Member Reviews
I was given this book by Netgalley and St Martin’s press for an honest review.
This is the 6th book in Scottline’s Rosato & DiNunzio series. I loved it! Scottoline has a remarkable way of creating these amazing twists and turns and all the while you are relating to each character! You are pulling for certain characters and hating others.
I had a great time reading this book! Thanks for another amazing thriller!
Lisa Scottoline's Feared is the Sixth installment in the authors Rosato & DiNunzio series. This is a series that I first started reading when it was called Rosato & Associates. That series reached (11) books before the series changed. Why? Because Mary DiNunzio, the protagonist for this story, was made partner by Bennie Rosato the senior member of the firm. What has changed? Nothing. Not the characters. Not the humor. Not the family dynamics. (Of course I am going to love Mary's family since we are both Italian).
Not the friendships between Mary, Bennie, Anne, and Judy. I love the secondary characters; Anne Murphy, Judy Carrier, Lou Jacobs and Marshal Trow are important cogs to the law firm and it wouldn't be the same without them around. Unfortunately, I have no clue when Judy became full partner since I requested and haven't yet read books 2-5. I'll change that soon! Bennie and Mary have regularly called Rosato & DiNunzio a female law firm. That particular saying has implications in this book.
When three men announce that they intend to sue the Rosato & DiNunzio law firm for reverse sex discrimination—claiming that they were not hired because they were men—Mary DiNunzio and Bennie Rosato are outraged. To make matters worse, their one male employee, John Foxman, intends to resign, claiming that there is some truth to this case. The plaintiffs’ lawyer is Nick Machiavelli, who has already lost to Mary once and is now back with a vengeance —determined not to not only win, but destroy the firm.
Nick puts the firm through so much nonsense just because he is a sore loser. Sorry not sorry for that particular spoiler. But, it's 100% accurate. It soon becomes clear that Nick will do anything in his power to achieve his end…even after the case turns deadly. The stakes have never been higher for Mary and her associates as they try to keep Machiavelli at bay, solve a murder, save the law firm they love, and win a huge case that could make or break the law firm. With so much at stake, they could win big, or lose everything they’ve worked for.
Told with Scottoline's trademark gift for twists, turns, heart, and humanity, this latest thriller asks the question: Is it better to be loved, or feared... The loved or feared aspect of the story is really between two characters: Nick and Mary. Mary is loved by everyone because she has such a huge heart and is willing to take on cases that may seem laughable to anyone else. Mary battles with both Machiavelli and her own pregnancy and her idea of what she will do in the future now that she is expecting her own child.
Will she continue to be a lawyer, or will she step away and focus on building her own family. Feared, well I already explained what a douche-canoe Nick is. This is a series that has always been set in and around Philadelphia. It is unique, and realistic, and she gets the family dynamics correct. It is the author's trademark that she knows her neighborhoods, and especially the Italians who live in South Philly. I absolutely adore Mary's family, and their extended family as well. One of the dynamics that makes this a must read for me.
This was another awesome book by Lisa. Very good thriller that will keep you on you're toes. 4/5 stars from me. The characters are amazing and the plot flows well.
“Feared” by Lisa Scottoline is the sixth book in the Roseto & DiNunzio series, but this book certainly stands alone. Scottoline plunges readers into the world of political correctness when three men claim that they were not hired because they were men and announce a lawsuit against the Rosato & DiNunzio law firm for sex discrimination. If that were not bad enough the lone male employee wants to quit, and then … the murder. The lawyers are forced to become detectives to save the firm. Murder, turmoil, lawsuits, a venomous lawyer mean there are plenty of twists and turns along the way.
Mary is pregnant, so there is a lot, a whole lot, of everyday trauma and pregnancy hilarity as well. The humor and the family antics provide comic relief in the midst of the courtroom drama.
I received a review copy of “Feared” from Lisa Scottoline, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley. This was my first Rosato and DiNunzio book, and I had no trouble jumping right in. It is an enjoyable book with both a compelling legal story line and a “homey” family component. Rosato and DiNunzio fans will love the book, and now this first time reader wants to go back and read the previous books.
