The latest Rosato & DiNunzio novel may just be the best one yet. Mary is pregnant and she's supposed to be taking it easy and awaiting the birth of her child. Then, the law firm is sued for reverse sex discrimination for allegedly not hiring male lawyers, and the one male lawyer who does work at the firm is murdered. Mary finds herself caught up in it all trying to save the reputation of the firm and her own while trying to solve the murder of a friend and colleague at the same time. This fast paced thrill ride will keep you guessing until the very end. Even if you haven't read any of Lisa Scottoline's Rosato & DiNunzio books before you can still enjoy this one. Scottoline gives you just enough background to bring you up to speed but not enough to make it boring or to repetitive to previous readers of the series. Even if you don't necessarily enjoy mysteries, you may enjoy this book. It is more than a mystery. It's a book about family. The family that you are born with and those that become like family: friends, neighbors and even co-workers. It will leave you feeling not only satisfied but warm and happy too.

I haven't read anything by this author before, but I will be reading more of her books from now on. I really liked the little twist at the end. Sometimes our enemies turn aren't really our enemies after all.
Mary and her co-workers are being sued for reverse discrimination. The only male lawyer they employ is looking for another job because he doesn't think he will ever get ahead in this female dominated practice. When he ends up dead, they are accused of the murder by the very lawyer that is representing the male lawyers who are suing the firm. Machiavelli is using some pretty low tricks to keep up the heat. But, there are some underlying motivations for all of this. If he is behind all of the other things, could he have committed the murder too? Or, is there someone else to blame? The partners have to find out before one of them goes to jail.

Worst of the bunch

I have been enjoying Bennie Rosato books from the beginning but this one is awful. It's a completely implausible story with loose ends all over. The reveal is impossible – a blurry photo leads to instant ID of the murderer. I don't want to go into a catalog of errors because it would spoil everything, but one thing I can say is that if John is such a super lawyer how did he miss the course on professional code of conduct? My reading notes pick up the plot way early and I simply do not believe the identity of the murderer. The gushing Italian moms are becoming painful stereotypes.

Is this the effective end of what had been a strong series? I'll maybe give Lisa Scottoline one more.

Scottoline knocks it out of the park with her latest Rosato and Denunzio legal thriller! Her acerbic wit adds to the story of the firm being sued, an associate being murdered and Mary being pregnant. What is most memorable about the book is the family relationships and the support of Mary’s family, no matter what she is going through. It is also the family relationship that Mary establishes with Judy, determined to help her during a great loss as well as to act as her friend and loyal supporter. It was relevant that two law firms were suing each other at the same time that Bennie’s firm was filing a huge lawsuit against a tech firm, so that was a very modern touch. The author’s knowledge of law practice is very evident in this novel, shown directly in the dialog between the characters, in the police station and in court. Fans of Scottoline will definitely want to read this new installment of the series, and new fans will be thrilled to find someone who writes with expertise about lawyers and their dealings with each other. The whole book was a delight to read, with fast-paced action and cutting-edge banter between the characters. Scottoline is a master at the craft of drawing the reader in quickly and keeping them enthralled throughout the story. I highly recommend this book!

Wow!! Who knew this is my 12th book by Lisa Scottoline and I always love her books. This book is the 6th book in this series and I’ve only read #3 in this series besides this one. I’ve been wanting to read this book ever since it came out and was thrilled when the publisher and NetGalley sent it to me for my honest review. It grabbed me from the first page but shortly I started to get bored with all the legal words that were used so I felt like I was skimming a lot of those sections. But then it picked up speed again and I did enjoy the book overall. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley.

Half-stars aren't possible at most book review websites, so I'll note that my actual rating is 3.5 stars. For the most part, that's because this, the sixth in the series featuring law firm partners Bennie Rosato and Mary DiNunzio, didn't quite reach the level of others I've read. The plot seemed more than a little contrived, the ending borders on silly and I rather quickly tired of the pregnancy "humor" (especially since Mary, the mom-to-be, most of the time is just seven months along; if she's that huge with two months to go, she must be about to deliver a whale).

All that said, overall it's an enjoyable book that reads quickly. And I do, except for the pregnancy blather, like both the Philadelphia-based law firm partners - as well as the other characters who work there. Everyone gets involved at the start, when the firm is sued for reverse sex discrimination; apparently, three men who'd been interviewed recently didn't get the job, and they claim it's because the owners want to keep it an all-female law firm. That did beg my question, though, that if that's the case, why bother to interview male candidates at all? Along the same line, I don't recall reading who else got interviewed, nor who got the job (if anyone). Inquiring minds would like to have known - and I'd think the answers might have had an impact on the lawsuit outcome.

