Discretion: A Novel (Anna Curtis Series), by Allison Leotta
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Discretion: A Novel (Anna Curtis Series), by Allison Leotta
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“Imagine one of the best episodes of the TV series Law and Order: SVU, but set in Wasington, DC” (Associated Press)—this riveting novel from former sex-crimes prosecutor Allison Leotta explores the intersection of sex and power as Anna Curtis investigates the murder of one of DC’s highest-paid escorts.When a beautiful young woman plummets to her death from the balcony of the US Capitol, Assistant US Attorney Anna Curtis is summoned to the scene. The victim is one of the city’s highest-paid escorts. And the balcony belongs to Washington’s sole representative to Congress, the most powerful figure in city politics. For Anna, the high-profile case is an opportunity. But as the political stakes rise, she realizes that a single mistake could end her career. At the same time, her budding romance with the chief homicide prosecutor is at a crossroads. Determined to gain respect in the office, Anna wants to keep their relationship a secret. But the mounting pressure and media attention that come with this case will inevitably expose their relationship—if it doesn’t destroy it first. And the further Anna’s investigation takes her, the larger the target on her own back. Called “a first-rate thriller” by David Baldacci and named one of the Top Ten Best Books of 2012 by Strand Magazine, Discretion is a gripping exploration of sex, power, and the secrets we all keep.
Discretion: A Novel (Anna Curtis Series), by Allison Leotta - Amazon Sales Rank: #330070 in Books
- Published on: 2015-03-24
- Released on: 2015-03-24
- Original language: English
- Number of items: 1
- Dimensions: 6.75" h x 1.20" w x 4.13" l, .0 pounds
- Binding: Mass Market Paperback
- 432 pages
Discretion: A Novel (Anna Curtis Series), by Allison Leotta Review ""Discretion" is a first-rate thriller. Leotta nails the trifecta of fiction: plot, pace and character. Ranks right up there with the wonderful Linda Fairstein." --David Baldacci
"Allison Leotta's "Discretion" is the best legal thriller I've read this year, beautifully crafted and frighteningly real. Leotta knows her stuff cold and will bring you into a world of big money, corruption, high-end prostitution and murder. If you're a fan of Grisham or Richard North Patterson, you simply have to buy this novel." --Douglas Preston, #1 bestselling co-author of "The Monster of Florence "and" Cold Vengeance
""Allison Leotta is by far one of finest new thriller writers today. "Discretion "will have you on the edge of your seat turning page after page, chockfull of twists and turns. The best thriller I've read this year." -Andrew Gulli, editor of the "Strand Magazine" and "No Rest For The Dead
""Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Curtis and FBI agent Samantha Randazzo are the dynamic duo who energize "Discretion", a fast, entertaining thriller that centers on the murder of a high class call girl in the office of a United States Congressman." --Phillip Margolin, "New York Times "bestselling author of "Capitol Murder
"""Discretion "is a terrific read. Slick, sexy, and very smart. Allison Leotta is a master at creating tension and then mercilessly tightening it. This is the kind of book I love to read, crafted by a wonderfully imaginative writer, who really knows what she is talking about. Allison Leotta is headed to the top of the heap." --Michael Palmer, "New York Times" bestselling author of "Oath of Office
"""Discretion" is full of treachery and betrayal, but it's the characters who rule these pages. Allison Leotta expertly ratchets up the suspense and brings to life a fictional world that is cutting-edge current." --Steve Berry
"Fantastic! Smart, gritty, and fast-paced--"Discretion" is everything a great thriller should be. I'm a Leotta fan for life." --Allison Brennan, author of "The Prey
"""Discretion" is fresh, fast, and addictive, and Allison Leotta's experience as a federal sex-crimes prosecutor shines through on every page. The result is a realistic legal thriller that's as fun to read as it is fascinating." --Lisa Scottoline, bestselling author of "Come Home""
"Praise for "Discretion"
Named One of the Top Ten Best Books of 2012 by "Strand Magazine"
