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A Do-It-Yourself Mystery #5
Flipped Out
In this must-read for lovers of HGTV’s home renovation shows, a designer plumbs for clues to solve a highly-publicized murder.
Avery and her hunky handyman boyfriend are renovating a house belonging to a local news anchor who's thrilled to be filmed as part of a home renovation show. But cable television fame proves fleeting when the man is murdered and Avery faces the task of nailing the killer. Fast.
Avery and her hunky handyman boyfriend are renovating a house belonging to a local news anchor who's thrilled to be filmed as part of a home renovation show. But cable television fame proves fleeting when the man is murdered and Avery faces the task of nailing the killer. Fast.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 4, 2011
59 people are currently reading
719 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
July 22, 2018
Maybe I was trying to make this book into something it was never intended to be. I went into it expecting a humorous DIY mystery. I got something of a mystery, but the humor and even the DIY were lacking.
The mystery was full of misdirection and multiple suspects, but my interest in it steadily dropped off as the same theories kept resurfacing and the true perpetrator became glaringly obvious. There's a lot of background noise in this story, which really works for a mystery. It just needed a more humorous touch to make this one a winner.
The mystery was full of misdirection and multiple suspects, but my interest in it steadily dropped off as the same theories kept resurfacing and the true perpetrator became glaringly obvious. There's a lot of background noise in this story, which really works for a mystery. It just needed a more humorous touch to make this one a winner.
May 22, 2019
Another engaging mystery in this series that just gets better with each book. I really enjoy the relationship between Avery and Derek as well as the mystery that twists and turns in this one. Melissa is one of those characters that I love to hate but I think it's time for her to get a life and move on. I already have the last 2 books in the series from my library ready to read.
April 22, 2019
i enjoyed visiting with Avery again. She and Derek are intelligent and interesting.
October 28, 2011
Avery Baker and her boyfriend and business partner Derek Ellis are beginning their fifth home renovation project together. Their latest project is to update the 1930s cottage belonging to local news anchor Tony “the Tiger” Micelli. This isn’t just any renovation project. The crew of Flipped Out! Is coming to Waterfield, Maine and will be filming the whole project. If that isn’t enough pressure, the entire project must be completed within one week. Further complicating the situation, Tony’s girlfriend Melissa James plans on making frequent appearances to the home and the beautiful Melissa just happens to be Derek’s ex-wife. Things start out better than expected until the second day when Tony is found murdered in the cottage, a victim of a vicious stabbing. All evidence is pointing at Melissa, and while Melissa is guilty of many things, such as constant flirting with Derek, even Avery thinks she is innocent of the murder and reluctantly agrees to help clear her rival.
I really enjoy the home renovation theme in this series. Derek is believable in the role as doctor turned handyman and Avery’s design expertise comes in handy for their projects. There are some interesting design ideas in the back of the book, as well as some really useful tips on improving the curb appeal of your home. However, the tips aren’t just relegated to the back of the book. Derek and Avery offer information about remodeling a home throughout the book in a way that is smoothly integrated into the story.
Adding to the enjoyment of this installment is the reality TV element. The inside look into the production of the show is fun to read. Many of the supporting characters involved in the show, such as Nina and Fae, are actually more interesting than some of the series regulars, especially Avery’s friend Kate who doesn’t come across as a fully developed character. Kate seems nice, but with the exception of a few scenes involving her daughter Shannon, she seems to be a part of the background and not vital to the series.
I have read one other earlier book in this series, and am glad to see that Avery is maturing and has stopped pouting (one of the reasons for her nickname “Tink”) when she doesn’t get her way. I am disappointed, however, that Derek still seems to be fixated on his ex-wife Melissa. While he is adamant that their marriage was unhappy and he would never get back together with her, Derek still drops everything whenever Melissa needs anything. Melissa always seems to have a plan to stay involved in Derek’s life, whether to win him back or just to goad Avery. In this case, I agree with Avery that she and Derek should keep their distance from the demanding and self-centered Melissa.
In spite of things often revolving around Melissa, I think the series is improving. I was interested in the renovation storyline as well as finding out the solution to the murder throughout the book. It is a suspenseful story, and the full solution isn’t revealed until the very end of the book. Fans of Juliet Blackwell’s Haunted Home Repair mysteries as well as mystery lovers who enjoy watching the DIY Network will want to read about Avery and Derek’s latest project in Flipped Out!
This review was originally written for The Season E-Zine. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoy the home renovation theme in this series. Derek is believable in the role as doctor turned handyman and Avery’s design expertise comes in handy for their projects. There are some interesting design ideas in the back of the book, as well as some really useful tips on improving the curb appeal of your home. However, the tips aren’t just relegated to the back of the book. Derek and Avery offer information about remodeling a home throughout the book in a way that is smoothly integrated into the story.
