Lisa A. (NeedyBookLover) -
Helpful Score: 2
Fans of Bentley's Do-It-Yourself series will not be disappointed with Mortar and Murder.
Despite her best intentions, Avery finds herself once again playing sleuth when she and her handsome handyman/boyfriend, Derek, discover a woman's body floating in the Atlantic. What at first seems an accidental drowning turns into much more.
This fourth book in the DIY series did not disappoint and I am eagerly awaiting the next. This cozy series is one of the best.
Despite her best intentions, Avery finds herself once again playing sleuth when she and her handsome handyman/boyfriend, Derek, discover a woman's body floating in the Atlantic. What at first seems an accidental drowning turns into much more.
This fourth book in the DIY series did not disappoint and I am eagerly awaiting the next. This cozy series is one of the best.
Joy L. (vintagejoy) -
Helpful Score: 2
This is one of my favorite series, and this addition is a gem. Dead bodies, renovating a really, really old house, the coast of Maine, great likeable main characters, romance, a little jealousy and a touch of humor. What is not to love?
Lori C. (dollycas) reviewed Mortar and Murder (Do-It-Yourself Mystery, Bk 4) on + 704 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Avery and Derek are back and they are renovating a 225 year old Colonial on Rowanberry Island just off the coast of Maine. It is going to be a monumental renovation, but the sister house across the island shows what a great beauty it will be when complete.
On their way to work one day, boating across the water, they find the body of a woman in the water, not far from the island. A few days later another woman is found floating close to the harbor. Then Avery finds a secret room in the house they are renovating. As Avery tries to stay out of the police investigation of the found bodies, she tries to keep busy learning the history of her house and the island. She learns about the island's long tradition of smuggling different things over the past 200+ years. It doesn't take her long to hammer out the details and find a connection between the dead women and the island history. As much as she wants to stay out of the case she finds herself trapped right in the middle of it.
My first "I LOVED IT!!!!!" of 2011. Jennie Bentley writes another wonderful whodunit. This one takes on a current world problem and serves it up cozy style. We have come to love Avery and Derek and their love story too. All the other characters we love are back too, with the addition of an eccentric thriller writer who is as mysterious as his books. The house and the island are much more than the settings for the story, they are both integral to the plot and keys to solving the mystery. The home renovation tips and descriptions of Derek and Avery's work will be enjoyed by any do-it-yourselfer and are a true bonus to this fast paced story. A must read series and this latest edition is definitely the perfect story to start off the new year.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Berkley Prime Crime, a Division of Penguin Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
On their way to work one day, boating across the water, they find the body of a woman in the water, not far from the island. A few days later another woman is found floating close to the harbor. Then Avery finds a secret room in the house they are renovating. As Avery tries to stay out of the police investigation of the found bodies, she tries to keep busy learning the history of her house and the island. She learns about the island's long tradition of smuggling different things over the past 200+ years. It doesn't take her long to hammer out the details and find a connection between the dead women and the island history. As much as she wants to stay out of the case she finds herself trapped right in the middle of it.
My first "I LOVED IT!!!!!" of 2011. Jennie Bentley writes another wonderful whodunit. This one takes on a current world problem and serves it up cozy style. We have come to love Avery and Derek and their love story too. All the other characters we love are back too, with the addition of an eccentric thriller writer who is as mysterious as his books. The house and the island are much more than the settings for the story, they are both integral to the plot and keys to solving the mystery. The home renovation tips and descriptions of Derek and Avery's work will be enjoyed by any do-it-yourselfer and are a true bonus to this fast paced story. A must read series and this latest edition is definitely the perfect story to start off the new year.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Berkley Prime Crime, a Division of Penguin Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
