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Tina Tales Mysteries #2
Buried Under Clutter
Someone screams inside the old, neglected Victorian house next door, and Tina Shaw runs to find out what’s wrong. A woman bursts out the door saying her aunt is dead. Murdered. Tina notices that the hallway is piled high with cartons. Later when the woman begs her to help clean up the house, Tina hesitates. She’s just begun a career as a professional organizer, though, and her hands itch to start on a new job.
As Tina sifts through the clutter, she finds clues the murdered woman left behind. She learns the woman was rich, and all her relatives are suspects. But when the will is read, Tina and her family also become suspects. After her mother is arrested, Tina begins investigating in earnest with the help of her boyfriend, Hank (the Hunk). Will she find out who the killer is before her own life is put in danger?
Second in the Tina Tales series.
As Tina sifts through the clutter, she finds clues the murdered woman left behind. She learns the woman was rich, and all her relatives are suspects. But when the will is read, Tina and her family also become suspects. After her mother is arrested, Tina begins investigating in earnest with the help of her boyfriend, Hank (the Hunk). Will she find out who the killer is before her own life is put in danger?
Second in the Tina Tales series.
- GenresMystery
245 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2014
About the author
Jan Christensen
23 books70 followersSome short stories written by Jan Christensen began to appear in print magazines in the mid-to-late-90s. By this century, more appeared in both print and ezines, and now her list of published stories is over seventy. She‘s been nominated for two Derringer Awards, and one story from Hardluck Stories has been published in an anthology edited by Dave Zeltserman and Ed Gorman titled, On Dangerous Ground.
In 2004, one of her novels, Sara’s Search, was published and is now available on Kindle. After that, eleven more mystery books have been published. And she continues to persist.
In 2004, one of her novels, Sara’s Search, was published and is now available on Kindle. After that, eleven more mystery books have been published. And she continues to persist.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 26, 2014
Buried Under Clutter by Jan Christensen is a page-turning suspenseful mystery. The action starts on the first page and doesn’t stop until the end of the book.
Tina Shaw is a professional organizer who has moved back home to live with her mother and uncle. As she steps outside one day, she hears screaming coming from a neighbor’s house and someone running out of the house. The screaming is from her neighbor’s niece, who informs Tina that her aunt is dead. Mrs. Blackwell, the dead neighbor, is not the favorite person on the street, but she did not deserve to be murdered. When Tina’s mother is arrested for the murder, Tina knows she has to figure out who the real killer is.
There is no shortage of suspects in the murder. There’s Mrs. Blackwell’s nieces, her nephew, her sister and brother, and two con artists that had befriended her. After the reading of the will, there are millions of motives becauses Mrs. Blackwell was very rich and left a lot of money to each suspect. She was also a extreme hoarder and Tina is left five millions dollars that is hers after she declutters the mess in Mrs. Blackwell’s house. This gives Tina the chance to look in the house for clues as to the killer’s identity.
The characters are well developed, well round and three dimensional. Each suspect has their own quirky personalities and secrets, which makes eliminating them as the killer a difficult job. Tina is strong-willed and spunky but she has a softer side when it comes to her family and boyfriend, Hank. Tina’s mother is a bit controlling and has a tendency to tell Tina what she should and should not do, which creates conflict. Tina’s uncle is deaf and likes to use uncommon cliches whenever he can. Even the murder victim, Mrs. Blackwell has a strange personality that comes through in the writing, style, even though we never really meet her, since she’s dead. I learned things about hoarders that I never knew, and I really like that.
The writing style flows easily and this is an easy read. The suspense and mystery kept pulling me along, and I found myself having to read “just a few” more pages until, before I knew it, I was done. I did not figure out who the murderer was until it was revealed at the end of the book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I have read other books by Jan Christensen and I have enjoyed every one. She has a few different series and they are all equally good. This is the second book in this series and I will now have to pick up the first one so I can read more about Tina and her family. I feel this was a stand alone book, though, because I was not lost and feel that I was able to know the characters very well. I hope Jan Christensen just keeps the great books coming.
Tina Shaw is a professional organizer who has moved back home to live with her mother and uncle. As she steps outside one day, she hears screaming coming from a neighbor’s house and someone running out of the house. The screaming is from her neighbor’s niece, who informs Tina that her aunt is dead. Mrs. Blackwell, the dead neighbor, is not the favorite person on the street, but she did not deserve to be murdered. When Tina’s mother is arrested for the murder, Tina knows she has to figure out who the real killer is.
There is no shortage of suspects in the murder. There’s Mrs. Blackwell’s nieces, her nephew, her sister and brother, and two con artists that had befriended her. After the reading of the will, there are millions of motives becauses Mrs. Blackwell was very rich and left a lot of money to each suspect. She was also a extreme hoarder and Tina is left five millions dollars that is hers after she declutters the mess in Mrs. Blackwell’s house. This gives Tina the chance to look in the house for clues as to the killer’s identity.