"Leotta, a federal former prosecutor, writes with authority and authenticity. Imagine one of the best episodes of the TV series, "Law and Order: SVU" but set in Washington, D.C., instead of New York City. Besides the realistic feel of the courtroom machinations, Leotta also takes readers on a journey inside the elite of Washington and the world of escort services."--Associated Press"A first-rate thriller. Leotta nails the trifecta of fiction: plot, pace and character. Ranks right up there with the wonderful Linda Fairstein."--David Baldacci"Allison Leotta scores big again with "Discretion", her top-notch follow up to "Law of Attraction". Smart and sexy, "Discretion" showcases Leotta's rock-solid plotting as well as another star turn for her protagonist, Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Curtis. If you liked "Law of Attraction"--and who didn't?--you'll love this one!"--John Lescroart"The best legal thriller I've read this year, beautifully crafted and frighteningly real. Leotta knows her stuff cold and will bring you into a world of big money, corruption, high-end prostitution and murder. If you're a fan of Grisham or Richard North Patterson, you simply have to buy this novel."--Douglas Preston"Fresh, fast, and addictive, and Allison Leotta's experience as a federal sex-crimes prosecutor shines through on every page. The result is a realistic legal thriller that's as fun to read as it is fascinating."--Lisa Scottoline"Allison Leotta is quickly making her place at the table of D.C.'s finest crime and legal thriller novelists. She's an assured and authentic voice, and a highly entertaining storyteller. "Discretion" is another winner from this talented writer."--George PelecanosA first-rate thriller. Leotta nails the trifecta of fiction: plot, pace and character. Ranks right up there with the wonderful Linda Fairstein. --David Baldacci"Allison Leotta scores big again with "Discretion", her top-notch follow up to "Law of Attraction". Smart and sexy, "Discretion" showcases Leotta s rock-solid plotting as well as another star turn for her protagonist, Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Curtis. If you liked "Law of Attraction" and who didn t? you ll love this one! --John Lescroart"The best legal thriller I ve read this year, beautifully crafted and frighteningly real. Leotta knows her stuff cold and will bring you into a world of big money, corruption, high-end prostitution and murder. If you re a fan of Grisham or Richard North Patterson, you simply have to buy this novel. --Douglas Preston"Fresh, fast, and addictive, and Allison Leotta's experience as a federal sex-crimes prosecutor shines through on every page. The result is a realistic legal thriller that's as fun to read as it is fascinating. --Lisa Scottoline"Allison Leotta is quickly making her place at the table of D.C. s finest crime and legal thriller novelists. She s an assured and authentic voice, and a highly entertaining storyteller. "Discretion" is another winner from this talented writer. --George Pelecanos"A terrific read. Slick, sexy, and very smart. Allison Leotta is a master at creating tension and then mercilessly tightening it. This is the kind of book I love to read, crafted by a wonderfully imaginative writer, who really knows what she is talking about. Allison Leotta is headed to the top of the heap. --Michael Palmer"Praise for "Discretion" Named One of the Top Ten Best Books of 2012 by "Strand Magazine" "Leotta, a federal former prosecutor, writes with authority and authenticity. Imagine one of the best episodes of the TV series, "Law and Order: SVU" but set in Washington, D.C., instead of New York City. Besides the realistic feel of the courtroom machinations, Leotta also takes readers on a journey inside the elite of Washington and the world of escort services."--Associated Press"A terrific read. Slick, sexy, and very smart. Allison Leotta is a master at creating tension and then mercilessly tightening it. This is the kind of book I love to read, crafted by a wonderfully imaginative writer, who really knows what she is talking about. Allison Leotta is headed to the top of the heap." --Michael Palmer
