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A Domestic Bliss Mystery #4
Killed by Clutter
EvidenceInterior designer, Erin Gilbert can’t help but fall in love at first sight with her newest design job – a delightful little bungalow set on a quiet street.
Until she steps inside.
What looks neat and tidy as a postcard from the outside, looks like Hurricane Clutter on the inside! It seems the bungalow’s eccentric owner, widow Helen Walker, hasn’t thrown a thing out since 1942. Newspapers are piled high, almost reaching the ceiling, bric-a-brac covers every surface – there’s barely any space to walk from room to room!
What’s worse – two strange deaths in the area link back to Helen, convincing her that a serial killer is on the prowl – and every nosy friend or neighbor looks like a suspect!
But Erin is never one to back down from a challenge – even if she has to dig her way out; she vows to bring this beautiful home back to life – especially when her annoyingly handsome competitor, Steve Sullivan, barges in on the mess.
Once Erin realizes that there is, indeed, some method to her client’s madness – she knows she’s going to have to dig deep to find a clue to the killer...lest she find another dead body!
Until she steps inside.
What looks neat and tidy as a postcard from the outside, looks like Hurricane Clutter on the inside! It seems the bungalow’s eccentric owner, widow Helen Walker, hasn’t thrown a thing out since 1942. Newspapers are piled high, almost reaching the ceiling, bric-a-brac covers every surface – there’s barely any space to walk from room to room!
What’s worse – two strange deaths in the area link back to Helen, convincing her that a serial killer is on the prowl – and every nosy friend or neighbor looks like a suspect!
But Erin is never one to back down from a challenge – even if she has to dig her way out; she vows to bring this beautiful home back to life – especially when her annoyingly handsome competitor, Steve Sullivan, barges in on the mess.
Once Erin realizes that there is, indeed, some method to her client’s madness – she knows she’s going to have to dig deep to find a clue to the killer...lest she find another dead body!
310 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
19 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Caine
13 books52 followersAka Leslie O'Kane
(about the photo from author's own webpage)
"This is an old photo of my daughter and me in front of our house in Colorado. She is now in college and looks quite different, but amazingly, I haven't changed one bit!"
(from author's own webpage--abbreviated)
As the opening for my "Meet Leslie" page, here's a touch of biographical information: I have been married for more than two decades and have two not-so-young children. My daughter is in college and my son is in high school. I have a bachelor in journalism, a degree as an electrical-engineering technician (I repaired computers for IBM for three years), and am a certified interior decorator, though I only rarely work as a decorator.
DEATH BY INFERIOR DESIGN is Leslie Caine's first book, but is actually my eleventh published mystery novel. I've dropped a syllable from last name, and it's my hope that I'll be writing the "Domestic Bliss" series for many years to come so that I won't continue this name-shortening strategy. (I don't see myself writing books as: "L," though that would come in handy for quick signatures.) One of the first questions I'm asked at signings is why I chose to use a penname for this series, and the answer is that, while I'm proud of my previous works, I wanted a fresh start. To use a designer analogy, my penname is like emptying the room to enable the fabulous "makeover."
(about the photo from author's own webpage)
"This is an old photo of my daughter and me in front of our house in Colorado. She is now in college and looks quite different, but amazingly, I haven't changed one bit!"
(from author's own webpage--abbreviated)
As the opening for my "Meet Leslie" page, here's a touch of biographical information: I have been married for more than two decades and have two not-so-young children. My daughter is in college and my son is in high school. I have a bachelor in journalism, a degree as an electrical-engineering technician (I repaired computers for IBM for three years), and am a certified interior decorator, though I only rarely work as a decorator.
