Dead Post Society by Diane Kelly is a spooky, smartly plotted cozy mystery that blends home renovation with ghost stories, cold cases, and just the right dose of humor.

Carpenter Whitney Whitaker and her cousin Buck are back—and this time, they’re tackling their creepiest project yet: restoring the old headmaster’s house on a former boarding school property, where a double murder remains unsolved decades later. Most people wouldn’t touch this haunted Victorian with a ten-foot pole, but Whitney and Buck see potential (and maybe just a little bit of danger).

The mystery is satisfying, with plenty of twists and atmospheric tension as Whitney uncovers clues buried beneath decades of dust and local lore. The ghostly elements add an eerie charm without overpowering the cozy vibe. Diane Kelly does a great job balancing the supernatural with the procedural, keeping things grounded with likable characters and witty banter.

What makes this book stand out is Whitney herself—sharp, resourceful, and unafraid to face down murderers or haunted plumbing. And the renovation angle? Super fun for DIY and HGTV fans. If you enjoy mysteries that mix historic homes, lingering spirits, and sleuths who know their way around a toolbox, this one’s for you.

It’s not overly scary—more eerie than terrifying—making it a great pick for readers who like their chills with charm. A solid four-star read that kept me entertained from blueprint to final reveal!

Here is the seventh in this traditional/ cozy mystery. Readers can tell that it is a cozy because of the cat on the cover. Look too, though, for other hints about the book. I see skulls and books. How will these figure in?

We are back with the house flipper, aka Whitney, along with her cousin Buck. What mayhem will they encounter? Well, this time the two find themselves at a site that is to transform into a senior citizens' residence from its old role as a school. But...things are never as simple as they seem.

Will a cold case be solved (readers know the answer)? What other mishaps will occur?

Those who enjoy a low stress mystery title will want to give this one a look. As a plus, I enjoyed the aspects of the book that told me more about the two protagonists lives and the people who matter to them. These include a baby.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press-Minotaur Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

I've come to really enjoy this series. Why? Not just because of good stories, which is certainly true, or the likable, interesting characters who usually display a good sense of humor, but also because of one of the basic themes of the book: Don't destroy something just because it's rundown or old. While house flippers Whitney and cousin Buck accept that this isn't always easy, their efforts to find another way to preserve and restore the heart of what is there are admirable. It's certainly true in this book where Whitney just has an instinct about an old home that, gulp, was the scene of a murder-suicide. Or was it? Toss in Whitney's seeming inability to ignore a mystery, even one decades old, and you've got the basis for an intriguing story.

You'd think that with Whitney's marriage to Collin and with Buck being a brand-new father (welcome to baby Mari) that they wouldn't have time to sort out a long cold case. You'd be wrong. Although Whitney is devoted to her feisty cat Sawdust, she's like a dog with a bone when something spurs her into sleuth mode. Obviously Buck and Collin have her back but, well, speaking of cats, there's this ol' saying about curiosity and cats which comes dangerously close to proving true in Whitney's case. How could simply asking a few questions (okay, lots of questions) about a case that she can blame her curiosity on now owning the house wouldn't make Whitney a target, right? Wrong, but you're going to have to read the book to find out the details, not to mention why the title is so perfect.

Bottom line, a fun, intriguing plot that stands alone nicely even for new readers. The characters quickly become like old friends and neighbors, people you'll feel like you know and can root for. I've got to admit, The setting in each book is in the same area but involves a different property with different neighbors, so there's always something new to discover and new faces to meet. If it wasn't a murder-suicide, which even the old police files seem to have found an uncertain conclusion, what really happened? Who killed the husband and wife? Why? And, what's that presence Whitney senses in the house? Ghost? Or, yikes, is someone keeping an eye on her? Why....oh, never mind. If you like a fun cozy with interesting characters and frequent humor, not to mention occasional input from Whitney's feline Sawdust, you'll enjoy this book/series. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #Minotaur for this early peek at what Whitney and Buck have been up to this time. Loved the reveal at the end. Can't wait for the next book!