The characters are well developed, well round and three dimensional. Each suspect has their own quirky personalities and secrets, which makes eliminating them as the killer a difficult job. Tina is strong-willed and spunky but she has a softer side when it comes to her family and boyfriend, Hank. Tina’s mother is a bit controlling and has a tendency to tell Tina what she should and should not do, which creates conflict. Tina’s uncle is deaf and likes to use uncommon cliches whenever he can. Even the murder victim, Mrs. Blackwell has a strange personality that comes through in the writing, style, even though we never really meet her, since she’s dead. I learned things about hoarders that I never knew, and I really like that.
The writing style flows easily and this is an easy read. The suspense and mystery kept pulling me along, and I found myself having to read “just a few” more pages until, before I knew it, I was done. I did not figure out who the murderer was until it was revealed at the end of the book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I have read other books by Jan Christensen and I have enjoyed every one. She has a few different series and they are all equally good. This is the second book in this series and I will now have to pick up the first one so I can read more about Tina and her family. I feel this was a stand alone book, though, because I was not lost and feel that I was able to know the characters very well. I hope Jan Christensen just keeps the great books coming.
August 2, 2014
This cozy romance mystery will intrigued you from the cover to the surprising end. The attributes of characters are well established and they are friends already.
The protagonist Tina has personal problems that she is working through. Her boyfriend Hank's occupation is a secret. He is not a cop or CIA yet he has a law enforcement badge. Uncle Bob and his service dog, Princess informs the problems of the hearing impaired. Laura has secrets in her background. The police Lisbeth and John both have personalities. Scream rock the night and Tina investigates she find a woman screaming she is DEAD. Jenny a niece is visiting her Aunt Oliva and finds her DEAD. Aunt Oliva is wealthy and is a HOADER. Her will leaves a number of suspects a lot of money. Olivia leaves Tina 5 million dollars to clean out the mess. As it is a crime scene Detective Lisbeth insists Tina works with Officer Mickey. Olivia leaves clues throughout the mess for Tina. Will Tina find the answer before is convicted.
Full Disclosure: I received a free copy from Henery Press through Netgally for an honest review.
The protagonist Tina has personal problems that she is working through. Her boyfriend Hank's occupation is a secret. He is not a cop or CIA yet he has a law enforcement badge. Uncle Bob and his service dog, Princess informs the problems of the hearing impaired. Laura has secrets in her background. The police Lisbeth and John both have personalities. Scream rock the night and Tina investigates she find a woman screaming she is DEAD. Jenny a niece is visiting her Aunt Oliva and finds her DEAD. Aunt Oliva is wealthy and is a HOADER. Her will leaves a number of suspects a lot of money. Olivia leaves Tina 5 million dollars to clean out the mess. As it is a crime scene Detective Lisbeth insists Tina works with Officer Mickey. Olivia leaves clues throughout the mess for Tina. Will Tina find the answer before is convicted.
Full Disclosure: I received a free copy from Henery Press through Netgally for an honest review.
July 25, 2014
Review Courtesy of April Hollingworth
This is the second book in the Tina Tales series and can be read as a standalone. I found it filled with a wonderful mystery and a great who dun it that will keep you guessing until the very end. A wonderful story.
Opening Scene:
The scream pierced the cold winter air.
The Review:
The murder of a neighbor no one likes becomes somewhat complicated when everyone has a reason to have done the deed. Tina an ex-psychologist turned professional organizer, is asked by the niece of the murdered woman to go through the house and sort through all the boxes. Not an easy job as her aunt had been a hoarder. But things turn deadly when the killer returns trying to find the clues buried under the clutter of the house.
Notable Scene:
Tina noticed Lisbeth was following this exchange with interest. It dawned on Tina that what her mother and uncle were revealing to the police might not be good. But certainly they wouldn’t think her mother had a motive for killing Olivia Blackwell?
Unexpectedly, Lisbeth turned her attention to Tina. “Did you know about the hoarding next door? As a professional organizer, I’d think you would have.”
“But I didn’t. I left Newport right after high school and haven’t been inside that house since grade school. When I came back here to live, it wasn’t mentioned.” She glanced at her mother. It did seem odd that Laura hadn’t said anything when Tina announced she was going to change from being a psychologist to a personal organizer. But Laura hadn’t encouraged her, and certainly would not have wanted her involved with what was going on in the old Queen Anne.
FTC Advisory: Jan Christenson through Net Galley provided me with a copy of Buried Under Clutter by Jan Christensen. Published through Jan Christenson. Kindle Edition. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
This is the second book in the Tina Tales series and can be read as a standalone. I found it filled with a wonderful mystery and a great who dun it that will keep you guessing until the very end. A wonderful story.
