The Recessionistas

(Grand Central Publishing) This novel opens on the day after Labor Day 2008, as the economy is about to plummet. Hedge fund owner John Cutter is on the verge of financial disaster and in the process of an ugly divorce. When he concocts a scheme to redeem himself, he enlists the help of investment banker Blake Somerset, also on the edge of ruin. Blake’s wife, Grigsby, is unaware of her husband’s tenuous situation until her life starts to unwind. Cutter’s new executive assistant senses something is wrong and tries to get to the bottom of their scheme. Lebenthal is President and CEO of Lebenthal & Co., and its wealth management division, Alexandra & James, Inc.