DEATH BY INFERIOR DESIGN is Leslie Caine's first book, but is actually my eleventh published mystery novel. I've dropped a syllable from last name, and it's my hope that I'll be writing the "Domestic Bliss" series for many years to come so that I won't continue this name-shortening strategy. (I don't see myself writing books as: "L," though that would come in handy for quick signatures.) One of the first questions I'm asked at signings is why I chose to use a penname for this series, and the answer is that, while I'm proud of my previous works, I wanted a fresh start. To use a designer analogy, my penname is like emptying the room to enable the fabulous "makeover."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 28, 2023
An interior decorator is hired to help out a hoarder, who thinks somebody might be out to kill her. The decorator's last name is Gilbert. Her chief rival, and possible love interest is named Sullivan. Har har.
It turns out the hoarder may be right, when someone dies in her house, in a murder that is framed to look like an accident.
Not bad, but not as funny as it thinks.
It turns out the hoarder may be right, when someone dies in her house, in a murder that is framed to look like an accident.
Not bad, but not as funny as it thinks.
May 15, 2024
I am enjoying this cozy mystery series that has interior design as a backdrop. In this issue, Erin tries to help a hoarder. Naturally, she and Sullivan are thrown together AGAIN. There are a couple of murders to sleuth with several characters that keep you guessing.
May 27, 2009
Once again, Erin Gilbert finds herself embroiled in an interior design job-turned-murder as her attempts to declutter an elderly woman's house result in dead bodies galore. What exactly is hidden amongst the moldering piles of newspapers and magazines? Will Erin save the old woman from her busy-body neighbors and interfering relatives before the plug is pulled on her own life? And how much longer can she and Steve Sullivan flirt around before someone makes a definitive move?
The characters are fun, quirky, and interesting (to the extent they're developed), but the attempts to create a unique story result in a plot that is so convoluted and full of twists and turns that I got seasick. And I have to admit I'm growning tired of the alternate bantering/sparring with Erin and Steve. They need to get together or give it up. And once again, the chapters on home decor interjected amidst the mystery are more annoying than welcome.
I suggest the author focus on the characters and remember that series mysteries are more about characterization than about plot. We'll forgive you anything if we fall in love with the people.
The characters are fun, quirky, and interesting (to the extent they're developed), but the attempts to create a unique story result in a plot that is so convoluted and full of twists and turns that I got seasick. And I have to admit I'm growning tired of the alternate bantering/sparring with Erin and Steve. They need to get together or give it up. And once again, the chapters on home decor interjected amidst the mystery are more annoying than welcome.
I suggest the author focus on the characters and remember that series mysteries are more about characterization than about plot. We'll forgive you anything if we fall in love with the people.
October 30, 2014
The main character was just a bit to overwhelming in her nosiness and her butting in the way she did. She could have handled getting clues and helping in a much better way than the way she pushed herself on everyone.
November 20, 2009
I thought this was a pleasant read. I haven't read any of the others in the series but I'm thinking about checking them out.
The only thing I didn't like about this was the decoration tips.
The only thing I didn't like about this was the decoration tips.
January 19, 2025
I give this 2.5 stars generously rounded up, but make no mistake it's a 2.5 star read. It's not bad, just ordinary, average, cozy mystery. Erin Gilbert runs a home decorating company in a town in Colorado, not far from Denver and with a mountain view. She's been hired to de-clutter the charming vintage cottage of an elderly woman, one that takes 'clutter' to hoard levels. Elderly Helen believes that someone not only is regularly breaking into her house and stealing her treasures, but also that someone murdered her sister who was living with her 3 months earlier, a death written off as an accident. Gradually not only does Erin begin to believe Helen, but another suspicious death occurs in the house and to someone closely connected to Helen.
The plot has its good moments such as Helen moving into half her garage to feel safer, some interesting developments especially deep into it, I wasn't really all that charmed by it. It seemed pretty average, with the villain way too obvious from the first meeting although the ins and outs of why were not. There were a few too many plot points that just ended where a little post-resolution narrative would have been welcome. There's also a side romance for Erin with her (male) competition, Whose last name is Sullivan (and yes the Gilbert & Sullivan joke is a tepid part of the plot) which is clearly on an 'off' cycle during this particular series entry, one that I didn't find particularly compelling. Maybe if it were not a rather stereotypical and shallowly presented heterosexual one, it would be more effective.
