Where I share my love of books with reviews, features, giveaways and memes. Family and needlepoint are thrown in from time to time.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Family Plots by Mary Patrick Kavanaugh (Book Review)


Title: Family Plots: Love, Death & Tax Evasion
Author: Mary Patrick Kavanaugh

Publisher: iUniverse

First Sentence: The day was unusually hot and clear.

My synopsis: This is a somewhat autobiographical novel - the author has even said taken some liberties for "dramatic impact" - she calls it Pulp Faction. The novel opens Oct 17, 1989 - the day of the big California earthquake where the bridge collapsed. I was living in San Diego at the time so I remember this day! Anyway, Mary is a young mother living with her little girl Rachel's, daddy. I won't call him her boyfriend as he seems to be a loser and has just admitted to infidelity.

Well, Mary decides to turn her life around, cutting out some bad habits and trying constructively to get a job. During this search she contacts an ex-employer, Dan, and ends up with more than a job. A relationship develops and he seems to be the answer to all of Mary's problems. Because of her own dysfunctional upbringing, she thinks that a stable relationship is the answer. Dan seems to be able to provide that for her. Unfortunately in her rush for "stable" she overlooks suspicious activity on Dan's part - tinfoil on his windows, shady business associates, always paying in cash. What would you overlook to have what you think you desire?

My review: According to the "award" on the front of this book - as well as information from Mary Kavanaugh's guest post, this book was rejected 16 times from NYC publishers. I am not sure why. I thought the book read very well, was very entertaining in a dark sort of way, and I would definitely recommend it. If you have the chance to pick this one up - do so!

Family Plots: Love, Death & Tax Evasion
Publisher/Publication Date: iUniverse, Oct 2008
ISBN: 978-1-4401-0466-4
300 pages


3 comments:

Natalie W said...

Sounds like an interesting read. Adding to my list!

bermudaonion said...

16 rejections probably isn't that bad for a first novel. Glad you enjoyed it.

Sheila Deeth said...

Seems like any new writer gets lots of rejections. Your review and her success encourages me to keep trying. And the book sounds fascinating. Thanks for the introduction.

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