Blood Money by Laura M. Rizio

by Laura M. Rizio

Nick Ceratto is a young associate attorney at the prestigeous Philadelphia law firm of Maglio, Silvio and Levin working his way up the ladder as a talented litigator. But while trying a medical malpractice case, he learns that his firm is seriously injuring and even murdering their clients to improve the value of the cases. When Nick discovers this, he becomes obsessed with exposing his bosses and as a result has to stay one step ahead of the firm's hitman long enough to intentionally lose the case to expose the firm's corruption. As Nick's mission careens toward an explosive climax, the only question left is whose lives will be sacrificed along the way.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Legal Thriller, Fiction, Amazon, Legal, Action

Mass Market Paperback

First published February 23, 2011

About the author

Author of BLOOD MONEY, a legal thriller.
Trial attorney with Rizio, Hamilton & Kane.
Formerly an Assistant District Attorney and a litigation attorney at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Currently handling serious personal injury matters.

Reviews

[Nancyspain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed this although I was getting a bit fed up with the high body count at one point! My favourite part of the book involved the court case and the unexpected turn of events. My one complaint is to do with the poor editing. I bought the book for my Kindle and got frustrated at the number of errors where words were missing or run together.

[Carla JFCL · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty standard "legal thriller" fare, with an interesting twist for someone like me who works in this exact environment (but on a smaller scale.) The story was fast-paced, and an easy read ... and hopefully something that will never actually happen, although we all know the desperate extremes to which some people will go for money.

It won't keep you up all night, but you probably will want to know how it all turns out.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a exciting read. Lots of twists and turns and then a totally unexpected reveal. I also read Blood Money on my Kindle. I was frustrated with the way the book and the Kindle interacted; too many skipped pages, trouble getting back to where I was, and then having trouble getting back to the menu. I began to think Nick's adversaries knew I was trying to get away! Thanks Laura for a wild ride.

[Tulay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Manufactured wrongful dead.

Law firm specializing wrongful dead and injury cases. Their main purpose is to make themselves rich, any body in their way is murdered. Insurance fraud, bank fraud, mail fraud, gross violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct is their main specialty.

[Lynda Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, the idea was good and I would have enjoyed this and persevered were it not for the myriad of mistakes which ruined it for me so I packed it in 37% in.
Silvio suddenly changed to Slivio, words were missed out as were punctuation marks, spaces were lost, confident became confidant. The final straw was a flight number given as 1006 which was amended to 1005 in a few paragraphs !!
Sorry, but this total lack of editing really isn't good enough and if the author doesn't care then neither shall I.

[Donna Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an odd blend of very good and very not so good. At times the writing was amateurish and the need to suspend disbelief stretched to the max, but still the story was compelling enough to keep me reading, eye-rolling all the while.

[Alice King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book and recommend it, some good twists. I don't understand the reason that Kindle books are so poorly edited.

[Jacque · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoiler**

too many murders in this book to be plausible, writing was a little uneven, but it was still enjoyable

[Toledo (T.J.) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was an active mystery, and came close to being rated a four star. I would read another book by this author, since characters were interesting, and plot stayed on course.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Money: James Grippando

There are some cases that lawyers should consider before agreeing to take them. Some clients are more controversial than others. There are those that are guilty and some that are just plain liars. Sydney Bennett was arrested and tried for killing her two-year-old daughter named Emma. The trial lasted for a quite a while and attorney Jack Swyteck had no choice but to defend her. Not really concerned about her guilt or innocence he and his co-council managed to create enough reasonable doubt that when the verdict came back the media and the public were outraged. Found not guilty by a jury of her peers the angry mob outside of the jail screamed, shouted and demanded justice for little Emma. Reporter Faith Corso covered the story and was relentless in making sure that the public heard her voice and her take on the events. Other reporters from her station relinquished the mike to her claiming that the end result would help Sydney profit from her daughter’s death. Literary agents were lining up to win the rights to the book when it is written. Television producers were hoping to make the made for television movie about her life and Emma’s death. Thinking there was nothing wrong with profiting in some way she voices her thoughts out loud and enrages more than must the public making you wonder just why they found her not guilty. The Department of Corrections stalling her release from jail and Jack wanting it over at midnight the allotted time for her timely release things begin to heat up. But, what happens next and the end result will be tragic for one young girl who made the mistake of thinking that trying to be Sydney and look like her would get her would win her some fame and glory of her own. BNN reporter Faith Corso hoping to catch a glimpse of the person known to the public as Shot Mom instead faced a young girl who was in critical condition. Claiming she cared and felt awful about the end result did not stop her from reporting the story. As Sydney finally gets released due to the elaborate and creative plan of her lawyer and his best friend Theo Knight, the reader realizes that she is cold, calculating and heartless.

