Feared

Rosato & DiNunzio #6

by Lisa Scottoline

In the new thriller from New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, Mary DiNunzio’s ruthless nemesis Nick Machiavelli is back...with a vengeance.

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 not 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...

Feared, the sixth entry in the acclaimed Rosato & DiNunzio series, expertly explores what happens when we are tempted to give in to our own inner darkness.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Legal Thriller, Thriller, Suspense, Mystery Thriller

386 pages, Hardcover

First published August 14, 2018

About the author

Lisa 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.

Reviews

[Kaceey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the best fun legal thriller series on the market today. This is book #6 of the series and as always, I suggest starting at the beginning to truly get acquainted with all the diverse and colorful characters. You’ll love every one of them...and every quirk that goes with them!! (Plenty of those to go around!)

Once again, the lawyers of my favorite law firm are at it again. This book finds them up against their most challenging nemesis yet - Machiavelli. He’s a senior partner in a rival law firm who apparently has a major axe to grind just with the partners of DiNunzio's firm.

This time he’s filed for a reverse sex discrimination law suit. Could there actually be truth to this suit? After all, the firm is virtually all female🤔

Lisa Scottoline never disappoints! I adore this series and all the off-shoot series she’s developed. I feel like I know each character individually and love each one. Hard not to play favorites, but Mary is always at the top of my list. Her family is the type everyone wishes for and asks to become a member of!

If you’d like a fun series, with just enough legal flavor sprinkled in, look no further!

I highly recommend!

A buddy read with Brenda🌸

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Lisa Scottoline for an ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 FEARED STARS 🌟🌟🌟🌟

“ Is it better to be loved? or feared?“

Love picking up a book from a favorite series, it is like coming home... and how much fun would it be to come home to that DiNunzio Family! This is the sixth book in the Rosato & DiNunzio series, but it could absolutely be read as a standalone...

Lisa Scottoline is definitely the queen of the legal thriller! I love all the lawyer jargon and court room drama... this time Mary and Benny find themselves the defendants in a reverse sex discrimination lawsuit.... The complaint is they only hire female attorneys.... when John their only male employee expresses that there might be some truth to this; and then quits things don’t look so good... then there is a murder with a tied to the case... and The most likely suspect? One of Rosato and DiNunzio’s very own.... when the ladies find out the lawyer filing the suit is their archnemesis, they know that something is not quite as it seems....

This book was perfectly paste and skillfully plotted... filled with all the twists and turns and clever reveals you would expect from a Scottoline book... I love Benny, Mary, and Judy and the bond they have... it was nice to see Mary pregnant and we got a lot of interaction with her delightful family! Got to love those DiNunzios.... this book really reminded me of how much I love this series, I think I’ve missed a couple books... I might need to rectify that!

Strongly recommend to fans of the legal thriller, this author, and some good old courtroom drama...

*** many thanks to St. Martin’s Press for my copy of this book ***

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Legal Thriller, and this is the 6st book in the Rosato and DiNunzio series. I have read all the other books in this series, and I have review most of them. Normally, I do not love legal thrillers, but this series pulled me in because of the characters. I love the characters in this series. This book is my favorite book in this series. I listened to the audiobook, and I loved the narrator of this audiobook. I have to say there is a big twist in this book, and I did not guess or see the twist coming. This book was a fast pace, and I did not want to put it down. This is the last book in this series so far, but I hope another book will come out in this series.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Brenda ~The Sisters~Book Witch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feared is the sixth entry in the Rosato & DiNunzio series and is the second one I have read in the series. I read the one previous to this one Exposed. Jumping into a series this far in isn’t something I normally do as I like to really get to know the characters and see how they change and develop as the series progresses. I do suggest to start with some of the earlier ones to really get to know the characters but I did find it easy to connect with the characters and the legal storylines worked well as standalones. I do think they work as standalone or jumping into anyone from the series.

Feared is a fun, light legal thriller with colorful characters that had me laughing out loud with their wit and humor and the dynamics here with the characters. Bennie, Mary and Judy are strong, interesting and fun characters. They face their cases with their hearts and minds.

The legal team Rosato and DiNunzio are being sued for sex discrimination and things go from bad to worse for them however for us readers things just get better with the twists to the story that wraps up to a very satisfying ending.

After reading Exposed I did purchase the first two in this series and I really hope to read them soon. These characters are just too fun to miss out on reading more from them.

Thank you to NetGalley, St Martin's Press and Lisa Scottoline for a copy to read and review.

[Bridgett · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both. --Niccolo Machiavelli

I love these characters, I love this series, and I love Lisa Scottoline. All the Rosato & Associates and Rosato & DiNunzio books are fun, though predictable, legal thrillers. While there is nothing particularly new here, coming back to this series is like putting on a soft, fuzzy robe and not leaving bed for a day. They're comforting and perfect for lazy days.

I will say that this one felt a little implausible, and was probably wrapped up a little too easily...but I still enjoyed reading every page.

If you haven't read this series before, start with Everywhere That Mary Went and enjoy!

3.5 stars

[Marialyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

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!

Thank you to Lisa Scottoline, StMartin's Press and Netgalley for a copy of this book.
My reviews can be found here: https://yayareadslotsofbooks.wordpres...

[Monnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Half-stars aren't possible at most book review websites, so I'll note that my actual rating is 3.5 stars. For the most part, that's because this, the sixth in the series featuring law firm partners Bennie Rosato and Mary DiNunzio, didn't quite reach the level of others I've read. The plot seemed more than a little contrived, the ending borders on silly and I rather quickly tired of the pregnancy "humor" (especially since Mary, the mom-to-be, most of the time is just seven months along; if she's that huge with two months to go, she must be about to deliver a whale).

All that said, overall it's an enjoyable book that reads quickly. And I do, except for the pregnancy blather, like both the Philadelphia-based law firm partners - as well as the other characters who work there. Everyone gets involved at the start, when the firm is sued for reverse sex discrimination; apparently, three men who'd been interviewed recently didn't get the job, and they claim it's because the owners want to keep it an all-female law firm. That did beg my question, though, that if that's the case, why bother to interview male candidates at all? Along the same line, I don't recall reading who else got interviewed, nor who got the job (if anyone). Inquiring minds would like to have known - and I'd think the answers might have had an impact on the lawsuit outcome.

But I digress. Turns out their only male attorney, John Foxman, interviewed one of the three applicants and let it slip that he felt like a fish out of water - a statement that is central to the plaintiff's case. When pressed, John admits not only to making the statement, but that it's how he really feels - and then says he will resign. If he follows through, though, it could do serious damage to the firm's side of the story (which of course is that no reverse discrimination took place and that any male lawyer worth his salt would be welcome and delighted to work there). Adding fuel to the fire is that the lawyer for the plaintiffs is Nick Machiavelli, who grew up in Mary's family's neighborhood but lost a major case to her and is looking to even the score with a vengeance by putting Rosato & DeNunzio out of business.

Believing, perhaps, that a lawyer who represents him- or herself has a fool for a client, the firm turns to a high-powered but "Zen" kind of attorney, Roger Vitez, to take their case. He's reluctant at first, but firm partner Judy Carrier, herself a bit on the Zen side, convinces him to sign on. He does, but only under the condition that he's allowed to do things his way despite objections from the strong, opinionated female partners. They agree, albeit reluctantly - and promptly go against his counsel by running out and holding what turns out to be a disastrous news conference. Stop right there, I said to myself - if I were their attorney and they pulled a stunt like that, I'd have shown myself to their door and closed it behind me on the spot.

But after more cajoling, Roger agrees to hang in there, and almost immediately, things go south as a prominent character is murdered. Relationship issues point to Judy as the killer - unthinkable to her co-workers, who set out to prove her innocence. Meantime, they try to deal the brother of the dead guy, who lives in a group home and has potentially serious issues of his own, as well as the ongoing saga of Mary's pregnancy.

