In Leotta’s suspenseful third thriller featuring federal sex crimes prosecutor Anna Curtis (after 2012’s Discretion), undercover cop Det. Hector Ramos interrupts a vicious attack on a small bordello in Washington, D.C. Members of MS-13, a particularly violent gang, are quickly apprehended, but why does one of them have a photo in his pocket of Nina Flores, the late wife of Anna’s fiancé, Jack Bailey? Anna and Det. Tavon McGee learn that a frightening man known as “the Devil” may be leading the gang, and the case becomes more disturbing with every new detail, especially once Jack discovers the origin of Nina’s photograph. Hector has secrets of his own, while Anna and Jack get unsettling news from an unexpected source that causes upheaval to their personal lives. The interagency investigation builds to an exciting climax in the courtroom. Agent: Amy Berkower, Writers House. (Aug.)
Speak of the Devil: A Novel
Narrated by Tavia Gilbert
Allison LeottaUnabridged — 9 hours, 19 minutes
Speak of the Devil: A Novel
Narrated by Tavia Gilbert
Allison LeottaUnabridged — 9 hours, 19 minutes
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Overview
On the very night she gets engaged to the man she loves, Assistant US Attorney Anna Curtis's professional life takes a shocking turn that threatens everything she holds dear. A few miles away from where she's enjoying her romantic dinner, two separate groups are gearing up to raid a brothel. A vicious killer known as Diablo-the Devil-leads one group. A few minutes later, Anna's own investigative team heads in to search the brothel, as part of an ongoing fight against human trafficking in DC. Both groups are caught off guard, with deadly results.
As Anna investigates the bloody face-off, the boundaries between her work and home life begin to blur when she discovers a web of long-buried secrets and official lies that lead straight to her doorstep. And everything Anna counted on-the happiness she seemed so close to securing-comes into question as Diablo moves in for yet another kill.
Allison Leotta draws on her experience as a DC sex-crimes prosecutor to take you into the back rooms of the US Attorney's Office, the hidden world of the Witness Protection Program, and the secret rituals of one of America's most dangerous gangs. Universally praised by bestselling authors from Catherine Coulter and George Pelecanos to Lisa Scottoline and David Baldacci, Leotta weaves fact and fiction to create her best novel yet.
Editorial Reviews
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.
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."
Praise for Speak of the Devil:
"If you relish hard-hitting, take-no-prisoners cops and a sharp, committed prosecutor who doesn't hesitate to face down evil, Speak of the Devil is for you. . . . An excellent book."
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 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 first-rate thriller. Leotta nails the trifecta of fiction: plot, pace and character. Ranks right up there with the wonderful Linda Fairstein.
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.
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 moment you start reading, you'll realize Allison Leotta doesn't just write about this world. She lives in it—and works in it. She's absorbed all its darkest parts. That's why Speak of the Devil comes to life in the most haunting and best way."
"Entertaining."
"Leotta . . . knows her subject all too well. Fans of Linda Fairstein and Law and Order: SVU will be right at home here.
Praise for Discretion:
Named One of the Top Ten BestBooks 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: SVUbut 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."
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."
“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.”
Former federal sex-crimes prosecutor Leotta's third novel propels her protagonist, Anna Curtis, into the dark world of gang violence. Anna Curtis works as a federal prosecutor on the mean streets of Washington, D.C., where just about anything and everything that can happen does. This time around, the plucky, beautiful, blonde Anna finds herself caught up in a case that leads right back to the vicious Hispanic gang MS-13, or the Mara Salvatrucha, a real-life gang known for its violence and disregard for life and the law. When things go wrong in the bust of a brothel, Anna takes over the prosecution of a gang member caught by police. But even though the case has terrible overtones, Anna is on a personal high because she's finally agreed to marry the man of her dreams, widower Jack Bailey, head of the homicide division of the federal prosecutor's office. Along with Jack, Anna inherits Olivia, Jack's precocious 6-year-old daughter, whose mother, Nina, a police officer, was killed in the line of duty years ago. When Anna's present case is linked to Nina's death, Anna pulls the files and finds disturbing information that could lead her to Nina's as-yet-unidentified killer; but before that can happen, a bombshell is dropped on Anna's world, and she finds herself being preyed upon by the gang and wondering if her life will ever return to normal. The plot is cohesive, and the details surrounding MS-13 and its particularly virulent brand of violence ring true. Although Anna comes off a bit selfish in her refusal to drop prosecution of the case after being threatened, thus putting Olivia and Jack in danger, too, and an incident of courtroom violence seems far-fetched, the story still works. Leotta shows her strongest suit when she places her action in the courtroom in this pleasing third effort.
Product Details
| BN ID: | 2940170795017 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Simon & Schuster |
| Publication date: | 08/06/2013 |
| Edition description: | Unabridged |
Read an Excerpt
1
The courthouse coffee was terrible, but the morning after Valentine’s Day was no time for a domestic violence prosecutor to go uncaffeinated. Anna poured the inky brew into a Styrofoam cup, took a sip, and grimaced. Scalding and bitter—a fitting start to a day of sorting through last night’s crimes. At least she’d have help. Anna pulled out her cell phone and called her officemate.
“DV Papering,” Grace answered in crisp singsong.
“Hey, I’m in the cafeteria. Want some coffee?”
“That’d be fabulous.” Grace hushed her voice. “And grab a bunch of napkins. There’s a woman bleeding all over your chair.”
Grace had been a prosecutor for four months, but Anna was still new enough that the information jolted her. “Should we call an ambulance?”
“She’s okay. A lot of scrapes and bruises, and a very messy nosebleed. Nothing life-threatening. I can cover till you get here. And can you snag me a muffin? I’m starving.”
“Sure. Be right there.”
Marveling at Grace’s calm, Anna grabbed a muffin and got in line to pay. Three people stood in front of her: a tall guy in a dark suit, a man wearing a Redskins jersey over a blue collared shirt, and a buxom woman in fishnet stockings and a spandex miniskirt. Lawyer, Anna guessed of the first man. Then a policeman, hiding his uniform so courthouse visitors wouldn’t ask him questions. And a prostitute, just getting off work, here to see her probation officer. The one thing Anna liked about the courthouse’s grim basement cafeteria was its democracy. The cop might arrest the prostitute later tonight, and the lawyer might skewer the cop during cross-examination, but everyone had to wait in the same line to get their corned-beef hash.
After paying, Anna hurried to the napkin dispenser, but the tall lawyer who’d been ahead of her took the last ones.
She looked at him in dismay. “Actually, I really need those,” she said, nodding at the napkins in his hand.
Something about the man’s dark hair and lanky figure seemed familiar, but out of place. His tailored suit and buttery leather briefcase were common in the federal court next door, but marked him as several income brackets above the D.C. Superior Court crowd. He probably worked for some big Washington law firm, in one of the high-paying jobs she’d turned down to work for the government.
The man glanced down at her and suddenly grinned. “Anna Curtis! Hey! It’s been a while.”
“Hi, um . . .” She shook her head.
“Nick Wagner. Harvard Law School. I had a ridiculous beard? And hair down to here.” He tapped his shoulder and blushed slightly. “Your team beat mine in the final round of Ames Moot Court. Kicked our asses, in fact.”
“Nick! You used to play guitar in the Hark during Friday happy hour.”
“You got it.” His smile widened. “I guess you made more of an impression on me than I made on you.”
“Sorry—I’m just in a rush, and focused on those napkins.”
Nick placed them ceremoniously in her palm. “Some kind of food spill emergency?”
“Thank you. Bloody nose. Abuse victim in the Papering Room. So—I’ve got to go.” Anna began to walk out of the cafeteria, looking over her shoulder with regret. “I’m sorry I can’t really talk now.”
Nick hurried along with her through the labyrinth of the courthouse basement. “So, you’re a prosecutor—and you pulled papering duty on the day after Valentine’s Day? What’d you do, run over the U.S. Attorney’s dog?”
She had to laugh. Papering was the most despised assignment in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, a task only the greenest prosecutors could be compelled to do. Anna would turn arrests from the last twenty-four hours into criminal case files: typing information into a computer, two-hole-punching police paperwork, condensing lifetimes of violence into slim manila folders. The tedium was broken only when a victim came to tell her sad story in person. And Valentine’s Day was notoriously the worst time for domestic violence. People were two-timing each other, or paying too much attention to their baby’s mother and not enough to their wife, or just plain forgetting a card. It was surprising how often a lovers’ quarrel turned into a trip to lockup.
“I just started in January,” Anna explained, “so I’m still in the hazing period.”
“Well, we should catch up sometime.”
“Sure,” she said as they rounded a corner. A crowd of police officers lined the hallway outside the Papering Room. She’d never seen so many blue uniforms in one place before. It was going to be a long day.
“How about dinner tonight?” Nick asked.
“I don’t know.” Anna glanced sideways at him without slowing her pace. Despite the poor timing, it was a tempting offer. She’d been feeling homesick and disconnected in her new city. It’d be nice to talk with a law school acquaintance. She stopped in the doorway to the Papering Room and handed him her business card. “Call me. Let’s see how things look later.”
“I will.”
He smiled at her: a warm, radiant smile. Despite herself, she felt a natural pull toward him. This might not turn out to be such a bad day-after-Valentine’s Day after all.
That thought died as she walked into the Papering Room.
A tiny woman sat at one of the two sagging desks, flanked by Grace and a uniformed policeman. Blood had soaked the woman’s white button-down shirt and spattered the gray linoleum at her feet. A few dark red drops flecked the bottom of the mint green cinder block walls. Her beautiful brown face was marred by two black eyes so swollen they were nearly shut. Raw red abrasions covered her left cheek in a messy cross-hatch pattern. She held a piece of bloodstained office paper to her nose and rocked herself back and forth, moaning softly.
Although Anna had read a lot of police reports describing gruesome injuries lately, she hadn’t seen a woman this badly scraped up since her childhood. A wave of memories, guilt, and anger stunned her into a momentary paralysis. But today was her day to pick up cases, so this victim was her responsibility. Clenching her teeth, she strode over to the woman and held out a couple of napkins. “Here,” she said gently. “Try these.”
The woman swapped them for the paper at her nose.
“My name is Anna Curtis. I’m an AUSA, an Assistant U.S. Attorney. I’ll be handling your case.”
“Laprea Johnson,” the woman said. Her voice was so soft it was barely audible.
Suddenly Laprea gasped. The pain on her face transformed into a puckered mask of rage. At first, Anna wondered what she’d said to infuriate the woman.
But she was glaring past Anna—at Nick, who stood frozen in the doorway. His face had turned an ashy white. The wounded woman spat her words at him.
“What the fuck are you doing here?”
© 2010 Allison Leotta
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