It's been a long time since I read a Lisa Scottoline's Rosato book, and I usually like to read them in order, so I was a bit nervous reading Feared since this is book 6 of the Spin-off of the original series. However, I wasn't lost; there was enough info to figure out what was going on, and I remember the main characters from before. I enjoyed the book (and will probably go back and pick up the series from where I left it;) Three men announce that they are suing the Rosato & DiNunzio law firm for reverse sex discrimination—claiming that they were not hired because they were men—Mary DiNunzio and Bennie Rosato are outraged. Again Lisa takes on headlines ripped right from today's newspapers and puts her own spin on it! I enjoyed the book; and Mary's pregnancy! Can't wait to wade into the series again!
This book just wasn't for me. I tried to get into it a couple times and just could not do it. Will be letting Chapter Chatter Pub know that it's out.
I am conflicted about voicing my opinion of this book, after reading all the 4 and 5 star reviews posted from readers. But to thine own self be true! This book just didn’t resonate with me. I found the interacions and dialogue, among the partners in the law firm of Rosato & DiNunzio, to be implausible. I stopped counting how many times Mary said to her partner and best friend Judy, “oh honey,” enough is enough! Then there is Bennie; supppsed to be the one partner most “feared” .......really? And she went along with the rantings of Mary who was convinced who the murderer was? I did enjoy the “families” and found them all to be lovable. I do not want to say anything else, so as not to spoil this read for anyone, but if these lawyers are supposed to be the cream of the crop of South Philly, I am frightened. I decided to read this novel even after I promised myself that I would not read another one in the series, but now I absolutely will not read another one. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
4.5 Stars
What is shocking about the events here is how vindictive a single soul can be towards others. The three lawyers suing the firm are represented by none other than Nick Machiavelli, who, after losing to Mary once before, declared vengeance on her. Well, his time has come, and boy, has he a doozy planned. And, not only does the team face this lawsuit, they stand a chance at losing a huge anti-trust suit they've been working on. Machiavelli just might win.
I really enjoyed this sixth book in the series. Facing a reverse discrimination case that could destroy the marvelous law firm of Rosato & DiNunzio is the iniitial story in this book. But when there is a murder connected with the firm, well, things take on a very different edge. A very pregnant Mary as well as her team work hard to keep the firm on its feet, whiling bringing justice to the murdered victim.
I have binge read this series, from Accused, all the way through to this title, Feared, with just a short break between books. However, these last four I read pretty much back-to-back. I literally could not help myself. As with all of the previous titles, I read this book straight through in just a couple of sittings. Lisa Scottoline has an exclusive style of writing these legal thrillers. She presents ongoing characters that mean something to me, interesting plots and fabulous twists and turns, with always stunning conclusions. Feared is no exception and I am almost sorry that I have caught up with the series! Unfortunately, this series is produced yearly, and I have a long wait to go for another installment. However I have amassed a small library of some of her other titles to keep me busy.
Many thanks to St. Martins Press and to NetGalley for this ARC to review; this is my honest opinion.
I gave this book a try- thank you so much for the ARC copy. I admit I have not read the rest of this series so maybe I'm missing some things although it seemed fine as a stand alone. I found myself skipping ahead out of boredom. It's written well, fine enough story, I just think legal thrillers may not be for me!
Adore lisa. Think this was the best of the series. I have read all the books in this series and loved seeing the more vulnerable side of these characters. Cant wait for next
Lisa Scottoline is one of those authors that I automatically buy her books the day they come out. She writes with heart-pounding suspense, amazing character development, and always has a moral issue that makes the reader wonder and form their own opinion. Feared, Scottoline's sixth installment of her Rosato & DiNunzio series, is no exception. It's also worthy to point out that I had not read all of this series at the time of reading this novel and was able to appreciate the story fully. Lisa said in an interview with Bookster, "As far as bringing new people along, I’m happy to say that new readers find me, and I’ve always conceived the series as that you can pick up any one book and it will give you everything you need to know. It’s not as if you have to read five books to read the sixth. The challenge is to feather in some facts that are from the back story, but not all of the facts. Readers are super smart and they figure it out very quickly. God bless them."
