Feared: A Rosato & DiNunzio Novel

I have read many of Lisa Scottoline’s novels, enjoying each one. I have not read any books in this series. However, after reading this one, I guess it is time to go look for the other books in this series. After being told they are being sued for reverse discrimination (they claim they were not hired because they were males), Mary DiNunzio and Bennie Rosato, who are main players in their firm, are confused and outraged that something like this could have happened. Then their one male employee, John Foxman, also declares he plans to resign because he sees some truth in the accusation. Finally, the accusers have enlisted a rival lawyer, Nick Machiavelli, who has already lost to Mary once, and who is determined to bring down the firm, regardless what it takes. Besides this lawsuit, the firm is also working on a murder at the same time. The book moves along smoothly, ferreting out details and clues about both of these, while the firm is in the proverbial fight for its life.

This is a well written book, but I would expect nothing less from Lisa Scottoline, based on those books by her that I have read and enjoyed. This one ranks up there along with the rest. I loved the characters, who came across as very realistic and interesting. The prose is well done. The settings are perfect for the story. Though they had their hands full, the author depicted the main characters as knowledgeable, strong and resourceful, while still allowing the reader to connect with them on a personal level. Though part of a series, I can attest that I could easily enough jump right into this one though I had not read the others in the series. If you like this author or strong women who can work to overcome basic problems or just enjoy a good, easily readable and fast-moving mystery, this is a good choice. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

Rosato and DiNunzio, a law firm started by two women which happens to have all female partners, find themselves being sued for reverse discrimination by three male attorneys who were not hired by the firm. Not only is the firm being sued, but each partner is being sued personally. This could financially ruin not only the firm, but each of the women as well. And it doesn't help when they are blindsided by the information that John, the male associate in the firm and one of the leads in a large anti-trust lawsuit, has told people outside the firm that he feels he won't make partner because he's a man, and is looking for another job.

Nick Machiavelli, Mary DiNunzio's nemesis, is lead counsel on the reverse discrimination lawsuit. He has lost to Mary before, and he is out for revenge. Mary is pregnant and has been told to lighten her workload, but given the circumstances, it's hard to do. Things go from terrible to worse, when John is murdered, and the police question whether someone in the firm committed the crime. While investigating John's murder, Mary finds evidence that the reverse discrimination lawsuit and the anti-trust lawsuit may be connected.

This book focuses a lot on Mary Dinunzio and her Italian South Philly family and friends who couldn't love her more and would do anything for her and her friends. It's a delight.

I love this series with it's strong women characters; who are tough and fearless yet have big hearts. I also like that each book in the series stands well on its own - you don't need to read the books in order to know what's going on. But if you have read any of the books in the series, it's like coming home to friends and family.

This is a very good read, and I recommend it highly.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have read only one other installment of the Rosato and DiNunzio story line. I did enjoy the two female lawyers and a mystery to solve formula complete with ominous bad guys, a murder to solve. I enjoyed the recurring company owned by a shell company resulting in a law firm’s conflict of interest in representation which adds to the formula conflict. I love the merry band of colorful South Philly characters that make up Mary’s family. They are always fun.
In this installment, Mary is a full partner at Bennie Rosato’s law firm, hugely pregnant with her first child, and passing a lot of gas. The story opens with Mary and company enjoying her work baby shower when she, Bennie and another partner are served with papers. Apparently Mary’s arch enemy Nick Machiavelli (also a lawyer) from the neighborhood is suing her firm for reverse discrimination. Machiavelli is representing three male lawyers who say that they all interviewed at Rosato & DiNunzio and all were turned down solely because they were male.
Apparently Mary’s firm will only hire women? It didn’t help that Rosato & DiNunzio’s lone male associate mentioned to a prospective male employee during his interview that he felt out of place at a firm with all women. It was off the record and in solidarity but now those words are being used against them. However, something is very fishy about this unfounded lawsuit. Things quickly heat up when someone near and dear to the firm is murdered. Is the lawsuit and the murder somehow connected?
Readers will have fun trying to figure out the mystery while being entertained by fun puns and personalities but in the end, the story jumps the shark with a wrap up that just wasn’t a good fit and didn’t makes much sense. Neither did the cover design which seems to have nothing to do with what this book is about.
BRB Rating: Read It.

4.5 Stars

What is shocking about the events here is how vindictive a single soul can be towards others. The three lawyers suing the firm are represented by none other than Nick Machiavelli, who, after losing to Mary once before, declared vengeance on her. Well, his time has come, and boy, has he a doozy planned. And, not only does the team face this lawsuit, they stand a chance at losing a huge anti-trust suit they've been working on. Machiavelli just might win.

I really enjoyed this sixth book in the series. Facing a reverse discrimination case that could destroy the marvelous law firm of Rosato & DiNunzio is the iniitial story in this book. But when there is a murder connected with the firm, well, things take on a very different edge. A very pregnant Mary as well as her team work hard to keep the firm on its feet, whiling bringing justice to the murdered victim.

I have binge read this series, from Accused, all the way through to this title, Feared, with just a short break between books. However, these last four I read pretty much back-to-back. I literally could not help myself. As with all of the previous titles, I read this book straight through in just a couple of sittings. Lisa Scottoline has an exclusive style of writing these legal thrillers. She presents ongoing characters that mean something to me, interesting plots and fabulous twists and turns, with always stunning conclusions. Feared is no exception and I am almost sorry that I have caught up with the series! Unfortunately, this series is produced yearly, and I have a long wait to go for another installment. However I have amassed a small library of some of her other titles to keep me busy.

Many thanks to St. Martins Press and to NetGalley for this ARC to review; this is my honest opinion.

In the sixth entry of Lisa Scottoline’s Rosato and DiNunzio mystery series, legal eagles Bennie Rosato and Mary DiNunzio find themselves up against their toughest case yet. They are facing their archenemy Nick Machiavelli, and this time it’s personal.

