Discretion

“Imagine one of the best episodes of the TV series Law and Order: SVU, but set in Wasington, DC” (Associated Press)—this riveting novel from former sex-crimes prosecutor Allison Leotta explores the intersection of sex and power as Anna Curtis investigates the murder of one of DC’s highest-paid escorts.

When a beautiful young woman plummets to her death from the balcony of the US Capitol, Assistant US Attorney Anna Curtis is summoned to the scene. The victim is one of the city’s highest-paid escorts. And the balcony belongs to Washington’s sole representative to Congress, the most powerful figure in city politics.

For Anna, the high-profile case is an opportunity. But as the political stakes rise, she realizes that a single mistake could end her career. At the same time, her budding romance with the chief homicide prosecutor is at a crossroads. Determined to gain respect in the office, Anna wants to keep their relationship a secret. But the mounting pressure and media attention that come with this case will inevitably expose their relationship—if it doesn’t destroy it first. And the further Anna’s investigation takes her, the larger the target on her own back.

Called “a first-rate thriller” by David Baldacci and named one of the Top Ten Best Books of 2012 by Strand Magazine, Discretion is a gripping exploration of sex, power, and the secrets we all keep.