Published Date: December 5, 2023
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Author: Callie Carpenter
Formats: Audiobook, Kindle, Hardcover
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Page Count: 245
Audiobook Length:
Description:
Jaime and Henry were the perfect couple with the perfect life; together, they ran one of the most successful construction and interior design companies in all of Charlotte, North Carolina. But when Jaime catches her charismatic husband in an affair, she realizes her husband is not the man she thought she married. The divorce is equally gutting—due to an ironclad prenuptial agreement, Jaime receives only one thing: a historical house in disrepair. Knowing that any renovation she attempts will be tedious and costly, Jaime starts to believe that things can’t get much worse—until she finds a dead body in the house.
The body is found behind a recently renovated wall—and this leaves Jaime with more questions than answers. Who killed this person and why? Could it have been the previous owners, someone who snuck in while nobody was looking, or could it have been Henry? Furious that the house is now a crime scene, which further delays all renovations, Jaime decides to investigate the murder herself, DIY-style. Together with the new resident cat she calls Demo, and the handsome and friendly hardware store owner who happens to be her neighbor, Jaime is ready to use all the tools in her toolbox to catch the killer.
Jaime needs to renovate this house if she wants to move forward with her life, but will this murder investigation leave her in ruins—or worse?
-sourced from Goodreads
Review:
This book was an arc received via NetGalley for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
This is the first book in A Home Renovations series. I was really excited to get a copy of this book and it didn’t disappoint.
Jaime is just divorced by and left with nothing but a home that was determined ‘not worth renovating’ by the company she co-owned with her ex husband. However, she was young and in love when she was given a prenup to sign. That one decision left her with nothing when he decided he didn’t need her anymore.
She decides she will fix up this house and it will be the start of her own new company. While doing some demolition, she knocks down a wall to find a body that looks like it’s been there a while. Now she is going to have to put her renovations on hold when she is already eager to get through with them so she can start making some money.
There are quite a few characters that we will hopefully gain more information on within the series. I know now that I don’t like her ex husband, his new girlfriend or his dad, which is the point. However, I don’t really get much of a feel for anyone else. They are there but there wasn’t enough of them to really make an impression. The best friend is in this but not so much a friend as a partner or sounding board for the murder investigation they are doing.
The police are not stupid in this one and they seem to be ahead of her on most things. The police never tell her to stop investigating on her own.
I love that this is a woman who can do ‘man’ things. However, I did get annoyed with the whole ‘men don’t think women know anything’ that was written into the story. This trope is tired and most men don’t act like that these days. There are some but not like books make it out. The only time I ever really had this happen is when I worked in a male dominated environment. Anyways, I digress.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I think fellow lovers of cozy mysteries will too. If you enjoy renovation settings then this would also be one to pick up.
*Disclaimer:
*This post has affiliate links to provide you with quick and easy access to related content. I may receive compensation at no additional cost to you when you use the links provided.
*Ads within this blog are not an endorsement of any products or services. Try or buy at your own discretion. All loss or injury monetary or otherwise are the sole responsibility of purchaser. I am not responsible, monetary or otherwise, for any loss or injury due to said purchases or use of products within.
*All places to find these items are subject to change and all costs related to items are the sole responsibility of the purchaser. I am not responsible for any charges that may apply for any of these services/sites.
*While this blog is my own opinions and I may provide information within, use at your own risk. I am not responsible for any harm or loss monetary or otherwise and will not provide compensation in any form for any reason whatsoever.
*All statement and opinions are my own unless otherwise stated. Opinions and content may change at any time without notice. No use of content may be used without prior authorization.
*It is not my intent to offend anyone in any way. Removal of ugly, hateful, or just plain rude comments will be deleted without warning.
Stack Those Books 