What do you think?
Rate this book
The Temp Jobs Cozy Mysteries #1
Death Behind the Dumpster
Dream career—gone. Temp jobs—mind-numbingly dull. Until she finds the body.
After Scarlett Chase is fired from her dream job, she is stuck working temp jobs while she figures out what to do with her life.
Her current job of the week might be the most boring of them all until a flash of lightning during a spring storm plunges the entire office building into darkness.
When the lights come back on, Scarlett finds Willow Dawn, the eccentric soul healer from upstairs, lying dead behind the dumpster out back. Too bad handsome construction worker Austin Howard is standing over the body holding what could either be a tool of the trade or the murder weapon.
But not everything may be as it seems. In fact, while Scarlett is hunting down clues and trying to save Willow Dawn’s now-abandoned emotional support goat and hamsters, she learns that almost every tenant in the building is hiding a secret or two.
Scarlett can’t help but try to untangle the web of lies and mystery. Soon she finds herself in a race to uncover the murderer before she ends up being the next victim.
Murder—unlike her job—is not temporary.
First in a clever and fun new cozy mystery series.
After Scarlett Chase is fired from her dream job, she is stuck working temp jobs while she figures out what to do with her life.
Her current job of the week might be the most boring of them all until a flash of lightning during a spring storm plunges the entire office building into darkness.
When the lights come back on, Scarlett finds Willow Dawn, the eccentric soul healer from upstairs, lying dead behind the dumpster out back. Too bad handsome construction worker Austin Howard is standing over the body holding what could either be a tool of the trade or the murder weapon.
But not everything may be as it seems. In fact, while Scarlett is hunting down clues and trying to save Willow Dawn’s now-abandoned emotional support goat and hamsters, she learns that almost every tenant in the building is hiding a secret or two.
Scarlett can’t help but try to untangle the web of lies and mystery. Soon she finds herself in a race to uncover the murderer before she ends up being the next victim.
Murder—unlike her job—is not temporary.
First in a clever and fun new cozy mystery series.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 5, 2022
172 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
did-not-finish
April 3, 2023Wasn't getting along with the style, it's a "me" thing
January 24, 2023
Very fun! The mystery kept me guessing, the action parts were exciting, and the clueless guys had me rolling my eyes
September 22, 2024
It took me forever to finish this book because it was so slow. I almost quit several times, but plowed on (which is why this is a two star and not a one star). Scarlett is scattered and a poor and undependable worker.
March 31, 2024
Clean cozy with interesting characters. Lots of repetition and lameness. Really did not hold my interest. I, however, did fully complete the read.
December 12, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, it was a lot of fun. The author certainly knows how to write an entertaining mystery that kept me guessing. I even picked up on the big clue and then promptly forgot all about it, until the heroine put of all together. The mystery was good with plenty of suspects, hence the guessing. I also liked the way the victim hid all her treasures in unusual places. But it was the characters that I really liked. I have read or listened to a lot of cozy mysteries and this book is so different from the norm that It was like a breath of fresh air from the unusual job situation, to even the serious side with her dad being injured, not forgetting the unusual choice of the goat in an office building. There was defiantly a lot of scope for all the different characters. It was just a fun quirky mystery and I can't wait to dive into the next book and job.
One silly mistake and Scarlett finds herself without a boyfriend, money or even a job, so when her best friend suggests she temps for a denizen her office building, Scarlett doesn't hesitate its only for a week what could go wrong? Apparently a lot because on the first day there is a power cut, an embarrassing encounter with a goat and her mistress. Oh and she finds a dead body and the cute guy she just meet might be the killer. When nobody in the building wants to take on the care for the goat Scarlett steps up and is the perfect place to discover the murder victims secrets and why somebody keeps breaking into her office. Can Scarlett find the time to do the job she is actually getting paid for as well as work out who in the building could be a killer? With everybody having alibi's for the time of the murder, she will have to work out what the motive is it she hopes to keep the cute guy out of jail that is of course it be isn't the killer.
