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Avery Shaw #20

Fake News & Office Blues

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Taking down a killing team means Avery Shaw is getting a lot of attention. It’s almost too much attention. That’s why she’s ready for a new story, and when one falls in her lap, she’s more than ready to flip the script.

When leaving the courthouse, she witnesses two men in a car trying to abduct a local woman. She intervenes, but when the dust settles, the woman is nowhere to be found and people are telling her that she’s reading too much into the situation.
She knows better. Unfortunately, nobody will listen.

Her boss is trying to force her to cover pageant stories. Her husband is trying to placate her. And the sheriff? He’s convinced she’s losing her mind.

Avery doesn’t play around, however, and she keeps digging … despite the numerous distractions she’s got going. What she finds is a huge operation, and when it’s time to take it down, she’s the one in danger of not only losing her life but also her freedom.
Avery Shaw is a force to be reckoned with. She’s about to prove it … again.

327 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 5, 2022

187 people are currently reading
84 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
1,153 (79%)
4 stars
239 (16%)
3 stars
48 (3%)
2 stars
10 (<1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
7 reviews
March 9, 2022
Big Letdown

I have loved this series from the very first book and was eagerly awaiting the release of this book; however, I was so disappointed. Avery stumbles upon missing girls that they believe are part of human trafficking. No one would believe Avery, because that doesn’t happen around here. However, in “oracles & Obituaries #16, this was the entire premise of the book. So here we are 4 books later and doing the same thing.
The characters are still entertaining, but the plot of the book was not good.
Profile Image for Apriel.
758 reviews5 followers
March 19, 2022
I actually liked this book installment in the series better than the last several. Not sure if it’s because I haven’t read one in a while or because there was almost none of the ridiculous dialogue about how cute Avery and Elliot are together by everyone in the town.
83 reviews
March 22, 2022
Another great and funny Avery Shaw Book

I liked that Avery didn't pull any real stupid things while out alone. I love that her and Eliot was together threw the whole book. And they spent time with Jake and Lauren. I wish the book was longer I'm never ready for Amanda's books to end, but I was hoping to find out if those other girls was at April and Prestons building in Canada.
I'm really liking Melba and Andre. So glad he was taking care of the people in his neighborhood. Makes him way more likeable.
I hope we get to hear what Sebrinas sentence is.
And I have to put a little *spoiler* in here because this part Jake said at the festival honestly cracked me up. . . . . This is lumpy I want different balls!, don't say a word, I heard it the second I said it.
I hope we find out the fate of the ducks! And what all Eliot got at Cabelas to get the job done. Ha
Would I recommend this book? YES! I recommend the whole series.
I recommend every book Amanda M. Lee has her name on.
Profile Image for Amanda Jane.
1,337 reviews10 followers
March 22, 2022
Avery is back..

.. and still on form even Sabrina couldn't knock out that sassy attitude. She might have faced off a killer and won but when Avery witnesses an attempted kidnapping she's certain she's on to something much bigger.

When routine punishment from Fish, for refusing to work with the new interns, has her doing a fluff piece on pageants she's determined to delve deeper and does nothing to placate April Sloan who runs it. Between the pageant world and her research lies arch-nemisis Tad who has once again got himself in the middle of something seedy by trying to start another task force only this time it's not called that! when a second pageant interview, she's really annoying Fish, shows some underhand dealings in the world of the beautiful, Avery is all over it especially when it provides the missing link between the lost girls and the kidnapping.

Some things are just worth getting arrested for!!
Profile Image for Cathy P.
1,788 reviews9 followers
March 9, 2022
This may be my favorite Avery book to date

I don't wanna run anything, but there are so many funny and or good things in this book. I smiled through most of it. The subject matter was sad and is a prevailing problem that is on going everywhere in the world. That part wasn't funny. But it was handled well. I love how the relationship between Avery and Elliot has progressed, as well as between Avery and Jake. Tad is Tad and a terrible judge of character. The pool issue is gonna get funnier before its fixed I think. Really looking forward to the next book. I want to know how Avery handles everything grim this book. Her head is gonna be huge. Highly recommend.
451 reviews3 followers
March 10, 2022
This is incredible! I absolutely love this series.

