Reviews

I've read some of Lisa Scottoline's stand alone books and really liked them so I wanted to tackle her series. I was not disappointed. can't wait to start the next one! Very fast reads!

tbsims's review against another edition

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2.0

I get the strategy...make everyone suspicious so you don't know who-done-it
but it was very confusing and i was unable to connect to any of the characters.
And was there some event that made the twin run away from life and hide in a convent?

canada_matt's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

After reading a recent short story by Lisa Scottoline, I discovered it was loosely connected to some of her series work, legal thrillers with a female protagonist. My interest was piqued and I thought I would give the debut novel a try, which proved to be just as intriguing as I might have hoped. A gritty attorney who has slaved away for years to make partner can see the light, but there are many obstacles still in her way. Meanwhile, Mary DiNunzio is being stalked by someone who appears to know a little too much about her. When an accident almost claims her life, Mary is certain that things have gone too far. Will this partner track prove to be the end of Mary, literally? A great debut by Lisa Scottoline, who had me curious through every flip of the page.

After years of being at the mercy of partners in her law firm, Mary DiNunzio has high hopes of finally making it to the upper echelon. Philadelphia law firms do not yet see the importance of gender equality, forcing Mary to work all the harder to prove herself. When she begins getting prank phone calls, she tosses them off as wrong numbers, until they fit a pattern and leave her feeling quite ill at ease. When the calls begin as soon as she gets into the office and when she makes it home, Mary is certain that someone is watching her, though she has no idea why that might be.

As the busyness of work is soon shelved with the ongoing stalking, things get out of hand when Mary’s secretary is run down and killed while they are out one night. With the police trying to discount this as an accident, much as they did when her husband died the year before, Mary cannot take the dismissals. She demands answers and will not rest until someone looks into the events that have been taking place. It’s a matter of investing time and effort into the case that seems apparent to Mary. Who is following her and for what reason? Mary DiNunzio may want to make partner, but she will have to survive to be granted that pleasure! Lisa Scottoline does a masterful job with this, her debut novel. I am hooked and ready to read on with the rest of the series.

While I always have a number of books piling up around me, when I discover an author to my liking, I can always make some time. This is a series that started out with a bang, keeping me intrigued as I push through the early moments of story and series development. The characters are well shaped and offer some decent backstory that is sure to grow as the series continues. With Mary’s unique family situation, this is surely something that Scottoline will add to as the novels progress. The plots remain basic, but there is some decent depth to them as well, keeping the reader wanting to move forward as things intensify. I am ready to grab the next book, in hopes that it will be just as exciting. I think I’ve found a new binge-worthy collection!

Kudos, Madam Scottoline, for the great legal thriller. Let’s see if you can keep the momentum going.

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garbo's review against another edition

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emotional funny mysterious tense medium-paced

4.5

linsinbox's review against another edition

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4.0

Lisa Scottoline writes intriguing mysteries, and this one is no different. I don't know how many times during the reading did I decide who the villain must be, only to change my mind again in the next chapter. Lots of red herrings and interesting side journeys to get to the final conclusion. I do think I would have liked more insight into the stalker and a few more actual clues along the way, but overall, I enjoyed it and it was all wrapped up neatly in the end.

lbrychic's review against another edition

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3.0

While I've wanted to read this for a really long time, It was just ok. Too many secondary characters in my opinion. I'm glad that her writing has definitely gotten better. I remember reading some of Scottoline's books in this series (Rosato & Associates) and enjoying them immensely. From what I recall, the firm is mainly made up of women.

helenewallace's review against another edition

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3.0

I enjoy legal thrillers but this one fizzled towards the end. Not sure if the author already had plans for a follow up. Reading it now I know it became a series.

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