Adding to the enjoyment of this installment is the reality TV element. The inside look into the production of the show is fun to read. Many of the supporting characters involved in the show, such as Nina and Fae, are actually more interesting than some of the series regulars, especially Avery’s friend Kate who doesn’t come across as a fully developed character. Kate seems nice, but with the exception of a few scenes involving her daughter Shannon, she seems to be a part of the background and not vital to the series.
I have read one other earlier book in this series, and am glad to see that Avery is maturing and has stopped pouting (one of the reasons for her nickname “Tink”) when she doesn’t get her way. I am disappointed, however, that Derek still seems to be fixated on his ex-wife Melissa. While he is adamant that their marriage was unhappy and he would never get back together with her, Derek still drops everything whenever Melissa needs anything. Melissa always seems to have a plan to stay involved in Derek’s life, whether to win him back or just to goad Avery. In this case, I agree with Avery that she and Derek should keep their distance from the demanding and self-centered Melissa.
In spite of things often revolving around Melissa, I think the series is improving. I was interested in the renovation storyline as well as finding out the solution to the murder throughout the book. It is a suspenseful story, and the full solution isn’t revealed until the very end of the book. Fans of Juliet Blackwell’s Haunted Home Repair mysteries as well as mystery lovers who enjoy watching the DIY Network will want to read about Avery and Derek’s latest project in Flipped Out!
This review was originally written for The Season E-Zine. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2020
This series is a lot of fun. Derek and Avery are fun and like able characters and I like small town Maine setting. This time they were flipped house in a week for a TV show and murder and mayhem ensued. I was definitely kept guessing as the mystery unfolded. Home improvement tips included at the end.
April 2, 2019
This was an OK read which is disappointing because I have really liked others in the series. I like the regular characters and enjoy Derek and Avery. But Avery's interactions with Melissa are getting out of hand. There were enough suspects with enough twists to keep it interesting until close to the end. But the identity and motivation of the murderer and Avery's actions at the end, just didn't do it for me; not clever, not smart, not interesting.
April 21, 2020
Might be time to give up this series. The mystery consisted mainly of throwing out random hypotheses about how every character was the killer. Much of the interactions between the continuing characters were repeats of prior interactions (very formulaic and predictable). It’s also that point in a cozy series where I start to wonder why are there so many deaths in this quaint town? Why does this random person not involved with law enforcement seem to play a key role in solving or just being near these crimes? Why doesn’t anyone think she’s a serial killer? Time to move on!
April 2, 2015
I love this series and even though I suspected who it was, I wasn't completely sure until the end. It was a quick read partly because I couldn't put it down.
October 6, 2021
Number five in the Do-It-Yourself Mystery series has Avery and Derek doing a remodel on a small rental home. But this time, it's for a TV show and they only have a week to get it done. But a wrench is thrown into their plans when a dead body is found inside the house on their first day.
Y'all, this was pretty terrible. The ending was seriously silly. The whole book was endlessly coming up with more and more plausible scenarios that don't pan out. There were too many characters in this one that were referred to a lot, causing me lots of pauses to think, "Which one are we talking about?". One obvious thing that no one mentioned in the book is that the letter to the dead guy was mailed to his rental property. That was a clue. But along with that, if you have a rental property, wouldn't you have all the mail sent to your regular residence? He got a tax bill there too.
I'm disliking Derek more and more too. He's not an alphahole, but he's certainly annoyingly misogynistic about a lot of things and the way he's talked about from Avery's POV make it sound like she's noticing too. But she never actually says anything about it to him or even Kate. Ug. He is TOO solicitous if Melissa.
And one minor thing: Avery makes this Adirondack check look like swiss cheese and she's going to make a pillow and her thought is to make it look like a Jarlsberg label. The house is on Cabot Drive (or Lane, Road, whatever)!
I have one more of these on my shelf that I'll definitely read, but I'm liking each one of these less and less.
Y'all, this was pretty terrible. The ending was seriously silly. The whole book was endlessly coming up with more and more plausible scenarios that don't pan out. There were too many characters in this one that were referred to a lot, causing me lots of pauses to think, "Which one are we talking about?". One obvious thing that no one mentioned in the book is that the letter to the dead guy was mailed to his rental property. That was a clue. But along with that, if you have a rental property, wouldn't you have all the mail sent to your regular residence? He got a tax bill there too.
I'm disliking Derek more and more too. He's not an alphahole, but he's certainly annoyingly misogynistic about a lot of things and the way he's talked about from Avery's POV make it sound like she's noticing too. But she never actually says anything about it to him or even Kate. Ug. He is TOO solicitous if Melissa.
And one minor thing: Avery makes this Adirondack check look like swiss cheese and she's going to make a pillow and her thought is to make it look like a Jarlsberg label. The house is on Cabot Drive (or Lane, Road, whatever)!
