In the relentless pulse of New York City, Luigi Mangione seems like an ordinary man. An unassuming accountant with a quiet life, he keeps to himself, carrying a burden of unimaginable grief. After losing his wife to a treatable illness-her fate sealed by a ruthless series of health insurance denials-Luigi's sorrow transforms into cold, calculated rage.
When the CEO of the insurance giant responsible for his wife's death is found brutally murdered, the city is gripped by shock. But beneath the surface, Luigi is the architect of the crime, executing his plan with precision and leaving no trace behind. Yet, as investigators delve deeper into the case, a relentless detective begins to unravel the facade.
Driven by a moral code warped by pain, Luigi must now navigate a treacherous game of cat and mouse. His survival hinges on mastering the tactics his enemy once used to destroy lives: deny everything, defend his innocence, and depose anyone who threatens his freedom.
As the body count rises and the stakes escalate, Luigi is forced to confront a chilling truth-has he become the very monster he sought to destroy?
Gripping and morally complex, Deny, Defend, Depose is a mystery-thriller that explores the thin line between justice and revenge, and how far one man will go when pushed to the brink.
A criminal mastermind makes a bold move against a wealthy client to put himself in a position to retire in comfort. He has no idea what he's up against when a young widow, desperate to make ends meet, sets her eyes on earning the bounty set on his head.
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Newly widowed housewife Melody Scott needs to earn some major cash, fast. When her bright and busy children learn that a priceless ruby bracelet has been stolen and a six-figure reward is being offered, they convince her to try to do what the police, museum security, and the best private investigators have failed to do. Working against them is a notorious thief who has met people from around the world, but who has never once encountered a woman like Melody Scott. When the sweet innocence of the Scott family clashes against criminal forces more dangerous than they ever imagined, Melody is all too aware that a mom's got to do what a mom's got to do to protect her family.
The Widow, Melody Scott is a 2021 Watty Award Winner!
Content Warning: This story does contain depictions of stalking behavior.