Two Can Play

September 26, 2016
In Kessler’s solid sequel to It Takes One, Boston-based forensic psychologist Audrey Harte returns to her hometown of Portland, Maine, to serve as an expert witness at the trial of imprisoned 19-year-old Ian Monroe, an accused rapist and serial killer. Audrey’s past as a participant in the murder of her best friend’s abusive father in her teens not only colors all her relationships, including those with her lover, Jake Tripp, her parents, and her siblings, but also shapes her passion for her work. As Audrey works to evaluate the suspect and the surviving victims, a mysterious floral delivery and a disturbing interview with Ian suggest that he may have a partner, one with an unhealthy fascination for Audrey and who is continuing to prey on young women. Multiple points of view occasionally lead to repetitive scenes that slow the pace, but Kessler is careful to keep the action realistic and avoid genre clichés. This is a smart crime novel that will engage readers. Agent: Miriam Kriss, Irene Goodman Literary Agency.