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Avery Shaw #10

Off the Record

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Camping is supposed to be a peaceful and relaxing time … unless you’re Avery Shaw, of course. No, when you’re Macomb County’s most intrepid reporter, camping is akin to murder … or a very slow and painful death by disease-carrying bugs. That’s what Avery thinks as she takes a well-earned vacation with her boyfriend Eliot Kane. When the duo stumbles across a body at a local festival, Eliot has to force Avery to ease up on the suspicion and embrace the vacation decadence. She’s out of her coverage area, after all, and she’s supposed to be taking it easy. Eliot wants rest and relaxation but Avery is pining for adventure. When Avery returns to work the same carnival workers hit town for Mount Clemens’ annual festival, and another body drops as soon as they arrive. Avery thinks it’s fate but Eliot isn’t so sure. Between moving into her new house, hiding from her overzealous mother while shunning the woman’s decorating instincts and potentially stirring a race riot when local politicians fail to care about an underprivileged victim, Avery has her hands full. Danger is closing in on Avery, and it’s coming from different directions. From nefarious politicians to shady carnival workers, Avery has her pick of suspects. When she finally zeroes in on one, though, things could become dangerous … for Avery. Can Avery save herself when she uncovers a story bigger than she ever dreamed? Or will she fall victim to a killer’s hatred and become another victim?

302 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 5, 2017

542 people are currently reading
167 people want to read

About the author

Amanda M. Lee

305 books2,907 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
978 (65%)
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406 (27%)
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102 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
11 reviews2 followers
March 4, 2017
Elliot's Controlling Tendencies

I love the Avery Shaw series but was a little disappointed when most regulars didn't make an appearance Derrick, Mario, Devin and only a little of Lexi and Carly. The main thing I didn't like was that Elliot was very controlling in a way I didn't like and how Avery just instantly forgave him. There was a lot of rehashing about Jakes feelings about Avery that were in the last two books just rephrased.
Profile Image for Angela Grindle.
61 reviews2 followers
February 10, 2017
Another one down!

I just can't explain how much I enjoy each and every single book from Amanda M. Lee. My only real problem is I read them too fast and then I'm left waiting and waiting for a new amazing book to read! I got this book and had it finished in 5 hours! I know I should slow down and savor the moment but I just can't help myself! Truly a spectacular author and yet another truly spectacular book! 5 stars all the way and I recommend all her books to everyone I know!
Profile Image for Jana Gundy.
1,919 reviews17 followers
February 8, 2017
I love Avery Shaw!

I think Avery must be my spirit animal. She's everything that I can't be in real life and gets away with it. Her interactions with the secondary characters is fabulous as always and she makes a new friend as well that I hope to see again. Her and Elliot are awesome as ever. I did miss the antics that go on at family dinner though!
Profile Image for Santhiya.
275 reviews2 followers
February 14, 2017
Entertaining and annoying as always

3.5 stars...Entertaining and annoying as always. I read Amanda lee's books because they are always amusing, sometimes grating and mostly fun.
Profile Image for Erin.
34 reviews2 followers
March 25, 2017
Prefer Avery's other adventures,but great new characters show great promise!

This wasn't my favorite of the Avery Shaw mysteries, which I have thoroughly enjoyed before now; I can't put my finger on it,but the story felt less developed than in the past and simultaneously slow but also rushed, and the ending felt a bit incomplete. Still it provided good escapism, which is what I needed, plus some fun new characters in Dick and Andre. I don't want to be overly critical, because on the whole, I quite enjoy the author's writing. In this series and in others. Even though this installment of her adventures had room for improvement, Avery remains one of my favorite characters in this genre...it's refreshing to see a strong woman who has definite insecurities still take the bull by the horns every chance she gets. I'd like to think that we would be good friends. I look forward to the next book to see how Andre and Avery collaborate (if they do) in the future....I think he shows lots of promise, and I'd love to know what she digs up on Dick.
Profile Image for JadeShea.
3,235 reviews60 followers
November 19, 2018
Eliot and Avery are on vacation, and end up finding dead body. Then when they get home it seems the circus followed them. They are also moving into their new house, and Avery is having a few freak outs. And Eliot is doing everything he can to keep her sane, happy, and safe, but she is being difficult.

