WHERE NO ONE WILL SEE

 

Where No One Will See

By Felicia Watson

ISBN 9781955065788

2023 paperback release

 

Lucia Scapetti is a struggling private investigator in Philadelphia. But she’s a lot more than that. For one thing, she’s an imposing, dark-haired figure, about six feet tall in flats and presents a tanned and robust 200+ pounds. She probably makes an even more impressive presence when leashed to her dog, Rocco, one of the smaller breeds.

Lucia has other less obvious attributes, besides a sharp inquiring mind and a strong penchant for doing the right thing. Lucia Scapetti has connections, connections to one of the large Italo-American families that populate parts of the Eastern American continent. She’s close to some of them, but not all. Her dad is due to be released after ten years in prison and some of her other relatives have rather sketchy bios.

This interesting tale begins as Lucia is cleaning up some evidence for clients of cheating spouses, a part of the business that upsets her. She notices people on the street who appear to be following her. Is it just because her dad will be released soon? We are treated to nice and useful descriptions of ordinary and questionable street scenes in the city, along with the weather, all handled in such a way that enhances and influences the narrative.

Character introduction is nicely handled as are early motivating crimes. We learn there are long-missing funds and jewels, internal family strife, murder and near misses. Meanwhile, because this is a real family, Lucia is stressed in ways an outside PI might avoid or never encounter.

Fastpaced, the novel concludes with major surprises, rising tension and action, fueled in part by corruption, personal emotion, and several truly interesting characters. The city itself is a major character.

Here is a fine enjoyable story, well-plotted and well told.