Death of a Washington Madame

DEATH OF A WASHINGTON MADAME is book #3 of Warren Adler’s 9-book Fiona Fitzgerald Mystery Series, currently in development as a new TV series entitled CAPITOL CRIMES. DEATH OF A WASHINGTON MADAME- Detective Fiona Fitzgerald is an unlikely force for justice in Washington, D.C.’s predominantly male police force. As a Senator’s daughter and top investigator in the homicide division of the Metropolitan Police Department, Fiona maneuvers between two vastly different worlds, moving quickly from opulent State galas to gritty crime scenes. Born into the elite social circles of the nation’s capital, and armed with intimate knowledge of the true face of the political establishment, Fiona is determined to expose the chicanery concealed within the highest echelons of the American political aristocracy. Old money, old secrets. The elderly mother of the Governor of Virginia, an icon of Washington society, is found dead and sexually assaulted in her posh Washington, DC, residence. Metropolitan Police detective Fiona Fitzgerald investigates the horrifying crime. As a senator’s daughter, she has the advantage of knowing the world of Washington’s privileged. Young Martine, the accused, has no advantages. He was not raised in a family with political leverage and does not understand the inner-workings and secrets of Washington’s politicians. Then there is the devoted servant, the status-hungry daughter-in-law, the drugs, power, and money-but where does the truth lie within this complicated family drama? Through it all, Fiona wrestles with her own feelings about marriage as she considers marriage to a former general, who is now mounting a massive offensive for her hand. Will an inside look at one Washington marriage-and all of its dirty little secrets-help her choose? Fiona must battle both privilege and prejudice as she uncovers the inevitable truth behind the political facade.

I really enjoyed this book. Though this is the third book in the series, I had not read the previous books before starting this one, but I never felt like I was missing out on something explained in the previous books. This book felt like a realistic look at Washington politics and racial tensions. The characters were interesting and well-developed and the plot was masterfully woven. I listened to the Audible audio version of this book narrated by Stevie Puckett. I enjoyed her narration and I felt like she gave an authentic voice to each of her characters. If you’re looking for a gripping mystery with lots of twists and turns, I highly recommend this book.

Leslie F., Audible Reviewer, 8/1/16

About the Author

Warren Adler is best known for The War of the Roses, his masterpiece fictionalization of a macabre divorce turned into the Golden Globe and BAFTA nominated dark comedy hit starring Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner and Danny DeVito. In addition to the success of the stage adaptation of his iconic novel on the perils of divorce, Adler has optioned and sold film rights to more than a dozen of his novels and short stories to Hollywood and major television networks. Random Hearts (starring Harrison Ford and Kristen Scott Thomas), The Sunset Gang (starring Jerry Stiller, Uta Hagen, Harold Gould and Doris Roberts), Private Lies, Funny Boys, Madeline’s Miracles, Trans-Siberian Express and his Fiona Fitzgerald mystery series are only a few titles that have forever left Adler’s mark on contemporary American authorship from page to stage to screen. Learn more about Warren Adler at WarrenAdler.com.