Everywhere That Mary Went

With intelligent humor and an eagle eye trained on life in the trenches of big firms, Scottoline delivers a can't-put-it-down mystery centering on a litigator in Philadelphia. Recently-widowed Mary DiNunzio, who now shares her apartment with only an indifferent cat, starts receiving strange messages and telephone calls. When she is followed by an unknown person in a non-descript dark car, and her apartment is entered, things start becoming alarming. Since Mary is up for partnership at Stalling & Webb, she suspects that the culprit may be a competitor, or someone else who is attempting to thwart her ambitions. The novel's best feature is its on-the-nose description of law firm life. Any female litigator who has spent some time in court will wince with recognition at the opening chapter. One need not have been actually forced to sing to recognize the hubris of certain judges as it is played out in motion practice. And how's this analysis of how a firm runs: "I walk back to my office. I've done my job, which is to make Martin look good. That's why he goes alone to Berkowitz's office, to take credit for the writ. Likewise, since Martin's raison d'etre is to make Berkowitz look good, he'll let Berkowitz take the credit when he telephones Harbison's General Counsel. Because Berkowitz has made the GC look good to his CEO, the GC will send him more cases. ASAP. And partners who bring in the most business make the most money." Game, set and match. My only slight disappointment with this book is that while you will keep guessing "who done it," the ending is somewhat contrived -- it does not make too much sense that the guilty party would be who she or he is. As in all good mysteries, however, the ends are neatly tied up. This book is a great first novel by one who would soon thereafter win an Edgar.

Mary DiNunzio works long hours at her law firm, trying to forget the recent accidental death of her husband. She's winning a lot of cases for the firm's wealthy clients when she starts getting crank calls. She thinks she's being followed and wonders if someone is trying to scare her off a case she's working on. Then the calls come more often, strange notes start arriving and someone breaks into her apartment. She starts suspecting anybody and everybody and as the danger escalates, she realizes she can depend on nobody but herself. A gripping thriller that will keep you up till the wee hours of the morning.

Lisa Scottoline's first novel is quite an accomplishment. A story that is gripping and gives you clues but not in an obvious way. I was surprised until the "big revelation." The characters are not super-human. They are regular people which lends to the authentic feel.Mary DiNuzio is a litigator on the fast track to partnership in a top lawfirm in Philly. Mary has thrown herself into her work after her husband's unexpected death. We are first endeared to Mary as she is asked to sing by a judge during a hearing. She wins the motion on her arguement but this shows her understanding of how the game is played. She starts to get the feeling that someone is watching her. Mary starts getting notes and calls where no one speaks but is still on the phone. A suspicious car is also seen frequently as Mary goes around down. Eventually the police are called but they don't really believe her accusations. Mary has a male secretary named Brent. He keeps her sane, safe, and on track to make partner. Mary's best friend, Judy, is also concerned about the calls, notes, and car following Mary. They work together to figure out who is sending notes to Mary and following her around in car. There are glimpes of Mary twin sister, Angie, and her parents. A new love interest, from the lawfirm , keeps us guessing about his motives. These characters are woven around Mary like a cocoon. The pacing of the activites are so craftly written. Watching the story unfold is like driving in traffic. Sometimes you feeling like you're moving along, the next minute you're getting cutoff, and lastly you just don't move. A wonderful mystery for those who enjoy a challange.

This book really offered good reading. It contained all the elements of a successful mystery: suspense, thrill, and action. Ms. Scottoline worked wonders at keeping the readers attention by drawing them into the story. The whole time, I felt the emotions of worrying about Mary; wondering what was around the corner. Or just what was going to jump out at her next. Keep up the good work!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is a terrific book and, amazingly enough, Lisa Scottoline's first novel. Ms. Scottoline has the amazing ability to write books that move at the speed of lighting and yet are filled with interesting, complicated characters.Mary is so real that you will feel that you know her. The same is true of all the supporting characters. I've read the book twice and enjoyed it both times.The solution to the mystery is genuinely surprising. (And I'm a seasoned mystery reader and am not often surprised.)Be sure to read all of Ms. Scottoline's other books as well. You don't have to love mysteries to enjoy them!