Whitney Whitaker and her cousin Buck are house flippers but in this installment they are renovating an old motor lodge into condos. The location is close to the musical venues in Nashville so musicians may be as interested as promoters. Things, however, don't go according to plans. First day, they discover a homeless veteran squatting in Room 9 and Day two reveals the dead body of a well-known singer. The mystery of who killed the singer is filled with possibilities from a stalker, groupies, band members ,and managers and let's not forget the unknown girlfriend.

Whitney feels that they need to solve the murder before they can advertise the sale of the renovated units but that doesn't seem to be as easy as they hope.

The mystery seemed to lack a bit of spark and the characters were a bit two dimensional. I hope that the next installment will improve.

I love this series so much. This book was just as good as the first two. I flew through it in a day. I love the banter throughout and I am really invested in the characters. Buck and Whitney are the perfect duo. I also really enjoy Sawdust's chapters mixed in. It gives the book a silly feel to keep it lighthearted.

This is the 3rd book in the House Flipper mystery series. It’s a cute cozy mystery with Whitney, a tough carpenter determined to transform an old rundown motel into fancy condos. In cozy style, a dead body is discovered and Whitney along with her cousin/business partner Buck are set to find the murderer. This is the best book in the series so far and I’m looking forward to the next one!

This is the third book in the cozy series "House Flipper Mystery Series" . I have read the previous in series and enjoy returning to this series. Thank you to the author, the publisher and to Net Galley. My review opinions are my own.

Whitney and her cousin are working on a huge project turning a old roadside motel into condos. Their business is flipping properties. Whitney has a adorable cat Sawdust that is a big part of this series and charming . When they find a body on the property the work has to halt . Whitney decides to save her project she must find the killer as she is a savvy sleuth with a talent for solving murders. With her trusty Sawdust by her side clues abound and red herrings as she discovers secrets behind the victim and the murder.

This was a fun read with great charcters. I love that Whitney is portrayed as independent and smart often solving crimes on her own as well as being successful in her business. I love this charming series and look forward to the next in series.

I had not read any books by this author before. I will definitely be checking out the previous books in this series!

This was a fun read! I hate to say this but my favorite characters were Sawdust and Cleo. They were hilarious and brought a new perspective to the story. The chapters "written" by Sawdust were inventive and it was interesting to get a cat's point of view!

The story itself was slightly different from other cozies I've read. First of all, it took place in Nashville. I have never been there but it sounds like a great city. Whitney and Collin's relationship was interesting and something I'd like to know more about. The other characters really helped bring the story to life!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this book!

Murder With a View by Diane Kelly is the 3rd book in the House-Flipper Mystery series, and another wonderful addition. Whitney Whitaker manages real estate properties and flips houses with her cousin Buck. Whitney and Buck just won a bid on an old motel in Nashville,they plan on turning into condos. Unfortunately when the body of a famous country-western singer is found in one of the room, Whitney is determined to find the killer and not lose there investment. I really enjoyed this book, it has a lot of action and suspects to sort through. I can't wait for the next book in the series. If you love cozy mysteries than I highly recommend this one. Ms. Kelly is no stranger to writing good books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

In this third installment in Diane Kelly's House-Flipping Mystery series, Whitney and her cousin Buck are excited about their latest project - turning an old, run-down motel into condos. Unfortunately, their excitement is short-lived when they discover a squatter and a dead body on the property.

A fun read, with memorable characters, and a well-crafted mystery. Whitney is a down-to-earth and likable protagonist, and I care about her and the people in her life. I will definitely be back for another visit with her and the gang. This installment can easily be read as a standalone.

Thank you to NetGalley and St.Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the third book of the House-Flipper Mystery series by Diane Kelly and the first book that I have read by this author. As like most cozy mysteries, I thought it was such a fun book filled with memorable characters! I love the concept of flipping homes/buildings and throwing in a murder along the way! I thought it was so unique that the cat "Sawdust," had his own short chapters which allowed for us to get his thoughts throughout the book. So so fun and I will definitely go back and read the previous two books.

When an old and rundown motel becomes available for purchase, Whitney and her cousin, Buck, are excited to buy it with the intentions of converting it into condos. Little did they know one of the problems they'd run into during renovations would be finding a body in one of the rooms. It'll take all of their sleuthing skills to solve this mystery.

