Fatal February begins with Mary Magruder getting rear-ended at the car wash. What follows is the beginning to a whole new change in Mary's life as she breaks off her engagement, starts her own practice as a lawyer, and begins a new love affair with Carlos the man who tail-ended her car. Mary is also dealing with a high profile case as she defends Lillian Yarmouth who is accused of killing her husband. Mary has bitten off more than she can chew as she is dealing with proving her client's innocence and dealing with being sued by her ex. Fatal February ends up being a light and easy legal thriller/mystery.

Let's start off with what I liked about this novel first. My favorite thing about the entire novel were the descriptions the author included of Florida. It is obvious that she has lived in and loved Florida and the way she describes the scenery in the book made me feel like I was there. The main character was fun to read about and kept me entertained throughout the novel. She wasn't afraid to make decisions and stick with them and was headstrong about the way she felt about different things. Plus, Mary just had a knock 'em dead attitude and you couldn't help but root for her. The mystery was interesting although not very complex and the ending had enough of a twist to keep me surprised.

Although I enjoyed Mary's character, I wasn't much of a fan of Carlos. In my opinion, Carlos and Mary's relationship was a bit one dimensional. I felt that the author could have developed their relationship more as it just didn't come across as very realistic. Carlos also didn't come across in a very favorable light to me and I found myself not caring for him very much. That being said I did like the book found it to be a light, fun read. ( )

When the prosecutors fail to divulge their findings of a high society murder, criminal defense attorney Mary Katz turns the other cheek. She initiates her own investigation and pity the fool who gets in her way.

Mary Magruder Katz is a criminal defense attorney in Miami, Florida. During a routine trip to the car wash, her car is rear-ended by handsome Carlos Martin. Sparks fly between Mary and Carlos and it does not take long until they are steaming up the desk in Mary's office. Unfortunately, they are caught in the middle of the act by Mary's long-term boss and fiance'. She suddenly finds herself dumped, fired, and jumping into a sizzling new relationship with Carlos. With his help, she finds an office to start her own practice. With a recommendatio nfrom her brother, she lands her first client, Lillian Yarmouth.

Lillian Yarmouth loves her husband. She has been aware throughout their marriage of his philandering ways, but she doesn't believe in divorce. Expecting their two children home from a college break, she runs a few errands and returns home. Calling out to her husband on her return yields no answer. Concerned, she searches throughout the house and finds him in their bedroom. Lying in the bed stabbed with her grandmother's antique silver letter opener, Lillian is unable to resuscitate him. Hysterical, and by now covered in blood, she dials 911. The police arrive, and after their initial investigation, suspect foul play. They arrest Lillian and charge her with the murder of her husband.

The Yarmouth murder is the society murder of the year. The highly publicized crime puts a small crimp in Mary's investigation. Hardly any cooperation from the state prosecutors annoys, but does not deter Mary. But what seems like a cut and dried case soon turns south of the border. New circumstances and evidence come to light that could help or harm Mary's case. Trying to balance her new workload with her new demanding love life soon has Mary's life spinning out of control.

Angela Lansbury and Columbo have nothing on Mary Magruder Katz. Attitude, grit, and brains make Mary one very likeable heroine. With a twisting plot, a backdrop of sunny Miami, and courtroom scenes that will have you laughing and gasping in shock, FATAL FEBRUARY is a sure winner. From page one, I was captivated and couldn't put it down. Highly recommend!!