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Rosato and Associates #10
Lady Killer
Mary DiNunzio is a trademark Lisa Scottoline heroine—she's strong, she's smart, and she's got plenty of attitude. In recent years, she's become a big-time business-getter at Rosato & Associates, but the last person she expects to walk into her office one morning—in mile-high stilettos—is super sexy Trish Gambone, her high school rival. Back then, while Mary was becoming the straight-A president of the Latin Club and Most Likely to Achieve Sainthood, Trish was the head Mean Girl, who flunked religion and excelled at smoking in the bathroom.
As it turns out, however, Trish's life has taken a horrifying turn. She's terrified of her live-in boyfriend, who's an abusive, gun-toting drug dealer for the South Philly mob. There's only one problem—Mary remembers the guy from high school too. Unbeknownst to Trish, Mary had a major crush on him.
Then Trish vanishes, a dead body turns up in an alley, and Mary is plunged into a nightmare, one that threatens her job, her family, and even her life. She goes on a one-woman crusade to unmask the killer, and on the way, finds new love in a very unexpected place.
But before the novel's shocking surprise ending, Mary is forced to confront some very uncomfortable truths about her own past, and the profound effects of lifelong love—and hate.
As it turns out, however, Trish's life has taken a horrifying turn. She's terrified of her live-in boyfriend, who's an abusive, gun-toting drug dealer for the South Philly mob. There's only one problem—Mary remembers the guy from high school too. Unbeknownst to Trish, Mary had a major crush on him.
Then Trish vanishes, a dead body turns up in an alley, and Mary is plunged into a nightmare, one that threatens her job, her family, and even her life. She goes on a one-woman crusade to unmask the killer, and on the way, finds new love in a very unexpected place.
But before the novel's shocking surprise ending, Mary is forced to confront some very uncomfortable truths about her own past, and the profound effects of lifelong love—and hate.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2008
About the author
Lisa Scottoline
147 books16.2k followersLisa Scottoline is a #1 bestselling and Edgar award-winning author of 33 novels. Her books are book-club favorites, and Lisa and her daughter Francesca Serritella have hosted an annual Big Book Club Party for over a thousand readers at her Pennsylvania farm, for the past twelve years. Lisa has served as President of Mystery Writers of America, and her reviews of fiction and non-fiction have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Philadelphia Inquirer. She also writes a weekly column with her daughter for the Philadelphia Inquirer entitled Chick Wit, a witty take on life from a woman’s perspective, which have been collected in a bestselling series of humorous memoirs. Lisa graduated magna cum laude in three years from the University of Pennsylvania, with a B.A. in English, and cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where she taught Justice and Fiction. Lisa has over 30 million copies of her books in print and is published in over 35 countries. She lives in the Philadelphia area with an array of disobedient pets and wouldn’t have it any other way.
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June 2, 2023
Lisa Scottoline adds another novel in her Rosato and Associates series, dazzling once more. A story thrusting Mary DiNunzio back in the spotlight, forcing her to address issues of professional and personal struggle, while trying to keep level-headed. When Mary learns that she has been bringing in a large amount of the work at Rosato and Associates, she hopes to make a play for a more senior role, even partner. However, Bennie Rosato is not yet ready to admit the needs to expand. Mary tries to keep her calm and is soon derailed when a old high school enemy tries to hire her to help with a domestic matter. This sends Mary spiralling into old memories, while trying to use the law to her advantage. Things quickly get out of hand and Mary must try to solve a mystery placed before her, while being pushed out of the firm for disobeying. Scottoline impresses once more with this stellar penultimate novel in this initial series.
Mary DiNunzio has the makings of an amazing lawyer, having shown her worth within Rosato and Associates. Her smarts and sharp wit cannot be discounted by anyone, and her billings have shown that she is a cornerstone to keeping the firm running. When Mary tries to make the case that she deserves a larger role within the firm and they should hire another associate, Bennie Rosato dismisses it as a temporary high that has no long-term impact, so Mary will stay where she is at present. Her plan stymied, Mary tries to focus on her work, which soon takes quite the turn.
When Trish Gambone arrives to hire Mary, old rivalries resurface. Trish was the mean girl in high school and wanted nothing but to bring misery to Mary’s life, a self-professed good-two-shoes. However, Trish seeks the lawyer’s assistance, as her boyfriend has been abusive, threatening, and showing ongoing criminal tendencies. While Mary wishes she could do something, without firm proof and evidence, there is little the law can do for Trish. Undeterred, Trish vows that she will get the evidence she needs to have Mary act and send him to prison.
While no one is fully aware, Mary knows the man well, having had a crush on him when they were in high school. She also discovers that he is part of the mob and will stop at nothing to get his way. When Trish goes missing, everyone panics and Mary second-guesses herself for not acting sooner. Could all this have been prevented by pushing for a restraining order? Mary goes searching for Trish, come what may, in hopes of getting answers, even after Bennie tells her to leave the crime fighting to the police.