Opening Scene:
The scream pierced the cold winter air.
The Review:
The murder of a neighbor no one likes becomes somewhat complicated when everyone has a reason to have done the deed. Tina an ex-psychologist turned professional organizer, is asked by the niece of the murdered woman to go through the house and sort through all the boxes. Not an easy job as her aunt had been a hoarder. But things turn deadly when the killer returns trying to find the clues buried under the clutter of the house.
Notable Scene:
Tina noticed Lisbeth was following this exchange with interest. It dawned on Tina that what her mother and uncle were revealing to the police might not be good. But certainly they wouldn’t think her mother had a motive for killing Olivia Blackwell?
Unexpectedly, Lisbeth turned her attention to Tina. “Did you know about the hoarding next door? As a professional organizer, I’d think you would have.”
“But I didn’t. I left Newport right after high school and haven’t been inside that house since grade school. When I came back here to live, it wasn’t mentioned.” She glanced at her mother. It did seem odd that Laura hadn’t said anything when Tina announced she was going to change from being a psychologist to a personal organizer. But Laura hadn’t encouraged her, and certainly would not have wanted her involved with what was going on in the old Queen Anne.
FTC Advisory: Jan Christenson through Net Galley provided me with a copy of Buried Under Clutter by Jan Christensen. Published through Jan Christenson. Kindle Edition. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
September 13, 2014
Tina is making a career change and leaving behind psychology practice to help people organize their lives. Once again, she takes on the job of de-cluttering the house of a hoarder. But this time, a focus is on finding the clues to solve the murder of the strange neighbor whose cookies she remembers. And this time, she and her family members are suspects. As she sorts and boxes, she is watched by Mickey, a policeman, while other members of the force and Hank work on other parts of the house. She discovers a scam and a couple obviously preying on the older woman's sympathies for their own means. Hank is concerned for her safety and she keeps stumbling on family secrets. Where will it all lead?
I enjoyed reading more about Tina and her internal professional conflicts, family dynamics, and, yes, the budding romance. Christensen keeps you guessing until the end but the ending makes perfect sense. Stayed up a little too late to finish this one - a sign of good book! I hope there is a book #3!
4.5 Stars
I enjoyed reading more about Tina and her internal professional conflicts, family dynamics, and, yes, the budding romance. Christensen keeps you guessing until the end but the ending makes perfect sense. Stayed up a little too late to finish this one - a sign of good book! I hope there is a book #3!
4.5 Stars
August 9, 2014
Buried Under Clutter by Jan Christensen
I received a free copy from the publisher through Netgalley for an honest review. Buried Under Clutter by Jan Christensen is a page-turning suspenseful cozy mystery. This book is second in the Tina Tales series. I enjoyed this one so much I will have to go back and read the first one! The action starts on the first page and continues until the end of the book. It captivated me from the very beginning and kept me guessing to the very end.
Tina Shaw is a professional organizer who moved back home to live with her mother and uncle and his service dog, Princess who aids him with his hearing impairment. As she goes outside, she hears screaming coming from a next door neighbor’s house and someone running out of the house. The screaming is coming from her neighbor’s niece, who tells Tina that her aunt, Mrs. Olivia Blackwell is dead. While she was not the most favorite person on the street; she did not deserve to be murdered.. After her mother is arrested, Tina begins investigating in earnest with the help of her boyfriend, Hank. Will she find out who the killer is before her own life is put in danger?
The suspect list is long: Mrs. Blackwell’s nieces, her nephew, her sister and brother and two con artists who had befriended her. With the reading of the will, there are millions of motives because Mrs. Blackwell was very rich and left a lot of money to each suspect. She was also an extreme hoarder and left Tina five million dollars that is hers after she declutters the mess in Mrs. Blackwell’s house. This will give Tina the chance to look in the house for clues as to the killer’s identity.
With Tina’s psychological background she begins to understand how the clutter began, Mrs. Blackwell had suffered a fall and had a head injury. Olivia left hidden clues to try to help Tina solve the crime. I also learned things about hoarders that I never knew, and I really liked that.
This was a fast suspenseful cozy mystery with a touch of romance that kept me guessing to the very end who the killer was. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a cozy mystery. I have never read any other books by Jan Christensen but it will definitely add her to my favorite authors. Please keep more of her books coming!
I received a free copy from the publisher through Netgalley for an honest review. Buried Under Clutter by Jan Christensen is a page-turning suspenseful cozy mystery. This book is second in the Tina Tales series. I enjoyed this one so much I will have to go back and read the first one! The action starts on the first page and continues until the end of the book. It captivated me from the very beginning and kept me guessing to the very end.
