Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The House That Crack Built (The Cartel Publications Presents)

Rate this book
Miss this book at your own expense! When a mysterious broken down van shows up in front of the Hartwell’s apartment building in Washington DC, they have no idea that a vicious crime inside would steer them on an emotional, violent, heart wrenching journey that would damage their family forever. And then there’s Amina Hartwell, a selfish, sneaky and irresponsible teenager who when forced away from her friends, and carted off to another city, acts out in ways that rock her world. Her antics cause more problems than a little for Pam, her emotionally overworked mother who is struggling to keep their heads above water financially and mentally. After living in a motel for weeks, and finding a half burned home in the gritty streets of Baltimore, Pam has no idea that they have inherited the souls, secrets and drama the dilapidated house holds. But she’ll soon find out in the most unimaginable ways.

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 18, 2017

41 people are currently reading
54 people want to read

About the author

Kim Medina

4 books9 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
60 (57%)
4 stars
27 (25%)
3 stars
14 (13%)
2 stars
2 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Denise Gilliam.
715 reviews21 followers
September 26, 2017
This book was really good. This family went through a lot of crisis but they still managed to keep it together. It had so really sad parts and some good parts. Let’s just say Amina and Russo had a crazy relationship. The ending I never expected can’t wait to see what happens in part two. Great job Kim Medina.
Profile Image for *~CONN!3~.
208 reviews
September 21, 2017
Not bad.

I give this read 3 stars. This family had it ups and downs, pain & sorrows, new discoveries of growth and love lost...but chaos seems to find it's place within their walls at every turn.
Profile Image for Dee Cherry.
2,945 reviews68 followers
September 23, 2017
This family had it's share of trouble. They held it together the best they could. I was glad Tameka met Reggie. Russo & Reggie were good for the girls. Storyline held my attention
Profile Image for Sharon Thompson-Lloyd.
673 reviews17 followers
January 2, 2018
Very good book

I thought I had already read this book, but once I started reading it, I was mesmerized. I really felt for Amina and her family, and was very happy to see it all work out in the end. Now on to book #2. If you haven't read this I strongly suggest you do.
Profile Image for Ruth Mills.
3 reviews1 follower
December 31, 2017
Page turner

Once again another banger from the cartel publications. About to down load the next one for. Do yourselves a favor and get into it
Profile Image for Lady Benson.
59 reviews
December 12, 2017
A exciting page turner....

I really enjoy reading this book and I tried to overlook several typo’s and words use incorrectly, but PLEASE make your editor do his or her job! However, I can’t wait do download part 2 to find out what’s going to happened with Russo’s mother showing up at Amina’s house......🤫
Profile Image for Brittney G.
555 reviews22 followers
December 9, 2017
Good read!

I really enjoyed this story! It was different than many of the other books I’ve read. I started off not liking Amina. She was selfish, rude, and overly spoiled. I’m glad that she matured as the story went on. The house that they live in have many secrets and I can tell now it is only going to get worse!
Profile Image for Drenna Gurl.
352 reviews61 followers
September 22, 2017
A little different.

This book was a little different from what The Cartel Publications readers have become used to. Amina is the main character and tragedy forces her and her family to move from the city they call home. As the story progresses, they find out that everyone with a friendly smile is not who they claim to be! More secrets are delivered and half truths are finally revealed. I loved how each character developed throughout the story and for once the mother in this book wasn't horrible (although I do love my Cartel Publications Mother monsters!) All in all I can't wait for the next book from my favorite Publishing company!
Profile Image for Naomi.
25 reviews5 followers
September 21, 2017
Amazing!!!!!!

This story is amazing!! Amina is my new bestie. I'm cheering for her and Russo. Drillo reminds me of someone we all know. Hell, all the characters jump from the pages, and enthralled me. I can't wait for the sequel.
Profile Image for Angel Hicks.
172 reviews2 followers
September 23, 2017
Good

This book kept you reading from beginning to end . Making you not wanna stop until you were finish . Their was enough mystery , excitement and supense. I loved how the family stuck to their mother wishes .
Profile Image for Quastarcella Borom.
88 reviews
September 24, 2017
We all can relate

The story was one that everyone can relate to in some way. All the issues families face in life that are swept under the rug. I was touched by the value of family the mother wanted them to have.
Profile Image for Deidre.
1,075 reviews17 followers
November 14, 2017
Oh my goodness!

This was such a roller coaster ride and I loved it, waiting anxiously for part 2. I can't believe this ending Wow! Poor amina just when she got used to one thing another thing knocked her down, I can't imagine where part 2 will take us.
Profile Image for J McCoy.
13 reviews4 followers
September 25, 2017
Great book

This book was amazing. I even cried at one point Can't wait for part 2. I definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for Stephanie Wiley.
317 reviews12 followers
October 3, 2017
Oh My ... That Was Dope!!!