In Feared, mostly female legal firm, Rosato & DiNunzio get sued for sex discrimination. Despite having John Foxman a part of the firm, three men, convinced they were not hired due to their gender, announce they are suing the firm. Foxman's intention of resignation on validates the claims. The plaintiffs' lawyer and nemesis of the Rosato & DiNunzio firm, Nick Machiavelli, is out for blood.
This is one legal thriller that will have you engrossed in the story, entangled in the web that Lisa Scottoline so intricately leaves. The ending is one that will leave you speechless.
I have always been a huge fan of Lisa Scottoline. Each book always seems better than the last. This one is no exception. It is an edge of your seat page turner! I was hooked from the get go. A must read!!
It's been years since I read a Rosato & DiNunzio novel, but it was a breeze sliding right back into the familiar characters. Feared has the law firm battling a malicious lawsuit initiated by ruthless and aptly named rival attorney, Machievelli. Adding to the tension, an associate in the law firm is murdered. Under siege from all sides, Bennie, Anne, Judy, and a very pregnant Mary race to resolve the lawsuit and solve the murder of their beloved colleague.
On the plus side, Scottoline is a talented writer who brings depth to all of her characters. It's easy to see why she is such a popular author. However, I thought Feared was one of her weakest offerings. The way the lawsuit is resolved is ridiculous, and the unmasking of the murderer came absolutely out of nowhere. I mean, I like a twisty ending as much as the next guy, but this was so contrived, it was a joke.
I would recommend Feared for long-time fans of Scottoline, especially fans of the Rosato series. For me though, it was too sappy, more like a "cozy" mystery than a thriller.
Lisa Scottoline wins again with this new title!
Why on earth is the firm of Rosato and DiNunzio being sued for gender discrimination? Could it have anything to do with the complaint they recently filed against two software companies holding a monopoly? And, what happened to the (male) attorney who drafted the complaint?
Chaos ensues as the team attempts to find the answers to these questions. Their efforts are complicated by DiNunzio's advanced pregnancy and another team member's most recent affair. They are assisted by a cast of lovable characters including DiNunzio's large Italian family and the ladies of the Rosary Society, while being represented by a Zen-like malpractice attorney.
With its twists and turns, this mystery will keep you guessing until the very last page.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received a free digital copy of this title to review from Net Galley. I have also posted a review at www.nook.com.
#Feared#NetGalley
Book Review: Feared (Rosato & DiNunzio #6) by Lisa Scottoline
Fearless. The anti-thesis of the progressives' agenda of the victimization of women and identity politics.
A law firm run by smart, independent females, one of whom is in her final term - (a pregnant, self-reliant working woman, imagine that!); a novel fiercely pro-Catholic espousing old-fashioned American values. Bonus: Scottoline's brand of hyphenated American boisterous humor (with it's fair share of pastas, "Tonys" and "Marys", punctuated by Mary's baby to be christened (wait for it...) a Tony). No surprise from the author who penned "I Need A Lifeguard Everywhere But The Pool".
This is my first read of a "Rosato & DiNunzio" novel, but if the theme were to be consistent all throughout the series, I would suspect it takes courage and an unwavering belief in American and Christian values for an author to swim against the tide and risk alienating far left ideologues consisting of close to half of American readership.
Reverse sex discrimination is skillfully portrayed as a serious and valid subject, and the author crafts in her unique style, the finer points of good story-telling and creative writing - credible high-tech stuff (data Integration, application providers), legal issues (anti-thrust), on an otherwise humdrum business - furniture distribution, along the lines of a David vs Goliath skirmish.
Taken as a whole, the book reads more like a cozy murder /mystery than a nail-biting legal thriller, with a delightful and wicked twist that's cunning and hard to predict through the end of the book.
A pleasant quick read.
Review based on an advance reading copy presented by NetGalley and St. Martin's Press.
