What do you think?
Rate this book
Clutter Free: An Organized Crime Cozy Mystery
Returning to Fox Island where she grew up, Kate Sloan begins her career as a professional organizer. When a woman accuses Kate’s police chief brother of having an affair, her priority shifts from organizing to proving her brother’s innocence. Kate visits the woman, hoping for a confession. The woman won’t admit she lied, and to make the situation worse, the accuser is found dead the next day by Kate and her business partner.
Kate has an eye for seeing what’s out of place, and she knows how to fix problems. Can she utilize her organizational skills to toss red herrings and focus on legitimate clues? Kate’s business is at risk as well as her brother’s career. The clock is ticking, and this could be the deadliest deadline of Kate’s life. She must discover the truth behind the victim’s vicious lies, but most of all, she needs to solve the murder before she becomes the next victim.
Kate has an eye for seeing what’s out of place, and she knows how to fix problems. Can she utilize her organizational skills to toss red herrings and focus on legitimate clues? Kate’s business is at risk as well as her brother’s career. The clock is ticking, and this could be the deadliest deadline of Kate’s life. She must discover the truth behind the victim’s vicious lies, but most of all, she needs to solve the murder before she becomes the next victim.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 29, 2023
2 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Layton
12 books341 followersJackie has written six cozy mysteries set in the Low Country of South Carolina. She lives in Pawleys Island with her husband.
Weeding Out Lies is the first book in her A Texas Flower Farmer Cozy Mystery series. Clover Covered Corpse is the second book in this series.
Clutter Free is a series with a professional organizer who uses her skills to solve murder mysteries.
You can find Jackie at any of these sites:
http://www.jackielaytoncozyauthor.com/
Twitter: https://bit.ly/3CMn796
https://www.facebook.com/JackieLayton...
Pinterest: https://bit.ly/46yjQJb
https://www.instagram.com/jackielayto...
Bookbub: https://bit.ly/37RqGQ8
Weeding Out Lies is the first book in her A Texas Flower Farmer Cozy Mystery series. Clover Covered Corpse is the second book in this series.
Clutter Free is a series with a professional organizer who uses her skills to solve murder mysteries.
You can find Jackie at any of these sites:
http://www.jackielaytoncozyauthor.com/
Twitter: https://bit.ly/3CMn796
https://www.facebook.com/JackieLayton...
Pinterest: https://bit.ly/46yjQJb
https://www.instagram.com/jackielayto...
Bookbub: https://bit.ly/37RqGQ8
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 14, 2023
A small-town cozy mystery, Clutter Free takes us on a journey with professional organizer Kate Sloan as she fights to clear her younger brother’s name and solve the mysterious murder of the woman that was falsely accusing him. Told solely through Kate’s eyes, the reader goes along with Kate, finding clues and trying to find out what exactly is going on in the small coastal town of Fox Island.
I have been struggling with an illness this week, so a nice, cozy mystery fit my mood and gave me a great escape. This is not a fast-paced novel, and there were parts that did seem repetitive and to drag a bit, but overall, it was pretty well paced. The characters kept it interesting, along with the whole ‘who done it’ as you try to solve the mystery in your own head.
Though there is a love story that brews between Kate and her old high school crush, Reid, this is by no means the focal point, but felt more like a side story. Reid was one of my favorite characters as he is one of those guys with a heart of gold and is willing to do whatever it takes to keep Kate safe, which is one of my favorite hero troupes.
My favorite part of this novel was Kate’s occupation. All of the organizational talk fed my soul! I’ve seriously thought about a career in professional organization and reading about Let’s Get Organized amped up my curiosity even further. I also adored Kate’s partner, Bess. Her name alone gave Nancy Drew vibes, but so does her sidekick persona, and I am so here for it!
Clutter Free is the first novel in the Organized Crime Cozy Mystery series and it is a strong start indeed. It gives a firm foundation for the rest of the series and is quite entertaining. I thought I had the entire mystery figured out by the end, and for the most part I was right, but there was still a little surprise thrown in that was unexpected, and I loved it! I can’t wait to see what other organizational mysteries are in our future!
