Member Reviews

This is Book #1 in the Home Renovation Mystery series. It's a great first book to the series. I loved that the lead female character, Jamie, is a home renovator (I watch HGTV religiously) so it was right up my alley. The mystery plot was solid - lots of suspects and twists to keep you guessing - though at some parts of the book it was like 'really - you missed that?!' All in all a great cozy mystery. Looking forward to Book #2 to see what Jamie gets up to next.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed this book as it avoided my most dislike troupes of love triangle and overly suspicious main character. The mystery was okay, we had lots of suspects and I liked that she was working with her friend to deduce who the killer was. I will definitely be reading the next book. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC for my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

I thought the aspect of a mystery with a home reno was interesting. While I liked the mystery, it felt a bit obvious after awhile of who it was and I was surprised that our main character didn't catch onto them faster. The thought process was a little odd. Overall it was a quick and fun read.

Was this review helpful?

I asked for this one because it said it's along the lines of Kate Carlisle and Diane Kelly and it was but had it's own voice as well. This is book 1 in the Home Renovation Mystery series and I'm ready for more.

Was this review helpful?

"Death by Demo (Home Renovation Mystery #1)" by Callie Carpenter is a great new series start. I like that it's not a stereotypical profession for a female main character in a cozy mystery. Being a home renovator and not just an interior decorator hiring out the contract work. Jamie is a hands on, do as much as she can herself kind if gal. After a nasty divorce I don't blame her for wanting to do a little destress demolition.

The mystery part was pretty decent as well. My top two suspects lasted on in their top spots until a clear murder was for sure becoming obvious. At that point I found myself starting the "what is she thinking doing that" thought processes. Like, seriously, "why?" at least once. I wont say when so not spoil anything. Overall, I'd keep reading this series as it grows.

Was this review helpful?

A fun and interesting premise to a new cozy series. Jaime, newly divorced, is readying to rehab the only thing she was left in the divorce, a run down but gorgeous Victorian, when she finds a body in the wall.

Was this review helpful?

Renovation Cozy.
Absolute winner. I loved this tale
Jaime Moore got screwed over by her ex. After all she did for the company, investing and busting her tail, due to a pre-nup, all she gets is a Queen Anne is desperate need of so much work.
She’s determined to do it over as a showcase of her abilities, but work comes to a screeching halt at the discovery of what appears to be an old corpse.
She is determined to find out why the body was put there after discovering who it is, finding out some info ahead of the police and some after, but offering up to them all she finds out.
The author gives us a villain to hate, family dramatics, good friends and neighbors and great descriptions of scenes. I highly recommend and already plan to gift to two friends I’m sure will love it for Christmas.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC and an even better tale than I anticipated. Opinions offered gratis.

Was this review helpful?

Jaime and Henry seemed to be the perfect couple until they were not. She has to rebuild her life without her husband. Can she? Realistic characters keep this mystery moving. Red herrings kept me guessing. This gifted author has written a page turner. A fun quick read. Hope there is a book two with this protagonist. This book was sent to me electronically by Netgalley for review.

Was this review helpful?