This is the 4th in the series, I've read none of the others and it worked just fine as a standalone. I think I have another in the series set at Christmas which I will read at some point but more? Probably not.
The plot has its good moments such as Helen moving into half her garage to feel safer, some interesting developments especially deep into it, I wasn't really all that charmed by it. It seemed pretty average, with the villain way too obvious from the first meeting although the ins and outs of why were not. There were a few too many plot points that just ended where a little post-resolution narrative would have been welcome. There's also a side romance for Erin with her (male) competition, Whose last name is Sullivan (and yes the Gilbert & Sullivan joke is a tepid part of the plot) which is clearly on an 'off' cycle during this particular series entry, one that I didn't find particularly compelling. Maybe if it were not a rather stereotypical and shallowly presented heterosexual one, it would be more effective.
This is the 4th in the series, I've read none of the others and it worked just fine as a standalone. I think I have another in the series set at Christmas which I will read at some point but more? Probably not.
October 29, 2022
It's tooooo cold out, so I'm reading ALOT more. Killed by Clutter by Leslie Caine is a delightful read. Ms. Caine has a sly sense of humor, her characters are ridiculously quirky but believable, the plot is just twisty enough to be satisfying without annoying. The main amateur private eye ISN'T a Professional Organizer, but a highly-talented Interior Designer, Erin Gilbert, who plays a Professional Organizer in fictional detective stories....
Now I have a quarrel with that, because, in this story, her client is quite possibly someone who in real life could be diagnosed with hoarding disorder. The ease with which Ms. Gilbert gets her client to part with 40- and 50- year old newspapers, old tires, unusably rusty pots and pans - that ISN'T believable.
She's also not all that good a detective - none of the Professional Organizers who play detective in fictional detective stories are. But I'm probably going to look for more.
Now I have a quarrel with that, because, in this story, her client is quite possibly someone who in real life could be diagnosed with hoarding disorder. The ease with which Ms. Gilbert gets her client to part with 40- and 50- year old newspapers, old tires, unusably rusty pots and pans - that ISN'T believable.
She's also not all that good a detective - none of the Professional Organizers who play detective in fictional detective stories are. But I'm probably going to look for more.
July 7, 2017
I'm not sure if these books are self-published and thus lack a good editor or if translating to ebook screws things up but this book was full of missing words and was somewhat disjointed as though sections were missing.
November 21, 2018
Helen has moved into her garage, there is so much stuff stacked in the house!She believes someone is coming into the house while she is out. Erin Gilbert is hired by Helen's niece to sort and clear out the clutter.Then two strange deaths take place in the house.
January 26, 2018
Cute cozy. Nothing to write home about but it did provide lunchtime entertainment.
January 21, 2019
2.5 round to 3. Average cozy little mystery.
July 6, 2019
This has been my favorite of the series so far
June 18, 2020
3 - Good
April 19, 2022
really enjoyed the story, thought I had it figured out, but didn't...
April 27, 2023
Cute! Fast moving, fun!
September 17, 2008
Killed By Clutter
Leslie Caine
Mystery
328 pages
copyright: 2007
isbn: 978-440-33598-6
A Place for Everything And Everything In It's Place. Including Murder.
At first glance, decorator Erin Gilbert fell in love with the charming little bungalow on a quiet stret in Crestview, Colorado. Unitl she stepped inside. There, eccentric widow Helen Walker has created a maze of bric-a-brac, papers, and just plain junk that she won't throw out. Even worse: two bizarre deaths have convinced Helen she is being stalked by a serial killer, and that any one of her nosy friends and neighbors might be to blame.
Erin has been hired to bring the home back to life--and she's not going to back down, even when her insufferable, irrestible competitor, Steve Sulivan, barges in. But it doesn't take long for Erin to realize that there is a method to her client's madness. A murderer does haunt this makeover. And somewhere in the clutter is at least one thing to die for.
Leslie Caine
Mystery
328 pages
copyright: 2007
isbn: 978-440-33598-6
A Place for Everything And Everything In It's Place. Including Murder.
