Review: For Better and Worse by Margot Hunt

Title: For Better and Worse by Margot Hunt
Publisher: MIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

On their first date back in law school, Natalie and Will Clarke bonded over drinks, dinner and whether they could get away with murder. Now married, they’ll put the latter to the test when an unchecked danger in their community places their son in jeopardy. Working as a criminal defense attorney, Nat refuses to rely on the broken legal system to keep her family safe. She knows that if you want justice…you have to get it yourself.

Shocked to discover Nat’s taken matters into her own hands, Will has no choice but to dirty his, also. His family is in way too deep to back down now. He’s just not sure he recognizes the woman he married. Nat’s always been fiercely protective, but never this ruthless or calculating. With the police poking holes in their airtight plan, what will be the first to fall apart: their scandalous secret—or their marriage?

Review:

For Better and Worse by Margot Hunt is a clever domestic mystery.

Natalie Clarke and her husband Will met in law school, married and are now the doting parents of their eleven year old son, Charlie. Natalie is a criminal defense attorney whose über organization keeps their lives running smoothly although some of her methods irritate Will. Natalie is suspicious that Will’s sudden fitness regimen, late nights at work and attachment to his phone indicate he is having an affair. Unwilling to examine her concerns too closely, she is content to continue coasting along in their lackluster marriage. Her worries about her husband are soon eclipsed by the shocking news that their one time friend and current school principal Robert Gibbons is under police investigation. Natalie quickly discovers this case hits very close to home and in an effort to protect her loved ones, she devises a plan to dispense her own brand of justice. Will is stunned by her suggestion but when Natalie’s scheme takes an unexpected turn, can she count on her husband to help her finish what she has begun?

While Natalie is surprisingly ambivalent about her marriage, she is devoted to Charlie.  She fully believes in the justice system and as a defense attorney, she is fully aware of how ruthless the defense can be.  After learning devastating information, Natalie is fully committed to her plan and she is calm, cool and calculating as she puts it into motion. Natalie runs into a few snags along the way but she does not let them sway her from her decision.

Will is an estate attorney and while not completely ignorant of the legal process, it is definitely not his area of expertise. The complete opposite of Natalie, he is rather laid back and complacent. Will adores Charlie and he is the “fun” parent since he leaves the day to day parenting to Natalie. Will is as distressed as Natalie when he learns of the shocking revelation but his response is not all what she expects.

Natalie comes up with what she believes to be the perfect plan but she must put it in motion before she can plan for unexpected contingencies. When problems arise, she comes up with solutions quickly, but some of the issues are too much for her to handle on her own.  Will is the only person who can help her but will he agree to follow through with her plan?

For Better and Worse is a riveting novel that is not a conventional mystery but is still quite suspenseful. Natalie is an intelligent woman but she makes some very ill-thought out decisions. Will is a bit spineless and while neither he nor Natalie are particularly likable, it is difficult to feel much sympathy for him. The storyline is somewhat improbable but it is easy to suspend disbelief and enjoy the tension-filled ride. Margot Hunt ends the novel with a twist that is not completely unexpected. All in all, an entertaining and engaging read that I enjoyed and recommend to fans of the genre.