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Avery Shaw #4

Shot Off the Presses

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Life should be good for Avery Shaw. She's got a hunky new boyfriend in local pawnshop owner (and sometime private detective) Elliot Kane, her cousin Lexie swears she'll be moving out of her house one day "real soon" and her family has been relatively quiet for a whole week. That's practically perfection in Avery's world. Then, what appears to be a random freeway shooting resulting in the death of a young mother, causes upheaval on just about every front. County Sheriff Jake Farrell announces that the same gun used in the current shooting was also used in a similar shooting one county over a few weeks before. A joint task force is assembled and the denizens of southeastern Michigan are on edge – including Elliot and Jake, who still can't quite seem to make amends with one another. Avery is on the case, but she's got a few distractions blocking her way. The commander of the local National Guard base is acting cagey, there's a new public relations liaison in the sheriff's department that is laying down the law about media leaks and her grandfather is refusing to report for jury duty which, most likely, will result in his own incarceration. When you couple that with Carly's upcoming wedding, the opening of Lexie's new yoga studio and Avery's mom's insistence that Thundercats shoes are not appropriate footwear for public outings, and Avery's happiness quotient continues to plummet. Avery is determined to get the story – even when it becomes apparent that her efforts have turned the shooter's attention to her. When Avery finally does find an answer, will she survive to tell anyone about it? These books are full of sarcasm and are a little bit snarky -- so read only if you like to laugh and you aren't easily offended. This is the fourth book in the Avery Shaw Mystery series.

276 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 6, 2014

722 people are currently reading
217 people want to read

About the author

Amanda M. Lee

304 books2,899 followers
When I was a kid, I was torn between whether or not I was going to grow up and be the Incredible Hulk or Wonder Woman. I flirted with being a Jedi Knight for awhile, but I wasn't up for the intense travel associated with the gig. In my teens, I settled on being a writer -- although I had no idea the effort that would entail.
Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.

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5 stars
984 (57%)
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578 (33%)
3 stars
141 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
207 reviews
July 23, 2019
Great book

I love and hate her . She never listens or does what she’s told but those are what helps her get the job done
Profile Image for Julie Howard.
Author 2 books31 followers
February 2, 2021
This series has me mixed. I enjoy the books but not always the main character who annoys everybody just for the sake of it, then wonders why she becomes the subject of there attacks. Don't get me worry I do enjoy the series and the mystery but just wish she was a little bit nicer. This does lead to some funny situations but also she brings on a lot of the trouble herself but somehow she still manages to keep two hot guys coming to her rescue, even if she doesn't want there help. That is one of the redeeming qualities that I like about Avery, she is tough and not a damsel in distress who needs a man to come to her aid even when she is being shot at, she knows what she wants and doesn't let anyone get in her way, well maybe her mother. The series is full of snark, sexual innuendos and mischief. The characters are interesting and despite the griping they are a tight knit group and can give back just as good as they receive, that is why the Granddad spends the night in jail. The mystery was good and like Avery the killer wasn't on my radar.
Avery is once again putting her life on the line in order to get a story. This time it is her job to uncover the story of a shooting on the highway. This isn't the first case, can she dig deep and find the connection between the victims or the reason behind them? At the same time the police department is going through some changes and a new press Secretary is hired to make Avery's life difficult. With her easy access to police resources cut off can Avery find the edge she needs? It is finally the date for her best friends wedding but with the mother in law from hell changing the wedding plans Avery also has to be the emotional support her friend needs to see it though. Can she do it all? Avery has a habit of not just writing the story but becoming it and with a killer randomly shooting people is she going to be the next target?
The narrator was okay but the editing needs to be looked at as a few sentences were repeated. Also I did find that sometime it sounded like the characters were whining when I don't think they were meant to be.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for JadeShea.
3,235 reviews60 followers
November 19, 2018
Avery has a new boyfriend she's trying to deal with, and the fact that her cousin is now living with her. Add in some crazy stuff from her ex boyfriend, and a freeway shooter, and Avery has a lot to deal with. But she is going to try to figure out what the story is before it is too late. However, Avery may not get to this one in time to prevent some bad things from happening.

This was another good book in the Avery Shaw series. Avery and Eliot are adjusting to their new status, and both are trying to manage how to make this work. Add in Avery's ability to find trouble anywhere and in makes for a very humorous adventure.

This one was very good. I adored Avery even more in this one, and it makes me excited to read more. She's growing as a character, and we get to see the awesome banter between her and Eliot that just makes this book even better.
Profile Image for Loretta TheMoodyRedhead.
1,044 reviews4 followers
September 15, 2021
I like that Lexie is doing well and is following her desires, finally. Now let’s hope her dreams aren’t shattered.

Why is there always a handful of people who want to seriously injure or kill Avery at any given time? Oh ya, that’s right - because she’s got a sharp tongue and doesn’t always shut it. She really reminds me of Thistle in one of Lee’s other books and Carly reminds me of the kvetch Clove…or was it basil? Lol, jk.

Lee always has sassy characters, but they tend to also be extremely loyal, so that stops them from being annoying. Ya, and also that they are funny.

I’m wondering if what happened to the high school student will come back to haunt Avery in the next book “The Preditorial Page”. I’m already reading it, so I’ll find out…
Profile Image for Dallass.
2,233 reviews
March 19, 2022
Another close call for our intrepid reporter.

Yep, the most Star Wars obsessed character I’ve ever read keeps stumbling her way through an investigation that sees her targeted by a sniper… oh, joy. Her relationship with Eliot is heating up, and Jake is as rigid and annoying as always (honestly, how did she ever date this guy? 🤷🏻‍♀️), and there is a new jerk working at the paper that really rubs Avery the wrong way.
6,202 reviews41 followers
August 16, 2025
This whole series is really good and Avery is a really neat character. It starts off with a freeway shooting and then leads into two more freeway shootings. There's a grandfather arrested for not showing up for jury duty, Avery may be the actual target of the shooter and there's a gay bar among other things.

There's also a lot of worry about a military base near there that might be closing which would be a major blow to the town.
Profile Image for Diane Gates.
340 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2022
Wow. Great read.

Avery is amazing. She is funny, sarcastic, crazy, a really good reporter and totally unlucky or maybe that's lucky. Her boyfriend has to be a Saint. This was a terrific book. A must read, laugh out loud, crazy story. If you haven't read Amanda M Lee you must. I have never read anything by her that is not fantastic.
32 reviews
August 29, 2023
This Series is Fun

Like eating a bag chips you can't just have one. I'm really enjoying these books. The mystery keeps me guessing and the wild ride that is Avery's life is ridiculous and fun. While I'm over the Star Wars stuff (I do hope she outgrows her wardrobe!) I like her snarky need to be right! An enjoyable read!
157 reviews
January 28, 2025
Another great read in the series!

This was another great read in this series! It keeps growing and getting better with each book! The family relationships are getting more defined. The main characters are growing and becoming more fleshed out and more attached to one another. It's a really good series I am thoroughly enjoying it!
Profile Image for Laura LJ.
197 reviews23 followers
May 4, 2025
🌟🌟🌟

This is the 4th book in this series. This is the first one I listened to on audible. I did not care for the narrator. Also this needs editing bad there were so many times the same sentence was played over and over. I felt this one dragged I don’t know if it because I listened to it but from now on I will read the following books in the series.
Profile Image for lourdes loera.
112 reviews
January 19, 2020
Such an amazing read!

Avery does it again! How is it that she always end up at the sharp end of a knife attached to a killer!? Or a gun in this case! Can she piss anyone else?! A must read if you like mystery wrapped in a snarky package
Profile Image for Debbie Chittenden.
1,096 reviews
June 15, 2020
As always Avery finds trouble no matter where she goes. Yet I found this story endearing. My only clomplaint is that Avery can never just find peace and and the entire Tad and Christine story it's subtly pushed to the side without any other mention.
7,760 reviews50 followers
October 30, 2020
Good chick flick for the enjoyment of a girl who is a reporter, thinks of herself, and the messes she gets into. The dialog and characters are quirky and fun, narration was enjoyable. Given audio for my voluntary review
314 reviews
May 2, 2023
Fun series

The characters are fun. The main character is mouthy and snarky. She's younger than 30, still doing video games and sci to fun. But I have a 39 and 46 year old kids who are just like her and her collectables.
Profile Image for Brandy Dugger.
85 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2018
Fun, Fast Paced, Fantastic

Another great Avery Shaw Mystery! My hate for Tad keeps growing. Jake or Eliot? How could a girl choose?

Can't wait for more!
282 reviews2 followers
July 19, 2018
Great Book!

Great Book! I love this heroine! The writer portrays her so realistic and funny! Can’t wait for more Avery Shaw adventures.
475 reviews2 followers
September 29, 2018
CURRENT!!!

Although Avery is her own worst enemy, the book was fast-paced with very different characters. It was interesting to have it all wrong until you're at the end.
Profile Image for Shawna Owens.
27 reviews
November 10, 2018
A great read

Another great book by Amanda Lee. This book had me laughing and I enjoyed Avery’s snarky attitude. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Maria.
1,366 reviews70 followers
March 5, 2019
Not quite as addicting as the others but still good.
Profile Image for helen p hutcheon.
10 reviews
April 13, 2019
Entertaining,

Enjoyed reading about averys latest exploits, didn't expect it to be who it was, well done. Would defiantly recommend to my friends.
Profile Image for Michael B. Northam.
36 reviews
January 25, 2021
The best Avery Shaw so far.

This is the best Avery Shaw so far. The snark is non-stop and the ending is truly unexpected. (Well, it seemed so)
Profile Image for Brenda Allen.
1,551 reviews4 followers
March 1, 2021
This book was hard to put down. I can't wait to read more of the books.
Profile Image for Stephen Levesque.
2,806 reviews
April 18, 2022
This is a well written and has well developed characters. The story is catching and with the strong characters makes for a very enjoyable read. Great Reading Everyone!
765 reviews2 followers
April 21, 2022
Fun plot twists!

I loved this story! It was filled with murder and mystery, love and laughter, lots of snark and unbelievable tools (Tad!). Enjoy!
Profile Image for Bobbi ❤️ Book Addict.
139 reviews5 followers
January 21, 2024
These books have definitely gotten a lot better as they go on. Even without a paranormal spin like Amanda usually has, I’m falling in love with Avery.
718 reviews3 followers
August 11, 2024
exciting

A good book in the series with mystery, suspense, drama, humor, political corruption, horror, intrigue, and romance. Eager for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews

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