Mary DiNunzio has become a big-time business-getter at Rosato & Associates. But the last person she expects to walk into her office one morning—in mile-high stilettos—is super-sexy Trish Gambone, her high-school rival. Back when Mary was becoming the straight-A president of the Latin Club and Most Likely to Achieve Sainthood, Trish was the head Mean Girl, who flunked religion and excelled at smoking in the bathroom.
These days, however, Trish needs help. She is terrified of her live-in boyfriend, an abusive, gun-toting drug dealer for the South Philly mob. Mary remembers the guy from high school, too. She had a major crush on him.
Then Trish vanishes, a dead body turns up in an alley, and Mary is plunged into a nightmare that threatens her job, her family, and even her life. She goes on a one-woman crusade to unmask the killer, and on the way finds new love in a very unexpected place.
“Scottoline’s latest is a thoroughly enjoyable read with warm, wonderful characters, gentle humor, and some unexpected twists and turns. Highly recommended.”
– Library Journal
“Scottoline doesn’t stint on suspense and excitement, but she once again makes us care as much about her people as we do about the solution to the mystery.”
– The Conneticut Post
“A perfect, cozy, three-night read for a chilly winter weekend. Grade: A.”
– Philadelphia Magazine
Lady Killer
Questions for Book Clubs
- In Lady Killer, Mary’s high school nemesis comes to her for help. How do you think you would have reacted if you were Mary? Why do you think Mary felt compelled to help Trish?
- How important is high school to shaping who we become as adults? What was your high school experience like? Do you think you were more like Mary, Trish or neither of them? Do you think you can ever shed your high school image without moving out of the neighborhood?
- How would you compare Mary’s friendship with Judy and Trish’s friendship with her friends? How are they similar? How are they different? Who do you think make better friends?
- Judy is very instrumental in getting Mary to push for partnership at the firm. What do you think Judy’s motivations were? Was it good advice? Why or why not? Do you think Mary is ready to be a partner? Why or why not?
- What kind of changes do you see in Mary as the book progressed? Do you think she is starting to grow up and become more confident, or just being reckless? Why?
- Mary closely identifies herself with her neighborhood. Do you think this is a good thing, or a bad thing? Why? How has it helped Mary? How has it hurt her?
- How did you react to Bennie’s treatment of Mary? Do you think Bennie was justified? Do you think Mary made the right decision? What do you think will happen next?
- Both Mrs. DiNunzio and Mrs. Gambone have very close relationships with their daughters. Do you think one is a better mother than the other? Why? Who would you rather have as your mother? How do they compare to your own mother?
- Lady Killer is filled with old and new characters. Which ones would you like to see again?
Books in the Rosato & Associates Series