Dead Post Society is book #7 in the House-Flipper Mystery series by Diane Kelly.

This is one of my favorite series. I’ve enjoyed following Whitney and Buck as they built their business and their lives have changed. This was a fun one with Whitney investigating a cold case that was labeled as a murder-suicide 40 years ago. Whitney isn’t so sure that was the case. The mystery investigation was interesting but my favorite part is the characters. I like how Whitney‘s cat, Sawdust, has his own chapters telling things from his point of view. I recommend this book and the whole series.

Cat's People by Tanya Guerrero was an entertaining and truly sweet story.
This book was so cute and lighthearted with such amazing diverse characters.
A fascinating read that I truly enjoyed from the very beginning.

Whitney and her cousin, Buck, take on a rehab of an old Victorian where a murder/suicide took place decades before and was then just closed up. Soon her curiosity gets the better of her and she's investigating the cold case. Lots of red herrings keep the plot moving. An engaging series and this one with an old murder was an interesting addition. Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

While working at a construction site for her uncle’s construction site renovating an old private school, Whitney and her cousin purchase the former headmaster’s house. The headmaster and his wife had been found murdered/suicide but yet Whitney found a clue that might indicate otherwise. Delightful read as Whitney does research on the incident at the same time giving some tips of remodeling or some DIY projects. The cover is a great clue and poetry introduces each chapter.; one might find a favorite poem, While this is a series, it definitely can be read as a stand-alone book. Thanks to #NetGalley and #St. Martin’s Press for an ARC of this book; this review is my honest opinion.

In Dead Post Society, house flippers and cousins, Whitney and Buck, decide to renovate an old Victorian mansion with a dark history. Forty years ago, the headmaster of a local boarding school killed his wife and then himself in the study of the home. When Whitney finds a new clue to the incident, she decides to investigate the cold case. Was the murder-suicide really a double homicide? Can Whitney uncover the truth that the police could not all these years later?

Buck and his wife have just had their first child. Whitney is approaching her first anniversary with her detective husband and is contemplating trying for a child of their own. I’ve read several other books in this series and this one minimizes the Whitney and Buck banter. It also focuses on Whitney following clues that take her away from the renovations. While I miss the house flipping tips, I really enjoyed Dead Post Society. It was nice to delve into a cold case rather than a fresh murder. The clues are all there in plain sight, along with a few red herrings, for any amateur detective readers too.

Overall, Dead Post Society is a great cozy mystery that tweaks the usual formula to keep it interesting. 4 stars!

Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for providing me with an advanced review copy.

I don't know how Diane Kelly does it. I've read several books in the House Flipper Mystery Series and while the core characters remain the same and the house-flipping theme provides a through-line, each mystery and project is unique.

In Dead Post Society, Whitney stumbles across a cold case -- a long-neglected Victorian gem that was the scene of a decades-old unsolved death. It was considered a probable suicide, but there were enough inconsistencies to leave the case open. As a result, she must tread carefully to avoid stepping on any toes.

On the personal front, Whitney's cousin and business partner, Buck and his wife welcome their first baby. Who knows? Whitney and Collin may not be far behind.

Of course, her loyal kitty, Sawdust, chimed in with a few thoughts. The book also included a recipe and every chapter started with a poem -- so there was something for everyone. Too much? Maybe. But still a good read with a quick pace and lots of possible suspects.

Fun for fans of cozies. I'm already looking forward to the next one!

I received this Advanced Reader Copy of Dead Post Society from St. Martin's Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Dear Fellow Reader,

April Fools Day. Remember how much fun it was when you were young? I wonder if it means much these days. It is probably not a “holiday” that needs to continue. I will bet that teachers would agree. Although I am sure that some find it to be fun. This year in several places, it is an election day, which could bring a new meaning to April Fools Day.


Dead Post Society is the seventh in a series by Diane Kelly. I had not read any of the other books in the series, and I didn’t have a problem understanding what was happening.

As the book opens, we meet Whitney Whitaker Flynn, a property rehabber. She works with her cousin, Buck. While they work as rehabbers, they also work for Buck’s father, Roger, and his other son, Owen, as carpenters. Whitney is at a job site to meet Buck, Roger, Owen and Troy Loflin. Troy is the developer of an abandoned school. When the school was open, it was a remote location but as towns have grown, it is not as far off the beaten path as it was. Troy and his wife had gone to the school (Ridgetop Prep in Ridgetop, TN), and he decided to develop the property as an upscale residence for senior citizens.

While Whitney waits for the others to come to the property, she sees an abandoned Victorian house on the property. She decides to look at it. At first, she isn’t sure it is abandoned as it is full of furniture, but it is so neglected that she is sure it must be abandoned. She goes inside (just a pesky lock on the front door). She looks around and likes the look of the house as a rehab. She does notice some strange things like all the furniture is in front of the windows and there is a blood stain on the floor of the office. (complete with a typewriter and a handwritten manuscript) Buck arrives and while he chastises her for going into the property for safety reasons and perhaps some lock picking, he joins her in looking around the house. Right before they leave the house, Whitney finds a bullet in a front porch post.

They have their meeting with Troy and Whitney finds that he is planning to demolish the house. She asks if she can bid on buying it. Troy agrees. She tells him she will put together a plan and get back to him. He does tell her that the final headmaster and his wife (Irving and Rosie Finster) both died in the house. It is assumed that it was a murder/suicide, but the case was left open.

Whitney and Owen submit a proposal to buy the house and property, which is accepted with some minor changes. Their first priority is to work for their Roger but in doing so, Whitney finds out more about the house and the deaths. She takes the bullet to the police and while it isn’t totally enough to re-open the case, the detective is interested. Whitney pieces parts of the puzzle together and starts interviewing the people who were at the school at the time.

Was it a murder/suicide or a double murder?

I enjoyed the book. Each chapter starts with some poetry, which I wasn’t sure added to the book, but it didn’t subtract from it. Also, there were a few chapters written from the viewpoint of Whitney’s cat that I wasn’t sure were necessary. But overall, it was a fine cozy mystery. Thumbs up!

Thanks for reading.

In case you missed it, President Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the IMLS (Institute of Museum and Library Services). This will affect your local library. As of right now, the entire staff at IMLF has been put on leave. If you have a few minutes, please read the information from the American Library Association. https://www.ala.org/advocacy/show-up-for-our-libraries If you love your small local library, this could affect the hours and collections. Libraries are a great resource, and this will affect them.

I love this series. Buck and Whitney are cousins who work together to fix houses. They have come across a lot of bodies in their time, but this time they think they'll avoid it by fixing somewhere that already had a body. Unfortunately they are wrong!

I love the characters and how they continue throughout the series. I have become invested in their lives and can't wait to see where they go next.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Diane Kelly for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Dead Post Society coming out April 1, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author! I’m obsessed with cozy mysteries! I haven’t read the other books in the series, but I thought this was a really fun book. I loved the featured Victorian mansion. I thought the town and people felt really quaint and cozy. I think Whitney was a really intelligent and talented character. She has a fun job. I would definitely check out more books by this author!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries!

Dead Post Society is a great addition to the House-Flipper Mystery Series by Diane Kelly. I like how carpenter Whitney Whitaker and her cousin Buck chose different kinds of properties. This time it is a Victorian with a violent past. This time it is a cold case that was never solved giving the house a haunted atmosphere to the setting.

While the series does not necessarily need to be read in order, you will want to read more of this cozy mystery home improvement series after reading this one. What a great TV show the Dead Post Society would make.
4.5 Stars

This might be my favorite of the books so far, but I might’ve said that about others as well lol. While working for Buck’s dad on a huge project, Whitney stumbled onto their next flip project which sounded pretty amazing from the descriptions. It was easy to picture how it might’ve looked once renovated.

The downside was the murder-suicide that happened there, but Whitney wasn’t really convinced that was the case and started digging. And for anyone who’s followed this series since book 1, we know where that gets her sometimes. Usually in the crosshairs of a killer, but she had a little help this time plus the fact she’s a contractor. They have all sorts of stuff up their sleeves, so this perp never knew what hit them. Little Sawdust kitty might’ve had a paw in it as well!

I loved the wrap-up and ending and now I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Whitney and everyone!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by St. Martin/Minotaur Books via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

This is a great cozy cold murder mystery. The character development on the characters and their relationship were such a nice addition to solving the murder. Experiencing newly wed life along with the flipping business relationship of cousins all intertwined into the story. This book had me guessing and laughing and enjoying the adventure.
If you love cozy mystery and unsolved cold murder cases this is a great quick read perfect pallet cleanser.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the chance to read this book and give my opinions.

Whitney Whitaker flips houses with her cousin Buck and has recently married Colin Flynn, a detective with the Nashville P.D. Whitney and Buck have decided to flip an old boarding school headmaster's house into a boutique hotel. She finds that that this house was the scene of a 40-year-old murder suicide. After finding a bullet in a post on the porch, she is not sure it wasn't something more sinister. Whiney is determined to find the truth of what happened 40 years ago, even if it seems someone is not too happy about her snooping. We also get to see Whiteny and Colin settle into married life as well as Buck & Collette's parenthood. Sawdust is still giving his opinions throughout the book (Its m favorite part if I have to admit it)

I enjoyed the book, The mystery had me guessing as there were lots of suspects and they all had secrets to hide (at least the ones still alive). I appreciate the getting to glimpse into Whiteny & Buck's relationships as well still getting the cuteness of Sawdust. Don't we all want a Sawdust? Thanks to Diane Kelly for another great read and am looking forward to the next adventure.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the chance to read this book and give my opinions.

A more detailed review is coming soon along with links.

Diane Kelly brings together great characters, wonderful atmosphere, a former boarding school property being repurposed for an upscale retirement community, a headmaster’s house with violent history, and a mystery. Dead Post Society is the seventh book in the House-Flipper Mystery series featuring carpenter Whitney Whitaker Flynn.

Overall, this is an engaging, clever, and entertaining novel that was a fast read. Readers looking for a cozy mystery with a dash of humor and a cold case that needs to be solved will likely enjoy this novel. I am looking forward to reading the next book.

This is another enjoyable addition to this entertaining series. In this 7th installment in the House Flipper Mystery series, Whitney and Buck are renovating the headmaster’s house of an old boarding school that is also being renovated to become a senior living community. Entering the old Victorian house is like viewing a time capsule. Everything is just as it was at the time of the death of the headmaster and his wife. The deaths were thought to be a murder-suicide, but the case was never definitively resolved and is considered a cold case even forty years later. Whitney’s curiosity is peaked and she can’t help but try to find answers to what happened that night so long ago. The storyline was interesting and it was fun to follow along with Whitney as she scoured old school documents and records and interviewed former faculty and students looking for clues.

I do love a cold case and one involving a home renovation is even better. Whitney and her cousin and business partner are exploring an old boarding school property when they discover the property also included a Victorian house where a terrible crime has occurred. The house is like a time capsule and Whitney discovers a clue that leads her to believe the crime may not have happened quite like everyone thought.

Why Whitney's family and friends do appear in the book - especially her husband who just happens to be a homicide detective and her cousin Buck - the focus is mostly on Whitney and her investigation. I loved looking over her shoulder as she dug through old records and hunted down witnesses. She's sometimes a bit impulsive but she's at least aware of it and is rarely in Too Stupid To Live territory. I also really love the handful of chapters from Whitney's cat, Sawdust's perspective.

This was a fun cozy mystery with some home renovation and a fantastic cold case investigation. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author!

Shades of high school English. This story is a course in high school horror. When Buck and Whitney take on the headmasters’ murder house Whitney can’t help but look into the cold case. This leads her into looking at the staff, the mean girl and bad boys from the adjacent former boarding school. Another fascinating mystery.