Fatal February

by Barbara Levenson

Book Overview

All she wanted was a clean car, but Mary Magruder Katz is about to get mixed up in some dirty business. For half-Jewish, half- Southern Baptist Miami criminal defense attorney, Mary Magruder Katz, life is about to get completely complicated. When her car is rear-ended during a routine trip to the car wash, Mary's life starts to spin out of control. Carlos Martin, the other car's driver isn't just a distracted driver; he's distracting. Carlos is charming,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1495997553
• ISBN13: 9781495997556
• Release Date: May 2014
• Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
• Length: 264 Pages
• Weight: 0.68 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Great debut novel

I can't believe this is Barbara Levenson's first book. The plot has already been summarized, so I'll not repeat was already said. Fatal February was a little bit of everything---murder/mystery and legal thriller, without the blood and gore of some books in this genre. The author added just the right amount of romance without making it sappy, just a little saucy. Then she sprinkled it with a touch of humor---not the humor of Evanovich, but just the right amount without making it a comedy. There were some twists and turns and the ending was two thumbs up. I hope Levenson will continue writing and make this a series.

Great Reading

Barbara Levenson is a cross between Janet Evanovich and John Grisham. Fatal February is funny, intriguing and easy reading. Its setting is a showcase for the best, and worst, of Miami's legal system. We can't wait for her next book!

An intriguing mystery

Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (2/09) Mary Magruder Katz lives life in the fast lane. As a lawyer who specializes mainly in criminal defense, she has certainly seen her share of interesting events. However, her life is completely turned upside-down one fateful February day when she is involved in a car accident with smooth-talking and sexy Carlos Martin. The day continues with him coercing her into representing him in a real estate transaction and ultimately leads to the end of her five-year engagement to a fellow attorney. Mary shortly thereafter gets her first client at her new law practice - a wealthy lady who has been accused of murdering her husband. She must do her best to exonerate her client, while having to defend herself against some legal charges of her own. The greatest strength of "Fatal February" is the likable characters created by the author. Mary is portrayed as intelligent, warm and willing to go to any lengths necessary for her clients. Carlos, who at the beginning of the story seemed like a shady character, actually turns out to be a respectable human being. The strengths and weaknesses of both characters are depicted which helps the reader better relate to them. Mary and Carlos make a cute couple and their unconditional support for each other is endearing. This book is well-written and follows an orderly progression from the fact-finding stage to the hearings. Levenson does a good job of making several characters viable suspects in the murder. The scenes in which the witnesses, that Mary has already questioned before the hearing give their testimonies, are somewhat repetitive because they once again say the same things in nearly identical words. However, the ending is unexpected and allows the reader the freedom to decide what really occurred. "Fatal February" by Barbara Levenson will appeal to a broad adult audience. Mystery lovers will especially find the subject matter intriguing. The author evenly balances the material between Mary's personal life and the murder trial which keeps the story more interesting. I do not know if this will be the beginning of a series featuring Mary Magruder Katz, but I definitely am interested in reading more about her.

Fun read!

Barbara Levenson's first book, Fatal February, is really a fun and entertaining read. The story has unexpected characters who make an ordinary day into an extraordinary one. Mary Macgruder Katz is a bright, strong-willed attorney who doesn't compromise on her clients' cases or on her new love interest. The unexpected twists in this book keep the reader interested until the end and leaves them wanting more. Can't see what Ms. Katz gets herself into next! Barbara's excellent description of Miami and South Florida are very accurate and inviting.

Page-turning Fun

This is a book you won't be able to put down until it's finished. Mary Magruder Katz is a delightfully spicy and clever criminal defense attorney who finds herself defending a woman accused of murdering her husband in a crime of passion. In the midst of all the action, however, it's Katz's own passionate escapades that keep the pages turning. A must read for lovers of mystery books that also make you smile. I'll be on the look-out for Levenson's next effort.