Murder With a View: A House-Flipper Mystery

Diane Kelly

Feb 2021 · A House-Flipper Mystery Book 3 · Sold by St. Martin's Paperbacks

About this ebook

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?

Ratings and reviews

This is an entertaining book that fans of the genre will enjoy. The who-done-it murder kept me guessing until the end. I enjoyed the budding relationship between Whitney and Collin and am looking forward to more of them in future books. I also enjoyed the descriptions of Nashville - especially the bridge as crossing that bridge has kicked my butt more than one, lol. To me, the book seemed to lag and move slowly in its middle third. If I wasn't such a fan of the author, I might have been tempted to put it down. For that reason, I'm giving this one 3.5 stars, but am rounding up to four stars. The author is on my must read authors' list.

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.

music-idol, law-enforcement, murder, murder-investigation, amateur-sleuth, cats, cozy-mystery, family, friendship, renovation, small-business**** If you geek cats and house flipping, you'll adore this cozy set in Nashville. The publisher's blurb is pretty good, but the quality of the story is much better. While there is a hint of romance, it certainly is not blatant enough to take anything away from the mystery but serves as a plot device to enhance the deduction process. The cat seems to specialize in finding dead bodies and the detective is a good guy. A good cozy full of twists and red herrings. I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley. Thanks!

About the author

Diane Kelly is a former state assistant attorney general and tax advisor who spent much of her career fighting, or inadvertently working for, white-collar criminals. She is also a proud graduate of the Mansfield, Texas Citizens Police Academy. The first book in Diane’s IRS Special Agent Tara Holloway series, Death, Taxes, and a French Manicure, received a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award. Book #2, Death, Taxes, and a Skinny No-Whip Latte, won a Reviewers Choice award. Diane has combined her fascination with law enforcement and her love of animals in her K-9 cop Paw Enforcement series.