Lady Killer

December 3, 2007
Philadelphia attorney Mary DiNunzio, last seen in Killer Smile
(2004), agrees to help her high school nemesis, Trish Gambone, at the start of this less than convincing thriller from bestseller Scottoline. Trish, whom Mary used to regard as “the quintessential Mean Girl,” has turned in desperation to the lawyer, “the all-around Most Likely to Achieve Sainthood” at St. Maria Goretti High School, because she wants to escape from her abusive, and possibly Mafia-connected boyfriend, Bobby Mancuso. Trish rejects Mary's practical suggestions for dealing with Bobby, but once Trish disappears, Mary finds herself under pressure from other high school classmates as well as people from her old neighborhood who blame her for not doing enough. Mary unwisely hides a connection with Bobby from the Feds, who then shut her out of the search for Trish when they learn of it. Scottoline fans will cheer Mary as she stumbles toward the solution, but others may have trouble suspending disbelief.

March 31, 2008
Scottoline's latest thriller presents a successful businesswoman's journey to confront her past, and Rosenblat draws upon her theatrical experience to create a fun listening experience. With a variety of tones and dialects on her palette, Rosenblat creates a colorful cast of characters (with even a little singing thrown in). While her omnipresent narrator is somewhat overbearing at times, this is downplayed by her wonderful character creations. While not exactly the most thrilling or believable story, the brilliant Rosenblat grabs the spotlight and owns it from start to finish. The final disc offers a noteworthy interview with Scottoline. Simultaneous release with the Harper hardcover (Reviews, Nov. 3, 2007).

January 15, 2008
It's great to be back with the all-female law firm of Rosato & Associates, especially when Mary DiNunzio takes center stage (after a four-book hiatus). Mary is young and sharp as a tack yet somehow exudes an Old World charm despite dealing with impending wars between the Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin fan clubs, high school "Mean Girls" all grown up, or the mob. She's bringing home the bacon with all the neighborhood cases she takes, so it's no surprise that former parochial school classmate and head mean girl Trish "Trash" Gambone looks to Mary for help when she fears for her life because of her abusive gangster boyfriend. But Trish isn't walking down any legal avenues to help herself, and she ends up disappearing along with her boyfriend. Mary is beside herself with worry and guilt, and the rest of the mean girl claque go into overdrive harassing her, the cops, and anyone else they think will help them find their friend. Scottoline's latest is a thoroughly enjoyable read with warm, wonderful characters, gentle humor, and some unexpected twists and turns. Highly recommended for all fiction collections. [See Prepub Alert, "LJ" 10/15/07.]Stacy Alesi, Boca Raton, FL

Copyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2007
After a couple of stand-alones, Scottoline returns to Rosato& Associates, abandoning the courtroomthis time forthe streets of South Philly. The tale focuses on shy, businesslike attorney Mary DiNunzio, whomay havemoved uptown butis stillrooted toSouth Phillys Italian American community.Shes shocked one daywhenher high-school nemesis, Trish Gambino (We used to call you Holy Mary . . .. Little Miss Perfect), barges into her officein hysterics.Shes had enough fromabusive boyfriend Bobby Mancusoand wants out. Unfortunately, hes Mob connected, and shes afraid that hell kill her if she leaves. WhenTrish refuses to take Marysadvice to go to the cops, Mary tries to put the episode out of her mind, though her long-ago crush on Bobby makes it hard. Then Trish and Bobby both disappear, and Mary, feeling guilty, plays detective. Its all wildly improbable, with Mary sacrificing all for someone whoconstantlytells her shes an idiot, but theres aclever twist at the close, andScottoline makes good use of South Phillyargot and stereotypes. And, of course, Mary comes out of it allwithan understanding ofher own, quite considerable, strength of character. Not the best of the Scottolines, but plenty good enough to please the authors enormous audience.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)