But I digress. Turns out their only male attorney, John Foxman, interviewed one of the three applicants and let it slip that he felt like a fish out of water - a statement that is central to the plaintiff's case. When pressed, John admits not only to making the statement, but that it's how he really feels - and then says he will resign. If he follows through, though, it could do serious damage to the firm's side of the story (which of course is that no reverse discrimination took place and that any male lawyer worth his salt would be welcome and delighted to work there). Adding fuel to the fire is that the lawyer for the plaintiffs is Nick Machiavelli, who grew up in Mary's family's neighborhood but lost a major case to her and is looking to even the score with a vengeance by putting Rosato & DeNunzio out of business.

Believing, perhaps, that a lawyer who represents him- or herself has a fool for a client, the firm turns to a high-powered but "Zen" kind of attorney, Roger Vitez, to take their case. He's reluctant at first, but firm partner Judy Carrier, herself a bit on the Zen side, convinces him to sign on. He does, but only under the condition that he's allowed to do things his way despite objections from the strong, opinionated female partners. They agree, albeit reluctantly - and promptly go against his counsel by running out and holding what turns out to be a disastrous news conference. Stop right there, I said to myself - if I were their attorney and they pulled a stunt like that, I'd have shown myself to their door and closed it behind me on the spot.

But after more cajoling, Roger agrees to hang in there, and almost immediately, things go south as a prominent character is murdered. Relationship issues point to Judy as the killer - unthinkable to her co-workers, who set out to prove her innocence. Meantime, they try to deal the brother of the dead guy, who lives in a group home and has potentially serious issues of his own, as well as the ongoing saga of Mary's pregnancy.

Taken as a whole, the book reads to me more like a cozy mystery than a nail-biting thriller; the ending, during which the whodunit and motive are revealed, not only came across as rushed but, given the seriousness of the crime, rather unbelievable (although maybe you have to come from an Italian family to "get" it). Overall, it's really not bad at all despite my protestations - some of the one-liners, even about that pesky pregnancy, are pretty funny. I'm pretty sure longtime Rosato and DiNunzio fans will love it - but it's just not my favorite of the series. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review it.

I can’t say enough about Lisa Scottoline’s writing. She is such a phenomenal author. I have a very short list of authors that I will read every single book they release and Scottoline is definitely high on that list!

This is the 6th installment of her Rosato & DiNunzio law firm series, however, it can definitely be read out of order or as a standalone.

Mary DiNunzio’s baby shower at the office gets interrupted when she and her partners at the law firm are served papers saying they are being sued for discrimination. The three men who are suing the firm claim they were not hired for a job with them because they were men. But to make the situation even worse, their one male employee, John Foxman, intends to resign stating there was some truth to the men’s claim.

In addition, there is a huge case that Mary and her partners have been working on that is now in jeopardy, as well as a murder that needs to be solved. Scottoline sure knows how to throw in twists with each turn…just when you think you have it all figured out!

Thanks to the NetGalley team at St. Martin’s Press for an early copy of this book to review.

The 6th book in the Rosato & DiNunzio series. Nick is back. And he is not willing to take names he just wants to win. The firm is being sued by 3 men. And Nick is out to destroy Mary's firm. One of they present employees say that there is a bit of juice in what the 3 men are claiming. This is just the tip of the things to come at you when reading this new book in the series. Enjoy the read.......

When 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— the firm partners, Mary DiNunzio and Bennie Rosato are outraged. There is a murder woven within, but this book failed to hold my interest which is consistent with another Rosato & DiNunzio book I read. Scottoline writes great "domestic thrillers" that I absolutely LOVE, but this series just doesn't seem to be my cup of tea. I didn't connect with the characters, am easily annoyed by some of them, and did not eagerly turn the pages . However, if you enjoy this series, you will probably like this book as there isn't anything that varies drastically from the other that I read.

I received an advanced copy of this book through Netgalley. This book had me from the very beginning. I love that it kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I would highly recommend this book to my fellow readers. Thank you for the chance to review this book!!!!

I’m a long time Scottoline fan, so I typically love every book that she writes. This one is no exception. I love the Rosato and DiNunzio associates, the cases they try, and the minor characters who make up the meat of the novel.

This one is not my favorite, however. There was more legalese in this one than suited me, and Mary’s stubbornness and complete disregard for her hsuband’s concerns and feelings about her health and pregnancy left me frustrated at times, making this novel drop a star for me.

That being said, it’s still a good addition to the series, and I will continue to read Scottoline’s novels.

3.5 stars, rounded up. If you're a reader of Lisa Scottoline's and particularly this series, you'll be completely engaged with this story. The partners at Rosato & DiNunzio are pushed to the edge in this book, and this book puts to the test both their savvy legal minds and their personal relationships with each other and the people of Philadelphia.

This is definitely a series better read in order, as relationships have been developed and previous story lines are referenced.

This read got off to a strong start. Grabbed me from the first few pages. There comes a point that it becomes a little boring but it does eventually pick back up. Everything wraps up nicely at the end. Overall a good read.

