Discretion by Allison Leotta, a Mysterious Review.

Review: Assistant US Attorney Anna Curtis, a prosecutor in the Sex Crimes and Domestic Violence division, is called to the scene of the death of an woman, who has fallen from a balcony. This is not just any woman, but a high-priced escort. And it is not just any balcony, but one adjacent to the Capitol office of a powerful congressman … in Discretion, the second thriller in this series by Allison Leotta.

The dead woman worked for Discretion, an ultra-exclusive escort service. It's clear she's been sexually assaulted, and it certainly looks like she was pushed from the balcony. But Emmett Lionel, the city's sole representative to Congress, and from whose office she fell, claims he isn't — indeed, can't be — involved. There is, however, considerable doubt as to his statement, as it is widely known he has an "open" marriage; his wife makes no issue with his frequent dalliances as long as he has the position he does. And now that's seriously in jeopardy. Lionel was already in a tough re-election fight; his being dragged into a murder investigation, especially as a suspect, would be devastating politically.

Assigned to work with Anna is Jack Bailey, the chief prosecutor with the homicide division of the US Attorney's office … which causes something of a problem for them both, as they are romantically involved with each other. But work together they must, on a trail through Washington's "red light" district to high-end clubs that cater to the rich and famous.

Discretion takes the reader on an incredible insider's ride through the nation's capital. There are the political ramifications of a scandal in the middle of an election campaign, the legal consequences of withholding information in a high profile case, and of course the whodunit element of the murder investigation itself. Anna and Jack are both engaging characters, smart and likeable, and the storyline itself compelling and credible. This is a fine thriller, among the best of the year.

Special thanks to guest reviewer Betty of The Betz Review for contributing her review of Discretion.

Law of Attraction
Touchstone (Hardcover), October 2010
ISBN-13: 9781439193846; ISBN-10: 1439193843

Speak of the Devil
Touchstone (Hardcover), August 2013
ISBN-13: 9781451644852; ISBN-10: 145164485X

Discretion

An Anna Curtis Thriller by Allison Leotta