I was extremely disappointed in this book. The plot was decent, but the characterizations and the dialogue were, at times, cringeworthy. I know that it was a first novel so I suppose I should be a little more lenient in my criticism, but how in the hell was this a finalist for an Edgar?

For one thing, I like smart women characters, not characters who put themselves and others in danger because they might not make partner otherwise. What the hell was that? And jumping into bed with Ned was just weird. She acts like a prude one second and then shacks up with a weirdo the next. Not to mention the eff bombs that seemingly came out of nowhere. I did not like Mary at all. So, no more Scottoline for me! ( )

I found this kind of boring ( )

I ended up reading this because I got it for free from Kobo when they alerted me to some "Kobo Points" I had that were going to expire. I didn't even know I had them! I'm glad I did because this was an enjoyable and quick read. It only gets 4 stars because I've read so many great books lately I feel like I can't put this at the same level. It isn't anything bad or wrong with this book, it just doesn't have the depth to make it to 5. But I can heartily recommend the book, I found Mary DiNunzio to be a captivating narrator and character and enjoyed getting to know her. I thought she was very realistically drawn and I understood the times she made choices that were not necessarily correct. None of us is perfect. The mystery is well constructed and definitely kept my interest. The denouement was pretty clumsy but that is almost required for books like this, I find I just ignore the physical confrontations that feel so unrealistic. She had one thought that told us so much about her and that completely endeared her to me. She is noticing all the other professional women in a city park in Philly and she notes she is just like all of them except for their Reeboks. She is wearing dress shoes, "If my shoes were too uncomfortable to walk in, I wouldn't buy them." Perfect! I mean, aren't shoes meant to be walked in? She became a hero of mine at that point. ( )

Not as much of a murder mystery as the feelings of a girl growing into her profession. Mary has issues in her personal life about the Catholic religion, her sister as a nun, getting over her dead husband. Did not think it right how sexually involved Mary got with Ned just to get over grief. Miss that Brent is gone as a character for the series. Lots of humor in her thoughts about life in an Italian family. Law jargon- procedures almost gets in the way of solving a murder of her secretary, Brent and then her husband. ( )

To read a novel by any author that creates novels in a field in which they have worked brings realism and depth to the settings, dialogue, drama, action, and resolution that are unmatched. Lisa Scottoline brings her extensive legal experience to each novel written and as a Philadelphia native adds the unique Philly flavor to the setting, character conversations and especially their humor. As I read

"I scuff into the kitchen and crack a pressurized can of Maxwell House. The can opens with a fragrant hiss, then the telephone rings."

I felt like I was back in my first apartment opening that precious Maxwell House can, smelling the heavenly fragrance, and getting the percolator ready so it was all ready to plug in at just the perfect moment to serve fresh percolated coffee with dessert.

A wonderful series opener! I can't wait to read more!! ( )