Nice, solid mystery, great characters, a feline friend, and it's set in my home state. I enjoyed it very much.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.

Diane Kelly is a great writer and she does not disappoint in Murder With a View.

Here, book 3 is about Whitney, Buck and cat Sawdust just purchasing a motel in downtown Nashville. Their plans are to transform the property into condos. Of course, trouble finds itself there from the very beginning when they find a dead body and a squatter in the motel.

Their hands are full and that's what makes this such a fun read. The storyline is quite believable and the characters are all well-crafted.

Can't wait for book 4. Great job!!

Cousins Whitney and Buck are renovating an old mid-century motel into high-end one-bedroom condos near Nashville in Murder with a View. They hire a squatter named Jimmy that they find living there to help. The next day another squatter is found in an adjoining room. Only this one is dead—and dead famous. It’s Beckett Morgan who is a Country singer with a mega-hit record. Why is he in the rundown motel and who killed him? The cousins and Jimmy rush to find out before their sales expectations fall any further.

Murder with a View is a quick and easy cozy mystery. The people in the cousins’ life are filled with down-home Southern charm. Whitney’s relationship with Detective Collin is blossoming. Life is good for everyone but Beckett and his murderer. 4 stars!

Thanks to St. Martin’s Paperbacks and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Whitney Whitaker and her cousin Buck weren't expecting murder when they started the Music City Motor Court makeover. This was my first House-Flipper Mystery and it was extremely easy to get into the story and keep up with the various characters. Just enough backstory was incorporated when needed without disrupting the flow of the plot/scene. While I know nothing about remodeling a home, much less a hotel, I was able to visualize exactly what Whitney and Buck were doing as they demolished and renovated. Jimmy, the vet turned vagabond was an interesting character and a nice nod of respect to those who are or have served. Plenty of suspects from a dissed diva, some star struck groupies, the boys in the band and a mysterious JC. Just like any good cozy, this one comes with great friends, a playful per named Sawmill (too cute and all too appropriate) a little bit of romance, and a cooperative cop, who is also part of the romance portion. Great story that kept me glued to the book like shingles on a roof!

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

Murder with a View is the third book in the House-Flipper Mystery series by Diane Kelly. This is also the first book in this series and by this author that I have read. As one would expect, I had a bit of trepidation beginning at book three in a series. I was pleasantly surprised when I quickly began to feel like the major characters in this series were old friends and thus really enjoyed the adventure of this cozy mystery.

Whitney and her cousin Buck (along with the help of Presley Pearson) outbid Thaddeus Gentry III in getting the Music City Motor Court Motel at a tax sale. With ideas abounding to transform the property into luxury condominiums, Whitney and Buck go to the new property to begin their renovations. Low and behold but what (or should I say who) do they find “squatting” in one of the rooms? Jimmy (navy veteran) is just passing through Nashville and saw this abandoned motel and decided to crash there for a few days. Whitney and Buck hire Jimmy to help with the transformation of the property. I may have forgotten to say, Whitney usually brings her cat “Sawdust” to work with her. During the course of clearing out the motel rooms, Sawdust discovers a body. Yikes – that could really drop the property value! It turns out that the deceased is Beckett Morgan, an up-and-coming country-western singing sensation who’s taken Nashville by storm with his number-one hit “Party in the Pasture.”

As the reader can quickly surmise, it is in the best interest of this new real estate adventure to quickly find out who perpetrated this heinous crime so that the groupies will leave the property? Whitney is in a relationship with Detective Collin Flynn so it does seem that she has an inside track on some information not known to the general public.

I really enjoyed the journey that Whitney took this reader on to unravel the layers of Beckett Morgan’s life and murder. It was just convoluted enough so that I was kept guessing throughout the tale.

Each chapter is from the perspective of Sawdust or Whitney – which I found interesting and added a bit of a smile to my face, being a cat lover and all. I especially loved chapter 3 where Sawdust is mentoring Cleo (a kitten brought home by Whitney’s roommate Emmalee) – showing her the ropes so to speak. His “purr-spective” added some fun!

During the process – Whitney and Collin went to a concert given by Lacy (an ex of Beckett’s). I loved the fact that they got into the musical experience. Whitney buys herself a concert t-shirt on the way out. “You know, so I could prove how cool I was to the kids in homeroom.” I loved that! Produced a hearty chuckle from me, which further endeared this book and the writing of Diane Kelly to me.

Favourite quote: Who needs an alarm clock when you’ve got a cat to tell you when it’s time to wake up!

Without a doubt, my exposure to Diane Kelly’s writing via Murder with a View will drive me to seek out other titles by Ms. Kelly.

If you like an engaging cozy mystery with entertaining characters (cats as well as the humans) and a plot which keeps you guessing until the end – then I highly suggest reading Murder with a View!

Rushing out now to get the previous books in the series before book 4. 🙂

Whitney and her cousin/business partner, Buck, are hoping to "flip" a mid-century motel into trendy condos however, what they discover is a murdered up and coming country western star and a killer who has them in their sights!

I'm a fan of Diane Kelly's books and I am partial to the House Flipper Mysteries. The mystery drew me in from the first page and kept me guessing "whodunit". I enjoyed the Nashville setting and the descriptions of the neighborhoods and entertainment districts. The character of Whitney is down to earth and likable. I enjoyed the camaraderie between the cousins and of course, Sawdust the feline "helper" is adorable!

I can't wait for the next "flip"!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I think this might have been the best book in the series so far. What made it even better for me might be that I read it right after I read the second book, so things were super fresh in my mind. I loved the idea of them renovating an old motel into a building of condo units with really cool retro colors. The best thing was that Whitney and Buck were having such success at this, they were a little more equipped for a loan with a good but unlikely partner.

I wasn't sure what to make of Jimmy at first. Since he was a veteran, I definitely wanted to think the best of him. He turned out to be a great friend, and I do hope he comes back to visit sometime. It was cute to see Buck and Colette together kind of dancing around the dating thing. Whitney and Collin were much closer which was great. I had a feeling I knew whodunit, but then I got lost in a red herring and wasn't sure. It was really an exciting showdown though! I love how all the books have had a complete explanation at the end which wraps up the renovation as well as the case.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

Murder with a View by Diane Kelly is the 3rd A House-Flipper Mystery. This engaging cozy mystery can be read on its own for those who are new to the series. Diane Kelly writes entertaining cozy mysteries. I thought the book was well-written with developed characters and steady pacing. I just love the chapters from Sawdust’s point-of-view. His methods for getting Whitney’s attention are hilarious. It is adorable that Cleo, the kitten, is Sawdust’s best friend. They are so cute together. There is humor scattered throughout the story that will have you chuckling. I was especially entertained with the lyrics to “Party in the Pasture”. The author captured Nashville with her word imagery, especially the downtown area. The mystery had several suspects who could have killed singer, Beckett Morgan. It was amusing that Sawdust found the body (again). I like that Detective Collin Flynn works with Whitney instead of telling her to stay out of the investigation. He listens to her when she has theories and when she provides helpful intel. The case may have taken a few weeks for our sleuths to solve, but the pacing was consistent. One clue was all that was needed for me to solve this whodunit. I wish it had been more of a challenge to solve. I enjoyed the dramatic and action-packed reveal. It was great that Sawdust got in on the action. I liked Navy veteran, Jimmy Weber. He is quite a character and was lively addition. Collette and Buck are interested in each other romantically, but neither one of them has made a move. I think they are perfect for each other. Collette also has a new venture with help from Buck and Whitney. I believe it will be a rousing success. I enjoyed the renovation of the motel. It was clever to make them over into condos while keeping the 1960s vibe and colors. I hope the author continues to have Whitney and Buck do unique renovations. I am eager for Buck and Whitney’s next project (and story). Murder with a View is a fun cozy mystery with kitschy colors, reno realities, a surprising squatter, a clever cat, and a snappy song.

Murder With a View by Diane Kelly is the third in the A House Flipper Mystery. I love this series and was not disappointed with this book. It can be read as a stand alone.
Whitney and her cousin, Buck, are ready to embark on a new flip and have their eye on an old Nashville motel but know they will need more money. Whitney gets a third party as a silent investor.. They get the motel along with a couple surprises. One is a squatter, temporarily staying in one of the rooms while on a road trip, the other is a new country music singer that has been murdered in another one of the rooms.
Whitney knows a murder will drive the cost down and they can't afford that. She starts her own investigation getting help from her detective boyfriend. Was it the back up band members, the manager, a fan or someone else and just who is the lady in black that waits on the nearby bridge just watching the motel.
Kelly has a well written Cozy with plenty of twists and turns, a great setting, likeable characters, romance, and humor. I love that her cat, Sawdust, shared his point of view and I really hope Jimmy comes back for a visit.
I was given an ARC from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley for an honest review.

