Still recovering from a nasty divorce, single mom and Philadelphia trial lawyer Grace Rossi finds her new part-time job as assistant to Chief Federal judge Armen Gregorian just about perfect. Getting along well with the other much younger law clerks and like the other female staff, Grace too develops a crush on the charismatic, handsome and very much married Gregorian. No one is more surprised than Grace when Armen chooses her to work with him on the infamous Hightower case, during which they grow very close.
In a sudden twist of plot, Armen is later found dead in an apparent suicide. Horrified, heart-broken and unwilling to accept it as a suicide, Grace begins investigating, a process which leads her uncover some unsavory details about Armen as well forces her to go deep and analyze her own familial relationships. Danger soon begins to stalk this determined lady, but Grace then gets help from a most unusual and unexpected source.
Lisa Scottoline has crafted a suspenseful and entertaining storyline as the basis of Final Appeal. The book, which has its origin in the daily workings of a federal appeals court, is neatly detailed with relevant data and feels authentic. The dealings and arguments which go on behind the scenes in so many cases, are surprising as well as insightful. The mystery also good with the author maintaining the growing suspense in a such a skillful manner that the solution comes as a complete shock towards the end of the book. The central character of Grace Rossi will appeal to the reader with her problems and her strength in raising above it all. The story feels a bit lightweight when compared to Scottoline’s other powerful mysteries, but is an exciting and appealing one nonetheless.