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Shocked by the announcement at a Wall Street firm that federal agents have arrested Bernie Madoff for securities fraud, money manager Liz Nabor is also taken aback when her boss asks her to use unethical practices to procure a takeover during this troublesome period. Concurrently, Liz gets word that her estranged Aunt Eddie in Washington is dying and requests her presence. A tumultuous chain of events occur while Liz is on the west coast waiting for her aunt's impending death—one of which is that the Feds are investigating her affiliation with a swindling investor. Liz's aunt claims that she has written down vital information that could help Liz prove her innocence. The real problem is whether or not Liz can find her aunt's journal before she lands in prison.
Award-winning author Nadine Feldman brings to life an uncomfortable portion of recent U.S. history in her latest novel. Using Bernie Madoff's Ponzi scheme as a springboard, Feldman's third person narrative centers on Liz, a woman whose confidence and career are shaken by the rude realization that she has been hoodwinked. Feldman tactfully weaves in factual information associated with Madoff's arrest and prison sentence, while delving into Liz's background and love life. Key to Feldman's plot is the tension set between Liz and Aunt Eddie and her aunt's past, which is shrouded in mystery. Feldman's tight and well-established cast covers a wide range of personas. Although there are distinctly good and bad classifications, many of her characters are a mix of both, which creates a hefty handful of red herrings. Feldman keeps her plot alive and fluid by combining the above-mentioned literary tools with un-clichéd character scenes. What She Knew is a wonderful balance of a human-interest tale, romance, and history—all wrapped up in a riveting thriller.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review