When a body turns up, Mary can only wonder if she will be thrust into a full-blown legal matter. Could this have been a mob hit, sent as a message to those who would cross them? Might Trish Gambone’s illicit past be coming back to haunt her once more? Mary will have to delve deeper, though her actions have cost her a position at Rosato and Associates, as Bennie tries to consolidate her firm and stay out of the fray of criminal acts. Mary has an uphill battle before her, especially as events from her past make a painful reemergence into the present, but her stubbornness will keep her from letting others get the upper hand. Lisa Scottoline’s series keeps getting better and this novel goes to show that Mary DiNunzio has a lot to prove going forward.
The binge I have undertaken with this series has proven to be well worth my time and efforts. Each novel in the series builds on the previous ones, adding a strong narrative base and keeps loose story arcs to build for the dedicated reader. Lisa Scottoline’s writing allows the reader fo feel a connection to the events in the book, both legal and personal, as well as great description of Philadelphia and its Italian community. The many characters who return from one novel to the next are given time to mature and develop, as the series reader will see growth and depth, as well as the ebbing and flowing of protagonist centrality. Mary has been a core character, whose past keeps being hashed out of the reader, as well as some impactful personal issues in the present. The plots that emerge in the story are both a means of building on Mary’s professional and personal struggles, as well as showing how flexible the law can be, revealing much for the attentive reader. I can see how Mary and Bennie’s clashes will come to a head in the final novel of this series, which is sure to help define how the second, yet related, series will come to fruition. Before we get there, let us dive into the final book in this collection, which is surely full of rich legal and personal matters. Scottoline has much to do and I am ready to see how things progress.
Kudos, Madam Scottoline, for impressing me to no end.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Mary DiNunzio has the makings of an amazing lawyer, having shown her worth within Rosato and Associates. Her smarts and sharp wit cannot be discounted by anyone, and her billings have shown that she is a cornerstone to keeping the firm running. When Mary tries to make the case that she deserves a larger role within the firm and they should hire another associate, Bennie Rosato dismisses it as a temporary high that has no long-term impact, so Mary will stay where she is at present. Her plan stymied, Mary tries to focus on her work, which soon takes quite the turn.
When Trish Gambone arrives to hire Mary, old rivalries resurface. Trish was the mean girl in high school and wanted nothing but to bring misery to Mary’s life, a self-professed good-two-shoes. However, Trish seeks the lawyer’s assistance, as her boyfriend has been abusive, threatening, and showing ongoing criminal tendencies. While Mary wishes she could do something, without firm proof and evidence, there is little the law can do for Trish. Undeterred, Trish vows that she will get the evidence she needs to have Mary act and send him to prison.
While no one is fully aware, Mary knows the man well, having had a crush on him when they were in high school. She also discovers that he is part of the mob and will stop at nothing to get his way. When Trish goes missing, everyone panics and Mary second-guesses herself for not acting sooner. Could all this have been prevented by pushing for a restraining order? Mary goes searching for Trish, come what may, in hopes of getting answers, even after Bennie tells her to leave the crime fighting to the police.
When a body turns up, Mary can only wonder if she will be thrust into a full-blown legal matter. Could this have been a mob hit, sent as a message to those who would cross them? Might Trish Gambone’s illicit past be coming back to haunt her once more? Mary will have to delve deeper, though her actions have cost her a position at Rosato and Associates, as Bennie tries to consolidate her firm and stay out of the fray of criminal acts. Mary has an uphill battle before her, especially as events from her past make a painful reemergence into the present, but her stubbornness will keep her from letting others get the upper hand. Lisa Scottoline’s series keeps getting better and this novel goes to show that Mary DiNunzio has a lot to prove going forward.
The binge I have undertaken with this series has proven to be well worth my time and efforts. Each novel in the series builds on the previous ones, adding a strong narrative base and keeps loose story arcs to build for the dedicated reader. Lisa Scottoline’s writing allows the reader fo feel a connection to the events in the book, both legal and personal, as well as great description of Philadelphia and its Italian community. The many characters who return from one novel to the next are given time to mature and develop, as the series reader will see growth and depth, as well as the ebbing and flowing of protagonist centrality. Mary has been a core character, whose past keeps being hashed out of the reader, as well as some impactful personal issues in the present. The plots that emerge in the story are both a means of building on Mary’s professional and personal struggles, as well as showing how flexible the law can be, revealing much for the attentive reader. I can see how Mary and Bennie’s clashes will come to a head in the final novel of this series, which is sure to help define how the second, yet related, series will come to fruition. Before we get there, let us dive into the final book in this collection, which is surely full of rich legal and personal matters. Scottoline has much to do and I am ready to see how things progress.
