I love that cover. I was pleasantly surprised by this first book in a new series. I liked the main character, Whitney. She had her share of problems but always persevered. She was a hard worker, loved her family, friends and her little Sawdust and appreciated all they did for her. I love home renovations, flipping, interior decorating and everything else that goes along with making a house beautiful and homey and this book didn't disappoint. At first I groaned at Sawdust having his own chapters, but that was before I read a word of them - they're short and sweet, are totally adorable and added a huge dose of cuteness. I liked the mystery. I was convinced I had it figured out from the very beginning and I'm so happy I was wrong. A page-turner for sure. I can't wait for more!

Dead as a Door Knocker is the debut of the House-Flipper Mystery series set in Nashville and featuring Whitney Whitaker, property manager, realtor trainee and house flipper. The worst part of Whitney's job as a property manager is evictions and she's got her hands full with the three rowdy college students months behind in their rent.

Property owner Rick Dunaway is well known as a cheapskate when it comes to repairs and this time after surveying the damage left behind by the boys he offers to sell the house to Whitney just to get it out of his extensive property portfolio. Whitney who works part time doing carpentry work with her cousins Buck and Owen, desperately wants the house thinking it would be a great flip, so she reaches out to Buck for help securing a mortgage.

With the sale finalized and the renovations underway, Whitney and Buck are soon faced with random acts of vandalism from egging to arson. Convinced that the damage is the work of one disgruntled student, Whitney is shocked when her cat, Sawdust digs up the dead body in the front garden.

Detective Collin Flynn is convinced that Whitney is the killer and she sets out with the help of her cousins and best friend, Colette to unearth the real murderer. Plenty of suspects include the college students, the neighbors on both sides, and the victim's employees and business partner.

A quick, fast paced plot with a spunky heroine and supporting characters. The author pens enough twists and turns that the final reveal feels like a hammer blow to the head. The main story line is broken up with chapters narrated by Sawdust. A refreshing family dynamic and a hint of romance will leave readers looking for the next in the series.

I received an advanced copy of Dead as a Door Knocker from NetGalley via St. Martin's Press. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.

A standard cozy mystery. It was okay but it did not really grab me.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

This book blew me away. The way the author moved between the main character and her pet was perfection and added so much to the overall story. The author did a great job really building the family dynamics in this book as well, it was so real. The mystery was well written and just when you think you know whodunit, the author throws you a curve ball. Definitely a book to read again and again.

A good start to a new series with a likable heroine, set in Nashville and she’s a House flipper. You can already discern some of the plot lines that will happen in the second book.

This is an entertaining cozy mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed. Whitney is a wonderful character that drew me right in. I loved that she's in a non-traditional female job and how she approaches life on her terms, no matter what obstacles she faces. I'm also looking forward to seeing more of Colin, the police detective.

If you enjoy the genre, you will love this book. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series and seeing how the relationships develop over time. Put this one on your TBR list.