At first glance, decorator Erin Gilbert fell in love with the charming little bungalow on a quiet stret in Crestview, Colorado. Unitl she stepped inside. There, eccentric widow Helen Walker has created a maze of bric-a-brac, papers, and just plain junk that she won't throw out. Even worse: two bizarre deaths have convinced Helen she is being stalked by a serial killer, and that any one of her nosy friends and neighbors might be to blame.
Erin has been hired to bring the home back to life--and she's not going to back down, even when her insufferable, irrestible competitor, Steve Sulivan, barges in. But it doesn't take long for Erin to realize that there is a method to her client's madness. A murderer does haunt this makeover. And somewhere in the clutter is at least one thing to die for.
October 7, 2015
Killed By Clutter is a mystery set in Crestview, Colorado and is number four in the Domestic Bliss Murders. I have not read the other three books in this series but it really did not matter. The main character, Erin, is an interior designer and she has been hired by two siblings to help clean out their Aunt Helen's house. Helen is a major pack rat who has moved out to her garage because she feels that someone is breaking into her home at night. There starts the story with some drama from the siblings, the nosy neighbor across the street and her kind husband, and a interior design competitor, Steve. This story is filled with comedy, fear, drama, and all the while you are trying to figure out who is doing what.
I enjoyed this book for its easy reading style of writing and the believable characters. Every neighborhood has a nosy neighbor who watches the comings and goings of their neighbors. Very enjoyable and somewhat of a surprise ending.
I enjoyed this book for its easy reading style of writing and the believable characters. Every neighborhood has a nosy neighbor who watches the comings and goings of their neighbors. Very enjoyable and somewhat of a surprise ending.
February 24, 2010
While this isn't my usual type of book, I rather enjoyed it. I have often speculated as to whether or not my high stacks of books would come tumbling down on my head while I slept, so I thought this would be a good one for me! :-)
It's decent, albeit far-fetched and idiosyncratic. If I knew that someone was breaking into my home and taking things, I would certainly change my locks, something the protagonist refuses to do.... hmmm... I guess if she did, there wouldn't be much of a book! "Police officers seem to assume when your hair loses its color, your mind's gone, too." Well, dang, change the locks!
Another part talks about the clutter: "Yes, but that's one of the good things about clutter... nobody but me knows where to begin to look for anything in it."
It's decent, albeit far-fetched and idiosyncratic. If I knew that someone was breaking into my home and taking things, I would certainly change my locks, something the protagonist refuses to do.... hmmm... I guess if she did, there wouldn't be much of a book! "Police officers seem to assume when your hair loses its color, your mind's gone, too." Well, dang, change the locks!
Another part talks about the clutter: "Yes, but that's one of the good things about clutter... nobody but me knows where to begin to look for anything in it."
February 27, 2012
I spotted this title at the Niles Library and know I had to read it! I struggle each day to de-clutter around here, but being a fairly serious packrat, I seem to be losing the battle.
Fortunately (is this a spoiler?) it doesn't appear the murder(s) in this book were actually caused by the piles of stuff. This book is part of a series of mystery novels by Leslie Caine--a "Domestic Bliss" series. It features a protagonist who is an interior decorator. I think that several of the other novels feature the landlady, who has a "Domestic Bliss" television show on a local cable channel.
I enjoyed this quick read...
Fortunately (is this a spoiler?) it doesn't appear the murder(s) in this book were actually caused by the piles of stuff. This book is part of a series of mystery novels by Leslie Caine--a "Domestic Bliss" series. It features a protagonist who is an interior decorator. I think that several of the other novels feature the landlady, who has a "Domestic Bliss" television show on a local cable channel.
I enjoyed this quick read...
March 24, 2014
Decorator Erin Gilbert's down on her luck and re-imagines herself in a new career - a de-clutterer. Is her latest client a nutcase hoarder or is she a hoarder in danger? Love the fictional take on what appears to be an all too common disorder, and makes me want to clean house.