Blood Money: Defined by Webster’s Dictionary as “ money wrongly obtained by killing someone or because someone has died.” It can also be defined as “money paid, by the killer or killer’s clan, to the family of a person who has been killed. As we learn more about the death of Emma and Sydney Bennett, we realize that she is cold, callous, and could care less that her child is gone. The reader gets the sense that Sydney shows not a drop of remorse or feeling for what happened to Emma. Death for profit you might say is what she hopes to accomplish. Her cold goodbye to Jack gives the reader even more insight to this unfeeling and cold woman. No tears, no emotion and no kind words of love for her daughter pass her lips.

Jack’s troubles were just beginning as the BNN reporter decided to take pot shots at him too. Claiming that he put Celeste Laramore, the Sydney look alike up to coming to the Detention Center was more than must a low blow. The end result was not only tragic for Celeste but lets the reader know to what degree reporters will in order to be first in line for a story. Celeste Laramore was just two weeks short of her 21st birthday is lying in a hospital bed in a coma.

Dealing with what happened and the fall out was difficult enough for Jack but when the victim’s father summons him to his daughter’s bedside you begin to wonder just what he hopes to accomplish and why.

Jack is engaged to FBI agent Andie Henning and she joins the story at this point when accompanying him to the hospital. The conversation quite compelling the request to become his lawyer and hopefully get some money for his daughter’s hospital care from the television station that brought the story to light in the first place the end result. Jack had many questions to consider first before taking the case. Added in he would be taking it for free making him look better to the public and hopefully not making this appear another case of Blood Money.

Author James Grippando brings readers inside the minds of many who regale in fleecing the victim’s families who are murdered, those involved in the crime and others who hope that will profit financially. After being approached by many lawyers, Celeste’s father called Jack. Whether to make him feel guilty about what happened to his daughter or because he felt he owed him something and wanted money, Jack deliberated quite carefully before making his decision. Then, someone decides to up the ante and wants Jack to go in search of Sydney. Blindsided and attacked by an unknown assailant, Jack winds up in the hospital. The mode of attack the same as Celeste’s and we now realize this person will stop at nothing to get what he/she wants. Waking up in the hospital and realizing he was the patient would remind him of just how dangerous the situation was. Someone went to great trouble to get his attention and someone wants him to help find Sydney. But why and who? What the police reveal to Jack is startling as we learn the definite similarities in both his and Celeste’s attacks. Added in just where is Sydney and who is this person really after? Blood Money can really stretch its greedy arm in many directions as we learn.

Author James Grippando’s research defines strangulation, carotid artery, manual strangulation and what happens when pressure is placed upon the carotid artery and the possible outcomes. But, because FBI agent Andie Henning is involved in this case I had to promise I would not reveal anymore about what these terms mean or how they relate to what happened to Jack. Added in one reporter managed to snap a picture of them coming out of the hospital putting further strain on their relationship. Then, Jack’s past comes into his present and things about the Laramores are about to come front and center from an unexpected source. Could Celeste’s injuries have been prevented? What role did BNN play in the outcome? Why is Sydney only concerned with a book deal and what will Jack decide to do about representing the Laramores?

The next step in place, the complaint filed and suit against the Corrections Department would proceed on a different track and Jack is determined to find out if the Detention Center is really at fault and then serve BNN with the complaint. But, what happens next changes everything as BNN manages to get a judge to put a gag order against Jack and his team discussing anything about the complaint and an unknown caller seems to be able to track his every move. Hacking into his cell phone and able to call him at will, someone has gone to great trouble to get his attention. Just who is behind the threats and why does this person want him to find Sydney? Who hired Celeste to go to the detention center? Why would she agree to pretend to be Sydney and did someone from the television station prevent her from getting medical care? But, just when you think you have all of the facts you don’t as the medical examiner releases information to Jack about the death of Emma and the next victim of the strangler is identified. When Jack realizes whom the next victim is his relationship with Andie might be even more strained than before. Andie and Jack need to discuss what happened to an old friend, Rene, and how this all fits in the rest of the puzzle.

There are many definitions of a serial killer. Some enjoy killing young teens, others people of specific ages while some are indiscriminant. Our killer’s voice is heard loud and clear as he explains his method, invites the reader to see the tools of his trade and explains that he was not a trophy hunter until now. With the death of Rene, the killer felt compelled to take her necklace because as he states it is “intriguing.” The killer goes on to describe it in detail and we learn more about its composition and his fascination with it.

Someone hacked into Celeste’s facebook account and put some information concerning the case that Jack was told not to discuss. Added in the killer managed to frame an innocent person and as Jack and Mr. Laramore meet to discuss what is next he receives another message that strikes him hard. Meeting with Sydney’s parents Jack hoped to learn more about her whereabouts, the bribe and the link to the jury foreman arrested for taking the bribe. The conversation becomes heated and the end result more lies.

Lies, betrayals, deceits and one young girl in a coma and one woman at the center of it all. Just how low would the attorneys go to win a case? Just who hacked in the Celeste’s facebook page again? Jack has three days to prove that he and no member of her family posted the information on her facebook wall and one additional day to prove that they have a case against the television station for interfering with the date transmission allowing the EMT’s to save Celeste’s life. But, there is so much more as secrets unfold, more suspects appear and Sydney fears for her life as the killer lets the reader know he has just begun. Can Jack find him before he takes another life? What did Rene learn that got her killed? Who is this mysterious killer and who will be next?

Emma was caught in a web of hate, lies, abuse and deceit at the hand of someone you would least expect. Just why this child was sacrificed you might say and who was behind it you won’t believe. Only author James Grippando could weave a plot with so many different storylines, characters so vividly described and keep readers riveted to the printed page from start to finish. Blood Money: It’s more than just paying the victim’s family. Before all is said and done you will learn many more definitions of the word blood.

Fran Lewis: reviewer

[Raymond Mathiesen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about highflyers and important legal cases. Nick Ceratto thinks he wants money and power, but when it comes to the crunch, he finds he's motivated by other things. Follow the twists and turns of the legal system as people try to get what they feel is justice. From a distance what is right can seem so easy to work out, but when you face the details, things often are not as clear and simple.



This is a longer book, so if you are interested in a short read you should perhaps try elsewhere.



I enjoyed reading Blood Money and I am happy to award it 4 stars.

[JoAnna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Three-line review: This book was a quick read, but that was just about it's only redeeming quality. The characters were shallow, the story was very thin and predictable, plot lines tied up way too easily and it felt amateurish from beginning to end. I'm all for a good guilty pleasure read, but nothing about reading this thriller felt like a good use of my time.

[Janet Cardillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly. Enjoyable

The story line in Blood Money is good, interesting, and tough to put down. The protagonist is seen as young and inexperienced and he ends up learning an important lesson from his client. There are a lot of murders in the story, but fortunately not a lot of gore.

[Dirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an easy read, the pace of the book is good. The characters do not get much depth, the evil guys are clearly evil and the protagonist develops a bit over the course of the book.
Some developments were hard to believe: some of the murders were too easy to commit :-), but overall the plot was good. The ending was unexpected!

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the plot went on it became a bit far fetched.

[Beth Criner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good reading

This is a very interesting book. Hard to put down. Kept me guessing as to what happens next. Great author.

[walter b campbell]

A great book. I found it impossible to lay it down.

This was a great book. I could not put this book down until I had finished it. A well written book.