This book was funny, and awesome. I really loved getting more of Eliot and Avery. They have such a great relationship. And the mystery in this one was interesting as well.

The only thing that is getting a little annoying are the girls that Eliot hires for his pawnshop, it doesn't make sense to me that he does that. And like in one of the other books when Avery got mad about him staring at some girl, that bugged me too. I kind of wish he would act a little differently when it comes to that.

But other than that I thought this was another great addition to the series, and I'm excited for more!
Profile Image for Brandy Dugger.
85 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2018
Andre and Avery!!!

I need this banter in my life. I love this character with Avery. I hope we see him and his gang again in the future.

I am excited to see Avery start a new chapter in her life. Can't wait to read the next!
Profile Image for Julie Howard.
Author 2 books31 followers
July 11, 2022
Avery is back and so is another mystery for her to solve before everybody else. I did enjoy the book but like normal Avery can be annoying at times, with her selfish attitude or even just the way she speaks to people. I guess I am still waiting for her to grow up. Many of the regular characters only had bit parts to play but I actually like the introduction of the gang bangers and thought they actually held there own against Avery, hope they stick around. There is not the usual amount of family drama in this book and in fact focus on the pair moving in together, to give the listener the humour that have done to expect with this series. I also enjoyed that Avery was out of her comfort zone at the start of the book when she went Camping with Eliot. The mystery was different and I liked how Avery and the team worked out what was going on, it's a bit scary to realise how much hate there is out in the world when a book brings your attention to it, things like racial discrimination. Off to see how Avery or should I say Eliot Coles with living with each other in the next book.
Avery decides her boy friend does everything for her and it's her time to something next for him. The only problem is she hates camping especially with flesh eating bugs ready to killer. To take her mind off the bugs the pair end up at a carnival, with them ready to show off there skills at all the games. Unfortunately they stumble over a dead body. The police are quick to rule it an accident but Avery disagrees, especially when the same carnival turns up in her town and she again stumbles over another body of a young woman. Is she on the trail of a serial killer? Can she catcher the killer and still find to pack ready to move I to her new house with Eliot? Or will a race riot derail there plans? Either way Avery is hot on another story.
I liked the narrator. She has been the voice for Avery Shaw since the beginning for a reason.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Heather.
85 reviews1 follower
September 5, 2017
Nice ending to the series story arc

My only complaint in this instalment is Eliot's threat to spank Avery. This sort of threat of violence against women is problematic for us, as a society. Reinforces patriarchal notions like the pater familias, with power of ultimately life and death over those in HIS domain. That aspect of this series really bothered me.

That aside, I love this author. The snark and attitude of her (female) main characters are a welcome change from the usual. Strong women, with careers, who feel out of place next to suburban "pod people" neighbors is all too relatable, for me, personally.I

Great story lines that weave together threads from previous instalments, but each book still stands on its own. This just be a difficult balance, as an author. Ms. Lee manages to achieve it, every time.

I'm off to start on the next series!
Profile Image for Amanda Jane.
1,337 reviews10 followers
December 4, 2019
Avery at her most troublesome..

While away on holiday Avery manages to almost trip over a dead body at the local festival. There's no real leads and as it's out of her readership area she leaves without following up.

On her return to work Avery gets dumped with the joyous task of writing fluff pieces for the town carnival.. when she spots a hand hanging out of a bin as it being emptied.. another body..

Is it a coincidence that the carnival is in town? That the victims fit the same profile? Is there something sinister going on behind the scenes with the carnival folk?

Avery gets stuck into her investigation and don't forget her house move.. how much snark can Eliot take?!!
Profile Image for Sheri Matthews.
65 reviews
February 15, 2017
Avery is my spirit animal

Avery, Eliot and Jake are crime fighting Jedis! Avery is in full narcissist mode and could not be happier! She and Eliot closed on their house and are moving in after a week long camping trip. During her absence, the newsroom voted on her next assignment and banished her to carnival fluff coverage. She was thrilled, obviously! Little did she know that trouble was lurking. But getting in trouble is Avery's speciality! She is in rare form and full of snark and condescension. Tad, Duncan, Cara and Fish beware!

Love this series. She does everything I wish I could get away with and still be adorable.
6,228 reviews40 followers
November 17, 2025
Another novel with some of my favorite characters of all. In this case Avery and Eliot have gone camping (something which is not one of Avery's favorite things to do) and, as expected, a dead body or more show up.