*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
I have been struggling with an illness this week, so a nice, cozy mystery fit my mood and gave me a great escape. This is not a fast-paced novel, and there were parts that did seem repetitive and to drag a bit, but overall, it was pretty well paced. The characters kept it interesting, along with the whole ‘who done it’ as you try to solve the mystery in your own head.
Though there is a love story that brews between Kate and her old high school crush, Reid, this is by no means the focal point, but felt more like a side story. Reid was one of my favorite characters as he is one of those guys with a heart of gold and is willing to do whatever it takes to keep Kate safe, which is one of my favorite hero troupes.
My favorite part of this novel was Kate’s occupation. All of the organizational talk fed my soul! I’ve seriously thought about a career in professional organization and reading about Let’s Get Organized amped up my curiosity even further. I also adored Kate’s partner, Bess. Her name alone gave Nancy Drew vibes, but so does her sidekick persona, and I am so here for it!
Clutter Free is the first novel in the Organized Crime Cozy Mystery series and it is a strong start indeed. It gives a firm foundation for the rest of the series and is quite entertaining. I thought I had the entire mystery figured out by the end, and for the most part I was right, but there was still a little surprise thrown in that was unexpected, and I loved it! I can’t wait to see what other organizational mysteries are in our future!
*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
September 14, 2023
I really enjoy Mystery Novels, especially sweet Cozy ones. I also enjoy reading books from authors that I haven't had the chance to read their books yet. Clutter Free by Jackie Layton is Book 1 in the An Organized Crime Cozy Mystery series. I recently had the chance to read this book.
Kate Sloan has returned to Fox Island, where she grew up, and started a Professional Organizing business, something she wants as a Career. Kate's Brother is the local Police Chief and things change directions for Kate when a woman accuses him of having an affair. Kate immediately shifts things to help her brother prove his innocence. The woman is found dead a day after Kate and her partner visit the woman to try to get her to confess that she fabricated the story. Kate is now more determined to prove her brother's innocence from an affair and will utilize her Organization skills, spotting things out of place and fixing them, to help her brother and also Kate. Her Brother's best buddy, Reid, is willing to help Kate solve the mystery and keep his friend's reputation in line. Kate realizes she must act fast as their careers are on the line and she also feels she could be the next victim. Will Kate solve the mystery of who murdered the Woman? Will Kate prove her Brother innocent?
I started reading this book and could not stop reading until I came to THE END! Kate is a very determined woman and she really wants to help her brother. I LOVE that her career, Professional Organizer, helps her with sleuthing and helping to "fix the problem". Her Brother, Paul, is well-liked in the Community and she knows this accusation could ruin his career. Reid is a GREAT Character in the book and I saw a bit of "sparks" as Reid was also Kate's High School Crush. I am glad I read this on a day where I could read from start to finish as it truly is a WONDERFUL BOOK! I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves Mystery!
Kate Sloan has returned to Fox Island, where she grew up, and started a Professional Organizing business, something she wants as a Career. Kate's Brother is the local Police Chief and things change directions for Kate when a woman accuses him of having an affair. Kate immediately shifts things to help her brother prove his innocence. The woman is found dead a day after Kate and her partner visit the woman to try to get her to confess that she fabricated the story. Kate is now more determined to prove her brother's innocence from an affair and will utilize her Organization skills, spotting things out of place and fixing them, to help her brother and also Kate. Her Brother's best buddy, Reid, is willing to help Kate solve the mystery and keep his friend's reputation in line. Kate realizes she must act fast as their careers are on the line and she also feels she could be the next victim. Will Kate solve the mystery of who murdered the Woman? Will Kate prove her Brother innocent?
I started reading this book and could not stop reading until I came to THE END! Kate is a very determined woman and she really wants to help her brother. I LOVE that her career, Professional Organizer, helps her with sleuthing and helping to "fix the problem". Her Brother, Paul, is well-liked in the Community and she knows this accusation could ruin his career. Reid is a GREAT Character in the book and I saw a bit of "sparks" as Reid was also Kate's High School Crush. I am glad I read this on a day where I could read from start to finish as it truly is a WONDERFUL BOOK! I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves Mystery!