This is the third book in the House-Flipper series and they get better with each book. Whitney and Buck along with a silent partner have bought an abandoned 1960s motel . Their first surprise is discovering a squatter in one of the rooms. They decide the Navy Veteran would be great as an extra set of hands and hire him. The following day, Sawdust leads Whitney to the body of an up and coming country singer.

There are so many things to love about this book. First of all, Whitney is a strong independent woman who can hold her own in a male dominated business. She and her cousin Buck are a perfect foil to each other. Whitney's relationship with Detective Collin Flynn is mature and stable.

I love that Sawdust gets his own chapters. As a cat owner( or more accurately, someone who is owned by cats), I love seeing Sawdust's thoughts. Adding the little kitten, Cleo, makes me so happy. Just the little things like how kittens get ahead of themselves and bounce off walls lets be know that the author is also "owned" by cats.

I learn new things about renovation when I read these books. I really appreciate that Whitney has such amazing plans for the motor court. I can visualize the completed project.

The singer's biggest hit, Party in the Pasture made me smile. I had never heard of such until my college roommate took me home with her to her small town. I found myself making up a melody to go with the words to the song.

The mystery is very good with twists and turns that kept me guessing. I thought I had it all figured out and something would change. I was pleased when I finally settled on the culprit.

This is an excellent addition to the series and I highly recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Murder with A View
A House-Flipper Mystery, Book #3
Diane Kelly
5 Stars

Synopsis:

Murder With a View is the third book in the delightful cozy mystery series from Diane Kelly set in Nashville, Tennessee—where the real estate market is to die for…

A DREAM PROPERTY

Carpenter Whitney Whitaker, her cousin Buck, and guard-cat Sawdust just scored a hot property near downtown Nashville in a tax sale. While the Music City Motor Court might not be much to look at now, the two plan to transform the motel’s twelve units into six one-bedroom condominiums with popular mid-century styling. But surprises await when Whitney discovers a squatter living in Room 9 and her cat Sawdust uncovers a body in the bed next door.

A LIVING NIGHTMARE

The murder victim is none other than Beckett Morgan, an up-and-coming country-western singing sensation who’s taken Nashville by storm with his number-one hit “Party in the Pasture.” Beckett’s left a long trail of broken promises and broken hearts, and the list of suspects seems endless. So does the line of female fans intent on halting the flip and turning the construction site into a shrine for the deceased star. If Whitney and Buck don’t help Detective Collin Flynn nail the killer, they’ll never be able to clear out the star-obsessed groupies, complete the remodel, and recoup their investment. But just who silenced the singer and why? (Amazon)

Review:

The characters are well rounded and well developed. Whitney and Buck are hard workers and they are good at their jobs. When a country music star is killed at the construction site of their newest flip, Whitney feels she must solve the case before their remodel is derailed. She will need the help from her boyfriend, Detective Collin Flynn, to help her solve the case.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and it pulled me into the story from the very beginning. The mystery was well plotted and there were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider. I did not figure out who did it until it was revealed at the end.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. Grab a copy of this book and enjoy.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.

Diane Kelly has written another 5 star mystery. I'm of the opinion that if she wrote it, I want to read it. Murder With a View is the 3rd in her wonderful house-flipper series and Whitney and her cousin Buck are starting a new project and it's bigger than anything they have tackled so far. The Music City Motor Court with its twelve rooms has a great location and awesome views. Their plan is to convert it from a motel into six condos. On this project they find what each previous flip has had - a dead body in one of the rooms. Here we go again - Whitney, with the assistance of her cat, Sawdust, her cousin Buck and her cop boyfriend are on the trail of a killer. With them on the case the killer won't be at large very long.
Along with a great mystery and the regular cast of characters, there is a country song with very funny lyrics titled Party in the Pasture. If you are new to the series, not to worry, it works well as a stand alone but be prepared to binge on the previous books because I'm willing to bet you will enjoy them that much.
My thanks to the publisher St. Martin's Press and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.