Corrupted: A Rosato & DiNunzio Novel

Written by Lisa Scottoline

Narrated by Kate Burton

In Lisa Scottoline's Corrupted, Bennie Rosato, the founder of the Rosato & DiNunzio law firm, hides her big heart beneath her tough-as-nails exterior and she doesn't like to fail.

Now, a case from her past shows her how differently things might have turned out. Thirteen years ago, Bennie Rosato took on Jason Leftavick, a twelve-year-old boy who was sent to a juvenile detention center after fighting a class bully. Bennie couldn't free Jason, and to this day it's the case that haunts her. Jason has grown up in and out of juvenile prison, and his adulthood hasn't been any easier. Bennie no longer represents those accused of murder, but when Jason is indicted for killing the same bully he fought with as a kid, she sees no choice but to represent him. She doesn't know whether or not to believe his claims of innocence, but she knows she owes him for past failures-of the law, of the juvenile justice system, and of herself. Forced to relive the darkest period of her life, Bennie will do everything in her power to get the truth, and justice.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Audio
• Release date: Oct 27, 2015
• ISBN: 9781427262059

Lisa Scottoline

Lisa Scottoline is a #1 bestselling and award-winning author of more than thirty-two novels. She also co-authors a bestselling non-fiction humor series with her daughter, Francesca Serritella. There are more than thirty million copies of Lisa's books in print in more than thirty-five countries. She lives in Pennsylvania with an array of disobedient but adorable pets.

Reviews for Corrupted

[knittingmomof3 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Lisa Scottoline is a brilliant writer and I have enjoyed almost every book of her’s I have read. Unfortunately I seem unable to fully enjoy her Rosato & DiNunzio series, of which there are three books. My issues with the series began with the first book Accused and still remain in the third book, Corrupted. The problem is mine; I simply do not care for either Rosato or DiNunzio, which for me makes reading the series problematic. I shall keep reading books by Lisa Scottoline, however this was the third strike for this series.

[bons_11 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent and informative story line with Bennie the focus of the true story of Kids For Cash. Two different time lines covering the same two characters, once as young children and again years later with the charge of murder. The crookedness of the judge for personal gain had a massive reach. Bennie reveals so much of her character as she continues to seek justice even when personally torn and gossiped about publicly. Great read from Scottoline's series.

[carlathelibrarian · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love Lisa Scottoline's books and especially the ones that star Bennie Rosato. She is a ball butsing lawyer who does not give up. She has a reputation of winning cases, but does not resort to playing dirty.

This book goes back and forth between her defending a juvenile, Jason Leftavick, who thirteen years earlier was placed in a juvenile facility for a fight in the school cafeteria with bully Richie Grusini, to the present where he is accused of killing the same bully. Bennie has always had a certain amount of guilt about not being able to help Jason as a child so agrees to take the murder case even though this is not the normal type of case she defends. This time she is determined to get justice for Jason.

This book really shows the human side of Bennie, her warm heart, caring nature and vulnerability. Add in an old flame, judicial corruption, someone who wants to save the underdog and some quick thinking and you have a book that is hard to put down. The other lawyers from the firm make an appearance but do not play much of a part in the book. This is a Bennie Rosato story from the beginning to the end.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[rmarcin-630843 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another solid Rosato to & DiNunzio novel, this time with Bennie Rosato as the main character. The novel shows us a personal side of Bennie not normally seen, as she defends a young man against a murder charge. Bennie first met Jason when he was a juvenile, and in choosing to defend him, changed the course of her life. I enjoyed this, as I like reading about the law, lawyer's theories and approaches to cases, and the court proceedings.

[mhanover10 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very good storyline. Even though I listened to this at work, it kept my attention. It's a sitting on the edge of your seat until the end. I'm really enjoying this series a lot. Well worth the time if you like murder mysteries.

[bearlyr · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I'm an avid fan thrillers, but not so much court dramas... and this is very much the latter. However, this story is so much more! Several of the characters are not wholly likeable, they are portrayed with a history that leads us to compassion and understanding... you will care about them in the end. The outcome of this tale seems a forgone conclusion, but fasten your seatbelts it's a bumpy ride. And, remember the final destination is not set in stone! If you're a thriller fan, I highly recommend this book... and more so if you love courtroom drama!

[ebrahmstadt · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I truly enjoyed this novel. This was one mystery that I can honestly say led to a surprise conclusion. Reading about the interactions between lifeline enemies from childhood until one of them ends up dead in adulthood was quite inteesting. Great read, had difficulty putting book down at bedtime, couldn't wait ro resume reading the next night.

[jfe16 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Bennie Rosato is about to learn that the past never truly remains in the past.
Some thirteen years before, Bennie represented a twelve-year-old boy sent to juvenile hall for fighting in school. Although he was defending himself against a bully, the hard-nosed, zero-tolerance judge sentenced both youngsters to long terms in the juvenile facility.

Despite being fired by the boy’s father before the conclusion of the case because of a romantic liaison the boy’s family felt was inappropriate, Bennie still feels guilt at letting the boy down. Now a grown man, he is charged with murdering this same bully and she is determined to obtain justice for him.

Filled with suspense, the slowly-unraveling plot provides the explanation for the tragic miscarriage of justice in the young boys’ sentencing. Readers will find the story shines in the courtroom scenes that bring a satisfying conclusion to the tale.

Highly recommended.

[marlaamadison · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The author, once known for her excellent suspense books, deviates recently into stories that are more character studies than actual mystery - suspense. This may be the last one I read of this author.

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Have you ever felt like you wanted justice but never got it? Did you wish that you could have another chance and make things right? Maybe Bennie Rosato will get a second chance in this fast paced thriller. When Jason was twelve he found himself in jail for fighting in the cafeteria at his school. He had no choice but to defend himself against the bully, Richie Grusini. Jason has Bennie as his lawyer and she feels it will be a simple case and he has nothing to worry about. Guess she didn't figure on getting a judge that is hard nosed and believes in zero tolerance when it comes to school violence. Yes, she gets a judge who wants to prove a point. It is not going to be a good day for Bennie or her client.

Fast forward to thirteen years later and we find Bennie still haunted by that case so many years ago when a young boy needed a break. Maybe she can make up for it. Bennie has a chance to ease her guilt when she finds herself face to face with Jason, the young boy she couldn't forget about. He is facing serious charges this time . Remember the bully he had a fight with at school all those years ago? It seems like he is being charged with his muder . Why would Jason place himself anywhere near someone who ruined his life? Does he still hold a grudge and has now decided to seek revenge?


Bennie is at her best in this story. She is very prepared and is on top of her game. The story is packed with action, twists and writing at its very best. Pay special attention to the courtroom scenes as they are electrifying. I love how determined Bennie is and the fire she has for winning this case. This is another home run for an exceptionally talented author who makes a story cone to life.

I received a copy of this book from the Goodread Giveaway program for an honest review.