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Avery Shaw #14

Above the Fold & Below the Belt

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Avery Shaw has taken on her fair share of jerks.
Often, she’s considered the jerk when she takes them down … a role she gladly relishes.
Now, though, she’s taking on a whole faction of jerks.
It seems a battle of the sexes is brewing in Macomb County. A local shock jock, a man who believes women should be home tending children and keeping the house clean while men bring home the bacon, is on trial for sexually harassing his underlings.
His followers believe he’s innocent. Every female empowerment group in the state – and ultimately the nation – believes he’s guilty. That means it’s a media circus, and there’s nothing Avery likes more than a circus.
She has her hands full with this one, though. She very clearly agrees with one side but there seems to be something wrong with the underlying story. When one of the radio personality’s followers is shot in the middle of a rally, ensuring he’s a martyr for the cause, Avery realizes there’s a path to follow … and it’s long and winding.
Avery knows who she wants to win. She also knows someone isn’t telling the truth. It’s her job to find out which side is lying.
It’s all hands on deck for another zany adventure, and everyone is along for the ride. Who’s left standing at the end is anyone’s guess, but Avery smells blood in the water … and she’s going to find the truth no matter who goes down in the process.

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 12, 2019

629 people are currently reading
161 people want to read

About the author

Amanda M. Lee

308 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
913 (70%)
4 stars
307 (23%)
3 stars
66 (5%)
2 stars
8 (<1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for Amber.
1,478 reviews49 followers
October 24, 2020
I love this series! Avery is full of snarky comments, humor and lots of sarcasm! I love it! This is for sure one of my favorite authors! I love her other series and I can;t wait to see what happens next!
Profile Image for JadeShea.
3,235 reviews60 followers
March 13, 2019
Avery Shaw is at it again when a new case pops up and it looks like there is a killer on the loose, but she's unsure who was the real target, and things start to get complicated.

Avery also showed a lot of growth in her relationship as well, and the only downside was again issues with Fawn, the suing thing didn't make sense to me, but oh well, the rest was awesome. I can't wait for more!
152 reviews1 follower
March 13, 2019
💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

How can one person have this much awesomeness in a normal sized head!!! Amanda M Lee has got to be one of the best and prolific authors I have ever read. I am always sad when I finish one of her books because now I have to wait for a new one! I've read everything she's written so now I'm really glad she's so prolific!
723 reviews3 followers
November 23, 2024
exciting

A good book with plenty of action, humor, drama, mystery, suspense, intrigue, blackmail, violence, and romance. Eager for the next book.
Profile Image for Jana Gundy.
1,919 reviews17 followers
March 14, 2019
All hail the Queen of snark!

The very first time I ever read an Avery Shaw book, I knew I would be a lifelong fan. I’m love witty, sarcastic, mouthy characters who are also charming and smart. Avery is everything you want in a lead character. The surrounding characters are just as good, doing an excellent job of moving the story along where it should go. I will never get enough of this series!
2,852 reviews8 followers
January 3, 2020
4.5 stars. I really enjoyed the mystery here and loved the twists. I've always had a hard time warming up to Avery. There didn't seem to be as much development with her or her relationship with Eliot in this installment. The mystery made it worth it though.
Profile Image for Julie Howard.
Author 2 books31 followers
September 4, 2023
How can these books get more annoying? By centring the book around two male chauvinist jerk. It's not a book I will be listening to again. I get people have different ideas, opinions and a certain generation did things differently but this was just not for me and I found it offensive and annoying. I would say I liked the characters but Avery was just as bad, winding them up, thank goodness for Elliott. The subject matter was quite serious and Would have been an interesting mystery but I just couldn't get past the name calling. Not sure I will be jumping into the next book anytime soon.
A shookjock for the local radio station has been accused of rape by three woman. His trail has brought protesters out on to the streets from both sides and Avery is covering the event. She is right on the scene when one of his supporters is killed by a snipe. Avery is uncertain who the target was but she knows a story when she sees one. Can she find the killer before the city blows up?
I don't think the narrator is the right choice for this series. I think she makes Avery sound like she is whining when she isn't meant to be.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntary left this review.
Profile Image for Amanda Jane.
1,337 reviews10 followers
December 6, 2019
Wow! Brilliant

Avery is bored until a multiple rape case comes to court and protests draw her attention. With a high profile radio celebrity, Bert Savage, who preaches very outdated views on women's place being in the home, the protesters clash and Avery wangles her way to reporting on the protest when Fish refuses to give her the court case itself.

