Richard Murphy (1) (1966–)

In this improbable, but fairly entertaining story (although before becoming a screenwriter and novelist the author was a carpenter in Los Angeles, so who knows?) we meet handsome Henry Sullivan who specializes in uber-house renovation for the rich and unsatisfied in Los Angeles. The first bit of advice he gives the reader is to never sleep with your contractor, a rule that Henry doesn’t seem to adhere to particularly well. As we meet Henry he is just finishing a remodel for smooth and sultry Sally and just starting a major overhaul for sensitive and unhappily married Rebecca. When Henry discovers that these two formerly close friends haven’t spoken in many years he feels compelled to find out why in the contractor-as-psychologist theory of rennovation. There’s lots of decorating tidbits for those who are into exotic wood and tile, a sickly cat that brings out Henry’s humanitarian side, an illegal alien rescue effort, a sexual tension that mostly stays clean, and it all wraps up right on deadline – probably a first for any construction project. There’s definitely some fun dialog even if the overall story seems a bit far-fetched.… (more)

Confessions of a Contractor is the debut novel from Richard Murphy just released last month from Penguin.

I must admit that my initial impression from the cover shot was that 'Contractor' would be a sexual romp through the desperate housewives of Renovation Lane. I was pleasantly surprised to be proven wrong. Yes there is sex, but that's not the main thrust of the book.

Henry is a contractor to the wealthy of Los Angeles. For the most part, he dodges landmines as some of his wealthy women clients do have more than renovations in mind. Henry acts as a sounding board, a shoulder to cry on and reads his clients well. In fact he states that:

"The first thing a woman needs to know about renovating a house or apartment is simple: do not, under any circumstance, sleep with your contractor, no matter what your husband or boyfriend is doing to you or not doing to you"

But one summer he takes on two houses at the same time and falls in love with both women owners. The ensuing story is about love and friendship told with a healthy dose of humour. The supporting characters are well drawn and believable. His friend Bill steals the show when they are together.

Murphy himself worked in the renovation field before working as a screenwriter. 'Contractor' is told in the first person and is filled with lots of advice and humorous situations that have to be the product of experience. It is a fun,enjoyable read that went deeper than the cover predicted.… (more)