Are you a fan of legal thrillers and mystery novels? Then you should definitely check out the works of Lisa Scottoline. With over thirty books under her belt, this prolific author has built a loyal following of readers who can’t get enough of her thrilling, page-turning plots and relatable characters. Whether you’re new to her writing or a longtime fan, there are plenty of Lisa Scottoline books to choose from. Here, we’ll take a closer look at some of her best works.
First things first: let’s introduce the author herself. Lisa Scottoline was born in Philadelphia and worked as a trial lawyer before turning to writing full-time. Her legal background is evident in her books, which often deal with complex legal cases and courtroom drama. However, she also incorporates plenty of mystery, suspense, and even humor into her stories. Scottoline is known for creating strong, smart female protagonists and exploring themes of family, loyalty, and justice.
“My Nest Isn’t Empty: It Just Has More Closet Space”
But there’s more to Lisa Scottoline than just her writing. In her free time, she’s an avid animal lover and has even written a book about her beloved pets called My Nest Isn’t Empty: It Just Has More Closet Space. She’s also a frequent speaker at book festivals and writing conferences, where she shares her insights and experiences with aspiring writers.
A Brief Introduction to the Author
“Think Twice”
If you’re new to Scottoline’s writing, you might be wondering where to start. While all of her books are engaging, there are a few that stand out as must-reads. One of her most popular series features the character of Bennie Rosato, a female lawyer who runs her own law firm. The series includes titles like Legal Tender and Think Twice, and has been praised for its strong female characters and intricate plotlines.
“Don’t Go”
Another standout book from Scottoline is Don’t Go, a standalone novel that tells the story of a soldier who returns home from Afghanistan to find that his wife has died in a mysterious accident. The book deals with themes of grief, loss, and redemption, and has been praised for its emotional depth and gripping plot.
Her Writing Style and Genres
One of the things that set Lisa Scottoline apart is her ability to blend different genres together seamlessly. Her books often feature elements of legal thrillers, mystery novels, and even chick lit. However, regardless of the specific genre, Scottoline is known for creating strong, three-dimensional characters and crafting plots that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Scottoline’s writing style is also notable for its humor and wit. She’s not afraid to inject a bit of levity into even the most serious of situations, which helps to keep her books engaging and entertaining. Her ability to balance humor and drama has earned her a devoted fanbase, who eagerly anticipate each new release.
Awards and Accolades
Scottoline’s writing has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Edgar Award, the Mystery Writers of America’s highest honor. She has also been a finalist for the prestigious Gold Dagger Award from the Crime Writers’ Association. Her books have been translated into over thirty languages and have been bestsellers around the world.
In addition to her writing awards, Scottoline has also been recognized for her contributions to the literary community. She’s been honored by organizations like the Philadelphia Free Library and the Women’s National Book Association for her advocacy of literacy and her support of aspiring writers.
Top Lisa Scottoline Books to Start With
If you’re looking to dive into the world of Lisa Scottoline, these are some of the best books to start with. Each of these works showcases Scottoline’s unique blend of legal drama, mystery, and humor, and they will keep you hooked from start to finish.
“Everywhere That Mary Went”
Scottoline’s first novel introduces readers to one of her most beloved characters, Philadelphia-based lawyer Judy Carrier. When Judy’s colleague is brutally murdered, she becomes convinced that she’s being stalked by the killer. As she sets out to uncover the truth, Judy must grapple with her own fears and doubts. “Everywhere That Mary Went” is a great starting point for anyone new to Scottoline’s writing.
Set in the City of Brotherly Love, “Everywhere That Mary Went” is a thrilling ride through the streets of Philadelphia. Readers will be captivated by the city’s rich history and culture, as well as the complex legal system that serves as the backdrop for Judy’s story. Scottoline’s vivid descriptions of the city and its inhabitants will transport readers directly into the heart of Philadelphia.
“Look Again”
In this twisty, suspenseful novel, reporter Ellen Gleeson is assigned to write a story about missing children. As she delves deeper into the topic, she begins to suspect that her own adopted son might be one of those missing children. The plot of “Look Again” will keep you guessing until the very end.
Set in the bustling city of New York, “Look Again” takes readers on a thrilling journey through the city’s streets and neighborhoods. From the bright lights of Times Square to the quiet suburbs of Westchester County, Scottoline’s vivid descriptions bring the city to life in a way that is both captivating and authentic. Readers will be swept up in the fast-paced action and heart-pounding suspense of this gripping novel.
“Save Me”
This novel centers around Rose McKenna, a mom who finds herself caught up in a school fire that threatens the lives of her daughter and her daughter’s classmates. As Rose fights to save the children, she also begins to uncover shocking secrets about the school and its administration. “Save Me” is a heart-pounding thriller that you won’t be able to put down.
Set in the idyllic town of Wyncote, Pennsylvania, “Save Me” is a gripping tale of suspense and intrigue. Scottoline’s detailed descriptions of the town and its inhabitants paint a vivid picture of small-town life, while the gripping plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats. From the quiet streets of Wyncote to the bustling halls of the local high school, “Save Me” is a thrilling ride through a world of secrets and lies.
“After Anna”
One of Scottoline’s more recent works, “After Anna” revolves around a bitter custody battle between divorced parents Maggie and Noah. When Maggie’s long-lost daughter Anna reappears, she is overjoyed to be reunited with the child she thought she had lost forever. However, Anna’s behavior becomes increasingly disturbing, and Maggie begins to question whether she really knows her daughter at all.
Set in the picturesque town of Lakeview, New Jersey, “After Anna” is a haunting tale of family secrets and betrayal. Scottoline’s detailed descriptions of the town and its inhabitants bring the story to life, while the gripping plot keeps readers guessing until the very end. From the tranquil shores of Lakeview to the dark corners of Maggie’s past, “After Anna” is a riveting exploration of the ties that bind us and the secrets that tear us apart.
Best Legal Thrillers by Lisa Scottoline
As a former lawyer, Scottoline is particularly adept at crafting legal thrillers that are both suspenseful and realistic. These are some of her best books in this genre.
“Rough Justice”
In this book, lawyer Marta Richter takes on the case of a woman named Stuart Gorman, who has been accused of murdering her wealthy husband. Despite the seemingly overwhelming evidence against her client, Marta believes that Stuart is innocent and begins to uncover a shocking conspiracy involving the victim’s family.
In “Mistaken Identity,” Bennie Rosato, a Philadelphia-based attorney, takes on a case involving a woman who has been wrongly accused of murder. As Bennie delves deeper into the case, she realizes that her client is part of a much larger conspiracy, and she risks everything to uncover the truth.
“Final Appeal”
When Marta Richter’s client is convicted of murder and sentenced to death, Marta becomes convinced that the justice system has failed. As she fights to save her client from the death penalty, Marta must confront her own past and grapple with the ethics of defending someone she knows to be guilty.
Philadelphia attorney Jack Newlin is shocked to learn that his wife has been murdered. The prime suspect? Jack himself. As he fights to clear his name and find the real killer, Jack must also navigate his complicated relationships with his daughter and his mistress. “Moment of Truth” is a gripping legal thriller that will keep you guessing.
Standalone Novels Worth Reading
While many of Scottoline’s books are part of a series, she has also written several standalone novels that are well worth your time.
“Dirty Blonde”
In this novel, Cate Fante is a prosecutor running for Philadelphia’s district attorney position. She’s tough, smart, and ambitious – and she’s also hiding a secret. When a murder case threatens to expose Cate’s past, she must decide whether to come clean or risk everything to maintain her perfect image.
Chris Brennan seems like the perfect candidate for the position of high school teacher and baseball coach. However, as he becomes more involved in the small Pennsylvania town where he’s moved, it becomes clear that he is not who he appears to be. “One Perfect Lie” is a tense, suspenseful novel that explores the dark underbelly of small-town life.
“Someone Knows”
In this novel, four former friends are brought back together twenty years after a tragic accident that left one of them dead. As they confront the secrets and lies that have haunted them for years, they must also grapple with the question of whether they can truly trust each other. “Someone Knows” is a deeply emotional novel that explores themes of grief, forgiveness, and redemption.
“Eternal”
In the haunting, atmospheric “Eternal,” a family of women is cursed with the ability to see ghosts. As young Maddy becomes more and more entwined with the spirit world, she must confront the legacy of her family’s past and fight to break the curse once and for all. This novel showcases Scottoline’s versatility as a writer and her ability to craft deeply satisfying, emotionally resonant stories.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a fan of legal thrillers, mystery novels, or simply great writing, Lisa Scottoline is an author you won’t want to miss. With a long list of engaging, page-turning books to choose from, there’s something for everyone in her body of work. We hope this guide has helped you discover some new favorites to add to your reading list.
FAQs
What are the best Lisa Scottoline books?
Lisa Scottoline has written famous books such as Loyalty, Eternal, Look Again, Corrupted, What Happened to the Bennetts, and Everywhere That Mary Went.
How many awards has Lisa Scottoline won?
Lisa Scottoline has won Edgar Awards, the Mystery Writers of America Awards, and the Fiction Award by Cosmopolitan magazine.
In what genre does Lisa Scottoline write?
She has written both fiction and non-fiction and regularly writes a column with her daughter called ‘Chick Wit’. She writes a lot of light-hearted women’s fiction, memoirs, and mystery books.
Eddison Monroe, born 1990 in Portland, Oregon, is an accomplished and celebrated female writer and independent author. The youngest of three siblings, Eddison's passion for storytelling began during her childhood as she entertained her family with vivid tales and fantastical characters. Her nurturing environment and the encouragement of her parents, both educators, played a crucial role in shaping her literary aspirations.
Eddison's writing often explores themes of self-discovery, relationships, and the complexities of human emotions. Her works are characterized by their lyrical prose, intricate world-building, and strong, multidimensional female characters.
A strong advocate for independent publishing, Eddison frequently conducts workshops and seminars to guide budding writers in navigating the world of self-publishing. She also serves as a mentor for aspiring authors, providing them with the knowledge and tools to pursue their dreams.
