Fatal February by Barbara Levenson

When the prosecutors fail to divulge their findings of a high society murder, criminal defense attorney Mary Katz turns the other cheek. She initiates her own investigation and pity the fool who gets in her way.

Mary Magruder Katz is a criminal defense attorney in Miami, Florida. During a routine trip to the car wash, her car is rear-ended by handsome Carlos Martin. Sparks fly between Mary and Carlos and it does not take long until they are steaming up the desk in Mary's office. Unfortunately, they are caught in the middle of the act by Mary's long-term boss and fiance'. She suddenly finds herself dumped, fired, and jumping into a sizzling new relationship with Carlos. With his help, she finds an office to start her own practice. With a recommendatio nfrom her brother, she lands her first client, Lillian Yarmouth.

Lillian Yarmouth loves her husband. She has been aware throughout their marriage of his philandering ways, but she doesn't believe in divorce. Expecting their two children home from a college break, she runs a few errands and returns home. Calling out to her husband on her return yields no answer. Concerned, she searches throughout the house and finds him in their bedroom. Lying in the bed stabbed with her grandmother's antique silver letter opener, Lillian is unable to resuscitate him. Hysterical, and by now covered in blood, she dials 911. The police arrive, and after their initial investigation, suspect foul play. They arrest Lillian and charge her with the murder of her husband.

The Yarmouth murder is the society murder of the year. The highly publicized crime puts a small crimp in Mary's investigation. Hardly any cooperation from the state prosecutors annoys, but does not deter Mary. But what seems like a cut and dried case soon turns south of the border. New circumstances and evidence come to light that could help or harm Mary's case. Trying to balance her new workload with her new demanding love life soon has Mary's life spinning out of control.

Angela Lansbury and Columbo have nothing on Mary Magruder Katz. Attitude, grit, and brains make Mary one very likeable heroine. With a twisting plot, a backdrop of sunny Miami, and courtroom scenes that will have you laughing and gasping in shock, FATAL FEBRUARY is a sure winner. From page one, I was captivated and couldn't put it down. Highly recommend!!