The book opens joyously, with our favorite attorneys in the midst of a baby shower for Mary, but quickly turns to havoc and dismay when the successful law firm and its partners get served. Three plaintiffs --- Stephen McManus, Michael Battle and Graham Madden --- are suing the legal ladies for reverse sexual discrimination, claiming that, during a recent search for a new member of the team, they were not considered by the firm for employment because they are male. Add to that the fact that the one sole male member of the team, John Foxman, made the fatal (in more ways than one) mistake of confessing that he often feels like he doesn’t fit in --- office baby shower being case in point --- and that there’s no room for him to grow professionally, and Machiavelli wastes no time pouncing at the opportunity to seek revenge on the lawyers for a previous major loss to Mary in court.

What follows is a disastrously damning (for Bennie and Mary) press conference held by the plaintiff’s attorney, and then an even more disastrously damning (again for Bennie and Mary) press conference held by the legal duo themselves. Everything begins to unravel at a rapid rate when John resigns and then is found murdered in his apartment, only moments after spending time with Judy, one of the other partners in the law firm. Now, not only do Bennie and Mary have to fight to save the firm they have built and love, they also must discover who killed their friend and colleague, all with Machiavelli at their heels, driven to bring them down. He will stop at nothing to smear their good names in the eyes of the law and the people.

With her telltale grit and heart, Scottoline once again delivers a riveting mystery set in Philadelphia, the city she loves and employs as a lead character almost as much as her strong but vulnerable lawyers. Bennie Rosato and Mary DiNunzio are as uniquely charming as ever when pitted against the machinations of Machiavelli. Mary’s loveable, if stereotypical, pasta-eating, God-fearing, big Italian family are all too recognizable and familiar. Throw in a nosy freelance reporter, a crusty detective and the other quirky members of the law firm, and Scottoline’s cast is complete.

FEARED shows off Scottoline’s skills at their best --- further development of already-rich characters who readers can’t help but like; a mystery plot that keeps one guessing until the surprise, but trademark Scottoline, twist at the end; and Philadelphia sights and sounds as a backdrop. Fans of the author and the series will not be disappointed, and will be grateful for more.

Reviewed by Roberta O'Hara

3.5 "lawyerly" stars

Murder, mayhem, lawsuits, a vicious lawyer, and Italian families oh my!!! Whatever could possible go wrong? Welcome to the lawyers' tale, the sixth in the Rosato & Dinunzio series.

The law firm of Rosato & DiNunzio is doing well. They have a client who has a suit, an intellectual property suit, against a large tech company which is trying to put them out of business when low and behold the firm gets some really bad news. They, themselves, are being sued with a reverse discrimination suit which alleges they only hire females. There is one male lawyer, John, on the team. However, John has let it be known that he often feels that being the only male is off putting for him. The ladies of the firm are being pursued by their old nemesis, Machiavelli, (now isn't that a great name!) who is ruthless, corrupt, and has a vendetta against the firm being that they beat him at their last case together. He will go to any lengths to get his revenge, perhaps even to see the demise of the firm, and not caring who he steps on in the process. He is a real cad, wealthy, powerful, and pulling all the strings. Then the awful happens. There is a murder and the signs point to one of the team lawyer members as the culprit.

What are the ladies to do? Yep, they will take this on and fight this lawsuit while searching out clues, and balancing the fact that one of them is pregnant. They do have their families behind them and as one is very Italian, and funny to boot, they will ferret out the culprits, make what wrong right again, and save the day. ...or will they???

This was a quick fun read and even though I had not read the previous books in the series, I was able to jump right in and enjoy the tale. Recommended for those who do so like a "lawyerly" tale!

We’ve stuck with Lisa Scottoline’s (Ms.) Bennie Rosato’s Philly-based (as is the author) law firm with every novel since the start in 1993 of what is now a 17-book set. Some of the tales featured almost comedic interactions of the women; some had engaging courtrooms scenes – some were just silly escapades of the lawyers playing amateur detective. Unfortunately, the stories seemed to us rather tepid once Mary made partner (apparently at no “cost” to her).

But the just prior entry “Exposed” was much better, delving into Mary’s and Bennie’s various relationships with men. And then along comes “Feared”, wherein Judy is now suddenly also a partner – and all three of them get personally sued for gender reverse-discrimination in hiring. To make matters worse, their one male lawyer (hired "off-screen" some time ago – at best a bit character) was quoted with damaging comments about feeling out of place and probably never promotable in this female dominated firm. With Mary now seven months pregnant, the firm is in an uproar, only made worse when days later that same male lawyer is murdered! So the plot thereafter thickens, to say the least!

Mary was convinced the whole lawsuit was a frame, and the resolution of that matter was highly entertaining. The murder made things look bad for new pard Judy when it turned out she had been having a secret love affair with the deceased, and was apparently with him in the final hours before his slaying. Whether the outcome of that crime made much sense we’ll leave to each reader’s own evaluation. But we enjoyed the story quite a bit, polishing off the whole novel in short order, always a good sign. Best yet – surely more about the once again all-female law firm is in the offing.

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 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…

My Thoughts: I always love revisiting the characters in the Rosato & DiNunzio law firm, but in Feared, the newest outing, I was even more drawn in by Mary DiNunzio in her new role as an expectant mother. Her fierceness masked her vulnerability, and kept her swinging as she worked with her partners to battle their nemesis, Nick Machiavelli.

When the lawsuit began to look like an uphill battle, everything got much worse when someone was murdered. Bereft and still swinging, the women did everything in their power to solve that case and follow the clues that would bring the lawsuit to an end.

I’ve always enjoyed Mary’s thought processes, and watching her figure out the connections that would tie the case up for them was as enticing as always. I especially enjoyed the camaraderie between the law partners, Mary, Benny Rosato and Judy Carrier. The family and friends from the neighborhood added just the loving network that Mary needed during difficult times.

