Book 7 of the Rosato & Associates legal thriller. Previous books have helped introduce each attorney by focusing most of the book's plot around each associate. I'm enjoying this series as it makes me think of the James Patterson Women's Murder Club series that I've completed. This book takes place in Philadelphia and focuses on the new model type lawyer, Anne Murphy. What Anne thinks is as funny as what she says similar to Mary. Here I was introduced to the delusional disorder erotomania. Good read. ( )

I love this series! Lisa Scottoline writes excellent legal novels and interspersed within the storylines the reader can always count on navigating references unique to Philly (Philadelphia to out-of-towners) either in the areas of the city traveled, the food consumed, or the diversity of the law firm's lawyers, clientele, and the people they interact with throughout the city.

For anyone that has attended any part of the week long July 4th "Welcome America" holiday extravaganza celebrations in Philly is aware of the special delight on July 4th itself when a free outdoor concert is held on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The concert is followed by fireworks. This venue in particular is an extraordinary celebration to attend but it's also easy to understand why a Philadelphia resident would want to escape the traffic, crowds, and road closures and parking restrictions. Anne Murphy, a newcomer to Philly and rookie at the Rosato & Associates law firm needs quiet to prepare for a major trial that begins on July 5th. Although last minute it seems she's on her way to her own extraordinary weekend getaway to have some peace and quiet work time at the Jersey shore. She didn't anticipate her past coming back to haunt her with the opening scene of her nightmare a newspaper headline proclaiming "Lawyer Found Murdered" and the lawyer's photo with a caption name that is her own.

Anne Murphy will make many "Mental Notes" through the novel and some are absolutely humorous while others are poignant reminders. Either way they are not to be missed and add another versatile layer of writing style in this novel. ( )

Good book for when you just wish to pass some time. ( )

I think one of the earlier Scottaline books. More of what I expect of mystery genre, to the noir-th degree. "Mental Notes" abound as do other overworked phrases. But not bad - did finish it & held my interest to the end. ( )

Attorney Anne Murphy is in the middle of a difficult and high-profile case when she decides to take a small break over the 4th of July weekend and head to the lakeshore for a much needed mini-vacation. Before she left Philadelphia she arranged with a casual acquaintance, Willa, to take care of Anne's cat. While out for an early morning jog Anne spots the headlines at a news vendors kiosk and is shocked to see her own name on the front page. An intruder had broken into Anne's home and murdered Willa, but it is assumed that the body is Anne's. Anne is sure she knows who the killer is, a stalker who nearly killed Anne when she lived in Los Angeles. After he was arrested Anne fled the west coast to start a new life in Philadelphia. After she learns that Kevin has escaped from prison, Anne decides to remain 'dead', only letting a few people know that she is still alive, and try to find Kevin on her own.

I will start by saying that I am a fan of Lisa Scottoline but certainly not of this book. Apparently it is the start of a series featuring the Rosata law firm, all of whom are women. I find it very hard to believe that any attorney would behave the way these women did while trying to catch a cold-blooded killer. I thought they were reckless, juvenile and irresponsible. I'm sure their antics were meant to be humorous and mad-cap but to me it just came across as stupid. I will continue to read Scottoline's books, but certainly not any more of this series.
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