Murder

Read it in two days so I definitely bought into the action plot...but the main character was weak. Not a lindsey boxer or kay scarpetta...closer to Stephanie Plum but she can be that way because the author/writing is hysterical. ( )

Judy Carrier is mad at her happy-go-lucky, but self-centered boyfriend Frank and her boss, Bennie Rosato for asking her to work settlements for 75 asbestos cases for the corporation. But all of this takes a back seat to her aunt's breast cancer and pending mastectomy. When the aunt's closest friend, an illegal Mexican immigrant, dies shortly after meeting Judy and her mother, the aunt and Judy start asking questions. Judy quickly gets in over her head, and is attacked as others, including the local parish priest are killed. I like Scottoline's characters and there were significant reveals in this book, but Judy's sleuthing skills were a stretch, at least for me. 3.5 stars. ( )

Please see all of my reviews on my blog at www.robinlovesreading.blogspot.com.

My rating: 4.5 Stars

In Accused, the first in this series, we learned a lot about Mary DiNunzio as she progressed to partner in her firm, and her unusual case. This book focuses on Judy Carrier. She is a bit of a maverick, a lawyer who doesn't stop until she gets answers. When her aunt Barb's housekeeper and best friend is found dead, it is supposed that she had a heart attack. Before long, however, Judy realizes that foul play may have very well been responsible. While at first, she stands by her aunt when she expresses a strong sense of uncertainty, Judy's keen senses assure her that her aunt is correct, and that there is no way the death could have been due to natural circumstances.

Meanwhile, Judy has some personal problems she is coping with. For one thing, her aunt is seriously ill with breast cancer, but she kept it from Judy, although they are quite close. On even a more personal level, her long-standing relationship is beginning to fizzle out. As much as they've been moving towards marriage, things just aren't as they should be and Judy is quite unhappy. As far as work in concerned, Judy is facing a mountainous workload, including a damages case, that is sure to take all of her time.

I really loved Betrayed. It was full of suspense, was fast-paced and an all-around great read. I know that there would be suspense as the ladies in the law firm are adamant about getting to the bottom of unusual situations. What I didn't expect was the amount of action in this book. It was riveting and had me turning pages really fast. Having become a new fan of Lisa Scottoline's it is no surprise to me that I flew right through Betrayed, reading it in just two sittings. Ms. Scottoline's Rosato & Associates series was quite successful and it seems that this series, Rosato & DiNunzio, will follow right in suit. Currently there are six titles in the series, as Feared will be released August 14, 2018. ( )

Betrayed was a cross between a drama and a crime story. This story was not a good as some of her others, but it was still a good story. Judy Carrier, one of the lawyers at Rosato & DiNunzio is given 75 damage cases to defend for an asbestos company. She does not want to do it, but before she can sit down with Bennie, her boss, she finds out her Aunt Barb has breast cancer and is having a masectomy in a few days. Judy drives to her house to give her support and finds her mother there and meets her aunt's friend Iris. Judy and her mother stay the night and the next day they find out that Iris is dead. Judy discovers money hidden at her aunt's but keeps it a secret. Aunt Barb is sure that Iris has been killed and begs Judy to help her find out what really happened. All this is going on in Judy's life as well as turmoil with her boyfriend, and troubles at work. A good story development. ( )