Reviews

Killer Smile by Lisa Scottoline

sarabearian's review against another edition

I just finished reading "Killer Smile" by Lisa Scottoline. I have read many of her novels, but this one I really ENJOYED! The story is about Lawyer Mary DiNunzio and the case of an Italian fisherman who committed suicide while interned during WW II as an enemy alien. There are many clues that are presented to her (a lock of hair, an old photograph, and a paper with circular doodles) to try to unravel a mystery. Most of the book takes place in South Philadelphia, and you will come to love Mary and her family. There are times when you might shed a tear, and then there are times when you will laugh out loud. Think Robert B. Parker and Janet Evanovich in that aspect. However, the best part for me was after the book ended, and I read the Author's Note. It dealt with her grandparents' history and their being classified as enemy aliens in WW II. That genealogy tie in, with my own interest in my family's genealogy, was enlightening. Imagine! A murder mystery that relates to your grandparents lives. This book will make for an interesting Book Club discussion. -Bob K.

krislockhart's review against another edition

5.0

I love this series by Lisa Scottoline, all of them!! This one was particularly compelling given the historical information about the internment of Italians at the beginning of WWII in Montana. And nicely done historical context is provided at the end. On to the next in the series!!

lmplovesbooks's review against another edition

3.0

this was a good one, like the twists and the characters.

larchlea's review against another edition

4.0

I just read this for a 2nd time, for the sad and little known story if the WWII internment of Italian-Americans.

I love Lisa Scottoline's books, especially her legal series that feature Mary Dinunzio. The characters are so real and there is always charming humor.

pati13's review against another edition

4.0

Another good lightweight novel of Lisa Scottoline's. I didn't know about the Italian internees in World War II, just the Japanese.

marciamarciamarcia's review against another edition

3.0

This series always delivers what I need. Some light reading with some old friends. They may be a bit predictable but they are always a fun read.

amybyrd's review against another edition

4.0

A legal thriller that uncovers the mystery of an Italian immigrant who is forced to a workcamp and commits suicide, now years later the battle for reparations for his estate leads to some interesting discoveries.

ruggerwoman's review against another edition

4.0

In addition to being a great mystery, this is also a fascinating introduction to historical events I was completely unaware of. I knew all about the Japanese-Americans moved to internment camps but had never thought we'd done the same things to the Italian-Americans as well. (It's been awhile since I read the book so I can't remember if we did it to German-Americans also, but I would assume we had.)

mic_vic's review against another edition

2.0

Anyone who thinks the sun is a planet is really struggling. Also: "bat an eye"? "Batten down the details"? Please.

Not a 1-star rating, because it's not as bad as that (ie Da Vinci Code), but it's pretty close.

busy_reader's review against another edition

adventurous challenging mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0