Taken as a whole, the book reads to me more like a cozy mystery than a nail-biting thriller; the ending, during which the whodunit and motive are revealed, not only came across as rushed but, given the seriousness of the crime, rather unbelievable (although maybe you have to come from an Italian family to "get" it). Overall, it's really not bad at all despite my protestations - some of the one-liners, even about that pesky pregnancy, are pretty funny. I'm pretty sure longtime Rosato and DiNunzio fans will love it - but it's just not my favorite of the series. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review it.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scottoline delivers a perfect blend of characters, setting and story in this delightful series of strong women lawyers.


SUMMARY
Feared, is the sixth book in the Rosato and DiNunzio series. A baby shower for Mary is interrupted when papers are served announcing that three men are suing the law firm for reverse sex discrimination. They claim they were not hired because it’s a all female firm, and there are no opportunities for men. Mary and Bennie are outraged. But to make matters worse the one male attorney, John, intends to resign, and just in the midst of a huge anti-trust suit, claiming there is some truth to this reverse sex discrimination case.

The plaintiffs lawyer is Nick Machiavelli who has already lost to Mary once. Now he will stop at nothing, he not wants only win, but to destroy the Rosato and DiNunzio firm. It soon becomes clear that Machiavelli will do anything in his power to achieve his end, even if the case turns deadly. The stakes have never been higher for Mary and her associates as they try to keep Machiavelli at bay, win an anti-trust case, solve a murder and save the law firm they love. All while Mary is eight months pregnant.

Is it better to be loved or feared?

REVIEW
Reading a Lisa Scottoline novel is like putting on your most comfortable pair of jeans or sitting down with an old friend with a glass of wine and catching up. It just feels good. The women in the Rosato and DiNunzio firm are amazing and diverse. They are all strong and fearless women with heart and humanity. If you are looking for a great book with strong women characters, this is it.

Mary bravely battles with both Machiavelli and her pregnancy. Her family and the growing number of Tonys are so funny you can’t help but giggle! They just love Mary so much and will do absolutely anything for her. And it seems everyone in South Philly loves Mary, and she likes it that way. Machiavelli, on the other hand, would rather be feared than loved, just like his namesake the real Niccolo Machiavelli. I love how this theme plays out in the book throughout the book.

The part I liked most was the unique flavor of the people, the dialect, and setting of South Philly. The description of the Italian neighborhood is vivid. The short chapters are full of action and suspense making this a snappy page-turner, with plenty of twists and turns and a huge surprises the end. Scottoline has as usual, created a perfect blend of characters, setting and story. Her writing continues to be effortless and is engaging.


Anyone who likes Scottoline, legal thrillers, or strong women characters would love this book. And if you have never read one of her book you should! She was born in Philadelphia and earned a BA in English from the University of Pennsylvania, and then graduated from the University of Pennsylvania law school. She clerked for judges at state and federal appellate courts and later became a litigator in Philadelphia. After the birth of her daughter, she left the law and started writing, and hasn’t stopped yet. She has since written 30 best-selling novels.

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher St. Martin Press
Published August 14, 2018
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com

[Erin Clemence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel!

Bennie and Mary are back in “Feared”, the new Rosato and DiNunzio novel by Lisa Scottoline.

Bennie, Mary and Judy are shocked to the core when they are served with papers that claim reverse discrimination, for refusing to hire male lawyers. When their only male associate, John, admits there is some truth to this and quits the firm, the ladies must focus all of their energies on defending their case. When it comes to light that the lawyer defending this case is one of Mary’s arch enemies, the trio begin to sense that something is not quite right. Unexpectedly, John is murdered and not only are they left to defend their case, but one of their own is being accused of murder.

The wonderful thing about Scottoline is that you don’t need to have read the previous novels in the set to know what is going on. I have been lax, I can admit, and have only read two previous R&D stories. (a problem I will soon address!) “Feared” brings back the entire DiNunzio clan with its full, Italian charm!