Avery and Eliot are also in the process of moving to their new home so there's a lot of pressure on her. Worse yet the place they are moving to seems to be full of very conservative people.

Ted actually physically attacks her, too.

You've got racial murders, Avery's mother trying to run things and some other things going. All the characters are, as usual, done really well and the story itself stays interesting.
Profile Image for Lisa Watson.
3 reviews1 follower
July 12, 2017
I cannot say enough! I love these quirky and fun loving characters. While I am a fan of her other books, these characters have found a place in my all time favorites. Avery just makes me smile when I think about some of the happenings in her life. I could and have read these books many times over. Nothing better than a good book, with comedy, mystery and a little romance thrown in.
Profile Image for Stephen Walton.
650 reviews2 followers
November 16, 2017
Funny (humorous) who dun-it. I like these books as the dialogue jumps from one joke to the next without spoiling the story. Although it wasn’t a classic it was interesting enough to keep my attention and it was enjoyable. Only critic was the voice the narrator used for men, but being English it could be me.
Profile Image for Brenda Allen.
1,551 reviews4 followers
March 8, 2021
This book was hard to put down. Amanda M. Lee has a way with making me laugh. I love that Elliot and Avery are together and continue to work things out. I also like that Avery, Elliot, and Jake can work together as friends. I love to read books that get my emotions involved. I can't wait to read more of the books.
Profile Image for Jenny.
41 reviews1 follower
December 30, 2021
Off The Record Review

I love the characters Avery Shaw, Elliot and Jake. I really thought Jess was the killer until Avery met Don. I did not really like him. . I would recommend all the Avery Shaw mysteries to my friends and family. I am going to start the next book now. Thank you Amanda for you great characters and your wonderful story telling.
Profile Image for Trace Henley.
118 reviews2 followers
February 19, 2017
Still love Avery Shaw

I like Avery and Eliot together. I like the mysteries Amanda Lee creates. There might could be a few less conversations about how annoying Avery is. Just let her be annoying without having to discuss it in every conversation. I still like these books, though
Profile Image for Amber.
1,478 reviews49 followers
March 27, 2020
Another Great Avery shaw book! A murder with sinister reasons leads Avery into probably the most dangerous situation she has ever been in and she makes some unlikely new friends! Definitely recommend!!!
32 reviews
September 5, 2023
Oh This Might Be My Favorite So Far

This series has progressed wonderfully. This one was so interesting-- what a good mystery! The fact the characters are growing and changing has made this series one of my favorites.
50 reviews1 follower
November 11, 2024
Absolutely the BEST kind of entertaining read!

A bit of mystery. The story doesn't go just like I thought it would. Seriously laughing out loud. Then my eyes were watering in a vulnerable moment. Love love this series!
9 reviews
February 14, 2017
Snarky sarcasm at its best!

The Avery Shaw series is the best I've ever read. You will smile and laugh through every page and won't be able to wait for the next book to come out!
436 reviews2 followers
April 22, 2017
Loving the character progression! Gotta get Jakes set now...
Profile Image for Erick Baze.
30 reviews
March 17, 2017
Is this the end for Avery?

In a ever-twisting plot, our heroine tracks a serial killer to carnival. But will Avery become a victim this time?
Profile Image for Susie.
280 reviews1 follower
April 20, 2018
This truly is one of the best series I've read. Murder, mayhem and a snarky reporter that leaves me laughing my butt off while sitting alone in my apt. Lol 😂
475 reviews3 followers
September 23, 2018
TWISTED

Avery and Eliot make a great team. She is extremely nosey and bright. Eliot is slow to anger and looks at the big picture. The minor is what solved the crime.
287 reviews2 followers
October 9, 2018
Great Book!

Good Book! Delightful reading! This author knows how to balance humor with mystery keeping her readers interested through out the whole book!
Profile Image for Beth.
624 reviews2 followers
February 24, 2019
Good!

I liked this. There was less bickering but still lots of snark. Touching scenes with Jake and Elliot. An enjoyable adventure in this series.
207 reviews
September 1, 2019
Good book

Finally a good book instead of Avery getting every thing she wanted and all the pouting she does . Yea
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews

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