Book Talk: Lisa Scottoline, ‘Accused’

Fans of Lisa Scottoline may be familiar with her series, Rosato and Associates. It’s an all-female law firm, built on the reputation of Bennie Rosato. She’s one of the best trial lawyers in the nation, not just Philadelphia, where the series is set. She’s tough and brilliant. And Mary DiNunzio works for her as an associate. With “Accused” (2013, 351 pages in soft-cover format), Ms. Scottoline offers a sequel to her previous series. That’s right; it’s now Rosato and DiNunzio. Mary has finally made partner by developing her own client base.

Of course, much of Mary’s clientele comes from her contacts in South Philadelphia’s Italian American community, like her father’s pals the three Tonys: “Pigeon” Tony Lucia, Tony “From-Down-the-Block” LoMonaco, and Tony “Two Feet” Pensiera, called “Feet,” making him the only person in South Philly whose nickname has a nickname. Nevertheless, she’s generated enough billable hours and bringing in enough income to put her on equal footing with Bennie. Yet, they’re very different people. For example, if asked “What’s your favorite movie?” Mary would respond, “The Godfather,” while Bennie would say, “I don’t have time for movies.” Or, “What’s your favorite food?” Mary: “Pasta, what else?” Bennie: “Opposing counsel.”

To make it easy for fans to read books in the newer series in order, Scottoline has titled them alphabetically: Accused, Betrayed, Corrupted, Damaged, Exposed, Feared. And although the plots vary considerably, the events in the lives of the major characters, particularly Mary and her fellow lawyer and best friend Judy Carrier, an associate of Rosato and DiNunzio, flow from book to book.