Lisa Scottoline, Killer Smile

Killer Smile

Lisa Scottoline

HarperCollins, Jun 2004, $25.95, 368 pp.

ISBN: 0060514957

Amadeo Brandolini moved from Italy to Philadelphia where he found work as a fisherman. He soon marries and begins a family when World War II breaks out. The FBI incarcerates Amadeo as one of ten-thousand Italian-Americans designated as an enemy. Amadeo is sent to Fort Missoula, Montana without the benefit of a trial to work in the sugar beet field. Not long afterward, Amadeo works with one other person and no one else in the vicinity. He is later found dead, ruled a suicide.

Years later, Amadeo's son "hires" Mary DiNunzio of Rosato and Associates to sue the government for reparations. Being from South Philly like the victim and her client, the case means a lot more than her usual load to Mary. However, she never expected the roadblocks put up by the Feds nor that Amadeo might have been murdered and that her inquiries have brought her to the attention of the Saracones family who willingly will murder to keep World War II data interred in a dusty archive.

The return of Rosato and Associates (See COURTING TROUBLE and EVERYWHERE THAT MARY WENT) would be a reason unto itself for legal thriller fans to rejoice. However, KILLER SMILE also adds a terrific insightful look at an ignominious moment in United States history with the lock up of ethnic Americans. The timing is perfect with the no fly list and enemy combatant principle employed today. Lisa Scottoline does not neglect the modern day investigation led by brass South Philly cheese steak attorney Mary. Readers will enjoy this entertaining yet educational cautionary tale on how easy the first amendment is tossed aside under the guise of "national security".

Harriet Klausner