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From former federal sex-crimes prosecutor and critically acclaimed author Allison Leotta— a new thriller exploring the intersection of sex and power in Washington, D.C.’s most secretive worlds
When a beautiful young woman plummets to her death from the balcony of the U.S. Capitol, Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Curtis is summoned to the scene. The evidence points to a sexual assault and murder. The victim is one of the city’s highest-paid escorts. And the balcony belongs to Washington, D.C.’s sole representative to Congress, the most powerful figure in city politics.
The Congressman proclaims his innocence, but he’s in the middle of a tough primary fight, and the scandal could cost him the election. 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 Jack Bailey, the chief homicide prosecutor, is at a crossroads. Determined to gain respect in the office, Anna wants to keep their relationship under wraps. But the mounting pressure and media attention that come with the office’s most important case will inevitably expose their relationship—if it doesn’t destroy it first.
The investigation leads Anna to Discretion, a high-end escort service that caters to D.C.’s elite. But with each break in the case, the mystery deepens. And the further Anna ventures into D.C.’s red-light underworld, the larger the target on her own back.
From the secret social clubs where Washington’s most powerful men escape from public view to the asphalt “track” where the city’s most vulnerable women work the streets, Discretion is a gripping exploration of sex, power, and the secrets we all keep.
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."
“A first-rate thriller. Leotta nails the trifecta of fiction: plot, pace and character. Ranks right up there with the wonderful Linda Fairstein.”
“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!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Allison Leotta’s debut novel, Law of Attraction, was named one of the best legal thrillers of 2010 by Suspense Magazine. A former federal prosecutor in Washington, D.C., Leotta left the Department of Justice in 2011 to pursue writing fulltime. Visit AllisonLeotta.com.
Anonymous
Posted January 13, 2013
Interesting characters. Waiting for the next book.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.JMikul
Posted July 12, 2012
Excellent read! I'm always looking for a good pleasure book for vacation, but I'm too picky to put up with poorly written or weakly plotted "brain candy" novels. Leotta, however, impressively crafts a great story with nuanced character development and enticing themes into a fast paced and expertly written suspense novel I couldn't put down. A perfect treat!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.NYCBookMaven718
Posted July 3, 2012
A great novel by a master of the genre. Leotta has written another incredible page-turner that I couldn't put down. I hope this emerging talent writes another edition in her series, soon!
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Posted December 11, 2012
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Posted July 20, 2012
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Overview
From former federal sex-crimes prosecutor and critically acclaimed author Allison Leotta— a new thriller exploring the intersection of sex and power in Washington, D.C.’s most secretive worlds
When a beautiful young woman plummets to her death from the balcony of the U.S. Capitol, Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Curtis is summoned to the scene. The evidence points to a sexual assault and murder. The victim is one of the city’s highest-paid escorts. And the balcony belongs to ...