Mary Kay Andrews: A Southern Beach Read Queen
Mary Kay Andrews is the pen name of Kathy Hogan Trocheck. Kathy is a former reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and covered the real-life murder trials that would later be depicted in the book and movie titled Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. She wrote under her given name from 1992-2000. Her Callahan Garrity mystery series consists of 8 wonderful books that are worth checking out. (The first 4 books in the series are expected for reissue March 26, 2013.) In 2002 she started using the name Mary Kay Andrews and begun writing southern themed books. They have a wonderful cast of characters that are larger than life. The plots are full of twists and turns that will keep you wanting more. Kathy and her husband split their time between their bungalow in Atlanta, Georgia and beach house on Tybee Island, Georgia.
Below I will highlight my Top 5 favorite books written by Mary Kay Andrews.
Savannah Blues (2002)
Eloise "Weezie" Foley finds her marriage ending and having to leave her historic townhouse. Living in the backyard carriage house and having to deal with her ex's new fiancee, Weezie hits every garage sale in the area. While she is trying to get her life back together she also finds herself in the middle of murder investigation and even deals with her crazy relatives. Will she find happiness or just yard sale treasures?
Savannah Breeze (2006)
The sequel to "Savannah Blues" finds Weezie Foley's best friend, BeBe Loudermilk losing everything to a con man named Reddy. All that he has left her is a rundown 1950's motel on Tybee Island, Georgia. Classy BeBe must turn the place around or lose it all. With Weezie and caretaker, Harry's help the motel is soon doing well and full of guests. Just as things settle Reddy is spotted in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Can BeBe and her posse (Weezie, Harry and her granddaddy Loudermilk) get her money back and put Reddy in jail?
Blue Christmas (2006)
The week before Christmas, antiques dealer, Weezie Foley is trying to get her shop ready for the holiday window decorating contest. She wants to beat the owners of a hip and trendy shop around the corner. Just as things start to come together parts of her display start to disappear. Can her crazy family, Elvis himself and a special ornament bring Weezie a Christmas miracle?
Fixer Upper (2009)
Washington lobbyist, Dempsey Jo Killebrew is left almost broke and homeless after her boss is caught in a political scandal. She takes her father's offer to refurbish the old family home, Birdsong in Guthrie, Georgia. Her father promises it will not take long to fix it up and sell it. She would make some money and have a place to stay for awhile. When she arrives she sees a pink Victorian mansion full of problems and junk. The home also comes with a squatting distant relative. The mean old woman isn't going to let Dempsey remove her or fix up the place without a fight. Dempsey also gets to know the crazy towns people including a real estate agent and a cute lawyer/ Will she finish her remodel and leave town or find a new place to call home?
Summer Rental (2011)
Best friends from Catholic school, Ellis, Julia and Dorie are all making big changes to their lives. Ellis is fired and is questioning the choices she has made in the last decade. Julia is dealing with issues about herself and possibly chasing away a great man. Dorie is dealing with the pain of a cheating husband and secrets she is not ready to reveal. At the Outer Banks North Carolina beach house landlord, Ty Bazemore is trying to get some guests in the hopes that he doesn't lose the beach house. Also, Maryn Shackleford is looking for a place to hide. Will these five people find the answer to their problems during a month long vacation?
The remaining 4 novels by Mary Kay Andrews are:
- Little Bitty Lies (2003)
- Hissy Fit (2004)
- Deep Dish (2008)
- Spring Fever (2012)
The newest release from this amazing author, Ladies Night, will be released June 4, 2013.
I selected my Top 5 favorites to share with you in the hopes that you be enjoying these wonderful reads. Please check out Mary Kay Andrews other great reads and even her mystery collection under her given name. These are all books that will make you smile, laugh and want to read more.