I have one more of these on my shelf that I'll definitely read, but I'm liking each one of these less and less.
February 12, 2017
Avery and Derek are about to renovate a house for television. Avery's stepfather has arranged for them to be featured on the show "Flipped Out!" which is produced by his TV network. The crew arrives to start filming and that's when the director, Nina, discovers that the owner of the house is a former boyfriend of hers from years ago. Tony, who is now a TV news reporter, has just gotten engaged to Derek's ex-wife. When he takes Nina out for dinner in order to discuss the past and current events and is soon after found dead, both both Nina and Melissa become prime suspects.
Every character harbors some kind of secret and that adds to the juicy plot/subplots. The subplots are what drive this storyline. They are strong and so interesting you can't help but keep reading.
The problems that Avery and Derek have are typical of any solid relationship so most will be able to relate. This made me feel as if I were reading about real people and their very human insecurities. Aside from the drama, it's a cozy read that made me feel right at home - almost as if I were living in Maine myself.
I also like how Avery and Derek come across as intelligent and charming - both qualities that are draw you further into the story. Their character development isn't rushed or forced and it's beautiful. A truly fantastic read that I can't wait to continue in their next adventure.
March 9, 2022
Once again our young couple in love dive into a home remodel. This time it is for a local citizen who intends to sell rather that rent out the place again. To add to the fun, Avery's father has arranged for some of his TV friends to add this project to their home repair show. So with only a week to work, Avery and Derek have friends and family scheduled to help and the bare bones planned in work to cover the week.
So a body shows up, delays begin, people are framed, others have accidents and Avery gets set on fire. Typical fun and frivolity as the clues fall into place and everyone is on edge.
So a body shows up, delays begin, people are framed, others have accidents and Avery gets set on fire. Typical fun and frivolity as the clues fall into place and everyone is on edge.
February 12, 2018
LOVE this series and I liked this better than the last one. Avery & Derrick have to fix up a house in 5 days and do it on TV! They get off to a good start until a dead body shows up in their renovation house. Melissa is a suspect. I liked that part but Derek needs to put some distance between himself & Melissa. It is getting a little redundant with Avery, Melissa & Derek. Although it is sweet when he reassures her. There are a lot of suspects and I wasn't sure who the culprit was until near the end. It is a good mystery, good chacters, & an enjoyable read.
May 21, 2021
A fun and twisty mystery to be solved with Ivory and Erik. :D Not much renovation talk in this one, which seems to be the trend in cozies. They start out with info and as the series progresses there is less and less of the tips that first drew me in. But still a good bunch of characters in an interesting town.
November 13, 2016
The fifth book in the series has our remodeling duo involved in a reality TV show called "Flipped Out." The usual cast of characters is joined by the TV crew to make over a cottage. Of course there is a murder, which Avery attempts to solve. This is another fun, light fast read cozy mystery.
May 14, 2018
5th in the series and I haven't read the others. Cute story, likable characters, easy read, amusing. About a couple who flip houses and evidently find bodies. Nice twists and turns, not too obvious but not shocking either. would read more.
August 7, 2018
Registered on Bookcrossing - http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1...
Another wonderful book in this series. I'm looking forward to reading more about Avery and Derek and their adventures in home remodeling.
Another wonderful book in this series. I'm looking forward to reading more about Avery and Derek and their adventures in home remodeling.
June 29, 2017
3.5 stars. It was the 5th in the series, but one isn't too lost with subtle references to previous books in the series. Good plot and enjoyed the house DYI component. Will rad more in series.
July 1, 2017
A fun read, mixing murder and home improvement. What's not to like?
January 27, 2018
This is just a fun easy to read series.
April 12, 2018
I love this series,a Cozy fixer upper
Such fun to read
Such fun to read
July 8, 2018
Fun read, though slow going in the beginning.
August 6, 2018
More plot twists and turns...and home renovation....and a character you love to hate....
June 15, 2019
Avery and Derek are on a home remodel show and have to deal with the cast, an ex girlfriend, helpers, and of course a murder to solve.
August 2, 2020
Avery and Derek need to find out who killed the TV news anchor as they are renovating his house for a TV show. Lots of suspects and some surprising secrets are unearthed before the killer is found.
November 27, 2020
Two stars because nobody, including law enforcement, ever considered the person who actually did it. That alone tipped me off as to "who done it."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2021
Fun cozy series.
November 21, 2021
3.5 stars
January 11, 2023
Another good one. An interesting behind the scenes on a fixer upper show. I did not figure this one out.
March 14, 2023
I wanted to read it but DNF'd it because of "Tink is my nickname and it is short for Tinkerbell because I am cunning (small) and cute." It's over-the-top saccharine and smug.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews