[Review] The Homewreckers - Mary Kay Andrews

 

Summary: Hattie Kavanaugh went to work restoring homes for Kavanaugh & Son Restorations at eighteen, married the boss’s son at twenty, and became a widow at twenty-five. Now, she’s passionate about her work, but that’s the only passion in her life. “Never love something that can’t love you back,” is advice her father-in-law gives her, but Hattie doesn’t follow it and falls head-over-heels for a money pit of a house. She’s determined to make it work, but disaster after disaster occurs, and Hattie’s dream might cost Kavanaugh & Son their livelihood. Hattie needs money, and fast.

When a slick Hollywood producer shows up in her hometown of Savannah, Georgia, she gets a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: star in a beach house renovation reality show called The Homewreckers, cast against a male lead who may be a love interest, or may be the ultimate antagonist. Soon, there’s more at stake than bad pipes and dry rot: during the demolition, evidence comes to light that points to the mysterious disappearance of a young wife and mother years before.

With a burned out detective investigating the case, an arsonist on the loose, two men playing with her emotions, and layers upon layers of vintage wallpaper causing havoc, it's a question of who will flip, who will flop, and if Hattie will ever get her happily-ever-after. (Pub Date: May 03 2022)

 

I like how Mary Kay Andrews can mix a rom-com with a good and mysterious murder. This time, she has brought us to the world of reality shows. Young widow Hattie just made a very bad business decision and accepting to take part of one while she flips a historic house seems the only way out. But things keep turning up as she tries to do that. 

3.5 rounded up.

This was an exciting reading. As usual for Andrews's books, the mystery does keep you guessing, but the atmosphere itself is fun—well, despite the skeletons you may find in the way. 

The book was a perfect summer release and just what you'd want if you've read any of her previous books. If you're not familiar, do treat this as a romance book with the plus of a crime to be solved. I don't recommend it to anyone who would twist their noses to romances, even if the mystery part gets much more attention here than in your usual rom-com. To me, it's the perfect mixture.

Honest review based on an ARC provided by Netgalley. Many thanks to the publisher for this opportunity.

Rating: 4 out of 5.