About the Author Allison Leotta was a federal sex-crimes prosecutor in Washington, DC, for twelve years. In 2011, she left the Justice Department to pursue writing full time. She is the acclaimed author of Law of Attraction, Discretion, Speak of the Devil, and A Good Killing and founder of the award-winning blog, The Prime-Time Crime Review. A graduate of Michigan State University and Harvard Law School, Leotta lives with her husband, Michael, and their two sons outside of Washington, D.C. Visit her online at AllisonLeotta.com.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. Discretion 1 Even now, Caroline got nervous before every big job—and this was bigger than most. She knew how to smile past smirking hotel concierges and apartment-building doormen who deliberately looked the other way. The key was looking confident. But committing a crime in the U.S. Capitol was a different experience altogether. She tried to radiate authority as she strode up the marble steps to the Capitol’s Senate carriage entrance. It helped that she was dolled up like a successful K Street lobbyist: ivory St. John suit, Manolo heels, hair painstakingly highlighted just the right shade of blond. Two men coming out of the portico murmured hello to her, and she smiled as if she greeted congressional staffers all the time. One staffer turned to watch her pass. His glance was appreciative but not shocked; she was young and beautiful, but she looked like she belonged in this world of high-octane political deal-making. Good. She stepped out of the muggy August twilight and into the air-conditioned cool of the security vestibule. To calm herself, she concentrated on the feeling of lace garters skimming her thighs. This was one of the riskiest moments, so she arranged her face into its brightest smile. “Hello.” She greeted the two Capitol Police officers with cool professionalism. “I have an appointment with Congressman Lionel.” Her heart beat like hummingbird wings as she handed her ID to the officer sitting behind the counter. The guard just smiled as he cross-checked the ID against a paper on his clipboard. He scribbled something down and handed back her ID, along with a rectangular sticker that said VISITOR in red. “Just stick that on your suit, ma’am. Your escort will be right down.” Caroline pressed the sticker onto her jacket as the second guard sent her Fendi bag through the X-ray machine. When she was on the other side of the metal detector, she took her purse off the belt—and exhaled. She stood in the quiet entranceway, sensing the officers checking out her legs. The hallway was 1800s chic: mosaic floor, arched ceiling, black iron candelabras casting a golden glow on flesh-colored walls. She’d heard that the Capitol was one of the most haunted buildings in D.C., and she imagined the ghost of John Quincy Adams swirling through the corridor. Was it always so empty? This was a private back entrance reserved for congressmen, staffers, and VIP visitors who’d been pre-cleared. And it was almost eight P.M. on a Sunday. Most employees were home. Still, she wished it were busier. A gangly young man rounded the corner. He wore an ill-fitting suit and sneakers, along with a smudge of tinted Clearasil on his temple. An intern. “Ms. McBride?” “Yes.” Inwardly, she cringed at the sound of her real name, but she was an expert at keeping a serene face no matter what was in her head. Besides, the kid was harmless, in the way that only a young man wearing his first suit can be. His sleeves were too short, exposing two inches of pale, freckled wrists. He reminded Caroline of her little brother, whom she adored. “I’m Chester! Congressman Lionel’s intern! I can take you up to his office!” “Thank you.” She walked with him down the corridor. “So what are you here to see the Congressman about?” “Constituent services.” She smoothly changed tacks. “What do you do for the Congressman?” Men—whatever their age—were always happy to talk about themselves. The intern enthusiastically described the process for answering congressional correspondence. “We can send sixty different form letters, depending on what a constituent asked about!” He stopped for a breath as they entered the most beautiful corridor Caroline had ever seen. The hallway itself was a work of art. “These are the Brumidi Corridors,” Chester said in an excited stage whisper. “Originally painted in the eighteen hundreds. Most tourists don’t get to see them.” Every inch of wall and arched ceiling was covered in elaborate paintings of American history. Chester pointed to the figures of men sculpted into the railings of a bronze staircase. “The Founding Fathers.” He waved at a lunette painting above a wooden door. “The Goddess of War.” Despite herself, Caroline was impressed. The clack of her heels echoed off the walls as they walked into a circular chamber, as large and ornate as a cathedral. She remembered coming here ten years ago, on a seventh-grade field trip. This was the Rotunda, the ceremonial heart of the Capitol. She recognized some of the iconic canvases: the Declaration of Independence, the Landing of Columbus. The domed ceiling, 180 feet above, was covered with The Apotheosis of Washington, a fresco painting of the first President depicted as a god among angels. “Wow,” she whispered. For the first time that night, Caroline had a real sense of the history of the place. It wasn’t some TV backdrop. So much had happened in this building, so many famous people had made world-changing decisions here. Who was she to be prancing through? She was a fraud. Then she noticed the paintings of revolutionary America. Among hundreds of soldiers, explorers, and men in white wigs . . . she saw only four women. Of those, two were naked and on their knees. She felt better. Some things never changed. She wasn’t a fraud—she was a constant. Chester led her past a sign that said NO VISITORS BEYOND THIS POINT. They went up a series of curved staircases and down some empty white corridors, then stopped in front of an unlabeled door tucked around a corner. “Here’s the Congressman’s hideaway!” She had no idea what a hideaway was. “His personal office,” the intern whispered. “A little oasis. Where he can get away from the hustle-bustle.” There didn’t seem to be much hustle-bustle at this hour, but Caroline understood the precaution. Her prior appointments, at the Congressman’s regular office in the less glamorous Rayburn Office Building, had caused difficulties. She was glad for the privacy this place afforded. Chester pushed the door open and gestured for Caroline to go in. He himself stood outside, as if fearful of crossing the threshold. The door clicked shut behind her. The hideaway was quiet and unoccupied. It looked more like a sitting room in a nice hotel than an office. The walls were deep maroon; the floors were covered in Oriental rugs; a leather couch faced a white marble fireplace. Pictures of the Congressman in action crowded every horizontal surface. An antique desk in the corner seemed less a place to work than a space for displaying more photos. A door at the back was open to a wide marble balcony overlooking the National Mall. Caroline’s breath caught. The Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial were framed against a fiery sunset. It was a stunning view, better than a postcard. A man stood on the balcony, his elbows resting on the railing, his back to her. The sunset threw his figure into dark silhouette. She smoothed her skirt and ran a manicured hand through her hair. This was the part she liked best. She was good at it—great, to be honest. She had a talent for it like nothing else she’d ever tried. It gave her incredible satisfaction. She smiled and walked out to meet him. A woman’s scream pierced the stillness of the Capitol grounds. Officer Jeff Cook was on patrol on the Capitol steps. He’d been a Capitol Police officer for twelve years, but he’d never heard a scream like that around here. He put a hand on his holster and turned toward the sound. His eyes flicked over the scenery until they identified the source of the scream. There—up the hill—the third-floor balcony of the Capitol’s south wing. A man and woman locked in a jerky dance. Cook couldn’t make out the people, but he knew the geography: That was Congressman Lionel’s hideaway. The couple lurched left, then right. The woman shrieked again. Then the man shoved her over the edge. The woman seemed to fall in slow motion, emitting an operatic wail the whole way down. Arms flailed in graceful circles, legs kicked in lazy swings, as she dropped past marble flourishes and arched doorways. A thud. And silence. She’d landed on the marble terrace in front of the Capitol. Elegant for walking on, it was a disastrous place to fall. What would that slab of rock do to flesh and bones traveling at the speed of gravity? Cook squinted back up at the balcony. The man was still up there; he peered over the balcony, then turned and disappeared inside. Cook ran up the Capitol steps.