Tina Shaw is a professional organizer who moved back home to live with her mother and uncle and his service dog, Princess who aids him with his hearing impairment. As she goes outside, she hears screaming coming from a next door neighbor’s house and someone running out of the house. The screaming is coming from her neighbor’s niece, who tells Tina that her aunt, Mrs. Olivia Blackwell is dead. While she was not the most favorite person on the street; she did not deserve to be murdered.. After her mother is arrested, Tina begins investigating in earnest with the help of her boyfriend, Hank. Will she find out who the killer is before her own life is put in danger?
The suspect list is long: Mrs. Blackwell’s nieces, her nephew, her sister and brother and two con artists who had befriended her. With the reading of the will, there are millions of motives because Mrs. Blackwell was very rich and left a lot of money to each suspect. She was also an extreme hoarder and left Tina five million dollars that is hers after she declutters the mess in Mrs. Blackwell’s house. This will give Tina the chance to look in the house for clues as to the killer’s identity.
With Tina’s psychological background she begins to understand how the clutter began, Mrs. Blackwell had suffered a fall and had a head injury. Olivia left hidden clues to try to help Tina solve the crime. I also learned things about hoarders that I never knew, and I really liked that.
This was a fast suspenseful cozy mystery with a touch of romance that kept me guessing to the very end who the killer was. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a cozy mystery. I have never read any other books by Jan Christensen but it will definitely add her to my favorite authors. Please keep more of her books coming!
August 29, 2014
Buried Under Clutter by Jan Christensen is the second in a her Tina Tales series and is a page-turning cozy mystery. Although I had not read the first book in the series, I never felt confused about the characters or the town as I read this one.
Tina Shaw has moved home to Newport and is now living with her mother and her Uncle Bob. She was a practicing psychologist but has gotten certified as a professional organizer. Tina is a very independent, courageous and smart woman. I liked her alot and enjoyed her outlook on life, especially since she is trying to start her life over again.
Her mother and her Uncle Bob are well developed supporting characters. Her mother is quiet but came off many times as being controlling of Tina. Her Uncle Bob is retired from the Navy and is hearing impaired. He is a special character who loves to use cliches and odd words when describing people and situations. He often made me laugh at his language.
Tina's boyfriend, Hank, is tall, dark, handsome and silent. He works with the police but Tina doesn't know exactly what he does and he doesn't discuss it. He won my heart because he isn't pushing Tina into a sexual relationship but seems to be taking it slow. Tina doesn't appreciate it (LOL) but I thought it was sweet.
The plot flows easily and the pacing kept me turning the pages. I didn't have a clue who the murderer was until the end. There are many, many murder suspects to choose from in this story and each character had his/her own personality that came through as the reader got to know them.
I plan on reading the first book in this series so that I can read more about Tina's life and her family and friends. If you like a cozy mystery that has a fast paced plot and fully developed characters, then please try this one.
I received a free copy from the publisher through Netgalley for an honest review.
Tina Shaw has moved home to Newport and is now living with her mother and her Uncle Bob. She was a practicing psychologist but has gotten certified as a professional organizer. Tina is a very independent, courageous and smart woman. I liked her alot and enjoyed her outlook on life, especially since she is trying to start her life over again.
Her mother and her Uncle Bob are well developed supporting characters. Her mother is quiet but came off many times as being controlling of Tina. Her Uncle Bob is retired from the Navy and is hearing impaired. He is a special character who loves to use cliches and odd words when describing people and situations. He often made me laugh at his language.
Tina's boyfriend, Hank, is tall, dark, handsome and silent. He works with the police but Tina doesn't know exactly what he does and he doesn't discuss it. He won my heart because he isn't pushing Tina into a sexual relationship but seems to be taking it slow. Tina doesn't appreciate it (LOL) but I thought it was sweet.
The plot flows easily and the pacing kept me turning the pages. I didn't have a clue who the murderer was until the end. There are many, many murder suspects to choose from in this story and each character had his/her own personality that came through as the reader got to know them.
I plan on reading the first book in this series so that I can read more about Tina's life and her family and friends. If you like a cozy mystery that has a fast paced plot and fully developed characters, then please try this one.
I received a free copy from the publisher through Netgalley for an honest review.
January 25, 2015
This was a great "cozy" mystery. The chapters were short, quick reads, with a minor "cliff-hanger" at the end of each, causing the reader to say, "Just one more chapter, then I'll put it down to go to bed, the bathroom, etc." I get the feeling that this is part of a series and that it isn't the first one, but the introduction to the major characters was clear, I didn't feel like I was missing anything.
The setting was pretty cool. I like the idea of cleaning up the home of a hoarder. I'm a very organized person, so being able to organize the chaos of a hoarder's home interests me.
I really enjoyed this book. I would definitely read other books by this author. Highly recommended.
My thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
The setting was pretty cool. I like the idea of cleaning up the home of a hoarder. I'm a very organized person, so being able to organize the chaos of a hoarder's home interests me.
I really enjoyed this book. I would definitely read other books by this author. Highly recommended.
My thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
July 13, 2018
Be nice to your neighbors, even with them mean!!!!
15 stars!!!!
Wow, this is a very good author. This is my second book and I don't sleep much reading them.
Tina is a magnet for troubled people with messy past coming in the present, then the questions get people nervous about what she finds out. I love her boyfriend Hank Silver, he sounds gorgeous and alpha male.
Her Uncle Bob, Princess the dog, and her mother Laura are great.
The neighbors were a trip, I felt like I lived right there in the middle of all that was going on.
You will love this series, now on to the third book in the series.
Enjoy, happy reading.
15 stars!!!!
Wow, this is a very good author. This is my second book and I don't sleep much reading them.
Tina is a magnet for troubled people with messy past coming in the present, then the questions get people nervous about what she finds out. I love her boyfriend Hank Silver, he sounds gorgeous and alpha male.
Her Uncle Bob, Princess the dog, and her mother Laura are great.
The neighbors were a trip, I felt like I lived right there in the middle of all that was going on.
You will love this series, now on to the third book in the series.
Enjoy, happy reading.
July 10, 2018
A delightful cozy - this ticked all the boxes. Interesting characters, back story (room for more books in the series), great setting, plausible set-up...
I love the idea of a pro-organizer as the main character. It's such an great way for virtual strangers to be instantly pretty darn intimate in someone's life.
I love the idea of a pro-organizer as the main character. It's such an great way for virtual strangers to be instantly pretty darn intimate in someone's life.
July 29, 2019
Loved this mystery and the main characters
Really enjoyed this mystery. The characters are well drawn and I cared what happened to them. I like how the author pulls in Tina’s experience as a psychologist as she encounters suspects. Looking forward to reading the other books in the series!
Really enjoyed this mystery. The characters are well drawn and I cared what happened to them. I like how the author pulls in Tina’s experience as a psychologist as she encounters suspects. Looking forward to reading the other books in the series!
February 23, 2020
Buried Under the Clutter
I enjoyed the 1st book in the series very much. Unfortunately in this one the criminal's reason for the murder is so preposterous that had this been a physical book it would have been thrown against the wall. It was like... Seriously dude, that's the best you could come up with?
I enjoyed the 1st book in the series very much. Unfortunately in this one the criminal's reason for the murder is so preposterous that had this been a physical book it would have been thrown against the wall. It was like... Seriously dude, that's the best you could come up with?
October 8, 2019
Enjoyable
I found her second book in this series better than the first. I like her with Hank. I'm not good at writing reviews, even when I enjoy it and want to start the next book right away.
I found her second book in this series better than the first. I like her with Hank. I'm not good at writing reviews, even when I enjoy it and want to start the next book right away.
July 31, 2019
Nice little cozy mystery.
Enjoyed this cozy. Many characters but easy to follow. Didn't know who done it until the very end. Good beach or rainy day read.
Enjoyed this cozy. Many characters but easy to follow. Didn't know who done it until the very end. Good beach or rainy day read.
August 12, 2019
Very Interesting
I liked that the book actually goes into detail about organizing clutter. In this book, the murder victim was an elderly hoarder. It sounds macabre, but the subject fascinated me. I guess I am not the only one given the success of the reality TV show on hoarders. Anyways, the book does not concentrate entirely on organizing and decluttering. The underlying mystery was also fascinating! I am enjoying this series.
I liked that the book actually goes into detail about organizing clutter. In this book, the murder victim was an elderly hoarder. It sounds macabre, but the subject fascinated me. I guess I am not the only one given the success of the reality TV show on hoarders. Anyways, the book does not concentrate entirely on organizing and decluttering. The underlying mystery was also fascinating! I am enjoying this series.
October 25, 2019
Entertaining cozy mystery. Easy reading and relatively light on the romance while maintaining a good mystery. Fun summer reading.
November 6, 2022
Great series so far!!!
Like the way the characters are brought to life. And how they are developing from one book to the next. Can't wait to start the next one.
Like the way the characters are brought to life. And how they are developing from one book to the next. Can't wait to start the next one.
March 18, 2016
Title: Buried Under Clutter - Tina's Tales 2
Author: Jan Christensen
Published: 6-28-14
Publisher: Victory Editing
Pages: 245
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Cozy Mystery; Women Sleuths;
ISBN: 9781499165661
ASIN: B00K8PR6WM
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
.
The quiet of Tina's mother's neighborhood is shattered when a women comes screaming out of the house. She tells her that her Aunt Olivia Blackwell is in the house dead. The niece, Jenny, later asks Tina to help her go through Olivia's things and organize them. Upon entering the home Tina find boxes and boxes all over the place. As she begins going through the boxes Tina begins finding clues to who might have killed Olivia. The suspects are many, as Olivia was surprisingly wealthy and each of her family members had bequeaths and true affection for the woman was not always felt. Once the will is read even Tina and her family are suspect. It seems Olivia Blackwell left five million to Tina if she completed going through everything in her home and organizes it. When her mother is arrested Tina goes into her Nancy Drew mode to clear her mother and pulls out all the stops to find the real killer. The killer is just as determined to do anything necessary include killing again to stop Tina from bringing the truth to light.
As always from the moment I open one of Jan Christensen's novels I fall into the story and do not come up for air until I have read the very last word. Tina, a former psychologist is a fun character, she truly enjoys her work as a professional organizer, but her insight in the inner workings of the actions makes her trust her instincts when a crime. The supporting characters are just as well developed and you will quickly come to think of them as old friends you will want to visit again and again. I found Buried Under Clutter a fast moving and thought out story with a few twist and turns t keep a reader guessing as to who the killer is until Ms. Christensen reveals the culprit. I give Buried Under Clutter a 5 out of 5 stars. I love a good cozy and one I hope you I hope other readers enjoyed as much as I did.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/burie...
GoodReads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Author: Jan Christensen
Published: 6-28-14
Publisher: Victory Editing
Pages: 245
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Cozy Mystery; Women Sleuths;
ISBN: 9781499165661
ASIN: B00K8PR6WM
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
.
The quiet of Tina's mother's neighborhood is shattered when a women comes screaming out of the house. She tells her that her Aunt Olivia Blackwell is in the house dead. The niece, Jenny, later asks Tina to help her go through Olivia's things and organize them. Upon entering the home Tina find boxes and boxes all over the place. As she begins going through the boxes Tina begins finding clues to who might have killed Olivia. The suspects are many, as Olivia was surprisingly wealthy and each of her family members had bequeaths and true affection for the woman was not always felt. Once the will is read even Tina and her family are suspect. It seems Olivia Blackwell left five million to Tina if she completed going through everything in her home and organizes it. When her mother is arrested Tina goes into her Nancy Drew mode to clear her mother and pulls out all the stops to find the real killer. The killer is just as determined to do anything necessary include killing again to stop Tina from bringing the truth to light.
As always from the moment I open one of Jan Christensen's novels I fall into the story and do not come up for air until I have read the very last word. Tina, a former psychologist is a fun character, she truly enjoys her work as a professional organizer, but her insight in the inner workings of the actions makes her trust her instincts when a crime. The supporting characters are just as well developed and you will quickly come to think of them as old friends you will want to visit again and again. I found Buried Under Clutter a fast moving and thought out story with a few twist and turns t keep a reader guessing as to who the killer is until Ms. Christensen reveals the culprit. I give Buried Under Clutter a 5 out of 5 stars. I love a good cozy and one I hope you I hope other readers enjoyed as much as I did.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/burie...
GoodReads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
September 11, 2016
Maybe the first book in the series gave us reasons for why the characters were as unbelievable as I found them in Buried Under Clutter. Hank, Tina's boyfriend (or is he?) who she's known since first grade yet she doesn't know what he does for a living. Her mother acts suspicious and demanding at times. The neighbor leaves clues for Tina. Tina is a former psychologist and puts up with all this? (In the case of the neighbor...why does she expect Tina to do what she does?) The speed with which she dumps her old boyfriend and hooks up with Hank seems too rushed.
The law enforcement/legal aspects of this book appear to be riddled with inaccuracies. Someone being held on a half million dollars bond for assault yet there is ZERO proof or motive?!? The victim can't even identify the suspect.
Tina is a bit unlikable/juvenile. She treats one of the cops unpleasantly and in this book there is no reason for it. She regrets her choice of beverage (her FAVORITE drink) because she sees another, more fashionable character, order something else. She also doesn't call the police when she sees something for a couple of stupid reasons. Instead of really talking with Hank, she mentally "humps him". She just seems desperate for sex and moving their relationship of two MONTHS along.
To top it off, the killer outs themself. There was zero proof connecting said person with the crime. If the dead woman had told anyone about what she knew it wouldn't have mattered, again going back to the legal inaccuracies.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
The law enforcement/legal aspects of this book appear to be riddled with inaccuracies. Someone being held on a half million dollars bond for assault yet there is ZERO proof or motive?!? The victim can't even identify the suspect.
Tina is a bit unlikable/juvenile. She treats one of the cops unpleasantly and in this book there is no reason for it. She regrets her choice of beverage (her FAVORITE drink) because she sees another, more fashionable character, order something else. She also doesn't call the police when she sees something for a couple of stupid reasons. Instead of really talking with Hank, she mentally "humps him". She just seems desperate for sex and moving their relationship of two MONTHS along.
To top it off, the killer outs themself. There was zero proof connecting said person with the crime. If the dead woman had told anyone about what she knew it wouldn't have mattered, again going back to the legal inaccuracies.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
April 9, 2015
This is the first book I have read by Jan Christensen. I will be reading more I really liked it . It is a mystery but it is also on the lighter side. I started reading this and couldn't put it down . I so wanted to find out who killed the old lady. Trust me when you are reading you are like ok I like her as the murderer and then someone else comes into play. Tina is in the center of the investigation. She takes it upon herself to clean up the dead woman's house . Along the way she finds clues to who murdered the old lady . Even her family is looking like suspects . But as she works along her life becomes endangered . Will she figure everything out before she ends up dead.
The characters are so well written and each of the suspects have their own little quirks that make them unique and you will giggle at some of them . Tina is a sweet girl that has moved home to help out her mom and uncle . She is spunky and tough but also has a soft side especially for her mom , uncle and hey hunky boyfriend Hank. Her mom is like most mom's , she is a little controlling but loves her daughter. I really loved her uncle, who is deaf and man he is funny. He has a hearing dog and throws out really rare clichés whenever he can. Which usually come out at the most awkward times . We even learn a lot about Mrs. Blackwell , even though we never actually get to meet her. We find out a lot about her as Tina goes through all her stuff. I learnt a lot about hoarders when I read this book. I think I now have a little understanding about what a hoarder and why they do what they do.
This was a well written story that flows easily and doesn't lag. Its not a mind melting book. Its a cozy mystery that you can read in an evening . There are plenty of suspects that will keep you guessing all the way through the book . I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read mystery. You will be surprised when the murderer is revealed at the end of the book . You may have thought you had it figured out but you won't. Trust me on this fact , I honestly thought I had if figured out but I was wrong . So if you want a cozy read that will keep you going one more chapter . This is the book for you
February 24, 2017
In Book 2 of the Tina Tales series, Tina finds herself living with her mother and unce in Newport, RI, next door to a decaying Queen Anne, whose owner turned into a hoarder in her last few years. When her niece finds the neighbor dead, the police declare the house a murder scene and the niece asks Tina for help in clearing out the clutter.
Home organizer and former practicing psychologist, Tina hesitates in taking on the job after her mother begs her not to. But Tina has finished one job and is eager to begin another. She accepts, and is appalled at what she finds. Before she can do anything, the proverbial nosy neighbor reports having seen an unidentified figure leaving in the early hours before the murder was discovered. And to make matters worse, Tina's Uncle Bob, whom she thinks of as a dear but very deaf old man, admits to having had a relationship with the dead woman, and it ended badly. Helping her cope with all of this is Hank, someone she's known since grade school. Not sure of his employment or relationship with the police department, Tina, or Red as he calls her, is pretty clear about her growing feelings for him.
When the dead woman's will is read, Tina finds herself the designated de-clutterer as well as one of the legatees. Tina begins her work under police surveillance. The victim has left clues scattered around the house for Tina to find, and so begins her dual search, for the gold amid the dross of clutter and for clues to the killer. The author includes interesting insights into the psychology of hoarders. A fun read, recommended.
I received a copy of this book from the author as an exchange for a fair review.
Home organizer and former practicing psychologist, Tina hesitates in taking on the job after her mother begs her not to. But Tina has finished one job and is eager to begin another. She accepts, and is appalled at what she finds. Before she can do anything, the proverbial nosy neighbor reports having seen an unidentified figure leaving in the early hours before the murder was discovered. And to make matters worse, Tina's Uncle Bob, whom she thinks of as a dear but very deaf old man, admits to having had a relationship with the dead woman, and it ended badly. Helping her cope with all of this is Hank, someone she's known since grade school. Not sure of his employment or relationship with the police department, Tina, or Red as he calls her, is pretty clear about her growing feelings for him.
When the dead woman's will is read, Tina finds herself the designated de-clutterer as well as one of the legatees. Tina begins her work under police surveillance. The victim has left clues scattered around the house for Tina to find, and so begins her dual search, for the gold amid the dross of clutter and for clues to the killer. The author includes interesting insights into the psychology of hoarders. A fun read, recommended.
I received a copy of this book from the author as an exchange for a fair review.
March 27, 2016
Buried under Clutter, A Tina Tales Mystery by Jan Christensen Buried under Clutter, A Tina Tales Mystery by Jan Christensen is the second in the series. The first was Organized to Death. Other than a few references that can be understood through context, this is a stand alone book. It is an intriguing, page-turning cozy mystery with a murder in the house next door. I gave it five stars because it kept me guessing.
"The smell coming from the house was getting to her. She approached the doorway & peeked inside. Recoiled. The place was crammed with junk, piled to the ceiling in the hallway. It smelled like a dumpster in there. Tina backed away & caught her mother's eye. Laura frowned & raised her eyes heavenward. So she knew Mrs. Blackwell had been a hoarder."
Hoarding is a subject that is misunderstood. It can be started by a brain injury or a severe emotional loss. It takes a great deal of work, a lot of assistance, possible therapy, & understanding to remedy.
I received a complimentary kindle copy from the publisher Victory Editing & NetGalley. That did not change my opinion for this review.
Link to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/Buried-Under-Cl...
"The smell coming from the house was getting to her. She approached the doorway & peeked inside. Recoiled. The place was crammed with junk, piled to the ceiling in the hallway. It smelled like a dumpster in there. Tina backed away & caught her mother's eye. Laura frowned & raised her eyes heavenward. So she knew Mrs. Blackwell had been a hoarder."
Hoarding is a subject that is misunderstood. It can be started by a brain injury or a severe emotional loss. It takes a great deal of work, a lot of assistance, possible therapy, & understanding to remedy.
I received a complimentary kindle copy from the publisher Victory Editing & NetGalley. That did not change my opinion for this review.
Link to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/Buried-Under-Cl...
July 28, 2014
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an electronic ARC.
I love the premise of this book - a psychologist has a bad professional experience and decides to move back home and turn her hand to professional decluttering. Then her hoarder next-door neighbor is murdered; will she solve whodunit before she finishes cleaning out the cluttered Victorian?
Unfortunately, I felt like there was a large history between the characters that I wasn't privy to. Some of them are good, interesting characters (like Uncle Bob, former Navy seaman who has a helper dog, as he is deaf), but it felt like a lot that went on in the first book in this series was not explained too well in this second of the series, particularly in the arena of Tina's romantic relationships.
I do think that there was a nice large cast of characters for me to puzzle over as the culprit, which was nice. But this one was maybe a little too cozy for me.
I love the premise of this book - a psychologist has a bad professional experience and decides to move back home and turn her hand to professional decluttering. Then her hoarder next-door neighbor is murdered; will she solve whodunit before she finishes cleaning out the cluttered Victorian?
Unfortunately, I felt like there was a large history between the characters that I wasn't privy to. Some of them are good, interesting characters (like Uncle Bob, former Navy seaman who has a helper dog, as he is deaf), but it felt like a lot that went on in the first book in this series was not explained too well in this second of the series, particularly in the arena of Tina's romantic relationships.
I do think that there was a nice large cast of characters for me to puzzle over as the culprit, which was nice. But this one was maybe a little too cozy for me.
September 26, 2014
Buried Under Clutter is the second book in this series but the first one I have read.
I enjoyed it thoroughly and will go get the first book to enjoy soon.
I was provided an ecopy of this title by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story starts with a scream and screams will be heard throughout the story.
The reader gets caught up immediately on the first page and the action continues until the end. A murdered woman is discovered in her hoarder packed house.
There seem to be new suspects added daily. Motives range from money to secrets to possibly just a deranged killer.
If you are a cozy mystery fan you will be pleased to read this series.
The characters are interesting and the plotline feels as if it could actually happen.
It is a hard book to set down. As each chapter ends you'll tell yourself you have to read the next.
Thank you Jan Christensen for an enjoyable reading experience.
I enjoyed it thoroughly and will go get the first book to enjoy soon.
I was provided an ecopy of this title by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story starts with a scream and screams will be heard throughout the story.
The reader gets caught up immediately on the first page and the action continues until the end. A murdered woman is discovered in her hoarder packed house.
There seem to be new suspects added daily. Motives range from money to secrets to possibly just a deranged killer.
If you are a cozy mystery fan you will be pleased to read this series.
The characters are interesting and the plotline feels as if it could actually happen.
It is a hard book to set down. As each chapter ends you'll tell yourself you have to read the next.
Thank you Jan Christensen for an enjoyable reading experience.
October 20, 2014
Tina has left her job as a psychologist, moved back home and is starting a new career as a professional organizer/de-clutterer. Her biggest challenge to date comes from next door, when the grouchy old woman next door is found dead amongst a hoarder's collection of junk and treasures. The woman's family asks for her help in organizing the house. When it turns out Mrs. Blackwell is murdered and her mother is the number one suspect, Tina must investigate. Unfortunately that turns the murderer's attention to her! This is the second in the Tina Tales series.
August 15, 2014
A better book than the cover suggests!
This is one of what I think of as a strange new hybrid mystery--more than a cozy (despite the cover art), but still relatively harmless. This one has some odd, and some interesting elements. A plethora of characters--I particularly liked two of them; a very slight moral tone; and the killer isn't too obvious.
This is one of what I think of as a strange new hybrid mystery--more than a cozy (despite the cover art), but still relatively harmless. This one has some odd, and some interesting elements. A plethora of characters--I particularly liked two of them; a very slight moral tone; and the killer isn't too obvious.
August 18, 2015
So far, this book is my favorite of the three Tina Shaw series.
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