cover image Nice

Nice

Jen Sacks. St. Martin's Press, $21.95 (208pp) ISBN 978-0-312-19306-5

The antiheroine of Sacks's amusing debut is a 30-year-old New York magazine editor named Grace. She's a grown-up girl who can't say no--to any man who asks her out, or who asks to sleep with her. And because she is so nice, she'd rather kill a man than hurt his feelings by indicating that she doesn't want to see him anymore. Complicating Grace's life is Sam, a Russian hit man with 25 years of experience in the killing field. Sam becomes aware of Grace when he's testing out new eavesdropping equipment; thereafter, his voice alternates with hers. Hooked, he continues to listen in on her life but doesn't meet her until she actually stands up to a man--who refuses to take no for an answer. After disposing of the body, Sam and Grace begin dating, leaving the reader to wonder if (a) a hired killer and an inspired killer can find true love, and (b) if one will end up murdering the other before the curtain falls. Those who don't mind a rather obvious satirical message with their dark humor will recognize Sacks's talent in getting readers to root for Grace as she learns how to be herself and say what she wants. Editor, Jennifer Enderlin; agent, Aaron Priest. (Oct.)