Kudos, Madam Scottoline, for impressing me to no end.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
March 10, 2008
Scottoline used to be more legal thriller and less chick lit, but she seems to have reversed the balance in this one. Cute story, but the protagonist (Mary DiNunzio)does virtually no lawyering in this story. She's more like a cross between super sleuth and secret squirrel.
Kinda silly in a way, but fun to read. The "Mean Girls" from when Mary was in high school come to her for help, and they act like they're still in high school, even though they're in their 30's. She throws in a lot of humor, and much of the silliness is intentional, I think.
Some funny lines worth remembering, like "I don't want you dead unless I kill you myself."
Kinda silly in a way, but fun to read. The "Mean Girls" from when Mary was in high school come to her for help, and they act like they're still in high school, even though they're in their 30's. She throws in a lot of humor, and much of the silliness is intentional, I think.
Some funny lines worth remembering, like "I don't want you dead unless I kill you myself."
February 11, 2009
I have to admit that Scottoline is probably my favorite living author of legal thrillers. My favorite are her "Rosatto and Associates" series; these all center around an all women law firm in Philadelphia. It stays fresh because the different associates are the main characters in different novels, and so point of view changes. It's interesting to read an entire novel from the point of view of the out of state young lawyer from California, and then to read another from the point of view of a native of South Philly. They view the city of Philadelphia, the law, the office, and each other, very differently. Great series.
This book follows Mary DeNunzio, the South Philly native and most frequent protagonist in the series, as she tries to help a former high school classmate flee a domestic abuse situation. Mary has to confront many things that working class girls who make good must deal with--the proud but resentful family, the coworkers who don't "get" the pressures she's under, the fact that people's loyalties can shift very quickly, and the idea that, while you can never go home, you can also never really get away from where you're from. Great plot line, great characters, enough humour at odd times to make you laugh out loud.
I devoured this book, then realized it had no court room scenes, which I missed because Scottoline does them better than anyone.
This book follows Mary DeNunzio, the South Philly native and most frequent protagonist in the series, as she tries to help a former high school classmate flee a domestic abuse situation. Mary has to confront many things that working class girls who make good must deal with--the proud but resentful family, the coworkers who don't "get" the pressures she's under, the fact that people's loyalties can shift very quickly, and the idea that, while you can never go home, you can also never really get away from where you're from. Great plot line, great characters, enough humour at odd times to make you laugh out loud.
I devoured this book, then realized it had no court room scenes, which I missed because Scottoline does them better than anyone.
May 1, 2010
I listened to an audiobook version of this--an okay mystery made very good by an excellent reader. If you like to listen to books as well as read them (great for driving/housecleaning/mindless chores- hey! another way to get books into my day!) then listen to anything read by Barbara Rosenblat. In Lady Killer she has loads of fun with all the South Philly accents-men, women, children--angry, laughing, sarcastic--her reading nailed the emotions as well as the accents. Midway through the story I was disgusted at how easily I'd guessed the mystery, then got my comeuppance when a couple of twists proved me wrong. Lisa Scottoline has a good ear for dialogue, and the humor in this story makes it a fun read/listen.
April 4, 2011
Scottoline does it again! Really good book. Laugh out loud funny, tense, twisty, clever and real. Mary DiNunzio takes the case of her high school tormentor - Trish. "The Mean Girls ", Trish's friends, (with South Philly accents) think Trish's boyfriend, Bobby is going to kill Trish. When Trish disappears, her friends wage a public campaign to get the cops to look for her. Mary goes all out to find Trish, putting herself and her career on the line. There is also some soul searching as Mary comes to terms with a secret she's kept for years, and a little romance too. If you think you have it all figured out, think again!
August 4, 2017
I accidentally listened to an abridged version, as I was trying out my library's new "Libby" iPhone app.
There was an interview with Lisa Scottline after the book, and in it she talks about how the female characters in her books are like the women she knows, and that may be why readers can relate and enjoy. Maybe it's because I didn't grow up in Jersey going to Catholic school, but these are not like women I know.
Still, it was an entertaining mystery even if bits were a little predictable.
2.5 stars rounded up.
There was an interview with Lisa Scottline after the book, and in it she talks about how the female characters in her books are like the women she knows, and that may be why readers can relate and enjoy. Maybe it's because I didn't grow up in Jersey going to Catholic school, but these are not like women I know.
Still, it was an entertaining mystery even if bits were a little predictable.
2.5 stars rounded up.
June 16, 2022
Good, short, and to the point with some twists and turns mixed in. I think Scottoline does a good job narrating her books also. Mary is in a race against the clock to determine who killed a mob guy who is also the partner of one of Mary's nemesis from high school.
February 3, 2011
I couldn't shake the feeling that this was a book that really, really wanted to be written by Janet Evanovich, but wasn't.