This novel, like all of Scottoline’s, is obviously very legal-heavy. The cases being argued in this novel are not only legal-heavy, but there is one that is particularly tech-heavy. Some of these complex terms and processes were a bit difficult for me to follow, but, “Feared” is not at all a strictly legal drama, and the romantic, action-packed and suspenseful bits were what kept me hooked!

Mary is a great character and I love her noisy (and nosy) family. I was thrilled that they played a prominent role in this novel. Some of the plot touched on social issues current to our modern society (such as the reverse discrimination lawsuit and the gender issues assumed therein) , yet the novel managed to avoid being preachy and haughty.

I always enjoy a good Scottoline novel, and this was a nice treat after suffering a bit of a reading slump. Fans of Rosato and DiNunzio will not be disappointed in this newest release and to those who are new to the duo, “Feared” is just as easy to read as a stand-alone (although, with Scottoline, why would you?)

(Also, for the record, the write-up of the novel on Goodreads is wrong. See the NetGalley description or mine here to get a plot summary).

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lisa Scottoline dazzles in the latest Rosato and DiNunzio novel. These legal thrillers never cease to amaze me as they delve into many topics I’d not considered, providing entertainment along the way. Scottoline does a sensational job with plots, characters, and the overall delivery, making me pine for more to come, even though it has been a few years since her latest instalment. In this piece, Mary DiNunzio awaits the arrival of her first child, but remains dedicated to the legal practice. When a reverse sex discrimination suit is filed against Rosato and DiNunzio, its only male associate ponders resigning. Opposing counsel is Mary’s longtime nemesis, Nick Machiavelli, who intends to bury them however he can. Bennie Rosato is not concerned and moves ahead with some new legal file that she feels is a sure winner. When a murder occurs and the firm is fingered as being responsible, Mary and Bennie go into panic mode, trying to salvage what they can, while they are sure this is all part of the Machiavelli scheme, and vow to set him straight. Could this be the end to Rosato and DiNunzio once and for all? Scottoline does so well with this piece and kept me turning pages well into the night.

Mary DiNunzio is almost ready to have her first child, but this does not deter her from working long, lawyerly hours to ensure the firm is running smoothly. Things seem fine at Rosato and DiNunzio until a handful of men announce that they are suing for reverse sex discrimination when they were not hired. While it is a blip on the radar, neither Mary nor Bennie Rosato panic too much. When one of their associates, John Foxman, considers resigning, a veil of concern emerges. He cannot deny that the suit has some merit, based on what he’s seen. The plaintiffs’ lawyer is none other than Nick Machiavelli, an old nemesis of Mary’s, who is as slick as he is conniving. Mary and Bennie are ready for a bumpy ride, but feel they are in the right and this is all bluster.

Things take a major turn when John turns up murdered and one of the other associates, Judy Carrier, was seen arguing with him. Things get worse when Nick Machiavelli accuses members of the firm of orchestrating his murder over the reverse sex discrimination suit as well, leaving Mary and Bennie in a panic. As clients flee and their lives flash before their eyes, both women must find the truth and exonerate themselves, while handling Machiavelli at the same time. It will be a battle, but Mary and Judy may have found something, which Bennie uses to make everything unravel. What follows is sure to leave Scottoline fans in awe!

There has been something about this series that pulled me in from the get-go and has not let up. I devoured this series and its predecessor with such ease, now I am a little sad to see that I have caught up. I can hope that there will be more in the years to come, but also must realise that some things come to an end. Scottoline kept me hooked with her well-structured narrative and great characters, both of which developed so well throughout the series. The plot lines emerge and flow so well, educating the reader as well as keeping them in tune with everything that is going on. I cannot get enough of the legal angles and the wonderful storytelling abilities that kept me coming back for more. While some will ask if these novels can be read as stand-alones. I will admit, most of them likely could, but, who would want to do that when you have such a great series before you, with nuances and powerful storylines that connect with ease. A great surprise binge read that started with a short story... and what a journey it became!

Kudos, Madam Scottoline, for a stunning reading adventure!


Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Cammie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I enjoy Lisa Scottoline's stand alone books, somehow I haven't read Scottoline's Rosato & DiNunzio series before Feared, which is the 6th book of the series. But I received an advanced copy from the publisher and thought I might as well give it a try. I could always read the others if this one was good. Needless to say, I'll be reading the others!
There were character details and references to past legal cases that I wasn't familiar with because I haven't read the previous books, but that didn't make this legal thriller any less suspenseful and well, thrilling. Lots of twists and turns, red herrings and unexpected "bumps" along the way.

[Tracy P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always enjoy the Rosato & DiNunzio series and "Feared" did not disappoint. Surprise ending (for me at least:) and excellent narration by Kim Burton.

[Patricia Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is second book I've read about litigation in the last month. this one was pretty good. I do enjoy this author. this litigation was concerning a reverse sex discrimination case which was a fixed case from the beginning. so after a few twists and turns it ended very nicely.

[Bam cooks the books · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3-3.5 stars. This is my first taste of Scottoline's Rosato & DiNunzio series. I was forewarned that the series must be read in order but I persisted and felt the author filled in enough detail that it can definitely be read as a stand alone mystery. Having said that however, I wasn't that engaged by the story itself so perhaps a familiarity with the characters would have helped. It took until about 70% before I felt the mystery really started cooking--from there, it built to an exciting conclusion.

I received an arc of this mystery from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity.

[CL · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read Lisa Scottoline for many years and have enjoyed her books immensely. This book was no exception. It was a great read. The law firm is being sued for "male" discrimination and the ladies cannot deny they have been advocates for woman. When it comes to light their one male employee feels he has been slighted and mentioned in the law suit it goes from bad to worse especially when there is a murder of one of their own they are close to. As the ladies fight the law suit and try to solve the murder the plot takes a turn you might not have seen coming. Although it started out a little slow due to the details to keep you following along as to the status of those involved past and present this can be read as a stand alone novel and still be an enjoyable read.

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!! Who knew this is my 12th book by Lisa Scottoline and I always love her books. This book is the 6th book in this series and I’ve only read #3 in this series besides this one. I’ve been wanting to read this book ever since it came out and was thrilled when the publisher and NetGalley sent it to me for my honest review. It grabbed me from the first page but shortly I started to get bored with all the legal words that were used so I felt like I was skimming a lot of those sections. But then it picked up speed again and I did enjoy the book overall. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I thought this story was a bit long and too detailed on legal jargon at times, I really liked this story. The antagonist, Nick Machiavelli, is not hard to hate with all of his actions, but can he redeem himself? There is much sadness in this story, but the author really pulls together an amazing ending (which always bumps up the rating for me). The "Tony's" are always good for some comic relief!! 7 out of 10.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scottoline’s latest offering in the Rosato and DiNunzio legal thriller series will more than satisfy her many readers. The women’s legal firm will handle complicated legal issues, deal with a murder of one of their own, and survive the ruthless shenanigans of Mary’s archrival, Nick Machiavelli. Mary will deal with all of this while being in the third trimester of her pregnancy. [The pregnancy references are a bit too plentiful!] The Italian neighborhood of South Philly plays a major role in solving the case(s)—church, family, strong mothers and friendship will prevail. Enjoy!

[Skip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rosato and DiNunzio are sued for reverse discrimination by three lawyers claiming they were not hired because they were male, with the vindictive Nick Machiavelli as counsel. Bennie and Mary are horrified to hear that their one male employee has interviewed at other law firms and, inadvertently, made damaging comments. Then, John Foxman is murdered in his apartment, and the primary suspect is the firm's wacky senior associate, Judy Carrier. As the firm's reputation plummets, their clients in a major anti-trust case in which John was a critical piece decide to fire them, even though most other counsel was conflicted. The very pregnant Mary DiNunzio tries to help in the anti-trust case and the murder investigation. As always, there is much drama in South Philly, with the Tony's, the DiNunzios, the church volunteer group, and ultimately, Nick's own mother. Excellent legal thriller that keeps readers guessing.

[Carolyn Walsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. This is number 6 in the popular Rosato and DiNunzio legal novels. It features a law firm with three successful women partners and one male attorney. I can understand why readers enjoy such strong, intelligent female leads but I just couldn’t connect with the characters or story. I thought it was too melodramatic. Some of the dialogue was over the top emotional which failed to move me. I found some of the discussion of legal maneuvering and litigation difficult to follow and confusing, although well explained by the author. This is only the second book I have read in the series, and maybe I needed to read some others to become better acquainted with the characters.

I thought the sleazy, dishonest, ruthless lawyer named Machiavelli was the most interesting character in this and the previous book I read. This is probably an unpopular opinion but I would read other books where he is featured.

The firm of Rosato/DiNunzio is being sued for reverse discrimination by three male applicants who were not hired. The lone male attorney, John Foxman, had stated that he did not feel comfortable working in an all female environment and this statement was mentioned in the lawsuit. He also has been feeling that chances for his advancement in the firm to be unlikely. He has been working on an anti-trust case but drops out. Shortly after he is murdered. The woman partners and other members of the firm are devastated. One of the partners, his girlfriend, is suspected of murdering him. They start losing business as someone is inflaming the public that the women attorneys were responsible for John’s death.

Mary knows that her old nemesis, Machiavelli, is leading the reverse discrimination case against her firm. She starts to believe he is behind the anti-trust case on which John had been working. Mary
even suspects he may have been involved in John’s murder. She believes he is plotting to ruin the firm in revenge for her defeating him in a previous court case.

Mary’s large, extended Italian family adds love, support and humor to the story, but exaggerated stereotypes. A confrontation between Mary, Machiavelli and his mother was hard to believe. The final reveal of the murderer lacked foreshadowing, or I may have missed the clues. There is some tense and frightening action at the conclusion.

Recommended for the many fans of Lisa Scottoline’s legal mysteries and similar books involving legal drama.

[Katie]

When I saw that Lisa Scottoline was releasing a new Rosato & DiNunzio book, I felt like I was about to get a visit from old friends. I enjoy the characters of the lawyers of the Rosato & DiNunzio firm from the colorful and loyal Judy Carrier, to the strong leader Bennie Rosato, and the always conflicted, lovable Mary DiNunzio and her raucous, loud Italian family. I was intrigued by the set-up of the all female partnered law firm being sued for reverse sex discrimination from male lawyers who were not hired at the firm while in the middle of a large anti-trust case and while the very pregnant Mary balances work and impending motherhood. There is a murder connected to the firm and the lawyers are even more entangled in the mess. I did enjoy the main characters and the plot moved quickly. However, the book came across as a very light read and I wanted more depth- more meat on the bones. There could have been more soul-searching about the sex discrimination issue and some of the interpersonal issues between the lawyers and the secondary characters could have been developed more instead of being more like one-sided cardboard cut-outs. However if you are a Scottoline fan looking for a lighter read with familiar characters, Feared should scratch that itch.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher St. Martin's Press, and the author Lisa Scottoline for an advanced electronic copy to review. The book will be available to everyone August 14, 2018.

[Bookish Trina · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jeff Dickison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wanted to give this book 3.5 stars, but since Goodreads doesn't allow such goings on, I had to make a decision. I wound up giving it 4 stars because I love Mary Denunzio and I found it an interesting read in spite of its flaws. First flaw: the reverse discrimination law suit seemed extremely contrived. Second flaw: the reasons the zen-master gave for murder seemed terribly confused and unlikely. Third flaw: whole ending was weak. But I have read far worse novels and I did enjoy it. If you are a fan of Scottoline you will probably like the tale.

