I’ve been a fan of Lisa Scottoline’s books for many years. This is book 9 of 11 in the Rosato & DiNunzio series. Like the other books in the series, I enjoyed Killer Smile immensely. A murder mystery thriller with history and some humor added to the mix.
About the Author
Copied from the author’s page of the book – Lisa Scottoline is a New York Times bestselling author and a former trial lawyer. She has won the highest prize in crime fiction, the Edgar Award, and has lectured at law schools and bar associations on issues of legal ethics. She is an honors graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and its law school, where she was an editor of the Law review and won the Laughlin Prize for legal ethics. Her books are published in more than twenty languages and she remains a lifelong resident of the Philadelphia area.
The Synopsis of Killer Smile
Everybody around lawyer Mary DiNunzio has decided she isn’t allowed to be a young widow anymore, even though she didn’t know there was an official cut-off. They’re all trying to fix her up – her South Philly Italian Parents – her best friend Judy Carrier, even the office security guard.
All Mary wants to do is immerse herself in a case everybody else calls “The History Channel,” a pro bono representation of the Brandolini estate. The roots of the matter sink deep into the past, when Amadeo Brandolini emigrated to Philadelphia, started a family, and built a small fishing business. At the outbreak of World war II, Brandolini was arrested by the FBI as part of a mass internment of Italien-American and was sent to a camp in Montanna, where he eventually committed suicide. Now, more than sixty years later, his son’s estate hire Mary to sue for reparations.
Mary vows to vindicate Amadeo even though it won’t be easy. With only a lock of hair, an old wallet, and a sheet of paper filled with odd doodles to go on, the tenacious lawyer begins to research the case but finds instead puzzling new questions. Someone doesn’t want Mary to find the truth, and before long, her life is threatened. Suddenly the quiet, squeaky-clean good girl who never left Mercer Street is risking life and limb to finger a killer and lay a beloved ghost to rest.
My Review
I really like the main character Mary DiNunzio. She has spunk and isn’t afraid of getting what she wants, even it means breaking the law. As she digs deeper into the case, unraveling clues like the layers of an onion, Mary finds herself immersed in a web of violence, murder, and corruption. All while being set up with blind dates from her friends.
A fast-paced story which at one point takes the reader back to the 1940’s during World War II. Mary’s enthusiasm and sometimes comical approach to seeking clues and fighting off obstacles that are in a way; are truly entertaining. An enjoyable read that I highly recommend.
My Ratings
COVER DESIGN – 5 Stars – The print is bold for both the author’s name and the title. Eye-catching warm colors entice the reader in.
CHARACTERIZATION – 5 Stars Can’t say enough about the main character Mary. Loved her grit and even her stupidity at times. (It provided a good laugh)
STORY AND PLOT – 5 stars – Great build up with many twists and surprises.
OVERALL RATING – 5 stars
Other books by Lisa Scottoline
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I haven’t read anything from this writer yet. After reading about her and her books thinking I will need to find them and start reading some of her works.
I hope you do, you won’t be disappointed.
This is a really unique premise for a mystery. And I love that the author is actually a lawyer herself. I think I’m going to have to look into this series of books. It sounds like I would enjoy them immensely!
Yes, I was drawn to the fact that she was a lawyer also and you can tell in her writing. She knows what she’s talking about.
I have never read this author’s work before but this sounds pretty darn good. I planned on reading more in 2018 so thanks for the suggestion
You’re welcome. Good luck on your reading goals
Seems like an interesting book. I like investigative, justice, and suspense movies, shows and books. Thank you for sharing your review. I may have to add another book to my collection.
I hope you like it as much as I did.
I will have to try this author. The book sounds good!
I hope you do, I highly recommend her
I was just thinking to myself that I needed a new book to pick up from the library. This one might be a good option!
If you do, get book one in the series first, there is a link on the post to all the books in the series.
This seems an interesting book. Great review as well. I will add this to my list of books for my weekend read.
I hope you do and enjoy it.
I have never read this author’s work before. This is a really unique premise for a mystery. I will surely read this book.
I hope you enjoy it.
I can’t tell you how excited I am to find book recommendations… especially for a series! Sounds very entertaining!
I Love a good book series. This one defiantly fits the bill. Anticipating the next book is part of the joy.
I am aiming to read more this year and so I will take any sort of book recommendation. I’ll look more into this title – by the way, I am totally loving your book reviews!
Thanks, Nancy! I hope you enjoy this one, as much as I did.
I love such kind of books mystery, suspense and investigative – but I have to admit I have never heard of the author. Have to check out the series!
I hope you do, I really like her writing
I love when main characters take on such powerful roles. This sounds like an interesting book. Thanks for the review.
Me too, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This sounds like a book I would enjoy. I love suspenseful and mysterious books like this!
I hope you pick one up some place
I have a friend who would love this book. She is a thriller nut!
Wonderful, hope she likes it!
What a great review, it looks like you really enjoyed the book and had a lovely connection with the characters 🙂
Thanks, I did 🙂
Thanks for sharing your review. I’m definitely going to read this book.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did
I haven’t heard of this author, but I love a good series. I’m going to get started with this. Thanks for introducing me to this one!
I hope you enjoy it.
I would probably have a hard time getting through the beginning but would enjoy the rest. I like books like this.
The story is interesting. I will check this book out and read it.
love that the main character is a female. This book sounds like a great read thanks for sharing
Agree! we need more female main characters.
Your rating is high, I believe it is a really good book. I am very interested to read it soon!
I enjoyed it immensely, hope you do too.
This looks so interesting! I’ll check it out. I could use a great book to read right now.
Hope you find one that you will enjoy.