Dirty Blonde

Yikes! Why do I keep reading these things? Everyone in this book was a simpleton, especially Cate and her idiot law clerks. No wonder no one else wanted them when she fell from grace. I can’t imagine any “legal team” acting like such a bunch of middle-schoolers. And Cate was a pretty lousy judge. She lacked authority and any shred of sense, mouthing off in open court, being woefully unprepared and unable to manage any but the simplest political ploy not to mention her chambers employees. When they wanted to kick her off the bench, I agreed. But of course she’s supposed to be the heroine and I wished that Scottoline was a more talented writer because the idea of getting dismissed as a Federal Judge because of the Judge’s own show more private life is appalling. I get why the integrity of the position has to extend outside of the courtroom, but because Cate was basically incompetent, she wasn’t terribly sympathetic. A male judge wouldn’t have been subject to ½ of what she was, but the way the story was told was just too outlandish and juvenile to be satisfying. show less

Cate Fante is a compassionate judge with a dark side that gets her into hot water and affects her judicial ability. Well written and an easy read, but the ending, while coming up roses for all concerned, was to me, unrealistic. Otherwise an enjoyable trip into the world of law, lawyers and judges.

My least favorite of the Scottoline books by far, and so far. Young very successful (&, one would think, intelligent) woman, appointed to judgeship in her 30s, blah blah blah, goes out at nite to sleazy bars, picks up sleazy guys, goes to sleazy hotels & has sleazy sex with them. The story/mystery part does take over & get good, but the ending, pinning it all on just about the less-est character in the book is disappointing also. Sad to say, perfect for a movie.

A friend whose opinion I value recommended this author to me. Huh?

I thought is was nothing but a typical male fantasy - female judge bedding working class pick-ups. A waste of time - really stupid, poor plotting, one-dimensional characters.

Listened to in the car, which is a great place to listen to stories you don't have to give too much thought to the beauty of the writing, or ones that are so suspenseful you end up flooring the engine because you are so caught up in it. This type of book is perfect -- a decent story, some suspense, a good interplay between the characters, a really good voice actor, and a nice touch of humor and information. I think I like listening to Scottoline better than reading the books, because my TBR pile is so huge that this gives everything a fair chance. The gals of the Rosato & Associates law firm are good, but I like the stand-alones much better.

Cate Fante has just been named a judge in the Eastern District Court of PA, and she is excited about the job. However, Judge Fante has a dark secret, and once it is exposed, threatens her life and the lives of those close to her. While Cate is hearing a case about the idea for the TV series Attorneys@Law, she also leads a secret life having sex with strangers. When she rules on the case, the parties in the suit erupt in a fight, and later one is found dead. The cops suspect Cate. Who is the killer, will Cate retain her reputation? Will Cate resolve whatever it is that leads her to a destructive lifestyle?
Not your typical judge story!

Lisa Scottoline takes the reader to Philly where a newly appointed, female, federal, judge's secret habit of frequenting seedy bars and picking up working class men for one night stands becomes the plot line for a new TV show. Her handling of a delicate case results in the murder of the defendant and the suicide of an attorney who happens to be suing him. The protagonist Judge Cate Fante seems to be digging herself in deeper and deeper. Can she Keep her seat on the bench, can she find the real killer, can she find out who is trying to kill her and why?
While not particularly deep, I enjoyed this murder mystery. It was fun and fast. I would recommend it and be on the lookout for another Scottoline title.