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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.