A fugitive Irish mobster, an Italian Mafia boss and a cash-strapped restaurateur are among the many crooked characters in this savvy legal thriller exposing Boston's corrupt underbelly. Fredrickson's follow-up to his stellar debut (The Cinderella Affidavit) begins when the FBI subpoenas restaurant owner Arthur Patch to testify against Italian gangster Larry the Rabbit on charges of loan sharking. The Mafia has made it clear that Arthur's testimony against Larry would probably be the last words he ever speaks, but luckily, Arthur has secret knowledge that enables him to bargain with the Feds. With the help of his lawyer, Jimmy Morrissey, Arthur cuts a deal—he agrees to remain silent about the collaboration between fugitive Irish mob boss Tommy Crimmins and the FBI, and in return the subpoena is thrown out. Morrissey, a down-on-his-luck guy, is in legal trouble himself, but the reporter on his trail agrees to kill a story about financial misdoings if Morrissey leaks the information about Tommy's link to the FBI. A media frenzy results and to support their denial of any wrongdoing, the FBI posts a handsome reward for Tommy's capture, prompting Arthur, Morrissey and former federal prosecutor Danielle Gautreau to join forces as bounty hunters. A clever, suspenseful and funny pursuit ensues until the final showdown between the Feds, the mob and Tommy ends with a bang. This one is a polished thriller with a multilayered plot and vivid characters, the whole package a winner. Agent, Sam Pinkus.(June)
Forecast:This thriller distinguishes itself from the competition with its comic touch and clean styling. Fredrickson is clearly on his way up, and advertising in national media and legal publications will help build his readership.