[Alicia Huxtable · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite the read

Quite the read and quite the ride. Twists and turns everywhere. Especially didn't see the last one coming. Great writing

[Dennis O'Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tables Turn

Overall a good story- solid storyline and good Characters. A few twists are surprising. A pleasant read. I would recommend it

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely one for John Grisham & Michael Connelly fans. A real page turner

[Nancy LaForge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting,

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was free from Bookbub. The mechanics of good writing were not what they should have been from this author. The plot was good, but it was not developed. There were too many throwaway characters and too much tangential material. The book held my interest by its twists and turns, but it never clicked.
A Philadelphia lawyer was handling a contrived medical malpractice case. He did not know that the case was contrived or that his law partners did whatever was necessary to get big money verdicts or settlements. For the need and love of money, lawyers, doctors and necessary parties would together hatch cases. There was rampant murder, way too much vulgar language and a finish that was unsatisfying. There was too much description of places and people not germane to the storyline. The Philadelphia tough guys were the real heroes of the book.
This author is talented but failed to utilize her talent in putting. this book together. I thank the author for the book and will read her books again. In a future book of hers, I would to see her tighten up the plot and lighten up on the vulgarity.

[G.E. Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laura Rizio tells a tale of a law firm so rooted in corruption that it's almost implausible. Or is it? If the love of money is the root of all evil, then Blood Money showcases the devil himself in the Maglio, Silvio, & Levin firm that is the central focus of the book. As you read through this fast-paced and suspenseful drama, you'll find that lies, intimidation, and even murder are the methods of choice for making things happen for these corrupt lawyers. And that's just the first few pages! This is a great read for anyone who loves law dramas such as "Law & Order" with a healthy dose of mob style violence thrown in for thrills. Add in some great plot twists and a seedy romance or two and you get the good read that is this book.

[Christopher Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Difficult read for me to get into the first three chapters but after that I was hooked. This book became like a drug and I had to know what was going to happen next. The main character, Nick Cerratto, was not an easily likable character but as the reading went on I came to respect him. Characters were introduced, they made their impact and then were take away and it worked. That device alone kept me reading waiting for the next piece of action. The twists of the story were definitely surprising and not what I expected at all. The conclusion was a shock and definitely had my head reeling but the extended ending, for me, was quite unnecessary. All in all a decent read and I would only recommend this for a reader that really wants the ins and outs of a court room drama/thriller/mystery

[Kevin Bowser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have had this book on my Kindle for quite some time. And I just started it a few days ago. I was really pleased with it. I liked the twists and turns and the way that author moved the plot along. The mix of long and short chapters worked for me.

I found the hero to be likable in spite of his flaws. And the thought of a street kid who becomes a rich Philadelphia lawyer is a great vehicle for a plot.

Many have commented about the editing errors. I noticed them as well. But, I tend to look at those as I do any other form of entertainment. I am suspending disbelief so that I can enjoy the overall story. And Laura Rizio delivers a fine story.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rated 3 stars but wanted 2 1/2 which was not possible. The story was good however characters and narrative was not developed. Book was not edited as spelling errors are too many. The story is about murder, fraud and justice but court room drama was very poor. I have never read books of this author but gave it a try and was disappointed. Hope next book will better. By the way I downloaded this book free on Amazon.

[Lillie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Blood Money was grittier than my usual preference--I would not have downloaded it, even free, had I realized that. In spite of a lot of killing, crude language, and illicit sex, the storyline kept me interested enough to read to the end to find out what happened. As an editor, I was pulled from the story by errors--every book has some, but this one had more than its share. The ending left me shaking my head and wondering why I had insisted on reading to the end.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nick Ceratto is an up and coming lawyer in a prominent Philadelphia firm. One of the partners end up dead in a supposed murder-suicide. As he digs deeper, more and more people end up dead. He discovers the partners were crooked and when they realize he knows, his life is in danger as well. The writing is OK. I enjoyed it especially because it was set in Philly and a lot of places mentioned are places I knew.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this book was just ok and that it felt thrown together. Characters were not well developed and it was hard to buy into the plot once the series of murders occurred as part of the cover up. I know it's a book but it seemed excessive and unrealistic. When I read it's like a movie reel in my head and this movie was not good.

[Sondra Castello]

Excellent book with a happy ending!! Can't ask for anything more.

LAURA RIZIO, an author I'm not familiar with, and cannot find another book of hers or
any reviews by other authors, or readers,very unusual,well. onward. the title is
BLOOD MONEY. is the title and you will see for yourselves.