Rosato and DiNunzio are BACK with the latest installment to the series, Feared. Feared is immensely engaging; I read it in 24 hours and it did not disappoint! It was so well-written I just needed to know what was going to happen next.
Expertly written by Lisa Scottoline, Bennie Rosato, Mary DiNunzio and Judy Carrier are defending themselves against three men who announce that they are suing the predominately female law firm of Rosato and DiNunzio for reverse sex discrimination. These same three men are being represented by a lawyer who is out to get the law firm of Rosato and DiNunzio because they have a history of winning cases against him. Then events turn deadly, literally.
This entire series is brilliantly written with great characters, and the City of Philadelphia is ever-present and depicted flawlessly as a minor character. I have read all of the books in this series and they are all pretty amazing. I highly recommend this book……well actually I recommend the entire series!
I received an advanced review copy (ARC) of this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This was my first read from scottoline, and the sixth in a series… I have to say i might have badly chosen my forst novel. Altough i feel the writting was good, i had a lot of difficulties to place myself in all the lawyers jargon… I did not like it that much but i can see the reviews are good from people that are already familiar with scottoline's books.
Another win from Lisa Scottoline, one of my all-time favorite authors and book series. This title was particularly suspenseful and had me guessing until the very end. I can't wait for the next Rosato & DiNunzio novel!
I have read all of the author's previous books including this entire series. I was thrilled to receive this book for review as this series of Lisa Scottoline is my absolute favorite. The author has written legal thrillers with such exquisite detail you feel your in the courtroom and fighting for your life along with the charcters. It is thrilling legal writing at its best in a well crafted exciting writing format that you cannot put down. I enjoyed this book from beginning to finish and read it in one sitting.
The South of Philly Italian community is back in full force in this book as Mary and her relatives rise to protect Mary and her law firm. They are being sued by their employee Nick Machiavelli for reverse sex discrimination in their all woman law firm. He is angry because he will not make partner and jealous of Mary. He is out to get the firm and bring down Mary along with the firm. He claims that applicants are not being hired because they are men and includes them in the suit. Bernie and Mary are betrayed and facing a long court battle that may endanger the firm of Rosato & DiNunzio.
A murder occurs and the law firm may be danger. Mary is expecting and she is experiencing to much stress between the lawsuit and the baby. Her Mother's friends group, The Rosary Ladies join in to offer their sleuthing skills and protection giving this book lots of laughs and mouth watering food descriptions that are out of this world. When they gather together in true Italian South Philly fashion its humorous and great fun .
This is the best Rosato & DiNunzio book of the series in my opinion. Scottoline has the talent for describing the Italian/South Philly experience at its best I highly recommend this next in series. Thank you for the ARC which does not influence my review. A great read !
2 stars
First off, I am a fan of Scottoline’s fiction, particularly those featuring Bennie Rosato. When a new entry in the series was announced, it immediately was placed on my “Want to read” list. That said, this one did not meet my expectations.
Rosato & DiNunzio are two strong and highly capable lawyers based in Philadelphia with a firm bearing their names. The lead characters are all female as are all of the principals of this firm with one exception. They have vastly different personalities but strong ties to each other, their community, and Mary DiNunzio’s extended Italian American family. The series incorporates important, current legal topics, in this case reverse sex discrimination and anti-trust issues in the technology industry, with the thrills of solving crimes. Their personal relationships and the flavors of the colorful setting and personalities play an important part in the series.
With all of these elements covered, this series has been a reliable source of satisfying entertainment for me until <i>Feared</i>. In my opinion, none of the above were as well executed as in previous series entries. This one just didn’t work for me. In short, I found the banter, previously lively and humorous, was borderline cliché and distracting. The issue of reverse sex discrimination was barely explored while the case prep for the anti-trust case was almost tedious in comparison. Most importantly, I did not find the surprise ending so much of an “ah-ha!” as a “whaaat????”
For those who are just discovering this series, I suggest you try some of the Rosato & Associates titles. And despite my disappointment this time around, I do look forward to the next title featuring the women of Rosato & DiNunzio.
FYI - I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.