Mary Kay Andrews

This is my first Callahan Garrity mystery, although it is 8th in the series. I was pleasantly surprised by the novel and the grittiness of the investigator.
Callahan, owner of House Mouse, a cleaning service, returns to her old life as an investigator when one of her friends is shot in the head after stopping at a liquor store one night. Callahan wonders if he was part of the Irish ring of criminals. When another cop is killed, Callahan knows that there is something amiss and she and those around her are in danger.
I was really surprised to know that MKA wrote such gritty mysteries. I will probably read more of this series.… (plus d'informations)

This book took me by surprise in the nicest way. I’ll be honest—my cynical side expected sappy, but I was soon immersed in a story of family secrets, infidelity and money troubles.

Traci and her friend Shannon grew up wanting to be a part of the Saint. When they were old enough, they got jobs as lifeguards. However, one awful incident resulted in Shannon being fired. Traci went on to marry the owner’s son and her friendship with Shannon fell apart.

Now years later, Traci is running the saint as a widow and trying to keep the place out of the red. She spends the money to provide free housing to her staff and hires some enthusiastic young women to work for her. One woman just happens to be her niece, Parrish.

Parrish is observant and carries around a small notebook of things she needs to check into. Little does she know how important the notebook will come to be before the summer ends.

I must say I was a bit disappointed at what happened to one of my favorite characters, but the story kept me guessing and I did not think the ending was predictable, except for the romantic connection.

This was one of my favorite reads of the summer. I highly recommend this one to my reader friends.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read a copy. I am happy to give my honest review.… (plus d'informations)

I was pleasantly surprised by this book, as I haven't really enjoyed MKA's previous books. But, this one is her best that I read.
Traci Eddings is head of the resort The Saint, managing it after her beloved husband, Hoke, died in a plane crash. Traci had been a townie, or an "Ain't", and Hoke was heir to the fortune of the Saint. Traci met him while she was working at the resort. One summer years earlier, she and her best friend, Shannon, were lifeguards when a child drowned in the pool. Shannon was fired, and hasn't spoken to Traci since.
Now Traci is trying to keep the resort afloat, while money is hemorrhaging. She begs her niece, Parrish, to help out. Her BIL Ric is not happy, and is conspiring to cheat Traci out of any inheritance when his father dies. Traci also hires Olivia, Shannon's daughter, to help at The Saint.
When a tragedy occurs, Traci tries to solve the crime. She uncovers some sinister activity. The staff gardener helps her.
All in all, a satisfying novel.… (plus d'informations)