Thirty years after the murder of his young wife, Italian ex-pat Detective Lorenzo Rotondo is confronted with an unusual case that compels him to return to Italy to avenge her death.
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Kate Noonan, an ambitious journalist, tags along to expose the corrupt organization at the heart of Lorenzo's case and grab long-sought notoriety in her field.
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Together, the pair from a strong bond, pushing through personal and professional obstacles in their quest for truth and justice.
Deb Sampson
"This is a well crafted novel, heavy on old and continuing mystery with just enough romance to take the edge off. The police officer's history and motivation is clear. The journalist's motivation seems to switch some in the course of the story, but it might be that she is changing her self-assessment.
I say this is a mystery, but we know most of the bad guys all along, the mystery is more suspense of where and when the next attack is coming.
Definitely an engaging book."
Bonnye Reed Fry
"Hartman writes a tight, flowing tale with lots of heart and personable souls. I am happy to recommend her to friends and family."
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"Ah, Italy. The food. The bread. The wine. The sea. Worth the danger involved? Sure."
shuizenga
"This is an unconventional love story between two people who find themselves connected by chance but stay connected by choice."
​For All the Right Reasons - Discussion Questions
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The title, For All the Right Reasons, applies directly to Kate's revelation of her father's thoughts regarding George, and subsequently to the last line in the story. Is there any other point in the novel where this could be applied? Are there any events/decisions in your own life experiences that help you relate to the expression?
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Lorenzo ran away from his problems thirty years earlier. Can the same be said for Kate when she leaves George, her house, her job? Is she really a quitter?
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With Kate out of a job and Lorenzo unable to go back to his apartment, how do you feel about the timing of their trip? Is Kate really all about the story, or does she want something more? Why would Lorenzo allow her to tag along when he knows it could be dangerous for her? (Going back to all the right reasons.)
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Were you surprised to hear Marco’s version of Ella’s death? Did that revelation effect your feelings about him?
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There were many avenues for Kate to be discovered in Manarola. Police, Berto, Estelle. Were you surprised how that turned out? Kate trusted Muriel early in her stay. Why not just “spill the beans” Then? Why wait until urged by Emilio? Was she protecting herself and/or Lorenzo, or protecting the Rotondo family? Neither? Both?
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What made Il Gatto so important to this investigation? Could the story have survived without it? What if Lorenzo hadn’t been able to enter the art school? What if he’d never found the shipping and banking records or work orders? Was his quest for Il Gatto essential to urge Lorenzo into corners he would otherwise not have access to? (Il Gatto moved the story forward, gave Lorenzo something concrete to follow, and incriminated the art school, Alfonso, and Marco by association.)
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How did you see the conflicting opinions about abortion playing out between Kate and Lorenzo? Did you feel it was a prominent point of tension throughout the story? Where you surprised by how easily Lorenzo forgave her?
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Was it grief that sent Lorenzo to the states, or was he protecting his family by leaving? Both reasons come up, but is one more convincing than the other? Was this his way of defending his decision? What else could have compelled him to leave so much behind in Italy?
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Did Lorenzo get his revenge on Marco? Did he get closure to the crime against his family and Ella’s death? In what way?
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Kate and Lorenzo ended up where they started - in Portland. What had they gained? What had they given up? (Family, home, mature relationship, house, George, guilt, shame . . .)