instances where I wondered just how blurred the boundaries were between fiction and reality, because these lawyers say some crazy things and go to some surprising places that I would have thought would compromise their cases. It made me question the "legal" part of "legal thriller".
p. 164) Another instance that strained credulity:one lawyer calling another's client to harass them about the case . I get that this is part of his character, but it just seems wildly implausible. Is it?
p. 217) "You have read that President Richard Nixon stated, 'I am not a crook.' It went down in history as a statement that everybody remembered, because to deny something so absurd gives it credibility that it would not otherwise have."
Um, actually, if I'm remembering my history right, it was more like it got remembered because he actually wasa crook and it turned out that the denial was the absurd part. Maybe not the best example.
p. 238) More unprofessional behavior that seems like it could be grounds for being disbarred. But funny.
p. 340) "You're vaguely aware that there's a code of ethics for attorneys, aren't you?"
A question to ask of every lawyer in the book!
p. 369) Can't say I was totally happy with the murderer. I mean, it was great from a plot perspective, but it strained credulity a bit. "All of a sudden..." No kidding!
And now that I apparently wasted my quotes on complaints, I'd like to wrap up with a few more things that I liked:
> A pregnant main character. Seriously, how often does that happen? And she's not resentful that the baby's going to ruin her life, though she does worry, and she works out her worries with help from her husband.
> A wonderful, lively character with cerebral palsy who is enjoying life.
> Said character is loved by his family and friends, with no hint from anyone that he is a burden.
> A supportive husband who has his own life and is not a doormat but also likes and supports his wife's friends.
> Neighbors who are there for each other, whether the "other" is well-known or someone new! The Tonys! Little old lady clubs!
> Women characters who support each other instead of going all Mean Girls (they easily could have, in the hands of a different author).
> Women taking control of their lives, but also seriously listening to, considering, and acting on input from others--because no woman is an island, and no one always knows what's best for themselves.
> Women deciding what they want in life and pursuing it, whether that's career, romance, family, something else, or a combination of the four.
> Realistic emotional development--and stalling out.
> Men who support women, both as women and as fellow human beings. We saw this in husbands, coworkers, clients...all over the place, despite the overarching theme of sexism.
So yeah...maybe not a literary feat, but a very fun book that really hit the spot for me right now.
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serious skill, and I'd say Scottoline has accomplished that very well. Yeah, the English major snob in me had moments of eye-rolling disbelief...but in the end, I didn't care. Or rather, I did care because I actually ended up liking it. Because you know what? It turns out this book was exactly what I needed right now. A bunch of strong, powerful women running their own worlds, loving their careers, supporting each other professionally and personally--both colleagues and friends--and choosing to only hang out with men that loved and supported them, too. It's so easy to feel alone in life, and so often it seems like that's what books focus on: the chosen one, the reluctant leader, the odd one out. But for once, I found a book where everyone had a role but also shared roles. Collaboration was way more important than competition. Communities of women and families and neighborhoods mattered more than individual egos, at least to the main characters.
The world is enough like an episode of Black Mirror right now. People are lonely and afraid. I never expected a legal thriller to remind me that there is an alternative. Books don't just have to show the world as it is or at its worst--they can also show us the best possible reality. So while I don't buy for a minute that lawyers with reputations to uphold would
Sometimes it's nice to dream about a world where eye-rolling disbelief exists instead of being par for the Twitter course. Where good and evil can be a little bit easier to spot and--more importantly--to stop.
So yes, I'm me, and I'm going to talk about the things that annoyed me. But who cares? I had enough fun reading this book to relax and enjoy the ride anyway.
Quote Roundup
p. 27) Mary was totally confused, since she thought they were talking about the Way of the Tao, not the Way of the Sage, and in any event, she had been raised Catholic, which was My Way Or The Highway.
