DISCRETION - Allison Leotta
A Perfect 10
Touchstone
ISBN: 978-1-4516-4484-5
ISBN: 978-1-4516-4486-9
July 2012
Suspense

Washington, D.C. - The Present

When an 'escort' falls from the balcony of Congressman Emmet Lionel's office at the Capital, Anna Curtis from the U.S. Attorney's Office Sex Crimes Division is called to help with the initial investigation. She finds herself working with Jack Bailey, homicide chief with the U.S. Attorney's Office. She has kept secret that she lives with him and his young daughter to prevent any problems or gossip at work. When the investigation team determines the fall was a murder, the first problem is getting permission to search Congressman Lionel's office for any evidence. Dogged in her research, Anna learns the Congressman might have ties to Discretion, an escort business. However, the Congressman, who is up for re-election, seems to have a solid alibi and is supported by his staff, Stanley Potter and Brett Vale.

Jack keeps pressing Anna to make a commitment, but Anna finds his daughter, six-year-old Olivia, hasn't warmed up to another woman in the house, and working so closely with Jack also puts a strain on their relationship. It's a good thing Anna has her friend Grace for talking over her problems. When she disagrees with Jack on the job, their relationship might be over.

Everyone knows nothing is straightforward in Washington, especially when it comes to elected officials and dealing with bureaucrats. With convoluted regulations, spin masters with ready explanations, expensive hookers, politics, and an upcoming election, this investigation takes a turn through a D.C. maze. Both the main and secondary characters are interesting and realistic, the plot is intricate and believable, and the conclusion unpredictable. These qualities earn DISCRETION a Perfect 10 for suspense and keeping secrets secret right up to the end.

Robin Lee