It wasn't horrible or anything, but honestly, I probably wouldn't have finished it had I not been required to read a best-seller from after 1990 for my Popular Materials class . . . by tomorrow. :P
A few weird things going on here, like how the book doesn't give away Bobby's name for a really long time for no apparent reason.
I did like a few scenes, like when Anthony has to come out to his mother as not gay. Plus, the opening scene, the feud between Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra, is pretty great.
If you like Evanovich's fun descriptions and firmly-grounded setting, but would prefer to read a mystery set in South Philly instead of Jersey, and with a slightly more religious protagonist, and in third-person instead of first, and (in my opinion) slightly less well-written and funny . . . then you'll love this!
Also, Lady Killer drinking games that will destroy your liver within hours!
- Mary blames herself for something: take a drink (this one alone will kill you)
- Mary waffles on whether she's a good Catholic*: take a drink
- Mary needs to tell someone something important but just can't seem to spit it out: take a shot
- the font changes or goes to all caps or italic for more than a line: take a drink and roll your eyes
- Mary goes on a politically-correct tangent: take a drink (If it's about how most Italian-Americans aren't in the Mob, have a glass of wine.)
- Mary talks on the phone while driving: finish your drink and give up your car keys
(Since I don't much drink, I really wished I had some Skittles or something here so I could do my own version of this drinking game and thus enliven my reading of the book. Oh well.)
*A Catholic friend of mine assures me that there is nothing in the Bible about Catholics getting Brazilians. Mary's shock at the idea came across to me as the author desperately wanting to make her not-terribly-funny joke about Catholics and Brazilians. So she makes her joke, and now we've got a protagonist who flips out at the mention of a Catholic getting a Brazilian bikini wax, yet doesn't bat an eye at birth control or homosexuality and has herself had an abortion (though she's definitely not at peace with that). Don't get me wrong - I wouldn't want to follow a protagonist who got preachy or judgy about things like birth control and homosexuality. Still, the inconsistency makes me wonder how Scottoline could think it was worthwhile to weaken a character in order to make a dumb joke.
It wasn't horrible or anything, but honestly, I probably wouldn't have finished it had I not been required to read a best-seller from after 1990 for my Popular Materials class . . . by tomorrow. :P
A few weird things going on here, like how the book doesn't give away Bobby's name for a really long time for no apparent reason.
I did like a few scenes, like when Anthony has to come out to his mother as not gay. Plus, the opening scene, the feud between Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra, is pretty great.
If you like Evanovich's fun descriptions and firmly-grounded setting, but would prefer to read a mystery set in South Philly instead of Jersey, and with a slightly more religious protagonist, and in third-person instead of first, and (in my opinion) slightly less well-written and funny . . . then you'll love this!
Also, Lady Killer drinking games that will destroy your liver within hours!
- Mary blames herself for something: take a drink (this one alone will kill you)
- Mary waffles on whether she's a good Catholic*: take a drink
- Mary needs to tell someone something important but just can't seem to spit it out: take a shot
- the font changes or goes to all caps or italic for more than a line: take a drink and roll your eyes
- Mary goes on a politically-correct tangent: take a drink (If it's about how most Italian-Americans aren't in the Mob, have a glass of wine.)
- Mary talks on the phone while driving: finish your drink and give up your car keys
(Since I don't much drink, I really wished I had some Skittles or something here so I could do my own version of this drinking game and thus enliven my reading of the book. Oh well.)
*A Catholic friend of mine assures me that there is nothing in the Bible about Catholics getting Brazilians. Mary's shock at the idea came across to me as the author desperately wanting to make her not-terribly-funny joke about Catholics and Brazilians. So she makes her joke, and now we've got a protagonist who flips out at the mention of a Catholic getting a Brazilian bikini wax, yet doesn't bat an eye at birth control or homosexuality and has herself had an abortion (though she's definitely not at peace with that). Don't get me wrong - I wouldn't want to follow a protagonist who got preachy or judgy about things like birth control and homosexuality. Still, the inconsistency makes me wonder how Scottoline could think it was worthwhile to weaken a character in order to make a dumb joke.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2011
Disclaimer: In order to appreciate this book fully, you need to listen to the audiobook version read by Barbara Rosenblat. I usually "read" (okay, listen) to audiobooks while I clean my house. I spackled and primed my whole dining room to this one. I think I've found a new favorite author to tide me over in the years when Sue Grafton isn't publishing another Kinsey Milhone installment in her Alphabet Murder Mystery series. The downside is that author Lisa Scottoline's books seem to be stand-alones, which is a pity because I could read a series about the heroine of Lady Killer forever.
