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Crazy Like A Fox
Much to her dismay, Margaret Jaffrey is forced to move in with her dead husband's eccentric Southern family so that her nine-year-old son can have a better life, but Margaret soon finds herself drawn to Peter Jaffrey, her husband's cousin. Reissue.
216 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 1989
36 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
Anne Stuart
203 books2,063 followersAnne Stuart is a grandmaster of the genre, winner of Romance Writers of America's prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, survivor of more than thirty-five years in the romance business, and still just keeps getting better.
Her first novel was Barrett's Hill, a gothic romance published by Ballantine in 1974 when Anne had just turned 25. Since then she's written more gothics, regencies, romantic suspense, romantic adventure, series romance, suspense, historical romance, paranormal and mainstream contemporary romance for publishers such as Doubleday, Harlequin, Silhouette, Avon, Zebra, St. Martins Press, Berkley, Dell, Pocket Books and Fawcett.
She’s won numerous awards, appeared on most bestseller lists, and speaks all over the country. Her general outrageousness has gotten her on Entertainment Tonight, as well as in Vogue, People, USA Today, Women’s Day and countless other national newspapers and magazines.
When she’s not traveling, she’s at home in Northern Vermont with her luscious husband of thirty-six years, an empty nest, three cats, four sewing machines, and one Springer Spaniel, and when she’s not working she’s watching movies, listening to rock and roll (preferably Japanese) and spending far too much time quilting.
Anne Stuart also writes as Kristina Douglas.
Her first novel was Barrett's Hill, a gothic romance published by Ballantine in 1974 when Anne had just turned 25. Since then she's written more gothics, regencies, romantic suspense, romantic adventure, series romance, suspense, historical romance, paranormal and mainstream contemporary romance for publishers such as Doubleday, Harlequin, Silhouette, Avon, Zebra, St. Martins Press, Berkley, Dell, Pocket Books and Fawcett.
She’s won numerous awards, appeared on most bestseller lists, and speaks all over the country. Her general outrageousness has gotten her on Entertainment Tonight, as well as in Vogue, People, USA Today, Women’s Day and countless other national newspapers and magazines.
When she’s not traveling, she’s at home in Northern Vermont with her luscious husband of thirty-six years, an empty nest, three cats, four sewing machines, and one Springer Spaniel, and when she’s not working she’s watching movies, listening to rock and roll (preferably Japanese) and spending far too much time quilting.
Anne Stuart also writes as Kristina Douglas.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 25, 2019
Wow, this book was really much better than I thought it would be! It provided a nice combination of intense romance, non-stop suspense, light mystery and humor, all rolled into one.
Fans of Gothic romantic suspense shouldn't miss out on this one!
Fans of Gothic romantic suspense shouldn't miss out on this one!
May 22, 2019
"Crazy Like A Fox" is the story of Margaret and Peter.
I am truly addicted to Anne Stuart books! Another FAB read!
When widowed Margaret Jaffrey finally returns to Delacroix family mansion with her daughter Claire after running out of financial alternatives, she meets her ex husband's eccentric family. Be it a controlling grandmother, a drunk uncle, a hallucinating aunt, a lecherous sister or a "crazy" cousin, everything frightens her..especially the cousin.
Peter Andrew Delacroix Jaffrey has been under "house arrest", ever since he was convicted of murdering and incinerating his wife. A supposed psychotic pyromaniac, he cannot help but be fascinated by his cousin's redhead widow.
But as secrets and lies of the family are revealed, a dangerous love blooms between Margaret and Peter, bordering on obsession. And soon Margaret realizes that the devil in disguise is not what he seems at all..
Fascinating plot, likable characters, sizzling chemistry and a revealing ending. Keeps you hooked from page one, all the way to the end, and you can't help root for the MCs.
Loved it!
Safe
4.25/5
I am truly addicted to Anne Stuart books! Another FAB read!
When widowed Margaret Jaffrey finally returns to Delacroix family mansion with her daughter Claire after running out of financial alternatives, she meets her ex husband's eccentric family. Be it a controlling grandmother, a drunk uncle, a hallucinating aunt, a lecherous sister or a "crazy" cousin, everything frightens her..especially the cousin.
