Corrupted

August 31, 2015
Edgar-winner Scottoline’s lackluster 14th Rosato and DiNunzio novel (after 2014’s Betrayed) focuses on law firm–founder Bennie Rosato. In 2002, a panic-stricken father from Mountaintop, Pa., hires the Philadelphia lawyer to appeal his 12-year-old son’s juvenile conviction. Jason Lefkavick shoved bully Richie Grusini, and both boys have been incarcerated. In the Poconos town, Bennie discovers rights violations and judicial corruption—and becomes involved with Declan Mitchell, Richie’s uncle. When Jason’s father learns of the relationship, he fires Bennie and drops the appeal; then Declan ends the affair. Thirteen years later, Bennie receives a desperate call from Jason, who’s being charged with Richie’s murder but insists he’s been framed. Guilt-stricken, she agrees to represent him, even though she doesn’t believe his story. Bennie’s uncharacteristically unprofessional affair with Declan strains credibility, especially when she’s utterly blindsided by the repercussions. The surprise courtroom twist lacks punch, and a predictable ending may satisfy series fans but is unlikely to win new readers. Author tour. Agent: Molly Friedrich, Friedrich Literary Agency.

Narrator Kate Burton's clear, unvarnished delivery captures the persona of cool, straight-shooting Bennie Rosato, the star of Scottoline's popular courtroom drama series. Burton's brisk pacing and nuanced tones are perfect for keeping the listener on course through the detailed investigative and trial procedures featured in Scottoline's novels. This same rapid tempo occasionally causes difficulty in differentiating speakers, but this is a minor distraction. Burton also succeeds at helping the listener maneuver through flashbacks and inner musings as Bennie revisits a case, and a relationship, in an attempt to right a wrong that has haunted her for more than a decade. Any disappointment fans might find with this latest Rosato offering would come from the addition of a romantic element to the straight legal format, and not from Burton's excellent narrative performance. M.O.B. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine