Staying Home Is a Killer

A Mom Zone Mystery #2

by Sara Rosett

Air Force wife Ellie Avery is so good at organizing she's turned professional. Her tips on cleaning can send the worst case of clutter packing, dust balls fleeing, and nooks and crannies preening. But when a fellow military wife turns up dead, Ellie tackles a different type of case-murder...Diaper bag over her shoulder and an adorable toddler wriggling in her arms, Ellie Avery balances motherhood, marriage, and her own business-Everything in Its Own Place-with breezy aplomb. A maestro of organization, she sees her life as an easy checklist that does not include the untimely death of Penny Follette.Unlike the police, Ellie isn't convinced the death of Penny Follette was suicide. But when a shocking message on her answering machine confirms her suspicions, it's an uphill battle getting the officials to take her seriously. Then another spouse is strangled, and someone tries to poison an outspoken female pilot who believes sexism is alive and well in the Air Force.Poking about in closets and peeking through drawers, Ellie hopes to find the common thread tying the crimes together-not more dead bodies. And with her husband Mitch about to be deployed in the sandbox (that's the Mideast for us civvies), she wants some quality time with her significant other. As the schedule tightens and the mystery heightens, Ellie's out to prove home is not for killers!

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Audiobook, Crime, Mystery Thriller

352 pages, ebook

First published April 1, 2007

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Sara Rosett writes lighthearted mysteries for readers who enjoy atmospheric settings, fun characters, and puzzling whodunits.

She is the author of the High Society Lady Detective historical mystery series as well as three contemporary cozy series, the Murder on Location series, the On the Run series, and the Ellie Avery series. Sara also teaches an online course, How to Outline A Cozy Mystery.

Publishers Weekly called Sara's books, “satisfying,” “well-executed,” and “sparkling.” Sara loves to get new stamps in her passport and considers dark chocolate a daily requirement. Find out more at SaraRosett.com.

Reviews

[Margaret · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am surprised that this book got an average of 4 stars in rating. I found it repetitive and yet not very consecutive, hard to follow. The kind of book that I keep looking at the top to see if I am halfway through yet. When I am halfway through somehow the rest of the book seems to go faster. This one did not.

On repetitiveness, "The interaction with the rug seemed too furtive and rushed. It was secretive and quick." Kind of the same thing, don't you think?
On hard to follow, she looks for her friend, runs into someone else instead, and then there both she and her friend are, walking the third person to their car.
Another example of poor writing, in my opinion, is when she fills a mug to the top and then adds water. For a toddler. Wait, if it is full to the top how can you add water? Not to mention the inadvisability of handing a full mug of anything to a toddler, sippee cup or not.

If I accidentally pick up another book by this author I will probably read it, but am unlikely to seek one out.

[Cheryl Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellie Avery is settling into winter life at Greenly Air Force Base in Vernon, Washington. There is buzz about the upcoming Frost Fest in February with its "Dreams Take Flight" theme. While visiting the squadron, Ellie runs into Penny Follette. Penny is normally a forgettable woman but looks strangely happy and mentions she wants to talk to Ellie about something. However, Penny is affected by the arrival of the latest flight crew, and Ellie sets out on her way home. It isn't long before Ellie learns Penny is found in her bathtub, dead, an apparent suicide. Ellie doesn't believe Penny would kill herself, especially not after Ellie learns Penny was pregnant. Penny wanted a child more than anything else. Ellie also learns Penny was on her doorstep the day of her death. In the meantime, another squadron member, Lieutenant Georgia Lamar, is poisoned by castor beans that came from a bag of chocolate-covered espresso beans Penny handed off to Ellie. Ellie becomes nervous when it seems the Vernon police department have her on their radar and begins to investigate. She uncovers a smuggling ring, and scary things begin to happen to her, such as nearly being run off the road. In the meantime, it seems some of the people Penny was involved with have less than stellar lives. When a second murder occurs, Ellie worries she may be next if she can't solve the puzzle.

I'll be honest. There were a lot of characters in this story to keep straight. Even having read the first book, I had some difficulty keeping everyone sorted out. However, Ellie is a likeable protagonist, if a bit too headstrong (she is a mother to a toddler after all). I did decide to request the next book in the series from my library.

[Karen Fyke · Rating 2 out of 5]

Somehow it's hard to believe that a mother with a two-year-old would involve herself in dangerous undertakings trying to find a killer. Setting is an Air Force base out west. Smuggling artifacts is the cause for the crime.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is just fun to read! A stay at home, military mom with a young daughter moving into a new base and finding herself mixed up with murder!

[Lagniappe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm pleased that this series is moving in the right direction as the second installment is definitely better than the first. The mystery is front and center in this one, and we finally get to see Ellie in her job as an organizer. I have to admit she wasn't very impressive in that role, but at least we see her on the job. The mystery was interesting, with enough twists thrown in to keep you guessing for a fair part of the book. And, best of all, the "Mom" part (while still very present) did not suffocate the rest of the story in this installment. Ellie still annoys when she refuses to involve the authorities at the appropriate time, but even here she seems to be improving a bit. I already have the next installment - so I'll read it and see whether it continues to improve or whether it is time to say 'Bye to Ellie.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book and the way the author writes the story. On the one hand, I like a murder mystery as much as the next person, but I have a problem when the heroine of the story does stupid things that anybody with an ounce of brains can see is wrong. Yes, she has to be the center of the story and all that, but stupid is as stupid does. Refusing to give valuable and dangerous evidence to Thistlewait, the ISO officer, because she's afraid of being embarrassed? Or to prove you didn't do it because the police are too stupid to figure it out? And not giving information or even theories to him after he already knows that she has a questioning mind. It's so distracting and annoying. She has a cell phone! She can't call for backup or help? AARGH!

Outside of that, it was a pretty good mystery with (again) so many characters I couldn't keep them straight with a handbill. I guess the name of the game is "confuse the reader," ha ha. But I can't give it more than 3 stars.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellie balances motherhood, marriage and her own business. A friend of hers dies suddenly and it is quite a shock to everyone, since she was so happy the day before. She does not believe it is suicide and she is trying to get the officials to realize this with all the clues she has found. Then another is strangled and it is such a scare and Ellie tries to find out what happened and are they tied together? Her spouse is deployed and she is really involved in seeking out the murders and how to find the killer and discovers a very mysterious story. She also has a little girl that keeps her quite busy and missing he daddy too. Great read and the author is really easy to follow and great writer. Second in a serious of her books and I plan to continue with the others.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Whodunit

This is a great story and a well-written wonderful whodunit. The sleuth is a military spouse and owns a on the side business as a professional organizer. A friend she knows is found in her home and every believes it to be suicide. The heroine doesn't believe it and investigates. The characters are great and the story is well written, it has a great whodunit. The mystery is great. The setting is a military base, as well as a small town, neighbors that will help, Ellie with her snooping. The characters are interesting and entertaining including the neighbors and the staff and others on the military base.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am enjoying this series. This book seemed a better balance of motherhood and other actions that helped solve the mystery. It is winter at the Air Force base and the weather is not great. Ellie is tracking several different problems, most important the murder of her friend Penny.

Overall, this is a nice person to spend some time with. I'm looking forward to the next one.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

love that these series gave a viewpoint of army family and their feelings when the father, husband, brother, or boyfriend went off on their call of duty.

I also love that Ollie can speak now compared to screaming as a way to communicate in the first book.

well, soon there will be another little one. I can't wait to crack it open.

[Rosie Lahrman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining & fun murder mystery

It’s good, relaxing reading - just for fun. I like this author ‘s style. I’ve listened to other series of S. R.’s on Audible while walking, cleaning, and lunch breaks!

[B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two in the series keeps the series going strong. It's just as ridiculous and as funny as it was the first time around, but it's so ridiculous that it lends itself an air of credibility. This cozy mystery series is thoroughly enjoyable!

[Madelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Air Force wife Ellie Avery has become a professional organizer. She also looks into mysteries when her friends and neighbors are involved. The book also includes tips for organizing closets. Lots of intrigue included in this book.

[Vicki May · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had not read the other books in this series but had no trouble starting with staying Home is a killer. I never did guess who the killer was. A great mystery written with humor and characters I would love to have as friends.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure why they always think she's the killer.

Why is it that if you pay attention to details you are the most likely suspect? Poor Ellie is always in the wrong place at the right time. Easy plot to follow.

[Elliemae · Rating 2 out of 5]

Audiobook format

Ellie is rather annoying and she keeps putting her life and child in danger. Now what SANE mother would really do that?

PS Why is this series called Mom Zone on Goodreads when the author lists it as Ellie Avery series??

[Coralee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up for the fantastic job this author does of including details of daily life that make this cozy mystery series so enjoyable for me. Details of toddler-mom life or the challenges of living in an old house...these add depth and interest to the mysteries.

[a. · Rating 1 out of 5]

The first book was better than this one... The plot was see through and just too unbelievable.

[Tina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing. I didn't find the characters interesting, and the plot was just so-so. Doubt I will read another in this series.

[Jim Standridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good series

[Ruth Fenster · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it was better than her first book in this series. The guilty party wasn’t as easy to predict but it was not what I would call great literature.

[Tina Montgomery · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a perfect read for these times of social distancing.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the characters in this series. I also enjoy Ellie’s inner commentary about her observations and feelings about motherhood. They are amusing and relatable.

[Sheri Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick, easy read. Ellie just can't stay out of trouble and this book is no different. There's a big surprise at the end too.

[Linda Svoboda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

A great book about the military and a curious wife who gets herself into more trouble. But she has a knack for finding out things and helping the police.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one. The Airforce setting and personal made it interesting too.

[Melissa Miles · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75. "Coal 'shoot'". Good grief.

[Albert Belcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this book. She kept a fast pace all the way through.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

More fast action here. A couple of deaths. Are they connected. Ellie is the one they are looking at for them, so she investigates. Lots happen before things are solved. Interesting ending...

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an Air Force wife Ellie knows many people in the squadron and when Penny is found dead she doesn't believe it was suicide. But trying to prove it to the police is an uphill battle.