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9 of 10 people found the following review helpful. Leotta's strong sophomore novel bodes well for the future of this series By Susan Tunis Today's thriller writers come from an astonishing array of backgrounds. Their books come to life because these cops, doctors, pilots, engineers, spies, bankers, veterinarians, physicists, and the like are intimately familiar with the worlds their characters move in, and in many cases have years of real-life experience to draw upon. Certainly that is the case with novelist Allison Leotta, who has just published Discretion, her second novel featuring Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Curtis, who prosecutes sex crimes in Washington, D.C. Leotta herself held the very same job for years. As I read the grittier sections of this novel, I found myself thinking, How does this nice writer lady know THIS much about the world of prostitution? Oh. Yeah. It's the sort of truly in-depth knowledge you can't get from mere research. It's the sort of in-depth knowledge that allows a writer to authentically inhabit her characters.While Sex Crimes is Anna's beat, as the novel opens, she gets called away from a self-defense class (Can you blame her?) to the scene of an assault at the Capitol. It's a sex crime, but it's also a murder. She meets Homicide Chief Jack Bailey at the scene, and that's how she gets drafted onto another case with him. They worked well together in Leotta's debut, Law of Attraction: A Novel. (In fact, the whole team is together again, including the memorable Detective McGee. Plus, there's a notable new addition in the form of FBI Special Agent Sam[antha] Randazzo.) Anna had been looking for a high-profile case to boost her career, but this may be a little more than she bargained for. A beautiful young woman has been pushed from the balcony adjacent to DC Congressman Emmett Lionel's hideaway office in the U.S. Capitol building. This murder is as high stakes and as federal as crime gets.While I don't believe it's strictly necessary to have read the prior novel, Law of Attraction first, I think there is a lot to recommend doing so. Anna's private life is a significant element of this series. Having the backstory on her current relationship will add to a reader's pleasure. I have to admit, that I was thinking that the blush of first romance makes for more compelling reading than a couple in a committed relationship, but as I got deeper into the book, I realized how invested I'd become in that relationship. It was plenty compelling after all. Leotta is very good about giving characters room to grow and develop, and the relationship between Anna and the challenging Sam was another narrative thread that had a full and satisfying story arc.One of the pleasures of this series for me is the Washington, DC setting. DC is my hometown, and while it's great to read about places you know, I think it's a fascinating location that just about any reader can appreciate. DC is a town like no other, and Ms. Leotta appears to know it inside and out. Seriously, it's my hometown and I keep learning new things about it from her! Discretion features great wealth, great poverty, and lots of politics--all the things that make DC the unique city it is.Strong, believable, and interesting characters are important, as is setting, but ultimately, mysteries and thrillers come down to their plotting. The plotting here was both smart and tight. For a long time, readers won't know who-done-it, but in the course of one page of this novel, without any sort of admission or confession, the author shows a character in a new light, and you just know. This is very deliberate on Ms. Leotta's part; she makes revelations in her own time, and you're unlikely to figure things out before she's ready for you to. She is very much in control of the plot. The pacing was excellent, and I stayed up far too late to finish the last 100 pages, because there was no way I was going to put the book down. And even as the novel was winding down, there was a character revelation that hit me like a ton of bricks. I thought something was up, but never came close to guessing the truth.Happily for us, there is more Anna on the way, as evidenced by the last sentence of this novel. It will leave readers clamoring for the next book in the series!
11 of 13 people found the following review helpful. Excellent Thrilller By mpark Leotta is easily the Grisham of women. This murder mystery has it all, plot, pace, and character development. I couldn't put it down. Not too heavy on law and law enforcement but just enough so you know what's going on. Twists and turns aren't too predictable. I highly recommend it.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Tantilizing! Couldn't put it down! By Judith Peterson There is nothing like a book that is written so well that you can't stop reading it. "Discretion" is that book. It's filled with thrills of how, who and why as well as love and hard times on those living a hard life. People from all walks of life worked together. It was special to read a book that shed light and hope on someone who needed a helping hand and she took it with a smile and a "thank you". The beauty of a couple, no matter what their race is, came shining through. People are just that. People.The ending was INCREDIBLE! I smile as I think back to the last page of the book. I smile at how much I enjoyed this book. I LOVED this book!Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy today! You won't regret it!
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Discretion: A Novel (Anna Curtis Series), by Allison Leotta
Discretion: A Novel (Anna Curtis Series), by Allison Leotta
