|
[ Home ]
[ About | Reviews | Search | Submit ]
In Lisa Scottoline's latest novel we are introduced to Anne Murphy, a partner in the all-female law firm of Rosato & Associates. Murphy is a maverick in the courtroom and is not afraid to take a risk. She is working on an important case put upon Chipster.com, a web applications company owned by one of Anne's former law school classmates. Beth Dietz claims that she was sexually harassed at the technology company and is suing for damages. The CEO wants to get rid of the case because it is threatening its chance to make money once Chipster goes public. Narrowly escaping the judge's wrath for using a stripper to make a point, Anne is planning to use the Fourth of July weekend to continue preparing to defend her client. She packs her files, hires a house sitter to take care of her cat and her home, and goes to the Jersey shore without telling everyone. It saves Anne's life because once she is back; she learns that she has been found murdered. Her house sitter was shot point-blank in the face and they both shared similar physical characteristics with Anne. Everyone, including Anne's boss, thinks she was murdered. Murphy tries to put on a low profile and try to find out what happened, but that's not going to happen. Anne is a wild card and wherever she goes hilarity ensues. Scottoline's novel never claims to be a thought-provoking legal thriller; it is all tongue-in-cheek. After a funny reunion with her coworkers at the firm, they start doing their own investigation. Anne is convinced that a former boyfriend has been stalking her; the ladies at the law firm believe that it was a case of mistaken identity. There are many funny scenes throughout the entire book including a scene where the lawyers go undercover as the patriotic hookers. It is a gem and a good reason to try this novel. It is a nice comfort read for anyone looking for a good story with mindless fun. Of course, the plot is implausible with the action being resolved in three days. It is the reason people read when they are looking for an escape of the daily grind. If you are looking for a serious and dour crime story, read Dostoevsky. If you are looking for a nice and entertaining weekend read, Courting Trouble is the kind of book you are looking for. It is a great respite for this troubled world.
Reviewed by Angel L. Soto, January 2003
[ Top ]
QUICK SEARCH:
Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
[ About | Reviews | Search | Submit ]
[ Home ]
| 