When one of Bert's biggest supporters is shot on the courthouse steps things heat up and Avery starts to dig deeper not just into the lives of all the victims but also into Bert himself.

The case just doesn't ring true, something's off and Avery won't rest until the truth is out there and as usual she gets a scoop or maybe even two.

Only thing that bugs me in the series is the inconsistencies over where she hid (lost) her gun in the house. Every time it's mentioned Eliot has retrieved it from an entirely different place and put it in the gun cabinet.. yet she only lost it once. It's just irritating though I do wish Ms Lee would keep better track!
6,233 reviews40 followers
November 5, 2025
This book concentrates on two different groups of people. There's a male group which basically wants to keep women in their place (barefoot and pregnant) and a women's right group. There's also a guy who is a shock jock for the men and is suspected of rape.

There's Men Against Gender Equality, Women Against Stupid People and Women Overthrow Male Boundaries. There's lots of demonstrations, a shooting and a death, and Avery is off to find out what the truth is behind all that is going on.

Fawn, Eliot's employee, continues her dislike of Avery, Avery going to interview various people, the normal weekly family dinners of 'I'd really like to be somewhere else' and a guy who is willing to kill both Avery and her grandfather.

An awful lot going on and written to Amanda Lee's usual very high standards.
1,112 reviews8 followers
July 20, 2019
So funny!

This is one of my favorite humorous suspense series. Avery completely cracks me up with her irreverent mouth and serious delivery of such hilarious lines. The relationship between Avery and Eliot is just drool worthy. He loves her every quirk... of which there are many, and she allows him to help her grow and compromise. This book was particularly sweet in regards to their relationship while still having plenty of Avery's sharp wit and enough mystery to keep you guessing. The many ways the author finds to let us know sexy times are going on behind closed doors also keeps me amused. Signs of Avery maturing are everywhere, and I love being along for her journey of self discovery.
Profile Image for Elisa.
3,232 reviews44 followers
March 14, 2019
There was so much to love about this story.

Avery was at her sarcastic, snarky best with some maturing and personal growth that just makes me love her even more, we just won’t mention the maturing part to Avery 😀😂🥰
Eliot is amazing, hunky and handsome as ever but I’m still waiting for him to lose it on Fawn, man that girls gotta go.
The murder mystery was brilliant I seriously loved it and for once I didn’t guess it to early so yay.
All of Avery’s family were crazy as ever but in a totally loving way especially her grandpa I totally love that crazy old man.

This book was another huge winner for me.
1,147 reviews18 followers
March 16, 2019
A perplexing murder

A man is shot in the steps of the courthouse, was he the intended victim of an innocent bystander. No One can tell, he wasn't a likeable man but it's a long way from disliking someone to murdering them. Avery Shaw was there and sees the shooting happen so she feels honor bound to search for the truth behind what happened but at every turn she do d's more questions than answers. No clear suspects just a lot of suspicious behaviour. This is one of the best of the Avery Shaw mysteries.So far you don't see.The killer coming until it's almost too kate, a great mystery.
Profile Image for Mary Barrett.
814 reviews11 followers
March 23, 2019
4.5 stars

I really enjoy reading Ms Lee's books. Her humor is great and her snarky characters always have me laughing throughout the books. I believe that this is the first Avery Shaw Mystery book that I have read, but I will go back to book one and read the whole series. Avery Shaw is a wise cracking newspaper reporter with a humorous family and a hot boyfriend. A good combination for a fun read. I love Ms Lee's " particular brand of humor " because it reminds me of my two sisters and me when we get together. This is a well written cozy mystery with a good editing job.
26 reviews
March 18, 2019
Avery Shaw is Back!

This Avery Shaw book was back on track with her snark and sarcasm! I love this character and all the people in her life. I was a little worried that we had gotten off track with book 13. I also read on the authors blog that she may be winding down this series! All I can say is, I hope not!! Avery Shaw Mysteries was the very first series I read by this author. I have also started The Wicked Witches of the Midwest, but this series remains my favorite. I will be lost without Avery if the series ends. Love, love, love her!
Profile Image for Trace Henley.
118 reviews2 followers
March 19, 2019
I like this series

I really enjoy this series. There are some minor tweaks that I think could improve it a little—back off of how often she gets told she annoying or difficult or hated or whatever. We get it. That being said, I still enjoy it. I like Avery’s wit and banter, even if it goes to far. I like the sarcasm and snark. And I like her and Eliot’s relationship, as well as the rhythm and dynamic they’ve settled into with Jake. These books are fun, light-hearted, clean reads with interesting mysteries. Give it a shot.
Profile Image for Starla.
952 reviews
March 30, 2019
Love love love Amanda M. Lee's books. All of her series are hilarious and Avery Shaw just cracks me up. She can tell someone is lying by almost just being near them. She is sarcastic witty and enjoys taking down the bad guy. Her antic are always fun to read about while she solves most crimes before her ex the sheriff whom is one of her closest friends. Poor Elliott always has a tough job trying keep her from getting hurt usually by people she pushes too far. Love this series keep the stories coming.
Profile Image for Kelly Ross.
1 review
August 8, 2019
Brilliant, intriguing and funny!