Every time I open a new Rosato & DiNunzio novel, it’s like I’ve forgotten how good the books are - what I think is going to be a straightforward legal thriller makes me laugh, gasp or cry, sometimes within the same chapter! Feared is another great addition to this series, which seems to just get better and better.

With Mary getting ready to give birth and everything going smoothly at the office, Benny and Mary think it’s going to be a quiet couple of months - until the firm is hit with a reverse discrimination suit by three young men, represented by their arch-rival Nick Machiavelli. When their friend and associate John seems to back up these claims, then winds up murdered, things look dark indeed for these leading ladies, who have to keep their wits about them if they’re going to set things right.

I love the characters in these books. They’re all so well drawn out and relatable, I can’t seem to pick my favorite. Well, actually, I think it’s the Tonys/Mary’s dad. They make me howl with laughter. But Mary, Judy and the gang are all up there. They’re complex and well-done characters that I love to read about.

The mystery itself is also really good: it’s plausible and includes some good twists and turns to keep things exciting. I didn’t figure it out until the big reveal, and I realy doubt others will too - Scottoline really is good at only dropping some subtle hints that seem to make sense only afterward.

Bottom line: I’ve said this before, but you’ve got to check this series out. It’s amazing and will make you smile and think.

In this continuation of the Rosato and DiNunzio series with alphabetized titles, Mary’s pregnancy weighs heavily in the story. Tables are turned on the firm when they are sued, and murder comes too close to home, with one of their own a person of interest. Unrelated to the discrimination case, religious bias seems to crack the fourth wall, as the lawyer for the firm comes across as ineffectual in his lackadaisical, eastern spirituality approach. The clue that exposes the murderer is generic and far-reaching as conclusive evidence. The writing is solid and flows, but the storyline and accoutrements fall short of Scottoline’s brilliance despite her winning formula. With Mary the lead in this book, her family makes broad appearances, which is always welcome to DiNuinzio fans. As a novel in a series, it’s worth reading for the continuity in anticipation of “G***”. I was fortunate to receive an early copy from the publisher #St.Martin’sPress through #NetGalley.

FEARED by Lisa Scottoline
I have read other books by Lisa Scottoline and loved them and I really enjoyed this as well, I noticed this one was different than others as it had a strong Italian presence , then I realized that this was part of a series, number six in the Rosato/DiNunzio series. I guess I'm going to have to read the first five now!😊
The characters were all so colorful and fun to get to know. Ok...maybe some not so fun...but that goes with the territory with murder mysteries.
The book pulled me in from page one and it never ever got dull. There were twist and turns and ups and downs. You will feel like your riding a rollercoaster reading this book.
Great character development, good storyline, and surprising twists...everything I love in a book. I do recommend this book!

Received an advanced copy of Feared from Netgalley! Took me awhile to get through. This book seemed slow in the beginning. But picked up pass about half way through. Typical of Lisa Scottoline. Lots of twists that have you guessing! I would recommend this book, just push through the slow start, hold on because it gets good!

Another amazing twisted read from Lisa. Thrilled to revisit the old neighborhood with all the family, neighbor and friend craziness that only Mary's neighborhood in South Phillie can bring. Along with that Mary is pregnant, they are facing a lawsuit, an employee in murdered and they're in the middle of a major litigation and Mary's instincts point her in one direction. Back to the old neighborhood and their long time nemesis Machiavelli. Perfect name for the bad guy. Why did I love the Rosary society ladies so much? This story has the best of everything, laughs, tension, suspense, sadness. Mary working through things with Anthony and being pregnant. The whole office has so much going on, Judy, oh how I loved her. She's always right there. I can't say enough good things about this book, it's Lisa at her best as always. She's such a great author and her stories mesh the personal side with the plot. Not many authors can pull that off smoothly and Lisa is stellar. I loved this book and the epilogue. Heavy happy sigh!

**arc from Net Galley and Publisher for an honest review**

Lisa Scottolni brings back the crew of Mary, Benny, Anne and the rest at Rosario and Denuncio law firm in Philadelphia. Though the story is a bit contrived and the ending, weak; there is no getting around Scottolini's ability to provide South Philly color and character. In this novel Rosetti and DeNunzio must defend against serious discrimination charges while trying to solve the murder of their cooleague. If you're a fan, you'll enjoy it - especially the time spent with quirky South Philly neighbors.

I loved this book/story just like I have every one of Lisa Scottoline's other books!!!!!! In this story Mary Dinunzio is 7 mths pregnant with her 1st child and knee deep in a case as usual. This time the case is again her own law firm. They are being sued for reverse discrimination by three men who are saying they applied for a job and didn't get hired because they are men. Mary suspects her arch nemesis Machaivelli is behind the whole thing but then the only male associate in their law firm gets murdered. You will get get sucked in from the first page and think you've got it figured out but you are wrong!!!!!! Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the oppurtunity to read this amazing novel. I will highly recommend this book to everyone