[Randi Daeger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't start this book at bedtime.....it was impossible to put down. I would love to meet Lisa Scottoline, she is a gem.

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, excellent, so readable, great characters and great prose. As always unputdownable. One of my all time favorite authors.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a big fan of the legal thrillers penned by Lisa Scottoline and this one was an enjoyable read, as I expected. It was not one of the best in the series, but it was still a fun visit with the ladies and gentlemen of Mary DiNunzio's world. In this book Nick Machiavelli has sued the three partners of the law firm for sex discrimination. The one male lawyer in the firm, John Foxman, causes issues when it is revealed that he is looking for a job elsewhere and that he feels uncomfortable working at a firm of all women. Mary and Nick have had problems in the past and the ladies are sure this is personal, and that he has manufactured the suit. It is up to them, particularly Mary, to figure out what is going on. When a death occurs, it ramps up the immediacy of solving this case.

One of the things I love about these books is Mary's neighborhood, with all the characters, friends, her parents and other neighbours. It is a huge, Italian group where they may not be related by blood, but they are related by love. The nicknames are priceless. Mary is pregnant and due to deliver any day when this case hits, and the concern and nosiness is fun and refreshing. It reminds me a lot of the family in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding", except that they're Italian. Mary, Benny and Judy are great colleagues. Benny is not that friendly with the others, but Mary and Judy have a special relationship and that buoys both ladies up when they are in trouble. They are also smart, tenacious and loyal to one another which makes for a great firm. The case is solved in an unconventional and unexpected way, with the reason behind the suit not being what anyone thought is was. Overall, Feared is a fun, easy to read, legal thriller with colorful characters that had me laughing out loud at the humor. Although you can read this book as a standalone, I recommend that you start at the beginning so you don't miss any of the fun.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was Lisa Scottoline's Rosato and DiNunzio series that brought me to reading her and Mary DiNunzio remains a favorite character. Who can resist a South Philly girl with a close Italian community that includes so many Tonys--Pigeon Tony, Tony 'Two-Feet', Tony-From-Down-the-Block, not to forget Mary's husband Anthony! Just reading about her mother's gravy makes me hungry for pasta.

In Feared, Scottoline once again puts Mary in harm's way. But this time it's not just Mary's life that is on the line, for she is seven months pregnant.

Nick Machiavelli has targeted Bennie Rosato and her partners Mary and Judy in a lawsuit accusing them of sex discrimination in hiring. And their associate John's own words are being used against them. They are being sued as individuals and they could lose everything.

Then John turns up dead and law partner Judy is the last one to have seen him alive.

Mary struggles with the demands of her career and impending motherhood. Judy mourns the loss of her happy ending. The clients are small fry business owners who are about to be swallowed by the big fish in the market. And John's brother with Cerebral Palsy may be force feed for convenience.

With her signature blend of humor, memorable characters, mystery, and thrills, the novel kept me turning pages. Through twists and turns and red herrings, you will be on a wild ride to an unexpected resolution.

I received an ebook from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Feared is the 6th book in this series and I was thrilled to reunite with Mary DiNunzio and all of the other characters. In this installment, the law firm is being sued for reverse sex discrimination by three males. The lawyer for these men is the one and only Nick Machiavelli, who is intent on destroying Mary and her firm after she beat him in court. Throughout the course of their investigation someone from their firm is murdered and their firm loses their reputation and their clients. Mary and her partners will stop at nothing to uncover the truth and restore their good name. It was wonderful to be reunited with this crew of characters. This story has a lot of build up and had me quickly turning pages, yet the ending left me feeling underwhelmed and was almost eye roll worthy. It won't stop me from reading the next in the series, but this was definitely not my favorite of the bunch. Thank you @stmartinspress for this advance reader in exchange for my honest review.

[Cara Putman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this installment in the series. The audiobook was masterfully narrated. And the plot kept me guessing. Loved it!!!