Title: The Vendetta Defense Author: Lisa Scottoline type of book: Mystery / Suspense call number: Fic

This book is strong in character, story, language and setting.

Summary:
Judy Carrier, a lawyer in the Rosato and associates firm, decides to defend the elderly Pigeon Tony in the murder case of his life-long enemy, Angelo Coluzzi.

Pigeon Tony, so called because of his love of racing pigeons, and to differentiate him from the other Tony's in his group (Tony-From-Down-The-Block and Tony Two Feet), informs his lawyer that he did not commit murder, though he did kill Coluzzi. The reasoning? It is a vendetta, but now Coluzzi's sons are trying to strike back.

Can Judy, Pigeon Tony and his handsome grandson, Frank, stay alive long enough to get the case to trial and prove Pigeon Tony's innocence?

I would recommend this book!

Why?
Another example of superb writing from Lisa Scottoline! I have yet to read a book by this author that is not top quality.

The characters are vivid. If you have ever known an Italian family, you can understand the characters in this book - and the humor of knowing a group of guys that have to have distinguishing features added to their names because so many of them are named Tony (or Frank).

The setting of this book varies from the current time period in Philadelphia to Fascist/Pre-World War II Italy. The descriptions of both are colorful, but especially so when the author writes of Italy. The reader finds her/himself transported to the place.

The language is perfect for the situations that take place. And the story is just awesome! I would definitely recommend this book - and any others by this author - to others.

Employee Initials: ALSM Review Date: June 2003

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