Compliments of a Friend

by Susan Isaacs
Compliments of a Friend cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Technical
  • ID: 5158
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
netgalley.com · Unknown · 2025-10-23
intriguing 3.50

The short crime story 'Compliments of a Friend' by Susan Isaacs revolves around the mysterious death of Vanessa Giddings, a successful CEO, which is initially ruled as a suicide. Judith Singer, a widowed history professor and friend of Vanessa, is skeptical and decides to investigate. The story is witty and offers sharp observations of contemporary society, but the ending feels rushed. It serves as a good introduction to the author's work and features an afterword by Isaacs, along with an illustrated biography.

The story begins with the death of Vanessa Giddings, a well-heeled lady and CEO of a major employment agency, who dies from an overdose of anti-anxiety medication in a New York store. Judith Singer, a widowed professor of history and friend of Vanessa, finds the official ruling of suicide hard to believe. She decides to investigate, uncovering more about Vanessa's personal and financial life, including her recent divorce and the struggles of her business. The narrative is filled with wit and sharp observations of Long Island society, but the ending feels a bit rushed. This short story is a good introduction to Susan Isaacs' work and includes an afterword by the author, as well as an illustrated biography. The tale is intriguing and sets the stage for a longer novel, 'Long Time No See', which expands on this story.

Quick quotes

    They cannot believe the official ruling: that her wildly successful, confident, and iron-willed neighbor committed suicide with a drug overdose.

    This story is only about forty pages long, and there follows a note from the author Susan Isaacs who wrote a novel featuring this main character called 'Compromising Positions' some years ago; she has extended this short story into another novel, 'Long Time No See'.

    I found the tale interesting but the ending a little rushed, so it might work better in novel form, but 'Compliments of a Friend' is a good introduction to the author.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-23
intriguing 4.00

The reviewer finds the premise of the book intriguing, particularly the mystery surrounding Vanessa Giddings' death. They appreciate the wit and sharp observations of the author, Susan Isaacs, and the engaging protagonist, Judith Singer.

The reviewer is drawn into the story by the unusual circumstances of Vanessa Giddings' death. The idea that a successful and confident woman would commit suicide in a shoe department is questioned, and the reviewer enjoys the mystery that unfolds. The protagonist, Judith Singer, is praised for her investigative skills and the author's wit and observations are highlighted as key strengths of the book. The reviewer also appreciates the romantic elements and the surprises that come with the investigation.

Quick quotes

    So, Vanessa Giddings took round about thirty Xanax pills, got her manicured -, pedicured -, presumably botoxed -, boob-jobbed -, and liposucked self into Bloomingdales and just died among her favorite Prada and Gucci delights. The Panache mogul had enough, said her suicide note.

    Not so, thought her acquaintance-cum-friend and neighbor, Judith Singer, a history professor and amateur detective.

    ....why in God’s name would she choose to die in Bloomingdale’s? Why would she be buying shoes in the final moments of her life?

literal.club · Unknown · 2025-10-23
engaging 4.50

The book features Judith Singer, a former housewife and current widow, who investigates the mysterious death of her neighbor Vanessa Giddings. The story is filled with wit, sharp observations, and a riveting mystery that keeps readers engaged. Judith's investigation reveals more about Vanessa's life and the surprises she encounters along the way.

In 'Compliments of a Friend,' Susan Isaacs brings back the beloved character Judith Singer from 'Compromising Positions.' The story revolves around Judith's investigation into the death of her neighbor, Vanessa Giddings, a successful and confident woman who dies under mysterious circumstances. Judith, unable to accept the official ruling of suicide, delves into Vanessa's life, uncovering secrets and surprises. The narrative is rich with Isaacs' signature wit and sharp observations of contemporary life, making it a compelling read. As Judith follows the gossip and trusts her instincts, she uncovers more about Vanessa's vulnerabilities and the complexities of her life. The book also includes a romantic twist, adding depth to the story. Overall, it's a captivating mystery that keeps readers engaged until the very end.

Quick quotes

    Judith Singer, former housewife, current widow, and local history professor, decides to investigate.

    She cannot believe the official ruling: that her wildly successful, confident, and iron-willed neighbor committed suicide with a drug overdose.

    Judith encounters more than a few surprises (including a big romantic one) as she investigates the death — and the life — of the misjudged mogul who turned out to have been more vulnerable than anyone guessed.

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