Jessica Brody

We’re guessing Jessica Brody’s interest in infidelity might make potential suitors nervous. “I have kind of an obsession with it,” says the author of The Fidelity Files. Brody’s book chronicles the life of Jennifer Hunter, a hired gun for married women who want to find out if their husbands are cheating. But instead of just watching these men, Hunter hits on them, enticing them to cheat.

The book was inspired by Brody’s time in an office job, where company functions and happy hours revealed that some of her co-workers weren’t as loyal as they should be. “They were on the phone going, ‘Oh yeah, I’m going home soon, honey,’ and then they’d hang up and do things that weren’t appropriate,” she says. Brody disagreed with what she saw but knew there was nothing she could do. “I could never call up a total stranger and tell them their husband is cheating on them,” she says.

Many can relate. Although most people would want to know if their guy or gal is cheating, no one wants to be the bearer of bad news. “So, I created this character…She always tells, that’s her thing.” This, of course, isn’t always easy. Aside from having to watch marriage after marriage fall apart after she reveals what she knows, Jennifer also develops a distrust toward all men — something Brody can relate to — or at least could. “I’m in a long-term relationship,” Brody says. “I’d like to think I’ve gotten to a better place now, a more trustful place.” She discusses and signs the book today at 7 p.m. Blue Willow Bookshop, 14532 Memorial. For information, call 281-497-8675 or visit www.blue-willowbookshop.com. Free.
Tue., June 17, 7 p.m., 2008