As solving the murder seemed to elude the partners, the suspense increased dramatically; and then an unexpected clue brought the answers, but would it be too late? I kept rapidly turning pages until the very end of this 5 star read.

Scottoline knocks it out of the park with her latest Rosato and Denunzio legal thriller! Her acerbic wit adds to the story of the firm being sued, an associate being murdered and Mary being pregnant. What is most memorable about the book is the family relationships and the support of Mary’s family, no matter what she is going through. It is also the family relationship that Mary establishes with Judy, determined to help her during a great loss as well as to act as her friend and loyal supporter. It was relevant that two law firms were suing each other at the same time that Bennie’s firm was filing a huge lawsuit against a tech firm, so that was a very modern touch. The author’s knowledge of law practice is very evident in this novel, shown directly in the dialog between the characters, in the police station and in court. Fans of Scottoline will definitely want to read this new installment of the series, and new fans will be thrilled to find someone who writes with expertise about lawyers and their dealings with each other. The whole book was a delight to read, with fast-paced action and cutting-edge banter between the characters. Scottoline is a master at the craft of drawing the reader in quickly and keeping them enthralled throughout the story. I highly recommend this book!

Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions that I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials.”

Feared by Lisa Scottoline is another thriller which has the law firm of Rosato & DiNunzio in trouble this time. The story is about how far a person will go for money and their own selfish motives at the expense of the lives of others. This is another fast-paced story with a good measure of learning about shell companies and how easily a malicious business person can hide the true intent of their endgame for personal gain.
Rosato & DiNunzio are being sued for reverse discrimination in regard to refusing to hire three applicants who were male. John is pulled into the thick of the controversy when he admits he conducted the interviews with the three applicants and made the decision on his own to refuse to consider them for the job opening. John also makes some personal remarks about not feeling accepted at the law firm and he did not think he would make partner with the firm. All of this is a problem for Bennie, Mary, Judy, and Anne. A lot of conflict arises within the firm and John decides to resign. Now the trouble really starts!
Machiavelli is blasting the media with references about Rosato & DiNunzio and how their firm is run with an unfair advantage to male employees and associates. What is his secret motive?
I won't post spoilers, but there are depths to the reasons for Machiavelli's harassment and lawsuit against Rosato & DiNunzio. Also, Mary is expecting her first baby and there are a couple of scenes which had me worried about the safety of Mary and the baby. Whewww! Things get physical before this story is over!

This is the sixth novel in the Rosato & DiNunzio series. At the beginning of this book we find out that the girls have been served with a lawsuit that claims reverse sexual discrimination. As they work through the details, Bennie, Mary, and Judy conclude that they might be the victims of a setup perpetrated by an old nemesis, Nick Machiavelli. It seems that his bruised ego has made Machiavelli turn his sights on Rosato & DiNunzio, and his depravity has no bounds.

As the lines are drawn and the camps are established, a new twist early in the case ratchets up the tension on both sides. Suddenly the lawyers of Rosato and DiNunzio find themselves knee deep in the middle of a murder investigation. Secrets are exposed as the investigation plows forward, and the walls begin closing in around the law firm. Bennie and Mary desperately try to find missing links and alternate suspects. Of course Mary's parents and "The Tonys" are there for moral support and to lend a helping hand when needed.

The girls rally together and hatch a plan to ultimately bring Machiavelli to justice and make him pay for his misdeeds. However, no one could imagine the real killer and their motives for the things they did. The plot twists will leave you guessing until the very end, leading up to a shocking conclusion that will leave you breathless.

I would recommend this book to fans of mysteries and thrillers. I received this as a free ARC from St. Martin's Press on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Feared (Rosato & DiNunzio #6) by Lisa Scottoline

Fearless. The anti-thesis of the progressives' agenda of the victimization of women and identity politics.

A law firm run by smart, independent females, one of whom is in her final term - (a pregnant, self-reliant working woman, imagine that!); a novel fiercely pro-Catholic espousing old-fashioned American values. Bonus: Scottoline's brand of hyphenated American boisterous humor (with it's fair share of pastas, "Tonys" and "Marys", punctuated by Mary's baby to be christened (wait for it...) a Tony). No surprise from the author who penned "I Need A Lifeguard Everywhere But The Pool".

This is my first read of a "Rosato & DiNunzio" novel, but if the theme were to be consistent all throughout the series, I would suspect it takes courage and an unwavering belief in American and Christian values for an author to swim against the tide and risk alienating far left ideologues consisting of close to half of American readership.

Reverse sex discrimination is skillfully portrayed as a serious and valid subject, and the author crafts in her unique style, the finer points of good story-telling and creative writing - credible high-tech stuff (data Integration, application providers), legal issues (anti-thrust), on an otherwise humdrum business - furniture distribution, along the lines of a David vs Goliath skirmish.

Taken as a whole, the book reads more like a cozy murder /mystery than a nail-biting legal thriller, with a delightful and wicked twist that's cunning and hard to predict through the end of the book.

A pleasant quick read.

Review based on an advance reading copy presented by NetGalley and St. Martin's Press.

Feared by Lisa Scottoline is a heart-racing plot. The intensity of the scenes kept my heart pounding. I was not sure of what would be the outcome. The main character went through a lot of changes recently. From motherhood to catching bad guys, this strong independent woman made me speechless. Her bravery was crazy. Lies, deception, and danger hung in the air. Lisa Scottoline poured suspense and action onto every page. Not one single boring moment. Also, I loved the small community of support that was created for the main character. It softened the hard yet dark edges of this story. 

Romance, crime, and mystery are displayed here. I could not get enough of the characters. Mary is the central character. She is pregnant and solved a case that others couldn't solve. Her instincts are so clear, that it was frightening. Her guesses were right but sometimes the wrong suspect is chosen. But none of that stopped Mary from working the case. Her strong willed personality helped define her as a woman not to be toyed with...as one of the male characters has figured out later in the plot. The connection between Mary and her husband, as well as the connection with another man kept the me guessing. Feared is a novel about facing fears and getting justice. Overall, I would recommend it to readers seeking a rush of adrenaline.