There was some really great humor in here. Or maybe I just appreciated it because I went to school with so many (Irish) Catholics in Massachusetts.
p. 122) Frankly, Detective Krakoff's behavior in this situation seems perfectly reasonable to me, however much it frustrates Bennie. There's no reason at all why he should have to give information out to a random person--never mind a person who actually could have some bearing to his case. Throughout this book there were numerous instances where I wondered just how blurred the boundaries were between fiction and reality, because these lawyers say some crazy things and go to some surprising places that I would have thought would compromise their cases. It made me question the "legal" part of "legal thriller".
p. 164) Another instance that strained credulity:
p. 217) "You have read that President Richard Nixon stated, 'I am not a crook.' It went down in history as a statement that everybody remembered, because to deny something so absurd gives it credibility that it would not otherwise have."
Um, actually, if I'm remembering my history right, it was more like it got remembered because he actually wasa crook and it turned out that the denial was the absurd part. Maybe not the best example.
p. 238) More unprofessional behavior that seems like it could be grounds for being disbarred. But funny.
p. 340) "You're vaguely aware that there's a code of ethics for attorneys, aren't you?"
A question to ask of every lawyer in the book!
p. 369) Can't say I was totally happy with the murderer. I mean, it was great from a plot perspective, but it strained credulity a bit. "All of a sudden..." No kidding!
And now that I apparently wasted my quotes on complaints, I'd like to wrap up with a few more things that I liked:
> A pregnant main character. Seriously, how often does that happen? And she's not resentful that the baby's going to ruin her life, though she does worry, and she works out her worries with help from her husband.
> A wonderful, lively character with cerebral palsy who is enjoying life.
> Said character is loved by his family and friends, with no hint from anyone that he is a burden.
> A supportive husband who has his own life and is not a doormat but also likes and supports his wife's friends.
> Neighbors who are there for each other, whether the "other" is well-known or someone new! The Tonys! Little old lady clubs!
> Women characters who support each other instead of going all Mean Girls (they easily could have, in the hands of a different author).
> Women taking control of their lives, but also seriously listening to, considering, and acting on input from others--because no woman is an island, and no one always knows what's best for themselves.
> Women deciding what they want in life and pursuing it, whether that's career, romance, family, something else, or a combination of the four.
> Realistic emotional development--and stalling out.
> Men who support women, both as women and as fellow human beings. We saw this in husbands, coworkers, clients...all over the place, despite the overarching theme of sexism.
So yeah...maybe not a literary feat, but a very fun book that really hit the spot for me right now.
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LibraryThing member rmarcin
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Goodreads for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I always enjoyed the Rosato and DiNunzio novels. They are always entertaining, especially when the book gets into Mary’s family life. Her father who shouts everything, her mother who feeds everyone, and the
In this novel, Mary’s enemy, Nick Machiavelli, sues Rosato and DiNunzio for reverse discrimination. One of their own lawyers, John Foxman, had said some things which helped Machiavelli’s case.
As the women try to defend themselves, they stumble onto information about shell corporations and other shady business dealings which could blow the case open.
This was a good fast moving story with all the trademarks of Scottoline. My disappointment was in the reveal of the killer. I thought that was pretty unreasonable, as if the author just needed to wrap up the story, and more background to support the killer’s state of mind could have been given. The reason for the murder seemed far-fetched to me.
#Feared #LisaScottoline #StMartinsPress #GoodreadsGiveaway
I always enjoyed the Rosato and DiNunzio novels. They are always entertaining, especially when the book gets into Mary’s family life. Her father who shouts everything, her mother who feeds everyone, and the
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Tonys who are her father‘s friends, all make for a colorful family. Plus, Mary is heavily pregnant in this book, which provide some comic moments.In this novel, Mary’s enemy, Nick Machiavelli, sues Rosato and DiNunzio for reverse discrimination. One of their own lawyers, John Foxman, had said some things which helped Machiavelli’s case.
As the women try to defend themselves, they stumble onto information about shell corporations and other shady business dealings which could blow the case open.
This was a good fast moving story with all the trademarks of Scottoline. My disappointment was in the reveal of the killer. I thought that was pretty unreasonable, as if the author just needed to wrap up the story, and more background to support the killer’s state of mind could have been given. The reason for the murder seemed far-fetched to me.
#Feared #LisaScottoline #StMartinsPress #GoodreadsGiveaway
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Original language
English
Physical description
9.5 inches
ISBN
1250099595 / 9781250099594