Good character development and small town cozy relationships that you love to love and hate. The family dynamics make you want to weep. Not much local color, but no matter, go read Fodors.
--Ashland Mystery
Good character development and small town cozy relationships that you love to love and hate. The family dynamics make you want to weep. Not much local color, but no matter, go read Fodors.
--Ashland Mystery
April 15, 2015
I would have rated it at 2&1/2 stars if I could. The story was okay if a bit far fetched. At the end I got the feeling of "deus ex machina" as tidbits were revealed. To my mind the story was cluttered up by all the description of the decorating schemes in the various locations. I don't feel it aided the story at all. I guess I should have expected that from the series name of "Domestic Bliss". Likely won't bother with any others by this author unless I have nothing else to read (never going to happen).
March 22, 2016
This was the first book by "Leslie Caine" I have read. "Killed by Clutter" was a great little "cozy" Mystery! The characters were believable and very likable! The main Character Erin was a single woman who roomed with a TV Celebrity that had the show "Domestic Bliss". This wove in a interesting background to the story. Erin herself is a Interior Decorator who takes on the job of cleaning out the house of a elderly hoarder! What a job this turns out to be!
If you like cozy mysteries you will love this one!
If you like cozy mysteries you will love this one!
August 31, 2010
Eccentric widow Helen Walker has created a maze of "stuff" she won’t throw out. Decorator Erin Gilbert has been hired by Helen's family to help her get rid of the clutter. Helen is reluctant as she is convinced that people around her who are dying are really being killed and her only defense is her cluttered house.Realizing that there is a method to her client’s madness, Erin sets out to discover just what is in the house that really is worth killing for.
March 11, 2013
A neighbor gave me this book in a stack of several pulp fiction books. This is fairly cheesy writing but in the end it was interesting enough that it worked to keep my mind away from other concerns, so that's good. Evidently the author has several in a series of books about an interior-decorator turned detective. I prefer my Goldy Schultz catering mysteries over this sort of book, but it's still fine if you want a fluffy, easy read.
February 20, 2009
ill bk cute story of a clutter buster/interior designer and her client an old lady with paths in her house and a dead next door neighbor in the basement-- twists fromher past with her sister and her husband a pushy niece and sad sack nephew and the design firm of Sullivan and gilbert rides to the rescue
February 18, 2016
Erin Gilbert, an interior designer in Crestview, Colorado, is hired by a couple to help their pack-rat aunt move back into her house instead of living in her garage, the only open space she has left. But the aunt is sure someone is out to kill her. And before you can say "junk", there is a dead body. And it's up to Erin to figure out who the killer is.
January 28, 2013
It was ok, but not my favorite cozy series. The premise of the series is cute and the main character is ok but this one just didn't do it for me.
The perp was a character I didn't really like but the reasoning behind the murder was really dumb. The side plot with the disappearing heirlooms by the nephew was more believable as a motive.
The perp was a character I didn't really like but the reasoning behind the murder was really dumb. The side plot with the disappearing heirlooms by the nephew was more believable as a motive.
February 3, 2011
Fun mystery to read...
Interior designer turn amateur detective. I like interior designing and I like mystery. Not entirely realistic, but what's the point of reading a totally realistic fiction?
Interior designer turn amateur detective. I like interior designing and I like mystery. Not entirely realistic, but what's the point of reading a totally realistic fiction?
February 24, 2015
A good mystery
As usual this was a good mystery. I wanted to tell those two to grow up more than once but the mysteries are always intriguing. I'm sure anyone who enjoys a good mystery will be glad they got this one.
As usual this was a good mystery. I wanted to tell those two to grow up more than once but the mysteries are always intriguing. I'm sure anyone who enjoys a good mystery will be glad they got this one.
March 9, 2016
There was just enough substance to keep me engaged, but that was it. Mystery portion was very simplistic and the relationship between Gilbert and Sullivan was extremely irritating. Maybe their dynamics would have been more sensible if I hadn't jumped into the middle of the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews