Publisher's Weekly:

This captivating debut by criminal defense attorney Marsella kicks off a series with a complex, intriguing mystery. After a drunken night at a popular mob hangout, four friends employed at the Rhode Island attorney general's office witness a brutal murder. Laurie, Shannon, Beth and narrator Marianna are soon thrown into the investigation, which leads directly to the posh private college attended by the victim. Buried behind the ivy walls are secrets and more bodies. The women tell desperate lies to their bosses, trying to hide their whereabouts on the night of the killing, as they dig deeper into the crime...

....the skillful twists and turns of the mystery will keep readers engaged. Additional elements of romance and humor keep the novel balanced and realistic and open the door for sequels...       (Oct. 2008)

ISBN 978-0-440-24466-0

4-star review for DEFENSELESS

from the Mystery News Gayle Wedgewood gives the prestigious 4 quills to DEFENSELESS!!

“…For a first novel, this is a nice surprise. The characters are very well defined, the plot is face-paced and holds your interest, and the writing is quite good. Not only that, but it looks like this is going to the beginning of a series––and a tougher, but more likeable, group will be hard to find. This is the chance to get in on the first of what promises to be a riveting new series.”