September 14, 2023
Clutter Free
An Organized Crime Cozy Mystery #1
By Jackie Layton
This is the first book in a new series. A cozy Mystery series - the kind that is the perfect before-bed read that won't keep you up all night with over-the-top violence or craziness.
Kate Sloan is returning home for a fresh start as well as a second chance to connect to her roots. She's starting a new business with her lifelong BFF, and everything seems to be going along perfectly until... There is always an until when perfectly is happening.
Soon Kate is caught up trying to clear her brother of accusations that he's having an affair. Even worse the accuser ends up dead shortly after making her claims. Top of the suspect list is Kate, her brother Paul, and her sister-in-law Susie!
With help from her brother's best friend (and her secret teenage crush), Reid Kate is determined to uncover the truth and point the police and the press in the right direction. There is just one little, itty, bitty problem she may have attracted the killer's attention, WHOOPS! And against everyone's advice, she just can't help herself; she has to keep looking for answers.
This is a fun, mostly light read that is entertaining and engaging. It's a book that one can put down if need be (like for work or bed), but fully anticipating the next reading session. This is a perfect read if you just want to unwind and relax and not get wound up in an intense mystery. This book has all the charm one would expect from a small Southern city but just enough intrigue to keep it interesting.
So sit back, curl into your favorite cozy spot and escape to Fox Island. You'll enjoy the visit and be left looking forward to your next visit!
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
An Organized Crime Cozy Mystery #1
By Jackie Layton
This is the first book in a new series. A cozy Mystery series - the kind that is the perfect before-bed read that won't keep you up all night with over-the-top violence or craziness.
Kate Sloan is returning home for a fresh start as well as a second chance to connect to her roots. She's starting a new business with her lifelong BFF, and everything seems to be going along perfectly until... There is always an until when perfectly is happening.
Soon Kate is caught up trying to clear her brother of accusations that he's having an affair. Even worse the accuser ends up dead shortly after making her claims. Top of the suspect list is Kate, her brother Paul, and her sister-in-law Susie!
With help from her brother's best friend (and her secret teenage crush), Reid Kate is determined to uncover the truth and point the police and the press in the right direction. There is just one little, itty, bitty problem she may have attracted the killer's attention, WHOOPS! And against everyone's advice, she just can't help herself; she has to keep looking for answers.
This is a fun, mostly light read that is entertaining and engaging. It's a book that one can put down if need be (like for work or bed), but fully anticipating the next reading session. This is a perfect read if you just want to unwind and relax and not get wound up in an intense mystery. This book has all the charm one would expect from a small Southern city but just enough intrigue to keep it interesting.
So sit back, curl into your favorite cozy spot and escape to Fox Island. You'll enjoy the visit and be left looking forward to your next visit!
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
September 15, 2023
Clutter Free is a fun mystery-type novel and also makes me wish I was more like the main character and could organize flawlessly! We live in a small house with lots of kids and I’m always looking for new organizational systems and ways to save my sanity a bit more.
Kate is our main character/heroine. She’s an organizer. Professionally. It’s her job. She helps people organize and manage their homes. (Does anyone know a real-life Kate who wants to come to my house?!) But that new business takes a bit of a back burner when her brother is accused of having an affair. To make that accusation worse is the fact that he’s a police chief!
When she meets with the accuser to get her to recant the woman won’t. And then to make it all worse that woman is found dead the next day by Kate and her assistant! Talk about an awkward and not good situation.
This book read quickly and I loved the characters. They spoke to me and I wanted to be friends! I loved the book. Reid is another character that you’re going to want to keep an eye on as he’s quite the guy.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Kate is our main character/heroine. She’s an organizer. Professionally. It’s her job. She helps people organize and manage their homes. (Does anyone know a real-life Kate who wants to come to my house?!) But that new business takes a bit of a back burner when her brother is accused of having an affair. To make that accusation worse is the fact that he’s a police chief!
