Family Plots: Love, Death & Tax Evasion
by Mary Patrick Kavanaugh
Published by iUniverse, Inc.
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Reviewed by Leslie Granier
Family Plots is an autobiographical novel that recounts Mary Patrick Kavanaugh’s life between the years of 1989-1999. After Mary’s boyfriend leaves her and their young daughter for another woman, she must find steady employment to handle the mounting debt they amassed during their time together. She contacts Dan Patrick, a criminal attorney for whom she worked years ago, for help. As Mary and Dan grow close, she begins to question many things about his life, including the mystery surrounding his brother’s death. As the truth about Dan’s secretive life is revealed, Mary must decide how far she is willing to go to protect him.
Kavanaugh has a seal on the front cover of the book stating it received sixteen rejections. This truly surprises me because I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. My attention was captured in the first chapter with the descriptions of the scenery, detailed so clearly that it made me feel as if I was a firsthand observer. The characters are well-developed and the reader is constantly being given insight into their thoughts and feelings. Although the story revolves around serious topics, Kavanaugh mixes in the right amount of humor to keep it from becoming too deep.
I like how obsessive Dan’s parents are about visiting the family cemetery plot. It seems they rather enjoy having the power to decide with whom they will share eternal life. I also think the author does an excellent job of demonstrating to the reader the secrets that each character is keeping from the others. As the secrets are revealed, the reader will recognize that although people differ vastly from one another, deep down they are more similar than expected.
Family Plots is an excellent book that takes the reader through the highs and lows of Mary and Dan’s lives together. It is entertaining and will leave the reader wanting to see more of Kavanaugh’s work in the near future.
Armchair Interviews says: The author says this is a humorous autobiographical look at her life-but is fictionalized.
Author’s Web site: http://www.MyDreamIsDeadButImNot.com