For all that I say below, I did like this and will definitely be reading the sequel. It's more 3.5 than 3.
The fact that the MC was named Prairie Nightingale encapsulates my issues with Homemaker.
I’m a SAHM and cannot figure out what keeps her “very busy” since she seems to have outsourced all of her former tasks. Which, good for her, but her main function seems to mostly be adding a layer of bureaucracy to the 724 Project.
As to the mystery, it’s exactly who you think. I do appreciate that Prairie's insights from living the mom life provide extra perspective to an investigation being run by men, but missing wealthy white women aren’t exactly an ignored population. I like that Emma calls her out on that.
Finally, it took a little bit to get into the book because it felt like I stepped into book 2 rather than book one of a series. The fact that the women in her circle cut her out for exposing a serial sexual abuser seems odd. Yes, the abuser’s wife had been part of that circle, but it doesn’t make sense that everyone would take her side since she’d been helping her coverup her husband’s crimes.
Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

If you are looking for a new cozy series this is a perfect choice. The mystery highlights how women are often overlooked in their spaces, but also how women can help find the answers. I love the relationships and look forward to more interactions with this fun group of people.

I’m a big fan of Ruthie Knox and Annie Mare, who write separately and together (sometimes using their names, as with this book, and other times writing under the name Mae Marvel). I admit freely that I’m not a romance fan, but Ruthie and Annie drew me in with their smart, witty writing, interesting characters and story arcs that avoid stereotypes. The same holds true for Homemaker, which I’m excited to see is one of an upcoming series.

The authors put forward our protagonist’s character right away, establishing her as a nosy parent who wants to be a part of the gossip and is able to get to the crux of most neighborhood intrigue thanks to her wit, smarts, and skill at using what she calls the “story lie.” Today, however, the gossip among parents letting their children off at school has a more serious tone: one of the neighborhood moms is missing. Her empty van has been found but there is no other trace of her.

Of course, Prairie springs into action, using story lies and her network of mom connections to dig deeper into the story. In the process, she finds ways to dig deeper into herself, her marriage, and even women’s entrepreneurship. I also need to mention that the book is set in Ruthie and Annie’s hometown of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and offers several fun Easter eggs for those of us who live here (no Packer references, though, I promise).

I’m very much looking forward to more installments in the Prairie Nightingale story! Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for my honest review,