When she meets with the accuser to get her to recant the woman won’t. And then to make it all worse that woman is found dead the next day by Kate and her assistant! Talk about an awkward and not good situation.
This book read quickly and I loved the characters. They spoke to me and I wanted to be friends! I loved the book. Reid is another character that you’re going to want to keep an eye on as he’s quite the guy.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
July 19, 2025
The mystery begins when social media posts appear accusing the small town’s police chief of not only infidelity but planning to run off and marry the woman who posted the lies. Main character Kate is his big sister. As with most cozies, the amateur sleuth begins investigating because they feel they are more likely than law enforcement to find the guilty party.
This book weaves together murder, possible drug smuggling, and even kidnapping. There’s a lot going on but the author does a good job of keeping it all straight. Kate uses her business as a professional organizer to have access to those she believes have information.
All the characters are nice making it not a case of telegraphing who is the guilty party. Because it is a cozy there is a lot of pages devoted to Kate doing her job as an organizer. To keep her business running while she sleuths, it is made clear that her partner is maintaining business appointments and related requirements. As a reader I appreciate when an author doesn’t ignore the needs of the main character’s real life.
This book weaves together murder, possible drug smuggling, and even kidnapping. There’s a lot going on but the author does a good job of keeping it all straight. Kate uses her business as a professional organizer to have access to those she believes have information.
All the characters are nice making it not a case of telegraphing who is the guilty party. Because it is a cozy there is a lot of pages devoted to Kate doing her job as an organizer. To keep her business running while she sleuths, it is made clear that her partner is maintaining business appointments and related requirements. As a reader I appreciate when an author doesn’t ignore the needs of the main character’s real life.
September 12, 2023
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. I loved the characters and the mystery. I loved how the story kept me engaged from the beginning of the story and I didn't know who had done it until the end. I liked how there were many twist and turns the author took us on as we tried to solve the mystery along with the characters. I also loved that the main character owned an organizing business. I thought that was a creative idea. I would definitely read more books by this author. Overall, I thought this book was enjoyable and one that I would recommend to anyone looking for a well written cozy mystery.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
September 17, 2023
Clutter Free is a cozy mystery with a dash of second chance romance set on Fox Island, where festivals may well hold secrets and the community is closer than you think.
I enjoyed the setting as well as amateur sleuth and narrator Kate's organizational skills, with her dogged determination to clear her brother's name, along with the close friendships and protective natures of the men in her life.
Perfect for those who love a clean cozy mystery. And if Clutter Free sounds like your kind of read, author Jackie Layton has more than just her Organized Crime cozies for you.
Recommended.
This review refers to a digital copy that I voluntarily received and read, courtesy of the publisher. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own.
I enjoyed the setting as well as amateur sleuth and narrator Kate's organizational skills, with her dogged determination to clear her brother's name, along with the close friendships and protective natures of the men in her life.
Perfect for those who love a clean cozy mystery. And if Clutter Free sounds like your kind of read, author Jackie Layton has more than just her Organized Crime cozies for you.
Recommended.
This review refers to a digital copy that I voluntarily received and read, courtesy of the publisher. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own.
October 6, 2023
Southern cozy mystery
Kate has returned to her childhood home to start an organizing business with her best friend. Her brother Paul, the police chief, finds himself in trouble when he is falsely accused of infidelity. Determined to clear his name with the help of his best friend Reid, she finds herself deep in a murder investigation instead.
Kate has returned to her childhood home to start an organizing business with her best friend. Her brother Paul, the police chief, finds himself in trouble when he is falsely accused of infidelity. Determined to clear his name with the help of his best friend Reid, she finds herself deep in a murder investigation instead.
September 2, 2024
I really enjoyed this first book in the Organized Crime Mystery series! The tips and hints were fun, especially since I love a nicely organized space. The main cast of characters and the beachy setting hooked me immediately. The mystery kept me guessing…just how I like it! I look forward to many more books in this series!
July 10, 2024
A really really good cozy mystery. Great characters and plot. I was almost sorry when I got to the end. Probably one of the best cozy mystery books I've ever read. This author has a new fan.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews