From FBI agent to Suburban Mom...what can go wrong?

“Takes One to Know One” is a new book by author Susan Isaacs who I admire. Our lead protagonist, Corie, is a former FBI agent with a successful career which she resigned when she married a widowed federal judge with a young child. Her life as a suburban Mom is the definitive description of a bored parent. In an effort to “fit in” to her new lifestyle, she joins a club that meets weekly to discuss their various work endeavors (Corie translates Arabic books). It is at one of these weekly meetings that she meets Pete who always sits in the same seat, stares out the window, and barely participates. The FBI agent training so deeply ingrained in Corie starts to wonder if Pete is hiding something and she can’t resist digging DEEEPLY into his personal life. Pete’s story doesn’t fit, and his strange behavior tells her something if off. This is one of those times where it isn’t good to be right since it lands her in a deep load of danger. Interspersed through the story is an absentee (but loved) husband, a teenage step-daughter who turns a bit argumentative, and a family who is trying to figure out how to help Corie. The story premise is great, and I loved the start of the book. Unfortunately, it bogs down and is a sluggish story that takes devoted perseverance to complete. The characters lacked some depth and I couldn't understand anyone taking such ricks. So much happens at the end of the book but there is simply too much unnecessary stuff in the middle that you might not make it to the end. This book could use a dedicated editor.