Mary DiNunzio is a young-ish, widowed attorney from the Italian 'hood of South Philly. A quintessential Catholic Nice Girl. (Re: Brazilian Waxes: "She didn't think the words "Catholic" and "Brazilian" belonged in the same sentence, unless you were saying, "Many Brazilians are good Catholics.") When Trish, one of the Mean Girls from her Catholic high school looks her up all these years later, to tell her that her mobster boyfriend is trying to kill her, Mary experiences a crisis of nostalgia...and not all of it very nice. She'd like to ditch Trish and her clique of Mean Girls but she's tied to the case by a thin thread...she used to date the mobster in question, and she just can't seem to look the other way. When Trish goes missing and the boyfriend turns up dead, Mary throws up everything--including her job--to get to the bottom of the case, for the sake of a girl who treated her terribly in high school.
It's a good mystery, meaning I didn't guess the ending halfway through. And the setting (South Philly, enmeshed Italian neighborhood) really draws the reader in. (Barbara Rosenblat's voices are more...South Jersey. Or maybe Brooklyn. But I didn't care about that.) The characters are great: very flawed-yet-lovable...yet not so lovable that the Marys among us don't give a quiet cheer when bad things happen to them. After all, have any of us ever gotten over the Mean Girls from our own high school years?
I'll definitely be looking up more of Lisa Scottoline's books. Today, if possible. And if they're narrated by Barbara Rosenblat, my house may end up being cleaner than it's been since Sue Grafton's last mystery came out in audiobook.
Mary DiNunzio is a young-ish, widowed attorney from the Italian 'hood of South Philly. A quintessential Catholic Nice Girl. (Re: Brazilian Waxes: "She didn't think the words "Catholic" and "Brazilian" belonged in the same sentence, unless you were saying, "Many Brazilians are good Catholics.") When Trish, one of the Mean Girls from her Catholic high school looks her up all these years later, to tell her that her mobster boyfriend is trying to kill her, Mary experiences a crisis of nostalgia...and not all of it very nice. She'd like to ditch Trish and her clique of Mean Girls but she's tied to the case by a thin thread...she used to date the mobster in question, and she just can't seem to look the other way. When Trish goes missing and the boyfriend turns up dead, Mary throws up everything--including her job--to get to the bottom of the case, for the sake of a girl who treated her terribly in high school.
It's a good mystery, meaning I didn't guess the ending halfway through. And the setting (South Philly, enmeshed Italian neighborhood) really draws the reader in. (Barbara Rosenblat's voices are more...South Jersey. Or maybe Brooklyn. But I didn't care about that.) The characters are great: very flawed-yet-lovable...yet not so lovable that the Marys among us don't give a quiet cheer when bad things happen to them. After all, have any of us ever gotten over the Mean Girls from our own high school years?
I'll definitely be looking up more of Lisa Scottoline's books. Today, if possible. And if they're narrated by Barbara Rosenblat, my house may end up being cleaner than it's been since Sue Grafton's last mystery came out in audiobook.
September 6, 2011
Mary DiNunzio, or Mare to her family and friends, is a lawyer with Rosato & Associates, with a very busy working life, a huge number of clients who love her, but no social life. When Trish Gambone turns up in her office, upset and crying, terrified, Mary was shocked! Trish was a member of the 'Mean Girls' from high school, and they tormented Mary, called her names, she didn't like them at all....so why was Trish in her office, NEEDING HER HELP!
Trish however, has seen her life spiralling downhill in the past few years. Her boyfriend, Bobby, has turned abusive, he beats her, he is a drug dealer, and part of the Mob. And now Trish has reason to believe Bobby is going to kill her, and she is terrified, wanting Mary's help and protection. But Mary has a secret...Bobby is an old flame, Mary had a serious crush on him in high school!
Suddenly Trish vanishes, and Bobby can't be found either. Then a body turns up, and life as Mary once knew it, spiralled out of control! Her life, her career, her family, all are threatened, and she knows she has to find Trish before it's too late!
This is my first Lisa Scottoline novel, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end, and I was surprised and a little shocked to find out who the 'bad' guy was! I would totally recommend this book......
Trish however, has seen her life spiralling downhill in the past few years. Her boyfriend, Bobby, has turned abusive, he beats her, he is a drug dealer, and part of the Mob. And now Trish has reason to believe Bobby is going to kill her, and she is terrified, wanting Mary's help and protection. But Mary has a secret...Bobby is an old flame, Mary had a serious crush on him in high school!
Suddenly Trish vanishes, and Bobby can't be found either. Then a body turns up, and life as Mary once knew it, spiralled out of control! Her life, her career, her family, all are threatened, and she knows she has to find Trish before it's too late!
This is my first Lisa Scottoline novel, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end, and I was surprised and a little shocked to find out who the 'bad' guy was! I would totally recommend this book......
July 7, 2010
I read this out of order. That's a problem with a series by an author, information relevant to the main character comes from earlier books.
Mary DiNunzio, the subject of Scottoline's earlier books beginning with Everywhere that Mary Went, has been a prolific business developer for Rosato and Associates. Please read Killer Smile before Lady Killer, and a lot of things will become clear.
Starting with a small spat between neighbors in Mary's south Philadelphia neighborhood, Mary's businss begins to fall away. A high school classmate of Mary's (Trish,one of the Mean Girls) comes to Mary for help involving domestic abuse from her live-in boyfried who has mob connections. The girl friend disappears, her friends and neighbors are disappointed that Mary couldn't help Trish. The neighborhood, previously so proud of Mary (Read Killer Smile)turn away from her and Mary goes on a one woman mission to find the missing Trish and discover why the boyfriend turned up dead on a Philadelphia street.
Along the way Mary finds a new love in a very unexpected way.
Mary DiNunzio, the subject of Scottoline's earlier books beginning with Everywhere that Mary Went, has been a prolific business developer for Rosato and Associates. Please read Killer Smile before Lady Killer, and a lot of things will become clear.
Starting with a small spat between neighbors in Mary's south Philadelphia neighborhood, Mary's businss begins to fall away. A high school classmate of Mary's (Trish,one of the Mean Girls) comes to Mary for help involving domestic abuse from her live-in boyfried who has mob connections. The girl friend disappears, her friends and neighbors are disappointed that Mary couldn't help Trish. The neighborhood, previously so proud of Mary (Read Killer Smile)turn away from her and Mary goes on a one woman mission to find the missing Trish and discover why the boyfriend turned up dead on a Philadelphia street.
Along the way Mary finds a new love in a very unexpected way.
May 10, 2012
CD/Unabridged/Fiction/Book 7 or 12(?) of the Mary DiNunzio series. I listened to the first book of this series a while back. In that one, Mary is part of a cutthroat law firm and the narrator was very matter of fact. This story takes place years later and I have not read or listened to the ones in between. Mary is back in the neighborhood working for a small firm. By this book, Mary has regressed in her emotions and unsure of herself. She is now a widow, but happy being a peon associate at her law firm. What confidence she has is put to the test when one of the “mean girls” comes to her office to ask for help. Mary becomes a doormat overnight as all her insecurities come back from high school.
This is a really good book/audio and you stands alone so reading the previous ones is not necessary.
Five stars and quite a few of a lot of LOL moments. The narrator does a great job, too.
This is a really good book/audio and you stands alone so reading the previous ones is not necessary.
Five stars and quite a few of a lot of LOL moments. The narrator does a great job, too.
November 28, 2020
There's a decent story and mystery here, but it's buried under characters that act stupidly, terrible dialogue and ridiculous stereotypes that border on caricatures. But the worst is the attempt at local flavor. The author claims to live in the area the book is set in. If that's true, she should know there's no I-95 east in NJ. She clearly meant 195. And even a quick Google search would tell her it's Cathy Gandolfo, not Kathy. I find that type of error inexcusable.
January 9, 2023
A "light" legal story, the tenth one in this series. I can see how Mary has "grown up" since the first novel, even if Bennie can't. There was a lot going in in this one -- Mary being pulled multiple directions by her neighbors. And the "Mean Girls"! The author has a sense of humor.
Three stars for the escapism.
Three stars for the escapism.
June 12, 2017
Mary DiNunzio used to be the typical straight A student in high school, and of course there was the typical mean girls. Trish Gambine lead the mean girls, she was more of the smoke in the school bathroom type of girl. Mary was personally bullied by the mean girls, but none of that matters much now that she has become a big time business getter at Rosario and Associates.
Right when her life was getting back on path a leopard print jacket wreaking of cigarettes stumbles into her office begging for her help. Regardless of the fact that the broken women in front of her used to bully her in school making her teenage life hell, she tries to help her. If only she knew what she was getting herself into.
In this Crime novel, Lisa Scottoline fills every chapter with suspense and mystery. Right when you thinks you know everything there is to know she throws another teeth gnashing unsolved mystery at you. Through out the book you uncover dark secrets about Mary's past along with the people around her. She is determined to find Trish, but while doing so she uncovers more than she barrages for. When ever Mary learns something new it keeps you wanting to read more. Mary's sense of humor lightens the dark mystery and entertains you at the same time. I'm now interested in reading more of Lisa Scottoline's novels in the near future. All together with it surprising plot twists, dynamic characters, snappy dialogue, and biting humor I suggest this book to any one who is interested in crime or mystery novels. Enjoy the page turning!