Peter Andrew Delacroix Jaffrey has been under "house arrest", ever since he was convicted of murdering and incinerating his wife. A supposed psychotic pyromaniac, he cannot help but be fascinated by his cousin's redhead widow.
But as secrets and lies of the family are revealed, a dangerous love blooms between Margaret and Peter, bordering on obsession. And soon Margaret realizes that the devil in disguise is not what he seems at all..
Fascinating plot, likable characters, sizzling chemistry and a revealing ending. Keeps you hooked from page one, all the way to the end, and you can't help root for the MCs.
Loved it!
Safe
4.25/5
August 27, 2017
3.5 stars
April 22, 2019
Crazy Like a Fox by Anne Stuart begins when Margaret O’Rourke Jaffrey, with her nine year old daughter Carrie in tow, finally makes her way to her deceased husband’s family in order to recoup and find her footing once again. Having had a less than stellar marriage with Carrie’s father Dexter, it was the last thing that Margaret wanted; to finally admit defeat and seek the help of the Delacroix family.
In the midst of the Delacroix family, Margaret finds the mysterious Peter Andrew Delacroix Jaffrey, the Delacroix who by all accounts is a lunatic, looking for a reason to go off the hinges at any moment’s notice. Margaret cannot explain why she is drawn to Peter, why she finds him fascinating when she rightfully shouldn’t, and at the same time has distrust for him running through her veins.
Peter has been in a jail of his family’s and his own making ever since the events surrounding the death of his former wife. A man who had everything he could have desired, Peter’s downfall had come from his marriage to a woman who had wanted more. Along with her death, the blame of which had fallen squarely on him, Peter had found himself biding his time, waiting for his cousin Wendell to prove his innocence, sort of lost in the midst of the sea upon which he had been tossed adrift. That is until Margaret walks into the family home and makes him want again.
Crazy Like a Fox sounds like a title that would deliver a humor-filled read. While the book has its witty moments (it is Anne Stuart after all with her acerbic wit), the book delves into two characters who have been lost for a long while. Margaret had made the mistake of marrying a man who had wanted the next high that gambling would bring his way, a wayward character if ever there was any, leaving both herself and Carrie destitute when he had left this world.
Peter is the character that is truly intriguing, Anne Stuart’s masterful creativity bringing forth a someone you cannot figure out at first. Peter is a character that is revealed to readers in layers, his story emerging in bits and pieces that makes the story that much more intriguing. I loved the unveiling of his character as much as I loved the connection forged between the two lost souls himself and Margaret are, and the resolution to a mystery that had been a miscarriage of justice right from the start.
Anne Stuart’s intelligent heroes & equally witty heroines always reel you into the story without fail. An innocent man doubts his own sanity while the madman responsible for it all lives among them, waiting and biding his time. The wildcard that changes it all proves to be Margaret and her daughter Carrie, infusing Peter’s life with the vitality and vigor it had been lacking since a long while back. Loved the awakening, the connection, and the happily ever after.
Definitely recommended.
Final Verdict: Anne Stuart’s books age so finely that you don’t even remember how long ago the book was written, because each word inexorably woven with the other presents readers with sheer magic.
Rating = 4.25/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit www.maldivianbookreviewer.com
In the midst of the Delacroix family, Margaret finds the mysterious Peter Andrew Delacroix Jaffrey, the Delacroix who by all accounts is a lunatic, looking for a reason to go off the hinges at any moment’s notice. Margaret cannot explain why she is drawn to Peter, why she finds him fascinating when she rightfully shouldn’t, and at the same time has distrust for him running through her veins.
Peter has been in a jail of his family’s and his own making ever since the events surrounding the death of his former wife. A man who had everything he could have desired, Peter’s downfall had come from his marriage to a woman who had wanted more. Along with her death, the blame of which had fallen squarely on him, Peter had found himself biding his time, waiting for his cousin Wendell to prove his innocence, sort of lost in the midst of the sea upon which he had been tossed adrift. That is until Margaret walks into the family home and makes him want again.
Crazy Like a Fox sounds like a title that would deliver a humor-filled read. While the book has its witty moments (it is Anne Stuart after all with her acerbic wit), the book delves into two characters who have been lost for a long while. Margaret had made the mistake of marrying a man who had wanted the next high that gambling would bring his way, a wayward character if ever there was any, leaving both herself and Carrie destitute when he had left this world.