Avery and Kane are in fine form in this installment as Avery yet again sniffs out a whole new article. The action is plentiful, the suspense is wonderful and the festival food left me drooling. I won't give spoilers but I will say this, the conclusion on this one was more open ended than usual which has my spidey senses tingling with anticipation. There are answers still to be had, interns to be tortured and ducks to be wrangled so bring on number 21. If you enjoy snarky sarcastic characters, clean family fun and intrigue, you won't go wrong with this or any of Amanda M. Lee's books.
1,144 reviews18 followers
March 29, 2022
Avery smells a story.

A girl is almost abducted from outside the courthouse. Now who would try to abduct someone from outside a courthouse with so many law enforcement people around, is just one question Avery has including why they wanted the girl and where the girl disappeared to. After the events of the last book everybody is worried about Avery and how she's coping. Some are worried she's using this possible abduction as an excuse to.deflect from how.she.feels about Sabrina and what she did. Avery, meanwhile knows she is onto something and is determined to investigate further. Another great read, 20 books on and still entertaining.
195 reviews
June 3, 2022
snark, sass, sarcasm, may it never end

To all the people that said this series was over you are wrong this was amazing! In the words of Avery Shaw all that matters is I’m right. I have loved this series from the moment I opened the first book. I love her snark and sass. I love that she is always right and saves the day with sarcasm and immaturity. The characters are just getting better. I love Andres reoccurrence and how pathetic Tad is. I don’t think I’ll ever be ready for this one to be over and I honestly love how true these characters stay to themselves. No happily ever after no need to shove a baby in the mix just lots of snark.
208 reviews6 followers
March 10, 2022
Howard the Duck is Evil!

I love Avery and Eliot. And every other side character in this series. Avery is Hero even if she might not take the title. But in every book she goes for the underdogs and tries to help. Even if she doesn’t agree with the topic or story at first. She always follows her gut and in the end the underdog is the one that prevails and the bad guys go away. Except for the ducks. I’m sure the ducks will get their come uppins or get their own little kiddie pool in the future.
47 reviews
January 21, 2023
Storyline was awesome

The only complaint I have is the climax was was lacking. I expected the bad guy to figure Avery plans after all of the hints and theories she was throwing out and interrupt her heroic efforts in an effort to get rid of her while bragging about his plan like a Bond villain and then the calvary comes in and save the day with a little fighting action thrown in. I mean AML had me pins and needles to see what would happen and then it just deflated. But I still love the characters and the plot.
45 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2022
Loved it!!

Avery Shaw is my absolute favorite series. I love her snark and that she is so smart. The interactions with all the main characters is fantastic and never lets you down. I highly recommend this book and if you haven't read the whole series, I can't stress strongly enough how much you're missing. I'm sad that I read it so quickly and now have to wait for the next one. If snark and smart women are your thing you'll love this book!
2 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2022
I love Avery Shaw, her antics make me laugh.
Although this book was fun, I really feel it was a little thin. Although Duncan appears for good measure, there was no Marvin, where was he? I love Marvin and missed him. Usually the sidekick characters have a bigger role in the story and that's what draws me to the Amanda Lee books, they all have a part to play that helps the story along.
I'm a tad bit disappointed in this latest installment, it felt rushed and short.
Profile Image for Starla.
951 reviews
March 23, 2022
A funny but heartfelt story

I love Avery Shaw, Elliot and Jake. But Avery and her snarky attitude and killer instinct is the perfect heroine. She has a sixth sense that rivals law enforcement when it comes to finding and investigating her stories. Where she always exposes the bad guys. I loved this story and wished we had Avery as a reporter in my city to pursue the same type of investigation.
1,231 reviews4 followers
April 13, 2022
So cool!

I highly recommend this fascinating book, and the enlightening series in which it is, to readers who love informative and kick butt mysteries. Lee brings to light the injustices of today's world, and uses humor and compassion to bring them to justice. The characters Avery, Eliot, and Jake will do whatever it takes to protect their hone turf, even asking Andre, ( a shady, but loyal friend to Avery), for his help when necessary. Enjoy!


507 reviews3 followers
March 9, 2022
Avery is fantastic!

