Feared

In bestseller Scottoline’s thought-provoking sixth Rosato & DiNunzio novel (after 2017’s Exposed), three men complain to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission that lawyers Bennie Rosato, Mary DiNunzio, and Judy Carrier declined to hire them because of their gender. Though false, the allegation will be difficult to disprove—particularly since Rosato & DiNunzio’s lone male associate, John Foxman, told one of the accusers that he feels marginalized at work. Mary, who’s seven months pregnant, believes that plaintiffs’ counsel, ruthless South Philly lawyer Nick Machiavelli, manufactured the litigation, but she can’t fathom how or why. The firm’s defense attorney, Roger Vitez, claims to have everything under control, but when John is murdered and one of the partners becomes a suspect, Bennie, Mary, and Judy refuse to stand idly by. Colorful characters, breezy writing, and a sharp wit keep the tone light, while the ever-increasing stakes propel the story toward a convenient but otherwise gratifying denouement. Scottoline insightfully explores the challenges facing powerful women at work and at home. [em]400,000-copy announced first printing. Agent: Robert Gottlieb, Trident Media Group. (Aug.) [/em]