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