Another fun adventure for Avery, Elliott and her friends and family. The plot and subplots move quickly and the twists make it exciting. The humor keeps the story from getting too heavy even though it's a serious situation. I can't wait to see what Avery gets into next!
Profile Image for Elisa.
3,232 reviews44 followers
March 10, 2022
oh so good with an Avery dash of ‘I was right’

Okay that was all kinds of awesomeness, gooey,schmaltzy, sarcastic,crazy,deranged awesomeness!!!!
And then there’s Avery the reporter with the mostest and a cute ‘I was right’ dance to top off another brilliant and thrilling mystery.
I kind of want to see Avery and Lauren team up on a case to take Eliot and Jake right over the edge.
Profile Image for Brandi  Martin .
268 reviews4 followers
March 13, 2022
Avery at her best

Fake News and Office Blues is the best Avery Shaw book to date. As always the snark and genius that makes Avery so good is on full display. If you want laughs, mystery, snark, and smaltz then this is definitely the series for you. Amazing characters and tons of laughs. A must read for sure.b
26 reviews
March 15, 2022
Another great Avery Shaw book!

Avery Shaw just keeps getting better and better! She’s my hero! I absolutely love her snark and how she always feels she is right, which she is. I also love Eliot’s new clerk at the pawn shop. She’s awesome and hope we will see lots more of her in the future.
339 reviews2 followers
March 16, 2022
Darn it!

I really like Amanda Lee as a writer, I really do, but I DO NOT LIKE Avery Shaw. I thought, try it one more time, just to make sure it wasn't something else. Nope, it's AVERY SHAW, whiner extraordinaire! How can ANYONE like her? She's a self involved woman who gives other women a bad name.
Profile Image for Patrea Beard.
447 reviews2 followers
March 20, 2022
Great

Really, really enjoyed this one. It's been great watching Avery grow, and develop. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters and liked that I got to see the continuation of what Avery was going through after the previous book. It made everything more interesting and real.
Profile Image for Cathy Heim.
31 reviews3 followers
March 22, 2022
Avery Shaw strikes again!

Avery Shaw is always right. As soon as everyone accepts that, life would be great. This time she she is questioning if being right caused her nemesis (aka an intern) to go over the edge but even if it did, it won’t stop her from following her hunches! Another winner from Amanda M Lee!
6 reviews
March 26, 2022
Avery Shaw finally disappoints

After following Avery Shaw through all of her other 19 books, this one is disappointing to the extreme. The language is sappy and unbelievable. She has spun into a self-centered person in the extreme. I'm sorry I have followed her on this latest example of being right I will not follow her again.
Profile Image for Jennifer Aicher.
Author 21 books4 followers
March 9, 2022
The best yet

Just when I think an Avery book can't get better, I'm amazed. Brilliant. Thanks, Amanda! I hope the world has their eyes opened by your work, on local and larger, levels.
13 reviews
March 9, 2022
Not disappointed

Avery does it again. I swear I am addicted to this series. She's by far my favorite FMC. She's the total package and I'm sure she'd agree 😂 Please keep Avery's story going, I need more!
26 reviews
March 10, 2022
Always trust your gut!

Loved this story! Though Avery annoys me to no end, and she knows she is annoying. She is still so amusing, and you can't help but admire her. She trusts her instincts and fights for what she believes! I so enjoy her stories.
Profile Image for lisa langford.
152 reviews1 follower
March 11, 2022
Omg omg omg

Not I've missed Avery and Elliott I love Avery so much she my hero I wish I could give the snark like she does make grown men or women cry with her one liners and comebacks
353 reviews
March 12, 2022
Great story!

This is a really good book by a very talented writer. The storyline kept me on my toes. I can't wait for the next book about Avery's adventures by my number one favorite author. Ms. Lee is a very good and original storyteller! You won't be disappointed at all.
43 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2022
Who doesn't love Avery Shaw

I truly love Avery Shaw and her entire family. I did miss that there was no interaction between her and her best friend, but her interaction with her mom was hilarious.
56 reviews
March 15, 2022
The best of Avery and gang so far!

I am so sad to have to wait for the next book! Avery at her best and now paired up with Eliot to investigate the latest bad enterprise to hit the area! And, so much more!
Profile Image for Alizarin .
6 reviews
March 16, 2022
Amanda M. Lee Does it Again!

Another superb win from the queen of snarky characters. Avery Shaw has everything I love in a heroine: sarcasm, intelligence and personal growth. This chapter of her life displays both her gooey epicenter and her carbonite will to uncover the truth.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews

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