August 15, 2020
The characters in Lady Killer seem to be stamped from the same mold as the characters we find in Evanovich's Stephanie Plum novels. Some of them are the wacky over-the-top oldsters-- as in the elderly members of the two opposing fan clubs- one representing Dean Martin and the other Frank Sinatra... Then there are the "mean girls" from Maria's high school days. They are not only loud and obnoxious, they are very obstinate and disrespectful. But one of them, Maria's chief tormentor from the old days, needs help. She describes an abusive relationship and weeps that her man is going to kill her, but balks at going to court or the police. She leaves weeping and then promptly disappears. Mary decides to go looking for her.
The plot is pretty decent, but Mary's investigation techniques assume people are just going to open up to her-- and that didn't seem all that real. Still, she manages to deal with dead bodies, angry people, etc. in a meaningful way while dealing with a private pain.
The characters are the best part of this novel, the plot is above average, but to me, it just seemed like a Stephanie Plum novel with different setting.
The plot is pretty decent, but Mary's investigation techniques assume people are just going to open up to her-- and that didn't seem all that real. Still, she manages to deal with dead bodies, angry people, etc. in a meaningful way while dealing with a private pain.
The characters are the best part of this novel, the plot is above average, but to me, it just seemed like a Stephanie Plum novel with different setting.
April 10, 2025
I really, REALLY enjoy reading about the lawyers in the Rosato & Associates law firm - tough, intelligent, and wholly believable women in their strengths and weaknesses. Mary DiNunzio is just that, and her personality is so relatable. She's the "good girl" from high school, getting straight A's and focusing on a future as a lawyer, firmly entrenched in her Italian-American roots growing up in South Philly.
The last thing she expects is one of the beautiful "mean girls" from high school, Trish, showing up in her office in tears, fearing for her life from an abusive boyfriend. Mary is thrown back into high school memories, and the Italian families from her old neighborhood have become a major influence in her present day decisions.
When Trish disappears, along with her boyfriend, everyone fears the worst. Even though Missing Persons is on the case, Mary is compelled to investigate on her own at the risk of losing her job.
This is another example of Scottoline taking the reader down a path that one believes leads to an inevitable conclusion. One would be wrong. She is so GOOD at this! Loved it!
The last thing she expects is one of the beautiful "mean girls" from high school, Trish, showing up in her office in tears, fearing for her life from an abusive boyfriend. Mary is thrown back into high school memories, and the Italian families from her old neighborhood have become a major influence in her present day decisions.
When Trish disappears, along with her boyfriend, everyone fears the worst. Even though Missing Persons is on the case, Mary is compelled to investigate on her own at the risk of losing her job.
This is another example of Scottoline taking the reader down a path that one believes leads to an inevitable conclusion. One would be wrong. She is so GOOD at this! Loved it!
November 5, 2009
Mary DiNunzio is an attorney who is dismayed when former mean girl Trish walks into her office and demands her help. Apparently her boyfriend (who just so happens to be Mary's former love) has become abusive and she fears for her life and has nowhere to turn. Mary makes a few suggestions but Trish refuses police intervention because her boyfriend is in the mob and will kill her. What she expects Mary to do then escapes me . . . but she stomps out of Mary's office in a huff and soon after disappears. Now everyone from Mary's neighborhood is ticked off at her because "she didn't do anything" and Mary is forced into spending time with Trish's friends who tormented her as a teen and have grown into annoying women who cause Mary no end of trouble.
Mysteries aren't my favorite genre but this one was peopled with well written characters who were interesting if not always likable (lots of shallow, self-centered women in this book). There was a little humor, a little romance and enough twists and turns and secrets to hold my attention.
Mysteries aren't my favorite genre but this one was peopled with well written characters who were interesting if not always likable (lots of shallow, self-centered women in this book). There was a little humor, a little romance and enough twists and turns and secrets to hold my attention.
June 13, 2020
This is the third Lisa Scottoline book I have read during the Pandemic, and the Rosato series is excellent. Scottoline focuses here on Mary Dinunzio, one of the four lawyers in the firm. Mary goes back to her South Philly roots as she picks up a case involving her old high school 'friends'. Trish and her circle of friends, Guilia, Yolanda and Missy {she called them the 'Mean Girls' in high school as they made fun of her for being a nerd} are in big trouble. Trish is engaged to a mobster and she is afraid he is going to kill her. After she goes to Mary for help, Trish disappears and Mary must work with her former 'frenemies' to find her before it's too late. One thing leads to another, and of course there's a few big twists and turns to make things interesting. "Lady Killer" makes me want to catch up on this series and get right up to date! It will for you too.
March 31, 2010
where did the time go that I am just getting to this one?
Sorry Lisa :-)
Excellent writing! Mary is my favorite character so I loved this book written with her in the lead. I also loved the twist Lisa added that I didn't see coming...Mary had an abortion!
I love her parents as well as the rest of the Italian community and wish I lived there...even if they do always get into each others business...lol
Sorry Lisa :-)
Excellent writing! Mary is my favorite character so I loved this book written with her in the lead. I also loved the twist Lisa added that I didn't see coming...Mary had an abortion!
