Vicki Allegretti always wondered what it would feel like to look into the barrel of a loaded gun, and now she knew.

Many books feature a dynamite beginning then quickly lose steam, but this newest effort by popular author Lisa Scottoline maintains the pace right through to the surprise ending.

Vicki has been an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia and surrounding area) for a year. Prior to that she was a state prosecutor. She has been partnered with popular ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms) agent, Morty, and successfully prosecuted her first case. She and Morty are investigating a straw purchase case: the accused has legally purchased guns with the purpose of selling them illegally.

Vicki and Morty have arrived at the home of confidential informant Shayla Jackson. Claiming to be her best friend, Shayla has provided information leading to the arrest of Raheema Bristow for making illegal gun purchases. Vicki has inherited the case from a former AUSA. At Shayla’s house, they interrupt what appears to be a cocaine theft. Morty is shot and killed, and the pregnant CI is found shot to death.

Vicki is deeply upset over Morty’s death. At a subsequent meeting with Raheema and her lawyer, Raheema insists she’s innocent. With the CI dead, Vicki’s case is falling apart. She unsuccessfully tries to get Raheema to confess to the crime; she loses control and attacks Raheema. She’s temporarily suspended from duty.

Vicki’s personal life also has problems. She’s in love with a married man, Dan Malloy, another AUSA, and she’s got issues with her lawyer parents who want her to quit criminal law and join their civil law practice.

Vicki figures her suspension doesn’t apply to “running errands.” She launches an investigation into the case and begins to suspect that Raheema may actually be innocent. She wonders if Morty’s killing is related to drug dealing in Devil’s Corner, an area of Philadelphia where her father grew up but left long ago. She convinces Raheema to help her with her investigation.

Even though the heroine and a number of other characters are lawyers, Devil’s Corner cannot be termed a legal thriller. There are no gripping courtroom scenes with testifying witnesses and clever procedural moves, typical of legal thrillers. A possible alternate title could be Vicki Allegretti, Girl Sleuth. Vicki is dissatisfied with the course of the state and federal investigations into Morty’s death and the straw case so sets out to do it herself.

While the whodunit and romance subplots are satisfactory, the most intriguing aspect of Devil’s Corner is the developing relationship between Vicki and Raheema. This is a classic odd couple pairing: the white professional raised in the ‘burbs with all the advantages of privilege and an African American from the inner city who’s battled her origins most of her life. The dialogue between them is both poignant and funny.

Lisa Scottoline is a Philadelphia native, and all her books have been set there, many with references to the ethnic Italian population. As its title implies, Devil’s Corner is well seasoned with Philadelphia flavor. Those readers who are familiar with Philadelphia will feel right at home.

Many of the author’s previous works have been related with continuing characters. Devil’s Corner stands alone although a future novel again starring Vicki Allegretti would be most welcome. This one will please her many fans and likely make new ones.

--Lesley Dunlap