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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
4.5 stars. Filled with smart characters, this book is a charmer focusing on the disappearance of a mom. Prairie, another mom who has a keen eye for detail, starts to follow some leads and ultimately helps law enforcement. It helps that there is a romantic interest for her and that the supporting cast is well thought out and realistic.
mysterious
slow-paced
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Homemaker by Ruthie Knox and Annie Mare is a solid, mid-paced cozy mystery with a witty protagonist, neighborhood secrets, and just enough suspense to keep the pages turning. Prairie Nightingale—yes, that's her real name—is a divorced mom-turned-amateur sleuth who takes it upon herself to investigate the sudden disappearance of a former friend, Lisa Radcliffe, queen of a shady athleisure MLM (a clear nod to the infamous buttery soft leggings company).
There are fun moments—Prairie is nosy in the best way, curious and determined, and her obsession with patterns (in both homemaking and people) gives her a unique investigative edge. The inclusion of the MLM world, mom circles, and a disgraced doctor adds social commentary and depth to the mystery.
That said, Prairie sometimes veers into irritating territory, and while she has heart, her self-righteousness can wear thin. Also, must there always be a love interest in these kinds of books? FBI Agent Foster Rosemare is fine, but I could have done without it, and would love to have a mystery that doesn’t always lead to love. Prairie discovering a new purpose post-divorce would’ve been more compelling without the added distraction of square jaws and government suits.
I do plan to read book two as this was a nice palate cleanser.
Thank you Thomas & Mercer for the ARC. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
There are fun moments—Prairie is nosy in the best way, curious and determined, and her obsession with patterns (in both homemaking and people) gives her a unique investigative edge. The inclusion of the MLM world, mom circles, and a disgraced doctor adds social commentary and depth to the mystery.
That said, Prairie sometimes veers into irritating territory, and while she has heart, her self-righteousness can wear thin. Also, must there always be a love interest in these kinds of books? FBI Agent Foster Rosemare is fine, but I could have done without it, and would love to have a mystery that doesn’t always lead to love. Prairie discovering a new purpose post-divorce would’ve been more compelling without the added distraction of square jaws and government suits.
I do plan to read book two as this was a nice palate cleanser.
Thank you Thomas & Mercer for the ARC. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes