Skinny-dipping (Lilly Cleary, 1)

I started laughing on the first page -- a case of kayak whiplash ? ? ? Lilly Cleary's snappy and irreverent view of just about everything makes for a good read. For instance: "Practicing law is like juggling a dozen raw eggs . . ." Thoroughly enjoyable.

Lawyer Lilly Rose Cleary has obsessive-compulsive disorders, a boyfriend who is a serial marrier, and has now been assigned the world's worst case--defending a doctor who bungled a 'veggie-baby' case. That sounds like enough trouble, but then Lilly is assaulted in her law office parking lot and, a few days later, someone shoots at her and a client. Then there is the little matter of her clients dying of poisoning--and worse. Lilly can't believe that anyone would really want to kill a lawyer who specializes in defending doctors accused of malpractice. Sure, plenty of doctors are scum, but why not kill them? Of course, some of the doctors are getting killed, which puts things in perspective. But Lilly can't just walk away from a case (part of her obsessive-compulsive thing) and what she learns starts to point suspicious fingers at her boyfriend, her mentor, just about everyone around her. Author Claire Maturro combines action and humor in a delightful mystery. Lilly, with her combination of psychological failings and her drive, makes a completely enjoyable and sympathetic character. The spraying ferret, the dubious boyfriend, the strong-silent cop, and the slimy doctors and lawyers add charm and believability to the story. Matturo is, herself, a lawyer and the law portions seemed authentic, without being intrusive. This is a first book by Maturro, and I'm happy to recommend it. It's a quick read and, frankly, I had a hard time putting it down.

Can't wait to read more from this author. Will there be further homages to Hiaasen? There are two in this novel. Note to Dr. Gandle, customer reviewer: please look up "characaturish" in your dictionary. If you don't find it, try "caricature".

Claire Matturro is destined to become one of Florida's top contemporary authors, and definitely making the top ten book lists nationwide. Skinny-Dipping tells the story of a young female law partner who is..."slightly" compulsive. Her name is Lilly Rose Cleary and she is busily defending her clients in court when bodies begin to turn up and bullets begin to fly. Between her court cases, her revolving, revealing relationships and an outrageously funny attitude, she realizes that the links between the murders and the attempted murders that occur must be right beneath her nose. Along the way the intrigue and gamesmanship of the lawyers is dissected in detail by an author who has obvious first hand knowledge of the legal side of things. The medical malpractice suits are ripped apart before your very eyes revealing both sides as over the top extremists with the simple desire of merely winning! Claire Matturro has a wicked sense of humor that will leave you laughing out loud. You will follow along behind Lilly, looking for clues and hints about who is behind the possible murder attempts, but no matter what or who you think is behind it all, the ending will be a gratifying surprise!! Get ready to enjoy a great mystery that is interwoven with a brassy sense of humor and a leading lady that you will be looking forward to reading about again and again. I see that Claire Matturro has a new novel being released in May 2005........I have already preordered it, this is THAT GOOD!!

It's hard to believe that Claire Matturro has only written this one mystery. She has a sure hand with plot, dialogue and interesting characters. I can't wait for her next book.