Peter is the character that is truly intriguing, Anne Stuart’s masterful creativity bringing forth a someone you cannot figure out at first. Peter is a character that is revealed to readers in layers, his story emerging in bits and pieces that makes the story that much more intriguing. I loved the unveiling of his character as much as I loved the connection forged between the two lost souls himself and Margaret are, and the resolution to a mystery that had been a miscarriage of justice right from the start.
Anne Stuart’s intelligent heroes & equally witty heroines always reel you into the story without fail. An innocent man doubts his own sanity while the madman responsible for it all lives among them, waiting and biding his time. The wildcard that changes it all proves to be Margaret and her daughter Carrie, infusing Peter’s life with the vitality and vigor it had been lacking since a long while back. Loved the awakening, the connection, and the happily ever after.
Definitely recommended.
Final Verdict: Anne Stuart’s books age so finely that you don’t even remember how long ago the book was written, because each word inexorably woven with the other presents readers with sheer magic.
Rating = 4.25/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit www.maldivianbookreviewer.com
February 7, 2008
I’m still rediscovering some of Anne Stuart’s older books and this time I read “Crazy Like a Fox”.
Residing in the attic of the Delacroix family mansion, Peter Andrew Delacroix Jaffrey exerted a powerful fascination on his cousin’s widow.
Margaret Jaffrey had been warned not to trust Peter, that his sad smile hid a dangerous past.
But Margaret had to learn the truth for herself. Was it reckless fantasy that dreamed she could have what was hopelessly out of reach?
Or love’s intuition that drew her to the flame of desire in Peter’s compelling green eyes?
Margaret Jaffrey goes to her late husband’s family for help after she and her daughter find themselves with no money and no home.
The family has some very strange members including a confessed murderer who lives in the attic.
Margaret and Peter feel very attracted to each other but she fears his insanity and possible violent behaviour. We soon find out that the truth is not what it seems…
I quite liked the fact that the action is mostly focused on the two main characters and how they react to their attraction in an emotionally charged atmosphere with many secrets and lies. We are gradually made aware of Peter’s situation and what he went through and it’s given more emphasis to the said gothic atmosphere than to the mystery. Although the mystery could have been an important part of story it’s like the author decided to keep Margaret with her doubts and fears almost till the end.
I really liked it. Stuart is one of the few authors that in my opinion can write really good series stories, meaning shorter but still interesting and multi dimensional plots and characters. A B.
Residing in the attic of the Delacroix family mansion, Peter Andrew Delacroix Jaffrey exerted a powerful fascination on his cousin’s widow.
Margaret Jaffrey had been warned not to trust Peter, that his sad smile hid a dangerous past.
But Margaret had to learn the truth for herself. Was it reckless fantasy that dreamed she could have what was hopelessly out of reach?
Or love’s intuition that drew her to the flame of desire in Peter’s compelling green eyes?
Margaret Jaffrey goes to her late husband’s family for help after she and her daughter find themselves with no money and no home.
The family has some very strange members including a confessed murderer who lives in the attic.
Margaret and Peter feel very attracted to each other but she fears his insanity and possible violent behaviour. We soon find out that the truth is not what it seems…
I quite liked the fact that the action is mostly focused on the two main characters and how they react to their attraction in an emotionally charged atmosphere with many secrets and lies. We are gradually made aware of Peter’s situation and what he went through and it’s given more emphasis to the said gothic atmosphere than to the mystery. Although the mystery could have been an important part of story it’s like the author decided to keep Margaret with her doubts and fears almost till the end.
I really liked it. Stuart is one of the few authors that in my opinion can write really good series stories, meaning shorter but still interesting and multi dimensional plots and characters. A B.
July 12, 2018
3.5 stars
Hmm. I found myself wondering near the beginning what sorts of jobs the h was applying for. Supposedly she was working on her graduate studies in reproductive biology when she found herself widowed and having to drop out. I would think at the state of desperation she seemed to be, she'd look at waitressing jobs at diners or something. Instead, she's living out of her car, with a 9 year old daughter, and broke.
Then there's the motel - what sort can you get where you could stay in for $30-40 bucks? Granted, this book was written in 1990.
So she contacts her late husband's grandmother, and ends up in Louisiana where she finds herself pursued by one cousin, falling for another... and supposedly that one is a homicidal maniac...
Except that the homicidal maniac isn't, and the dullard lawyer cousin...is mentally disturbed and nobody knows. Weird. Because usually there's some sign somewhere...
Of course everyone figures all this out at the end when mild mannered lawyer tries to kill her - after calling the police - to set up a scene so his cousin will be incarcerated or executed. Grandmere asks him why he tried to kill his cousin...and he confesses to it all.
Heroine - justifiably anxious to escape. Too bad the mild mannered lawyer's grabbiness didn't make her wary of him. She continued being wary of the wrong one.
Hero - well, I guess being locked in the attic - sortof - beats being executed. Fortunately, his cousin's confession exonerated him, otherwise there would be no romance.
Hmm. I found myself wondering near the beginning what sorts of jobs the h was applying for. Supposedly she was working on her graduate studies in reproductive biology when she found herself widowed and having to drop out. I would think at the state of desperation she seemed to be, she'd look at waitressing jobs at diners or something. Instead, she's living out of her car, with a 9 year old daughter, and broke.
Then there's the motel - what sort can you get where you could stay in for $30-40 bucks? Granted, this book was written in 1990.
So she contacts her late husband's grandmother, and ends up in Louisiana where she finds herself pursued by one cousin, falling for another... and supposedly that one is a homicidal maniac...
Except that the homicidal maniac isn't, and the dullard lawyer cousin...is mentally disturbed and nobody knows. Weird. Because usually there's some sign somewhere...
Of course everyone figures all this out at the end when mild mannered lawyer tries to kill her - after calling the police - to set up a scene so his cousin will be incarcerated or executed. Grandmere asks him why he tried to kill his cousin...and he confesses to it all.
Heroine - justifiably anxious to escape. Too bad the mild mannered lawyer's grabbiness didn't make her wary of him. She continued being wary of the wrong one.
Hero - well, I guess being locked in the attic - sortof - beats being executed. Fortunately, his cousin's confession exonerated him, otherwise there would be no romance.
July 21, 2022
Good Book
An excellent mystery of who done it. Margaret, a widow with no resources goes to live with her husband’s strange family. There is a crazy man in the attic who admits to killing his wife, an aging grand mother, her sister and three cousins. It is very funny in some parts and very terrifying in others. Very enjoyable read.
An excellent mystery of who done it. Margaret, a widow with no resources goes to live with her husband’s strange family. There is a crazy man in the attic who admits to killing his wife, an aging grand mother, her sister and three cousins. It is very funny in some parts and very terrifying in others. Very enjoyable read.
April 30, 2023
The southern way
Hot steamy nights,Thunder and lightning ,Family secrets All the elements of a classic southern gothic novel Periodic.I did not want this book to end it was so riveting.
Hot steamy nights,Thunder and lightning ,Family secrets All the elements of a classic southern gothic novel Periodic.I did not want this book to end it was so riveting.
May 13, 2023
This contemporary gothic was a backlist book I believe the author republished—I realized when the date was 2015 but someone used an electric typed writer 😂 but it was a good read and I always like Anne Stuart.
September 10, 2021
Pretty fun little mystery. Loved it.
February 10, 2024
This is another Anne Stuart great books with interesting characters and a good storyline. Enjoy!
April 10, 2024
The Kindle edition I read had quite a few spelling errors. The characters were likeable but over all the story was predictable.
June 30, 2024
Inspirational romance.
August 28, 2024
Great story . Loved it.
August 27, 2024
❤️🔥La primera vez que leí esta novela fue el año 2009; otra época, una década antes, y en ese entonces esta historia ya era antigua. La recordaba como mi novela romántica favorita, ahora, la leí con el temor de que hubiera "envejecido mal". Afortunadamente, no fue así. ❤️🔥Me volvió a enganchar desde la página uno, los personajes están muy bien desarrollados, y los diálogos tienen chispa. Algo que una no espera encontrar en un librito de menos de trescientas páginas, comprado en calle San Antonio a mil quinientos pesos 😅. Por ello, me siento afortunada. Amaría poder leer más de esta autora pero se me ha hecho difícil encontrar más de su trabajo.
❤️🔥Opinión: Recomendadísima.
« —Cariño, este sitio es para las personas sin hogar —miró a su alrededor— Para esta gente tan pobre
—Mamá —dijo Carrie—, nosotros somos personas sin hogar».
❤️🔥Opinión: Recomendadísima.
« —Cariño, este sitio es para las personas sin hogar —miró a su alrededor— Para esta gente tan pobre
—Mamá —dijo Carrie—, nosotros somos personas sin hogar».
January 9, 2013
I adore Anne Stuart's heroes, especially the slightly crazy ones. (Even if they're faking it.) The heroine was bit annoying, though, in particular with her continued running from and distrust of the hero. Yes, she has a daughter to take care of, but as a reader, it's rather frustrating if the heroine still can't trust the hero even near the very end of the book. This might be influenced by the fact that I know the hero's wonderful, since I can see his thoughts, but it was still annoying.
The villain was pretty obvious, since there was really only one person who it could be. I did wonder at what his motives were, although in the end it wasn't quite concluded to my satisfaction. He just went vague and... That was it?
But overall I definitely enjoyed this book.
The villain was pretty obvious, since there was really only one person who it could be. I did wonder at what his motives were, although in the end it wasn't quite concluded to my satisfaction. He just went vague and... That was it?
But overall I definitely enjoyed this book.
November 20, 2014
Whenever I read an Anne Stuart book, I hope for insanity and with a title of "Crazy Like A Fox," I couldn't resist.
The setup was interesting. A young widow is facing homelessness with her nine-year-old daughter and turns to the only place she can: Her bastard husband's neurotic family.
But to be honest, this book just wasn't quirky enough for me (but they can't all be Hand In Glove). The most disturbing thing in the book was the social acceptance of kissing cousins. Um, gross. This book takes place in the South, but I think romance between cousins (even in the 80s) was gone with the wind a looong time ago.
So, while this was a good book, it doesn't go in the Anne Stuart Greatness category.
The setup was interesting. A young widow is facing homelessness with her nine-year-old daughter and turns to the only place she can: Her bastard husband's neurotic family.
But to be honest, this book just wasn't quirky enough for me (but they can't all be Hand In Glove). The most disturbing thing in the book was the social acceptance of kissing cousins. Um, gross. This book takes place in the South, but I think romance between cousins (even in the 80s) was gone with the wind a looong time ago.
So, while this was a good book, it doesn't go in the Anne Stuart Greatness category.
December 19, 2012
Oh, this is one of the earlier books I have read. Anne Stuart is just a splendid author. love her works and this is no exception..
I don't know what draws me to this story. The mystery and suspense you you on edge till the end. Both the leads Peter and Margaret are well written.
Peter was just amazing, unpredictable, crazy, intelligent and hot.. He also scared the Shit out of me with his unpredictable nature.
I liked them both and especially the time they spent in New Orleans street celebrating Mardi Gras and also the tomb scene.
beautiful story and in the end you don't want it to end. you are wanting more. I for one enjoyed the book.. all likable characters.
crazy family.. huh?
I don't know what draws me to this story. The mystery and suspense you you on edge till the end. Both the leads Peter and Margaret are well written.
Peter was just amazing, unpredictable, crazy, intelligent and hot.. He also scared the Shit out of me with his unpredictable nature.
I liked them both and especially the time they spent in New Orleans street celebrating Mardi Gras and also the tomb scene.
beautiful story and in the end you don't want it to end. you are wanting more. I for one enjoyed the book.. all likable characters.
crazy family.. huh?
December 26, 2019
This was a complete load of old cobblers. It’s a novel relies on the audience being prepared to pack up all their actual knowledge about mental illness and the law along with their common-sense, stuff it into a paper-box marked “Ignore” and hide it in the attic with the madman for the duration of the novel. It is preposterous, repetitive, the main plot points are utterly predictable... but you have to admire the author’s cheerful dedication to the absurd. Two stars for her decision to write a book where the hero is a murderous mad man locked in an attic, facing the silliness of the premise head on and never blinking.
September 25, 2009
Modern
October 9, 2015
A very different and a refreshing story..!!!
Loved it :)
Loved it :)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews