Meet Avery Shaw. She's all mouth -- and some skill. As a reporter for a Southeastern Michigan newspaper, Avery finds herself in trouble at every turn. She has a list of enemies -- and she's not afraid to cross them. Follow her as she crosses paths with her former boyfriend, a hot new love interest, and a family that cannot be contained -- even by the law. This is the first three books in the Avery Shaw mystery series. It includes: Who, What, Where, When, Die, If it Bleeds, it Leads and Buried Leads.
Note: This character is snarky. You've been warned. This is NOT a new standalone book.
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.
Throughout this book, Avery Shaw, a journalist, she starts out reporting on a man who dances naked in front of the windows. She then starts to receive death threats and on top of that, her ex-boyfriend is the sheriff. After she meets a pawnshop owner because she was buying a gun for protection, she has to deal with her crazy family. Once the death threats get worse she gets kidnapped, she realizes that she is her only way out. She escapes and goes on in the second book of the series; this is a comedic series about journalists and the crimes she writes about. I highly recommend this book.
The role that place and identity play in this piece of American Lit is through the struggles that she goes through every day. Avery dresses how she wishes, does whatever she wants, and does not care what other people think. She also struggles with being a woman in the book because of the common misconceptions of women journalists. She deals with a lot of sexism throughout the book even though it is not prevalent. This is a low occurring theme throughout the book which helps give place in the workspace in this book. Her identity is closely tied with her work through her curious nature which is constantly getting in trouble. This book shows the modern American place and identity that women go through.
If you haven't read an Avery Shaw book yet, what are you waiting for? This is my 5th time or so reading the series. Each and every time I laugh out loud at multiple points in the book. Humor, romance, mystery all written in a snarky fun way. I love Avery and her budding romance with Elliot while she deals with her ex, her family and her best friend. All who are as crazy, if not crazier, than Avery. If reading this series doesn't make you laugh or at least smile then I don't know what would. It's a hilarious easy read that is well written, flows well and has real character development and growth. Plus who doesn't love a grown woman with a star wars fetish (I'm drinking my tea out of a merry sithmas mug as I type this lol). Highly recommend this entertaining series and it's one of only a handful of series I could reread which speaks volumes for the entertainment value!
While all 3 books are wonderful reads my personal bug bear rears its ugly head. Again we have late 20 year olds acting like teenagers. Surely by the age of 27 Avery and Jake would have gotten their act together to either be a couple or not. Their petty jealousy of each others partner is a bit ridiculous. Also the fact that both Jake and Eliot worry so much about a woman who sticks her nose into other people's business for a living, as if she hasn't been looking out for herself for the last 5 years she has been a reporter. DESPITE these usual annoyances the Avery Shaw Mysteries are well written, funny as all get out and hit a particular part of my soul with her geekiness. Being a 59 year old Legos gamer as well as an animation fan has nothing to do with it, really.
just finished all 10 books that are out there for this series. Starting off with this bundle - I have to say that I was convinced this was going to be my least liked series by the author. I found the main character hard to connect to. But by the end of Book 3, I was falling slowly in love with Avery and overall the antics were just getting better and better.
By book 5, I was a huge fan and found myself laughing so hard through the majority of the books. Love the author and the main characters she drums up. I definitely want more Avery Shaw books!
This book has the first 3 books of the Avery Shaw series. Avery is a one of a kind character that will keep you laughing and wondering when someone is going to kill her. Lol..
Avoid going to the gym by reading this series! You’ll laugh so hard you’ll have defined abs in no time! Why try to read on the treadmill when you can eliminate the treadmill all together??
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
I absolutely enjoy Amanda M. Lee style of story telling. I honestly think I love the box sets better because the laughs and kicks keep coming. I'm definitely going to move on and read the next box set in the series.
My sister introduced me to Amanda Lee and I'm so glad she did! Her books will make you laugh and smile. Nothing heavy and not overly steamy - sometimes less detail is more... ya know? Amanda Lee has this recipe down! Quick reads that are perfect for the summer.
Such a fun series, zany characters and the lead character is smart as well as funny. Good crime fighting mysteries with humor and snark! If you love cozies you will love these!
Three nail biters... not just the danger element, but the romantic elements keep you hanging. Avery is definitely a trouble magnet with an "interesting" family. Makes for absorbing reading.
Rereading this series from the beginning before I start the ones I haven't read. I am a big fan of this author. I like the investigation from the perspective of a reporter trying to beat everyone else to the story. I like the quirky family members and other characters. I like how confident Avery is in her ability to do her job. I think as the series advances she softens some. In these early books, some of the snarkiness comes off as mean. I like this author's series and enjoy this one as well All three books are good. These books should be read in order.
The 3 mysteries are each complete. The interplay among the main characters - a reporter, her ex the sheriff, the hot new man in her life, as well as her unbalanced family and co-workers - does change across the books. Avery Shaw is fun and snarky and tenacious enough to keep getting into trouble.
Three stories, the first was a little slow. I had to read on, and now that I am finished, I am having a hard time not getting the next. Keep writing Amanda, I for one am hooked
I thoroughly enjoy the author's other series (Witches of the Midwest) but this one's a bit rougher, sassier. I love the Southeastern Michigan setting -- my roots! I'll finish this 3-in-1 book deal that I bought but am not sure I'll continue with the series after that.
I enjoyed these books but the theme of the heroine always getting in trouble gets a bit old fast. She's almost not likable to be honest and a bit of a pain. I enjoyed the Midwest series much better than these.
This is hands down my favorite series to read! If you love a mystery, a little romance, and snarky female leads this series is definitely a must read!!