I love her parents as well as the rest of the Italian community and wish I lived there...even if they do always get into each others business...lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2015
Lisa Scottoline delivers, again. She has her niche and she fills it well. This is one of the Rosato and Associates books and she has her feisty group of female lawyers, out doing things for people that they never expected to be doing. I have read several of these books and they are always entertaining, mainly because of Mary DiNunzio and her people of south Philly. A great beach book.
July 7, 2017
How does one become a successful professional without learning to control ones emotions? Well Mary DiNovio, our heroine, can't seem to, and it's highly frustrating to read about. The book is also full of caricatures, which gets tiresome. The plot was okay, though, and the setting was sort of interesting. This is part of a series and I am unlikely to read others.
December 13, 2013
Interesting tale & writing style. Like to read more in series. No, cussing or graphic sex and still a well told tale that sold well.
February 16, 2020
Kept me guessing who the guilty party was and was surprised when the truth was revealed. Not Scottoline's best but still a good read.
November 5, 2019
You're either in the mood for this kind of sitcom-jokey mystery set in a Philadelphia Italian neighborhood with strong mob connections or you're not. Scottoline's plot ambles along serviceably, and her lawyer protagonist Mary is likable, but I grew bored. It overstayed its welcome far too long, even though it all tied up predictably.
May 24, 2023
My exes grandma passed along this book to me and I decided to try it out bc it’s not something I’d normally read. It was horrible. The first 250 pages dragged on and “twist” was ridiculous. The Italian American mob theme felt culturally biased and the characters had no depth. Would not recommend.
February 11, 2026
I really enjoyed this book! It’s a quick, easy read filled with action, personality and suspense. I don’t know if I have read any in this series before, but I will definitely be looking for another one!
September 23, 2022
This book was good for what it was. Felt like an airport novel/beach read. Took a little to get into because of the over the top Italian stereotypes.
May 31, 2017
Think back to high school. Almost everyone had someone who picked on them. What would you do, as an adult, if that same person came to you pleading for help? Mary, is going to be in that same situation. Reid, find out what she does. The further you get in to the story, the more you will see the dilemma that Mary has to deal with. Find out how Mary handles situations, when you are trying to do everything the right way, but nothing works out the way it should. Sometimes, the legal way isn't a humane, or ethical way. Like previous books in the series, there is going to be a twist that you will not see coming. It is definitely a, drop your jaw, kind of twist! Like most books, there are parts of the book that are typical cliché. You will find your self wondering, why do they never listen to them selves? There's always the rain, somebody always gets stuck in their vehicle, the lady always falls, and she has always wearing high-heeled's. Sometimes, it is very frustrating when a character does not learn from their previous mistakes in a series. If they almost died because they did not let someone know where they were, you would think, in the future they would tell someone. After your first shock, be prepared for Shock number two. With everything that Mary has gone through in the past, she still does not learn from her past mistakes. Suffice it to say, that surprises just keep coming and this book. After Mary finds Trish, there is more yet to come! Just when you think there are no more surprises, there is one big surprise left towards the end of the book. You must read this to find out!! Text field Double tap to edit.
April 30, 2018
I love the Scottoline novels! I am such a fan. Especially the audio books read by Barbara Rosenblat Who better?
Mary DiNunzio, I feel, has a little of all of us in her character. Smart, educated, loved by family and friends, a bit unsure and a lot stubborn. What is not to love?
In this episode she is drug back to high school, in a sense, by one of the 'mean' girls who used to tease and call her names, Trish Gambone. Trish comes to her for help with her live in boyfriend who is not only mobbed up but cheating on her, beating her and wants to marry her.
Mary offers solutions but Trish has none of it and storms out of her office. The next day Trish's friends, more mean girls, accuse Mary of not caring, turning Trish out and now 'surely she is dead'.
Explore the South side of Philly with Mary as she seeks the lost woman from her youth, as she makes peace with the self she was in high school and the decisions she made at the time.
Two Thumbs Up!
Thank you Lisa and Barbara!
Mary DiNunzio, I feel, has a little of all of us in her character. Smart, educated, loved by family and friends, a bit unsure and a lot stubborn. What is not to love?
In this episode she is drug back to high school, in a sense, by one of the 'mean' girls who used to tease and call her names, Trish Gambone. Trish comes to her for help with her live in boyfriend who is not only mobbed up but cheating on her, beating her and wants to marry her.
Mary offers solutions but Trish has none of it and storms out of her office. The next day Trish's friends, more mean girls, accuse Mary of not caring, turning Trish out and now 'surely she is dead'.
Explore the South side of Philly with Mary as she seeks the lost woman from her youth, as she makes peace with the self she was in high school and the decisions she made at the time.
Two Thumbs Up!
Thank you Lisa and Barbara!
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