I recieved this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.

Feared by Lisa Scottoline is part of a series but my first exposure to the series. I received an advance copy through Net Galley. Although this book can work as a standalone, I admit I was not excited about the book in the beginning. I did not find the characters likeable or sympathetic. They did grow on me as I read on. The central character is Mary DiNunzio, a pregnant lawyer and named partner in her firm. She and her partners are sued for reverse discrimination by another attorney who has a grudge against Mary. The only male lawyer at their firm proves to be one of the primary witnesses against them and things get really complicated when he is murdered. An office romance is uncovered and Mary's best friend becomes the prime suspect.

The law firm hires Roger, a "Zen master" who specializes in legal malpractice and has never lost a case, to represent them. Whereas Mary and her partners' instinct is to fight back, Roger believes in a different path and much of the conflict in the book stems from the tension between him and the partners. While they battle the reverse discrimination suit and defend themselves against accusations of murder, their opponent Machiavelli ramps up his personal attacks against them in the press trying to ruin their reputation and drive away their business. In the meantime, Mary's husband and family show their concern for her pregnancy and her struggle for independence causes familial tension.

While I initially resisted the lawyers, I grew to like them. Other characters were immensely likeable from the beginning, especially the Tonys. The Italian-American dynamic of the family was engaging and entertaining. The family of the deceased lawyer was sympathetic and engaging. The book was a slow start for me, but I'm glad I stuck it out because I enjoyed the read.

Feared, book 6, Rosato & DiNunzio series. Author Lisa Scottoline creates these storylines from current headlines. These thrillers are... Original. Action packed suspence and mystery. With what will happen next, unpredictable twists and turns. Rollercoaster ride of readers' emotions. Heart pounding, white knuckle page turning. Afew tears. Some happy, some sad. Big smiles. Out loud laughs and cheers. The Rosato & DiNunzio series is the continuation of The Rosato and Associates series. Readers (ME) hooked for each and every new book, Both R&D and R&A Series!!! The R&A series—Mary DiNunzio, single, began her law career as an associate in a big named law firm. Bennie Rosato, a partner at the same firm. THIS SERIES the R&D series—Mary, now married and about to go on maturity leave. She and Bennie are both partners. At their own law firm. That they started together. In book 6, Mary and Bennie are about to be sued for sexual discrimination employment. By their nemesis. Their latest hire and firm's only male lawyer and employee is quitting. No Spoilers. The book discription is enough to start. Read Feared and if not already, you will read both series. Be ready, interruptions will not be tolerated. I received this book from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. I am voluntarily posting this review. A loyal reader of author, book, series !!!

Mary DiNunzio and Bennie Rosato, are proud of the law firm they started. It was all female lawyers, but they do have one male attorney, John Croft. He seems happy with the firm, but when the firm is sued by three lawyers for discrimination because they weren’t hired, Mary and Bennie discover that not everything is as rosy as it seems.

Nick Machiavelli, a lawyer Mary has tangled with before, is behind the law suit. Mary beat him once, and now he wants revenge. Mary and Bennie think they are secure. They have John, but suddenly he quits. Now they have a real perception problem.

Mary is heavily pregnant which adds to the difficulty of fighting a lawsuit, but she manages to use it to her advantage. She and Bennie are sympathetic characters trying to make their place in what was once a man’s world. One of the interesting parts of the book is showing the reaction of the men, John and Mary’s husband, to taking a secondary role to the ladies in their lives. It was well done and makes you think.

I love Mary’s South Philadelphia family. You have to laugh out loud at her father and his friends, the Tonys. It feels very real to be almost a part of that family.

If you enjoy a mystery with characters you can enjoy, this is a good read.

I received this book from Net Galley for this review.

Lisa Scottoline has written another exciting book in the Rosato and DiNunzio Series. Everyone in the law firm is surprised to learn that Nick Machiavelli has brought a reverse gender discrimination case against them. The partners are even more surprised to learn a well liked associate John Foxman made an inappropriate remark about his chance to make partner in an all female firm while he was interviewing a promising candidate for the firm. That candidate is one of the three young lawyers who are represented by Machiavelli in the discrimination case.

This is a fast paced legal procedure/murder mystery that has the law firm scrambling to defend itself against the false accusations of Machiavelli who is trying to put them out of business. When Foxman is found murdered, they are shocked when their legal opponent announces on television that they are responsible for his death.

By now some of the characters feel like old friends. All the characters, old and new, are well developed. I had no idea who the murderer was until the reveal and that is the sign of a well written book. If you've never read a Lisa Scottoline mystery, you're missing sovme very good stories.#Feared#NetGalley

I received an ARC through NetGalley for the purpose of review. The opinions written are entirely my own.

Number 6 in the Rosato & DiNunzio Series

Mary, Bennie and Judy are back and so is Nick Machiavelli. And boy can that guy hold a grudge! Having been bested by Mary, he is out for revenge.

For starters, they and the firm have been hit with a reverse discrimination lawsuit, claiming they only hire women. As the women are reeling from that accusation they find out that one of their own has had an unwitting part in the lawsuit.

When he is found dead in his apartment, secrets begin to pop out of the woodwork! Judy has been secretly dating him for months and is now the prime suspect in his murder. While trying to keep the clients they have and solve the murder of their friend and associate, Mary is trying not to go into labor and is determined to fight her nemesis with every trick in her bag. Of course that means turning to the family. The Tony’s are a fount of information, but as their biggest and latest client drops them, will it even matter what they find out?

Will there even be a law firm when Nick is through with them? Or will the ladies do what they do best and outsmart the devious attorney?

This was a great read as always and I can’t wait to see what is in store for this new dynamic of Mary being a mother!

Netgalley/August 14th 2018 by St. Martin’s Press

I am conflicted about voicing my opinion of this book, after reading all the 4 and 5 star reviews posted from readers. But to thine own self be true! This book just didn’t resonate with me. I found the interacions and dialogue, among the partners in the law firm of Rosato & DiNunzio, to be implausible. I stopped counting how many times Mary said to her partner and best friend Judy, “oh honey,” enough is enough! Then there is Bennie; supppsed to be the one partner most “feared” .......really? And she went along with the rantings of Mary who was convinced who the murderer was? I did enjoy the “families” and found them all to be lovable. I do not want to say anything else, so as not to spoil this read for anyone, but if these lawyers are supposed to be the cream of the crop of South Philly, I am frightened. I decided to read this novel even after I promised myself that I would not read another one in the series, but now I absolutely will not read another one. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

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 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!

Feared by Lisa Scottoline is a first for me. It’s the first time I have read a book that is part of a series where I haven’t read them in sequence. It is number six in the Rosato/DiNunzio series.
Feared is a great book on its own and tantalizingly enough to wet my appetite for more of her books. I will be adding the previous five books in this series to my summer reading.
The law firm of Rosato and DiNunzio is busy with one of the biggest cases of their firms career. They are representing a small security company in an antitrust suit against two much larger companies.
At the same time the firm is hit with a reverse sexual discrimination suit brought on by their longtime nemesis, Nick Machiavelli. Showing no mercy towards the firm including a very pregnant Mary DiNunzio, Machiavelli pulls out all the stops including some very questionable tactics to try and put the firm six feet under..
If that wasn’t enough, one of their lawyers, Judy, finds herself a person of interest in the murder of one of their own. Mary DiNunzio and Bennie Renalto have their hands full in this David versus Goliath legal thriller.
Feared elevates Lisa Scottoline into the ranks of must read authors.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of the book.
#Netgalley #Feared

Book six in the Rosato and DiNunzio series finds Mary DiNunzio and her partner, Benny Rosato, being sued for reverse discrimination by a group of three unfamiliar men. As Mary digs deeper into the case, Nick Machiavelli’s name begins to appear in the background.

The case gets complex quickly when Rosato and DiNunzio’s lone male employee turns up dead. To complicate matters, Judy, the quieter partner of the firm, has been secretly dating him. The twists and turns begin.

The South Philly gang is all back to help Mary and Benny out particularly now that Mary is about to give birth. An interesting read--fast paced and filled with suspense, mystery, and drama! Perfect summer read!

This ARC copy was received from St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. The above thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.

In the sixth Rosato and DiNunzio book, the firm is sued directly by Mary’s archnemesis, Nick Machiavelli. Three male plantiffs are alleging gender hiring discrimination and using the words of the firm’s sole male attorney against them. Hiring Roger Vitez to defend them, the firm is shocked to discover a murder. Now rushing to save their firm and find a killer, Bennie, Mary and Judy makes some strange bedfellows in Feared.

Mary’s Tony-filled family is always a treat. Her pragnancy issues are played mostly for laughs. However, there are plenty of twists for thriller fans. A good entry to the series with no spoilers to earlier books, Feared is highly recommended to thriller and Lisa Scottoline fans. 4 stars!

Thanks to the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for an advanced copy.

Is it better to be loved or feared? An interesting questions, and the basis for the first novel I have read by Lisa Scottoline.

Feared is a really good drama/thriller based on characters who are managing partners in a small law firm, coincidentally (or not??) employing female almost exclusively. At times it seemed a little over the top to me, but I enjoyed the book and the characters. The story was full of interesting twists and turns, and moved at a pretty good clip throughout. With this being the 6th in the Rosato & DiNunzio series I am excited to go back and read the other books, and I look forward to more work from Scottoline. This was an excellent new author "find" for me.

I received a free e-book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my thoughts and opinions.

FEARED by Lisa Scottoline
I have read other books by Lisa Scottoline and loved them and I really enjoyed this as well, I noticed this one was different than others as it had a strong Italian presence , then I realized that this was part of a series, number six in the Rosato/DiNunzio series. I guess I'm going to have to read the first five now!?
The characters were all so colorful and fun to get to know. Ok...maybe some not so fun...but that goes with the territory with murder mysteries.
The book pulled me in from page one and it never ever got dull. There were twist and turns and ups and downs. You will feel like your riding a rollercoaster reading this book.
Great character development, good storyline, and surprising twists...everything I love in a book. I do recommend this book!

Mary DiNunzio, law firm partner, mom-to-be, and daughter of South Philadelphia, has her hands full in Scottoline’s newest novel. She’s sure her old nemesis is behind the reverse discrimination suit filed by three men against the women she works with, her colleague is brutally murdered and her best friend is a person of interest in the case, and someone is out to slander the firm. Mary’s lucky, though, because her colleagues, her husband, her parents, and what seems like everyone in her old neighborhood have her back. The author manages to combine a suspenseful plot and strong sense of place with characters that seem so realistically drawn, you’d expect to recognize them as you walked through their South Philadelphia neighborhood--Feared is a wonderful addition to this series.

The Rosato and DiNunzio law firm is in trouble. They're being sued for reverse discrimination. Besides side, the Plaintiff attorney is their all time nemesis, Nick Machiavelli. Then to make matters worse, one of their own is murdered. With a huge case going on prior to being sued and the murder, things keep going downhill. The girls have to work with being in the public eye as well as proving their innocence. They've obviously been set up but it is harder to prove than anyone imagined.

This is number six of the Rosato and DiNunzio series. However, it can be read easily as a stand alone book. I received an ARC copy of this book from Netgalley in trade for my honest review. I really did enjoy it and am looking forward to more in this series.

Feared is the first book in the Rosato & DiNunzio series that I have had the pleasure of reading and I am asking myself, "WHY did I wait??" I am now headed back for book 1!

Feared is an intense legal thriller that will keep you glued to the pages long after it is time for lights out.
It calls us to look ourselves in the mirror and either tamp down the darkness or give ourselves to it. Is it better to be loved or feared?

I feel like with Feared if I give too much away in a review then it will ruin it! It is full of twists and details and wonderful, well devoloped characters.

I highly recommend it to anyone looking for their next thriller/suspense! Look no further!

This is book 6 in the Rosato & DiNunzio series. I believe I have read all of them and always look forward to the next one. Lisa Scottoline is one of my favorite authors, reading both her Rosato novels and her other suspenseful novel.s. Her books deal with social justice and the legal system.
Feared continues the legal team of Bennie Rosato, Mary DiNunzio, Judy Carrier and the rest of the associates in their office. This time they are being sued for reverse sex discrimination as they consider themselves an all women law firm. However, they do have one male associate. The story is centered around this one male associate and what happens to him. ( I don't want to give anything away so no spoilers here.)
Nick Machiavelli returns in this book and continues the tense relationship between Mary and him. The south Philly characters are all here; Mary's parents, the Tonys and Mary's husband, Anthony.
Lisa Scotolino brings all the characters to light. You feel like you know them all and with each book they become part of your family, too. I read this book in 2 days; I couldn't put it down. Had to know what happens and I didn't figure out the guilty party until it was revealed!
If you haven't read any of the previous books in the series it won't be a problem to start with this one; but I will assure you that after reading this book you will want to go back and read the others in this series. A delightful, suspenseful and intriguing read!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I just finished Feared by Lisa Scottoline and I happily give it 5 stars. This typical Lisa Scottoline all the way. The main character in this book is Mary DiNunzio who is loved by everyone. It took me a while to figure out that title is part of Mary’s dilemma: is it better to be feared or loved. All of us who know Mary knows that Mary is almost universally loved. She spends a big part of this book with her family and all her friends in the neighborhood and everyone does love Mary. Mary is 7 months pregnant and is portrayed wonderfully by Lisa Scottoline with all the little foibles of being pregnant. This is once again a great book that you have to force yourself to slow down on your reading because you don’t want to finish it. I liked the mystery in the book and adored the ending. Buy this book or you will regret it! Thanks to NetGalley and Lisa Scottoline for letting me read this book in exchange for my unbiased review. I absolutely loved it.

Fans of Lisa Scottoline and the Rosato/DiNunzio series will not be disappointed with Scottoline’s latest effort, Feared, which will be released August 14th by St. Martin’s Press.

While Feared works as a stand alone novel, it is book six in the Rosato/DiNuzzio series that focuses on a group of women attorneys in Philadelphia. Firm partner Mary is expecting her first baby and hoping for things to slow down, but at her baby shower, the firm is served with a reverse discrimination suit. While the firm’s three partners are women, the firm has one male associate, John who made some questionable remarks to one of the plaintiffs during his interview. John turns up dead, and firm partner and Mary’s best friend, Judy, is an immediate suspect.

What I really enjoyed about this book were the twists and turns of the plot that kept me guessing to the very last page. I also loved how successfully Scottoline used her setting, especially South Philly, in her narrative, and the variety of colorful characters (many Italian) who assist the partners in their desire to seek justice for John’s death.
Like the earlier books in the series, Feared is a clever book about the law, good versus evil, and friendship with an extra dose of intrigue. I highly recommend this book. I'd like to thank NetGalley for providing me an advanced copy.

Feared is the latest in the Rosato and DiNunzio series. An old nemesis is trying to drive their firm out of business and ruin their reputation. Emotions run high because this time it’s personal. A mostly female cast of characters who are smart, strong and know how to kick butt. I loved DiNunzio’s Italian-American family and neighbors who are so supportive and full of life and love. I also like the author’s take on solving the murder, that “Justice is only a consolation prize.” To me that rings so true. I’d never really thought of it in that way before. The story gets better and better the further you get into the book. It was so good I just had to stay up late to finish it. It’s a legal battle and murder mystery all rolled up into one satisfying read. Another of Lisa Scottoline’s trademark twisty legal thrillers that will not disappoint her many fans and is sure to win her new ones.

Bennie, Judy, and Mary are back in this latest Lisa Scottoline offering. Having watched the women grow into the all female partner law firm of Rosato & DiNunzio over the years it is an interesting turn to have reverse discrimination law suit filed against them by Nick Machiavelli.
The many twist, turns, and side alleys as the partners explore legal defenses with their lawyer Roger that involve the teachings of Lao-Tzu.
Along the way, John, the lawyer who had interviewed several candidates for a job and mentioned the difficulty in working for an all female led firm is murdered just as the firms biggest case is at a crucial point. Without John the firm is in shock and the case missing the main component. Couple all this with Mary DiNunzio being pregnant and near term you have another exciting Scottoline tale.
I hope this series of characters makes it to a tv series some day.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

I am conflicted about voicing my opinion of this book, after reading all the 4 and 5 star reviews posted from readers. But to thine own self be true! This book just didn’t resonate with me. I found the interacions and dialogue, among the partners in the law firm of Rosato & DiNunzio, to be implausible. I stopped counting how many times Mary said to her partner and best friend Judy, “oh honey,” enough is enough! Then there is Bennie; supppsed to be the one partner most “feared” .......really? And she went along with the rantings of Mary who was convinced who the murderer was? I did enjoy the “families” and found them all to be lovable. I do not want to say anything else, so as not to spoil this read for anyone, but if these lawyers are supposed to be the cream of the crop of South Philly, I am frightened. I decided to read this novel even after I promised myself that I would not read another one in the series, but now I absolutely will not read another one. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

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 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!

Feared by Lisa Scottoline is a first for me. It’s the first time I have read a book that is part of a series where I haven’t read them in sequence. It is number six in the Rosato/DiNunzio series.
Feared is a great book on its own and tantalizingly enough to wet my appetite for more of her books. I will be adding the previous five books in this series to my summer reading.
The law firm of Rosato and DiNunzio is busy with one of the biggest cases of their firms career. They are representing a small security company in an antitrust suit against two much larger companies.
At the same time the firm is hit with a reverse sexual discrimination suit brought on by their longtime nemesis, Nick Machiavelli. Showing no mercy towards the firm including a very pregnant Mary DiNunzio, Machiavelli pulls out all the stops including some very questionable tactics to try and put the firm six feet under..
If that wasn’t enough, one of their lawyers, Judy, finds herself a person of interest in the murder of one of their own. Mary DiNunzio and Bennie Renalto have their hands full in this David versus Goliath legal thriller.
Feared elevates Lisa Scottoline into the ranks of must read authors.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of the book.
#Netgalley #Feared

Book six in the Rosato and DiNunzio series finds Mary DiNunzio and her partner, Benny Rosato, being sued for reverse discrimination by a group of three unfamiliar men. As Mary digs deeper into the case, Nick Machiavelli’s name begins to appear in the background.

The case gets complex quickly when Rosato and DiNunzio’s lone male employee turns up dead. To complicate matters, Judy, the quieter partner of the firm, has been secretly dating him. The twists and turns begin.

The South Philly gang is all back to help Mary and Benny out particularly now that Mary is about to give birth. An interesting read--fast paced and filled with suspense, mystery, and drama! Perfect summer read!

This ARC copy was received from St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. The above thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.

Disclaimer! I'm a loyal, dedicated Lisa Scottoline fan, as are most of my friends and family so my review maybe a little slanted! I read a lot of books, but the Rosato & DiNunzio books are some of my favorites. The series is always loyal to the characters and the stories are always engrossing. I sometimes wonder what would happen if Mary DiNunzio met Andy Carpenter in the courtroom. Anyway, this book follows the life and times of the Rosato & DiNunzio law firm as they defend themselves against charges of reverse sexual discrimination. The plaintiff's lawyer is an old foe who will do pretty much whatever it takes to damage our heroines. As always, the story entertains as well as keeps you guessing. Then we have the baby reveal at the end! You do not have to read all of the titles before this one, but, treat yourself and read them all!

In the sixth Rosato and DiNunzio book, the firm is sued directly by Mary’s archnemesis, Nick Machiavelli. Three male plantiffs are alleging gender hiring discrimination and using the words of the firm’s sole male attorney against them. Hiring Roger Vitez to defend them, the firm is shocked to discover a murder. Now rushing to save their firm and find a killer, Bennie, Mary and Judy makes some strange bedfellows in Feared.

Mary’s Tony-filled family is always a treat. Her pragnancy issues are played mostly for laughs. However, there are plenty of twists for thriller fans. A good entry to the series with no spoilers to earlier books, Feared is highly recommended to thriller and Lisa Scottoline fans. 4 stars!

Thanks to the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for an advanced copy.

Is it better to be loved or feared? An interesting questions, and the basis for the first novel I have read by Lisa Scottoline.

Feared is a really good drama/thriller based on characters who are managing partners in a small law firm, coincidentally (or not??) employing female almost exclusively. At times it seemed a little over the top to me, but I enjoyed the book and the characters. The story was full of interesting twists and turns, and moved at a pretty good clip throughout. With this being the 6th in the Rosato & DiNunzio series I am excited to go back and read the other books, and I look forward to more work from Scottoline. This was an excellent new author "find" for me.

I received a free e-book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my thoughts and opinions.

FEARED by Lisa Scottoline
I have read other books by Lisa Scottoline and loved them and I really enjoyed this as well, I noticed this one was different than others as it had a strong Italian presence , then I realized that this was part of a series, number six in the Rosato/DiNunzio series. I guess I'm going to have to read the first five now!?
The characters were all so colorful and fun to get to know. Ok...maybe some not so fun...but that goes with the territory with murder mysteries.
The book pulled me in from page one and it never ever got dull. There were twist and turns and ups and downs. You will feel like your riding a rollercoaster reading this book.
Great character development, good storyline, and surprising twists...everything I love in a book. I do recommend this book!

Wow! Another winner in the Rosato & DiNunzio series. Once more, the author has crafted a novel that had me turning pages just as quickly as possible. In this book, Mary is pregnant and working too hard. The firm is handling a large anti-trust case, when they are hit with a personal suit against the law firm and the partners individually. This causes their stress level to go through the roof as the hits keep on coming. I was literally flipping pages just as quickly as possible. The author had me totally engrossed until the very last page. I never could have predicted the guilty party in this mystery and the puzzle kept me guessing throughout the book.

This is fast moving fiction at its best. This is a must read for fans of the genre. The author is on my must read authors' list.

Mary DiNunzio, law firm partner, mom-to-be, and daughter of South Philadelphia, has her hands full in Scottoline’s newest novel. She’s sure her old nemesis is behind the reverse discrimination suit filed by three men against the women she works with, her colleague is brutally murdered and her best friend is a person of interest in the case, and someone is out to slander the firm. Mary’s lucky, though, because her colleagues, her husband, her parents, and what seems like everyone in her old neighborhood have her back. The author manages to combine a suspenseful plot and strong sense of place with characters that seem so realistically drawn, you’d expect to recognize them as you walked through their South Philadelphia neighborhood--Feared is a wonderful addition to this series.

Three men file a reverse discrimination lawsuit against the Rosato & DiNunzio law firm -- claiming they were not hired because they were men. To make matters worse the law firm's sole male attorney (John Foxman) claims there is some truth to the claim and intends to resign from the firm.

Mary's arch enemy, Nick Machiavelli, is behind the lawsuit and plans to do everything he can to destroy the firm.

But before John can resign from the firm he is murdered. Mary is convinced that Machiavelli is responsible for John's murder and tries to prove it.

Things take a surprising turn when the murderer is revealed and Mary finds her life and the life of her unborn child in jeopardy. As usual Lisa Scottoline takes you on a thrilling ride.

The Rosato and DiNunzio law firm is in trouble. They're being sued for reverse discrimination. Besides side, the Plaintiff attorney is their all time nemesis, Nick Machiavelli. Then to make matters worse, one of their own is murdered. With a huge case going on prior to being sued and the murder, things keep going downhill. The girls have to work with being in the public eye as well as proving their innocence. They've obviously been set up but it is harder to prove than anyone imagined.

This is number six of the Rosato and DiNunzio series. However, it can be read easily as a stand alone book. I received an ARC copy of this book from Netgalley in trade for my honest review. I really did enjoy it and am looking forward to more in this series.

Lisa Scottoline has done it again. A beautifully written book that is full of friends, family, and twists and turns. Reading Feared brings you into the lives of Mary and her extended family. As the book beings, Mary is very pregnant and looking forward to the birth of her first child. Settling into a relaxed third trimester for Mary is simply not meant to be. Mary, Bennie and Judy (her law partners) are served with papers stating that they are being sued for reverse discrimination. This throws them and their firm into a tailspin filled with a conspiracy, murder and intrigue. Mary, Bennie and Judy must race against the clock to save their reputation and law practice. This is a must read, page turner!

Feared is the first book in the Rosato & DiNunzio series that I have had the pleasure of reading and I am asking myself, "WHY did I wait??" I am now headed back for book 1!

Feared is an intense legal thriller that will keep you glued to the pages long after it is time for lights out.
It calls us to look ourselves in the mirror and either tamp down the darkness or give ourselves to it. Is it better to be loved or feared?

I feel like with Feared if I give too much away in a review then it will ruin it! It is full of twists and details and wonderful, well devoloped characters.

I highly recommend it to anyone looking for their next thriller/suspense! Look no further!

Rosato and DiNunzio are BACK with the latest installment to the series, Feared. Feared is immensely engaging; I read it in 24 hours and it did not disappoint! It was so well-written I just needed to know what was going to happen next.

Expertly written by Lisa Scottoline, Bennie Rosato, Mary DiNunzio and Judy Carrier are defending themselves against three men who announce that they are suing the predominately female law firm of Rosato and DiNunzio for reverse sex discrimination. These same three men are being represented by a lawyer who is out to get the law firm of Rosato and DiNunzio because they have a history of winning cases against him. Then events turn deadly, literally.

This entire series is brilliantly written with great characters, and the City of Philadelphia is ever-present and depicted flawlessly as a minor character. I have read all of the books in this series and they are all pretty amazing. I highly recommend this book……well actually I recommend the entire series!

I received an advanced review copy (ARC) of this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is book 6 in the Rosato & DiNunzio series. I believe I have read all of them and always look forward to the next one. Lisa Scottoline is one of my favorite authors, reading both her Rosato novels and her other suspenseful novel.s. Her books deal with social justice and the legal system.
Feared continues the legal team of Bennie Rosato, Mary DiNunzio, Judy Carrier and the rest of the associates in their office. This time they are being sued for reverse sex discrimination as they consider themselves an all women law firm. However, they do have one male associate. The story is centered around this one male associate and what happens to him. ( I don't want to give anything away so no spoilers here.)
Nick Machiavelli returns in this book and continues the tense relationship between Mary and him. The south Philly characters are all here; Mary's parents, the Tonys and Mary's husband, Anthony.
Lisa Scotolino brings all the characters to light. You feel like you know them all and with each book they become part of your family, too. I read this book in 2 days; I couldn't put it down. Had to know what happens and I didn't figure out the guilty party until it was revealed!
If you haven't read any of the previous books in the series it won't be a problem to start with this one; but I will assure you that after reading this book you will want to go back and read the others in this series. A delightful, suspenseful and intriguing read!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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 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!

Clear your schedule! Once you start this book, you won't want to put it down. The associates at Rosato & DiNunzio law firm are like one big family. Besides her legal associates, Mary DiNunzio also has her huge extended Italian family looking out for her and the baby on the way. Between mega lawsuits and murder, she needs all the help she can get in this legal thriller. I definitely did not see the ending coming. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review Lisa Scottoline's latest addition to her legal series. I look forward to getting better acquainted with the characters as I catch up on the back stories.

There are some authors that I can always count on to provide a great read and Lisa Scottoline is at the top of that list. Her Rosato & DiNunzio series is one that is always enjoyable. The more of them the read, the more I love them, as I am more invested the more I get to know the characters. The storyline for this one was unique, as it was about a male that sues for reverse discrimination and the actions that occur in the firm because of this, including their only male employee stating he wants to resign due to there being some truth to the claims. The plot moves along fast and the characters are well developed.

Three men have sued the DiNunzio law firm for descrimination, claiming they weren’t hired because they were men. The firm is in the middle of a very important lawsuit and this creates huge problems for the firm. The lawyer for the 3 men is known for playing dirty.

This book is part of a series but could easily be read alone. I love Mary’s family and the Tonys. Great characters. This book will have you rooting for Mary and her firm from the first page. There is suspense and humor in this book. There is a twist at the end that I didn’t see coming. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

4+ Stars. Wow! Great legal thriller with fast paced action and a plot that will keep you guessing. Despite never having read books 1-5 of the Rosato & DiNunzio series, I felt this was a suspenseful thrill ride on its own (no previous knowledge of the characters is required). But, I’ve now placed the earlier novels on my TBR list.

I decided to post my thoughts and chose leave a review after reading the advance e-copy of this book I received, courtesy of Net Galley. Thank you to St Martin’s Press, the Publisher for sending this book to me and giving me an opportunity to read.

Another excellent story by one of my favorite authors! Feared can definitely be read as a standalone, but it's much more enjoyable to read the five previous books in this series in order. You get to know the main characters more and more in each book, as well as Mary DeNunzios extended family, including her parents and the three Tonys. This intriguing storyline centered around two lawsuits, a murder, and Mary's late stages of pregnancy. Multiple suspects, difficult to tell whether some are good guys or bad guys. A very enjoyable read! I can't wait for the next Lisa Scotollini book!