This is only the second book of Scottoline's that I've read. 99% of the book is great, and I'm hoping that it's only a coincidence that the plot of "Dirty Blonde" is very similar to "Daddy's Girl." It's just a little disappointing that once I got to the end, the book felt like a "cookie cutter" plot, following the formula of her other book.
Otherwise, "Dirty Blonde" was a fun read.

Crystal B. (
Sunshine) wrote on 1/13/2009...
I have been reading Scottoline's books for years but the last one I ordered didn't keep my attention so I hadn't read anything of hers lately. I'm really glad I got this one!! Great characters, good suspense. I usually don't read when I'm in my room but I couldn't out this one down until I was finished.
The book begins with the celebration of Cate Fante's appointment to a Federal district court seat. Her fellow judges are there and the champagne flows. As Cate leaves to go home alone, she feels restless and dissatisfied. She goes to a seedy bar and picks up a one-night stand.
Only on the Federal district court for six months, Judge Cate Fante has already heard some unusual cases. In this case Richard Marz, a former assistant district attorney (ADA), is suing a former friend of his and Hollywood producer for acknowledgement, verbal and monetary, that the producer, Art Simone, stole Marz's idea for his hit show, Attorneys@Law (much like Law & Order series). From the testimony, Cate can tell that Marz did come up with the idea but he had only verbal agreements -- a lawyer should know better. The Simone's attorney puts forth a motion to dismiss and, as she mentions in open court, Judge Fante is forced to rule for the motion and dismiss the case even though she feels justice has not been done. Marz, the plaintiff, goes after Simone with his fists and is restrained and removed from the courtroom.
Later that night, Simone is shot and killed by someone who appears to be Marz outside a restaurant. Gina, Cate's best friend, calls her as she sees it on TV. Unfortunately, Cate was in the process of entering a sleazy motel room with one of her one-night stands and the guy gets angry when Cate decides to leave. Cate has to defend herself to escape.
The hunt is on to find Marz and Cate is immediately involved due to her statements in court. In particular a Detective Russo, a friend of Marz's, is very upset and when Marz is found having committed suicide -- Cate feels even more guilt. The action and adventures rev up from this point right up to the end with lots of danger, surprises and some great investigative work by Cate.
You may not like how Cate lived her life and her dark secret but how she copes with her situation and protecting her best friend and her best friend's son is heartwarming and shows her real character.
I couldn't put it down until I finished it!! Another great story from Lisa Scottoline!
THIS TIME, JUSTICE IS BLONDE..... Cate Fante is strong and sexy and wears disigner suits like overpriced armor. She's just become a judge but leads a dark double life that she hides from everyone...Her cover in blown when a high-profile case in her courtroom takes a stunning turn. Overnight the tabloids tell her secret, her boyfriend dumps her, and her new career hangs in tatters. But Cate's troubles are only beginning. An enemy no one anticipated sends her running for her life, and she'll have to fight her way back to the truth... or die trying... book is like new
Cate Fante is strong and sexy and wears designer suits like overpriced armor. She's just become a judge but leads a dark double life she hides from everyone.

Marcy M. (
marcym) wrote on 4/26/2007...
My first Lisa Scottoline :)
Very intriguing; for the most part, it held my interest. A few places were boring, but at times I could hardly put it down.

Alice E. (
Alleykat) wrote on 4/6/2007...
great!
From Back Cover:
Cate Fante is strong and sexy and wears designer suits like overpriced armor. She's just become a judge but leads a dark double life that she hides from everyone.
Her cover is blown when a high-profile case in her courtroom takes a stunning turn. Overnight the tabloids tell her secret, her boyfriend dumps her, and her new career hangs in tatters. But Cate's troubles are only just beginning. An enemy no one anticipated sends her running for her life, and she'll have to fight her way back to the truth...or die trying.

Patricia D. (
patd) wrote on 4/3/2007...
Couldn't put it down!