Need to Know, written by debut author Karen Cleveland, is a wildly entertaining literary ride. Opening with a jaw-dropping hook, this addictive novel punches the accelerator and never lets up. Ms. Cleveland, a former CIA analyst, uses her expert knowledge to pen realistic, suspenseful, and emotionally intense scenes. Need to Know alternates between the present day and the past through a series of flashbacks. Protagonist Vivian is dealt impossible choices, leading readers to question everything–and continue reading. The plot of this heart-stopping thriller is exceptionally timely, as it centers around Russian sabotage and spycraft. With chapters that end in cliffhangers and a shocking ending, Need to Know is captivating, well-written fiction. Charlize Theron is scheduled to star in the movie adaptation, so get excited and pick up a copy today! 

Review of an Advance Reader Copy

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Random House

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  25 religious exclamations, 2 mild obscenities.

Violence/Gore:  A few verbal and physical threats, including pulling a gun on a character; a secondhand report of violence involves a deadly car crash; a character is struck with a gun handle; in a non-detailed scene of violent death, blood and gore are mentioned regarding characters’ gunshot wounds. 

Sex/Nudity:  A few scenes with kissing, an implied incident of sexual activity; a character mentions a work colleague come “out of the closet”.

Mature Subject Matter:

Death of family members, blackmail, threats, CIA, spies, undercover agents and a “mole”, miscarriage, mention of homosexuality. 

Alcohol / Drug Use:

A person is described as having “one too many” drinks; characters drink wine.