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 ... In our overwhelming world, it can feel exhausting to step into a book. If the real world is rife with evil, why would reading about fictional crime provide solace? And yet I think that’s precisely what a Susan Isaacs novel is for, a safe trip into danger and back again that takes the edge off the worries that beset us ... In Isaacs’ capable hands, crime is solvable and good wins out. Injustice loses and we, the readers, win.
Isaacs’ writing is clever and funny, with laugh-out-loud moments and strong character development. Her descriptions of people, activities, and Corie’s thoughts are witty and unexpected, making each turn of the page fun and anticipatory. The story moves quickly, the characters’ actions seem organic and realistic, and the climax of the book is satisfying. 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.
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.
... 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.
Isaacs takes the basic thriller form and lathers it with lots of saucy humor. (If you enjoy hate-watching HGTV shows, you’ll love Corie’s and Wynne’s critiques of other people’s houses.) She’s adept at sketching winning characters, like Phoebe, the gossipy eBay entrepreneur from the lunch group, and Corie’s father, Dan Schottland, whose lingering grief and depression over losing his police partner in the 9/11 disaster are assuaged when Corie draws him into the hunt.
As the suspense builds and builds, we can't put the book down. As in all of Isaacs' work, we truly like the protagonist and are happy to go along on this adventure with her step by step. Read this combination character study/action novel slowly. Get to know Corie, because Isaacs' website informs us that Takes One to Know One is the beginning of a series. Rest assured that all of us will want to read more of Corie Geller's excellent adventures.
... a breezy suburban suspense novel ... Despite the predictable plot and a climax lacking punch, Isaacs amply compensates with vibrant characters, snappy dialogue, and an arresting first-person narrative. Readers in search of a stylish beach read will be satisfied.
A full-time job for the reader ... While the investigation goes on and on, often straining credibility, other possible plotlines in the book suffer ... These characters and storylines are sketched in but languish as the Delaney investigation inexorably proceeds in excruciating detail. Still, Isaacs never forgets the need to charm the reader. Corie keeps up the nonstop sarcastic patter, and she really is a hoot ... Isaacs’ wit and wisecracks can’t save this one.