I don't usually leave reviews but this series has me hooked from book 1. Read straight through from 1 to 14 over the last week and loved them. Avery"s character is brilliant and found myself laughing out loud at some of the conversations and comments. Think everyone can relate to "annoying" family members and the strong characters reel you in. Just want to say thank you Amanda, I've really enjoyed this series and looking forward to reading more. Definitely my sense of humour and the sarcasm is hilarious
470 reviews
March 17, 2019
Great read!

I have loved this series for a long time and this latest book is no exception! If you enjoy mountains of sarcasm with a side of mystery, you'll love this series! The author keeps you guessing right up to the end. It's also a lot of fun to see the evolution of characters and relationships throughout the series. I would highly recommend this book of you're looking for a cozy mystery that isn't predictable, includes snarky characters, and laugh out loud moments.
Profile Image for Cathy P.
1,790 reviews9 followers
March 13, 2019
Funny and intriguing

I love how the author's mind works. I love the character development with Avery. Lots of antics and snark, but compromise and growth as well. She'll be adulting in no time. Eliot is perfect book boyfriend material. I enjoyed how the pieces came together in this mystery. I can't wait to see Avery handle Fawn and Tad moving my forward.
Profile Image for Heather.
12 reviews
March 14, 2019
They keep getting better!

I really enjoyed this book. Watching Avery grow as a person has a been great. Many current issued were tackled very well in the storyline. The snark and humor was amazing, as usual.
Profile Image for Kimberly Landry.
255 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2019
A thrilling story once again

A thrilling story once again. Avery is the best character. Her(Amanda) thought process is astounding! The experience of reading this series is a wonder to behold. My one wish is that this series never ends.
84 reviews
March 15, 2019
Absolutely love this series!

This wan another great story of probably my favorite series ever! I only wish that I could read one new book a day! I hope Avery finally takes down Tad in the future! Can’t wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Kelly.
335 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2019
Oh Avery

She is the best, and will let you know if you don’t think so. I always enjoy reading her story’s and the way her mind works. I’m glad to see her progressing with Eliot. He’s amazing. Best boyfriend of all Amanda M. Lee’s characters.
Profile Image for Kelly.
161 reviews18 followers
March 16, 2019
I loved it

I think this is one of my favorite Avery Shaw books. Although, I love them all! There was so many things going on in this story and it kept me guessing till the end. I love that Avery is growing and she and Elliott are better than ever. ❤
Profile Image for Natasha Isaacs.
194 reviews3 followers
March 26, 2019
Refreshing

Amanda is a great author and pumps out books at an amazing rate. All her series are refreshing and make me laugh. All her series have specific characters you can only grow to love.
31 reviews
March 29, 2019
Classic Avery

This book is a classic Avery Shaw book. You've got her snark, attitude, story hunting, and being a glory hound. Avery is having personal growth but I feel like has she really changed that much?
226 reviews5 followers
March 30, 2019
Totally entertaining

I love the twists that are in each of the Avery Shaw stories. Avery has really grown throughout this series. I could hardly believe when she agreed to hand her notes over to a co-worker after the shooting. And she has the best grandpa ever.
Profile Image for Patrea Beard.
447 reviews2 followers
April 5, 2019
Loved it.

A great mystery with a side of another mystery. I enjoyed it immensely. Great bit with her grandfather SPOILER I wonder if his bathroom break was real or was he trying to help. Fawn is still her annoying self. Small bits with the family dinner, Lexi, Derrick, and Carly, slightly larger bits with Mario and Jake. Teeny bit with Tad and I can't wait till he gets his downfall, Fawn too.

Avery and Elliot are great and she is steadily growing.
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,052 reviews12 followers
April 3, 2019
Snarky Reporter

Awesome read fast paced and lots of snarky humor between the characters, gotta love Avery and friends, the romance between her and Eliot is epic, great storyline and lots of fun
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews

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