Another 5-star banger by the infamous T. Styles ... or Kim Medina ... lol
I cannot wait for Book 2!!!
GREAT READ!!!
Profile Image for Aaron.
100 reviews
November 16, 2017
Interesting but good story from start to finish. I'm looking forward to seeing where part 2 goes.
Profile Image for Tajuana.
222 reviews6 followers
December 1, 2018
Book 1

The House that Crack Built Series 1-4

*rubbing temples* OK, where do I start?
IDK if this family was a magnet for bad luck or what. As soon as they could find whatever normalcy they could, life would push them back again.

Reggie wanted his mother's love so bad. But drugs was her true love. Coming back into his life and getting cleaned, blinded Reggie from all of the things that were right in his face.

Amina, Tamika and Drillo siblings that were raised by a mother who truly loved them and tried to teach them about life, were left to live it without her.
Their mother Pam loved her kids and did whatever it took to make sure they had. Thing is...when you work all of the time, there is no way to know what your kids are doing or even if they are even safe for the manner.
Russo got a lot going on. He took on being a man at such an early age and was well mature past his years. Being in the streets and keeping his family safe, hell, having a family period, is enough to damn near make him lose his sanity.

Two girls who came across their Prince charming all lived in the red brick house. The red brick house in Baltimore, is known to steal souls and lives of many that crossed its threshold. The red brick house that is known to cause havoc, break up families and break up relationships is about to give this family and friends more than they bargained for. Boundaries were crossed, that never should have been
4*
Profile Image for Melissa.
1,524 reviews24 followers
June 11, 2022
I'll decide what to rate this as I type.
Typos and misspells aside, the characters weren't fleshed out. We're just kind of thrust in the middle of their lives one day.
Amina, her younger sister Tamika, and younger brother Drillo live with their single mother in DC. They're barely making ends meet. But when Tamika is sexually assaulted, they are facing a bad situation. They have to move with limited funds.
Amina is selfish and her world revolves around a boyfriend that treats her like garbage. Even after she finds out that he has been cheating with her cousin, she is still willing to give him a chance.
They move into a dilapidated house in Baltimore that holds a lot of bad energy and memories. There, her brother starts getting into trouble and she and her sister meet boys that will change their lives. From there it's one catastrophe after another. Like how much can one family take?
This book has promise. A weak 3 stars.
Profile Image for Stacey Nelson.
302 reviews
May 17, 2018
This was an interesting story. It took me a while to get into it but once I reached the half way mark, the story started to pick up and get interesting. The story flowed slowly in the beginning so you have to be patient with it. The characters were interesting and you started to connect with them. I don't recall any grammar errors and it was typeset for the kindle. I won't be reading part 2 however it was a good story to read.
Profile Image for Angela.
57 reviews
April 6, 2018
OMG, this book drew me in from the very beginning! At least half way through the story I immediately logged onto Amazon to purchase the second book. The author does a good job of capturing and maintaining the readers attention. The twist and turns keeps you on the edge of your seat. I will be ordering the other installations!! Can’t wait to see what happens next!!
202 reviews2 followers
February 8, 2018
So deep I left!

This book was so deep I did not hear my phone going off. People think many of these stories are fiction but many are non fiction with people living out these are in real life. I cannot wait for part 2!
11 reviews2 followers
August 8, 2018
Good storyline but moved too slow for me.
Profile Image for Blanca Velez Young.
13 reviews
August 24, 2018
Ghettofabulous

Kept you guessing. Not predictable. It was truer than what you may have thought possible. Memories of the world experienced by many.
Profile Image for Charity Greene.
6 reviews4 followers
November 4, 2018
Heart wrenching!

This book kept me intrigued and worried about what was going to happen next! Can’t wait to read part 2!
Profile Image for Brandi Fisher.
88 reviews
June 25, 2019
💖💖💖💖

This story gave me a few laughs and a few tears I am excited to see what happens next (GREAT JOB)
78 reviews
September 26, 2021
Good Good!

The author did not disappoint! There were times I was in tears but what a comeback story... Until! The end
Profile Image for Jaz'Myne Nixon.
3 reviews
April 11, 2022
This was a quick and wild ride! Not typically something I would pick up but I'm glad I did. I need to read the next one and see how the siblings do.
Profile Image for Nelly.
9 reviews
April 11, 2024
This book is a page turner Im ready to start reading part 2 I hope it is page turner like this one was ! And Chestnut and Gucci and Yolanda yall was wrong for that !
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.