Takes One To Know One
Published on 6. February 2020
Book
Hardback
368 pages
978-1-61185-637-8 (ISBN)
Description
Just a few years ago, Corie Geller was busting terrorists as an agent for the FBI. But at thirty-five, she traded in her badge for the stability of marriage and motherhood. Between cooking meals and playing chauffeur, Corie scouts Arabic fiction for a few literary agencies and, on Wednesdays, has lunch with her fellow Shorehaven freelancers at a so-so French restaurant. Life is, as they say, fine.
But at her weekly lunches, Corie senses that something's off. Pete Delaney, a seemingly bland package designer, always shows up early, sits in the same spot (often with a different phone in hand) and keeps one eye glued to his car. Corie intuitively feels that Pete is hiding something - and as someone who is accustomed to keeping her FBI past from her new neighbours, she should know. But does Pete really have a shady alternate life, or is Corie just desperate to add some spark to her humdrum suburban existence? She decides that the only way to find out is to dust off her FBI toolkit and take a deep dive into Pete Delaney's affairs.
Legendary crime writer Susan Isaacs is at her formidable best in a novel that is both bitingly wry and ominously thrilling.
But at her weekly lunches, Corie senses that something's off. Pete Delaney, a seemingly bland package designer, always shows up early, sits in the same spot (often with a different phone in hand) and keeps one eye glued to his car. Corie intuitively feels that Pete is hiding something - and as someone who is accustomed to keeping her FBI past from her new neighbours, she should know. But does Pete really have a shady alternate life, or is Corie just desperate to add some spark to her humdrum suburban existence? She decides that the only way to find out is to dust off her FBI toolkit and take a deep dive into Pete Delaney's affairs.
Legendary crime writer Susan Isaacs is at her formidable best in a novel that is both bitingly wry and ominously thrilling.
Reviews / Votes
Ms. Isaacs is a witty author, but comedy gives way to terror as Corie's inevitable confrontation with her dangerous quarry nears. All the foreshadowing and presaging pays off in spades, and the scenes that tie up loose ends are a pleasure to read. * Wall Street Journal * What is it that makes Susan Isaacs' books so delicious to read? She's funny, for starters. And that humor combined with romance and old-fashioned murder mystery tickles every feel-good bone in our bodies. Her characters are whole and flawed and lovable, and you want only the best for them, even as you ardently wish to find them in danger - repeatedly - along the way. * Newsday * There are so many layers - and thrilling twists and turns - that you won't want to put it down. * InTouch * Isaacs has written numerous best-sellers, beginning with her debut, Compromising Positions, but this is her first full-length novel since 2012's Goldberg Variations, and it's a good one... Turns out, [ex-FBI agent turned suburbanite] Corie's still got it, but it leads her straight into a deadly trap. Corie's combat skills and investigative prowess are still up to snuff, but her snarky commentary and hilarious interactions with her father are the real page-turners here. * Booklist * [A] stylish beach read... [with] vibrant characters, snappy dialogue, and an arresting first-person narrative. * Publishers Weekly * Isaacs' writing is clever and funny, with laugh-out-loud moments and strong character development... Highly recommended for anyone who likes fast-paced storytelling, quirky and interesting characters, and a plot that keeps you guessing right along with the protagonist. * New York Journal of Books * Isaacs's latest suburban novel starts out as a low-key story of a wife looking for a diversionary project for herself and her father, a retired cop, then escalates into action requiring all of her skills as a trained FBI agent. For fans of Kate White and the movie True Lies. * Library Journal * I love [Susan Isaacs]...I don't think she's ever written a heroine I wouldn't want to be friends with. And I think she's really brilliant in a Jane Austen way about social strata and place. She nails all the details. -- Jennifer Weiner * Miami Herald * Nobody does smart, gutsy, funny, sexy women better than Susan Isaacs. * Washington Post * [Susan Isaacs is] a witty, wry observer of contemporary life. * New York Times Book Review *More details
Edition
Main
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Dimensions
Height: 31 mm
Width: 144 mm
Thickness: 225 mm
Weight
510 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-61185-637-8 (9781611856378)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Susan Isaacs
Takes One To Know One
E-Book
02/2020
Grove Press / Atlantic Monthly Press
€6.99
Available for download
Person
Susan Isaacs is the author of thirteen novels, including As Husbands Go, Long Time No See, Any Place I Hang My Hat and Compromising Positions. A recipient of the Writers for Writers Award and the John Steinbeck Award, Isaacs serves as chairman of the board of Poets & Writers, and is a past president of Mystery Writers of America. Her fiction has been translated into 30 languages. She lives on Long Island with her husband.