I liked the narrator. She gave each character there own voice which really helped to bring the story and humour to life.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
One silly mistake and Scarlett finds herself without a boyfriend, money or even a job, so when her best friend suggests she temps for a denizen her office building, Scarlett doesn't hesitate its only for a week what could go wrong? Apparently a lot because on the first day there is a power cut, an embarrassing encounter with a goat and her mistress. Oh and she finds a dead body and the cute guy she just meet might be the killer. When nobody in the building wants to take on the care for the goat Scarlett steps up and is the perfect place to discover the murder victims secrets and why somebody keeps breaking into her office. Can Scarlett find the time to do the job she is actually getting paid for as well as work out who in the building could be a killer? With everybody having alibi's for the time of the murder, she will have to work out what the motive is it she hopes to keep the cute guy out of jail that is of course it be isn't the killer.
I liked the narrator. She gave each character there own voice which really helped to bring the story and humour to life.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
August 4, 2022
I really liked the prequel to this book and wish everyone could read it. It's available from BookFunnel if you get the author's newsletter, and it gives the beginning of Scarlett's dad's little side story and more detail on why she's not with the design firm anymore. There was somewhat of an explanation given in this book, just a much condensed version. It'll definitely make sense even if you've not read the prequel.
Poor Scarlett just wanted to do her job for the week, take in packages when needed and talk to clients from a dentist office, but someone messed that plan up by getting themselves murdered. But she did have some nice company for sleuthing buddies. Her actual bestie was a real estate agent, so Cass wasn't around much.
But Austin made a great sleuthing partner as well as being easy on the eyes, so Scarlett continued checking into things and found herself in a crazy showdown that seemed like an eternity and I couldn't read fast enough lol. I love how the ending gave just enough interest to pull me into wanting to read the next book, which I would've done anyway, but I love that Scarlett's dad's story gets to continue. I'll definitely be borrowing the next book on KU!
Poor Scarlett just wanted to do her job for the week, take in packages when needed and talk to clients from a dentist office, but someone messed that plan up by getting themselves murdered. But she did have some nice company for sleuthing buddies. Her actual bestie was a real estate agent, so Cass wasn't around much.
But Austin made a great sleuthing partner as well as being easy on the eyes, so Scarlett continued checking into things and found herself in a crazy showdown that seemed like an eternity and I couldn't read fast enough lol. I love how the ending gave just enough interest to pull me into wanting to read the next book, which I would've done anyway, but I love that Scarlett's dad's story gets to continue. I'll definitely be borrowing the next book on KU!
Read
October 2, 2022I love cozy mysteries, with unique and fun characters. This one has a set-up I've never seen before. The main character, Scarlett, has recently lost her dream job and now she's a temp worker. (You can get a free prequel from her website that tells how she lost her job and ended up temping.) In each book, she has a new job, new setting, and new characters. But there are also returning characters—her family, friends, and a maybe boyfriend—that provide continuity between books. In addition to the mystery Scarlett must solve at her temp jobs, there's an ongoing mystery of her dad's accident which has left him bed-ridden and unable to speak.
I thought the characters were interesting, fun, and unique from each other. Some were absolutely hilarious (the woman who was killed cracked me up). The mystery was interesting and I kept changing my mind about who the killer was. When it was all done, it was clever and the clues were dripped out in a satisfying way. And the ongoing mystery of her dad's accident and wondering what Scarlett would get caught up in next time had me immediately buying book 2.
Recommended for cozy mystery readers, 12+. No language, sex, or gory details. I give it 4 1/2 stars.
I thought the characters were interesting, fun, and unique from each other. Some were absolutely hilarious (the woman who was killed cracked me up). The mystery was interesting and I kept changing my mind about who the killer was. When it was all done, it was clever and the clues were dripped out in a satisfying way. And the ongoing mystery of her dad's accident and wondering what Scarlett would get caught up in next time had me immediately buying book 2.
Recommended for cozy mystery readers, 12+. No language, sex, or gory details. I give it 4 1/2 stars.
July 7, 2023
Scarlett was a temp worker. This week she was working at an oral surgeon’s office. You’d think you’d be safe at an office, then lightning strikes and the whole place goes dark. Even more confusing was the weird hippie lady asking for help. In search of this crazy lady, Scarlett somehow finds herself standing beside a dead body in a dumpster and a surprised construction worker. Did the construction worker have anything to do with it? Suddenly, Scarlett was smack-dab in the middle of a murder investigation and she was working with the construction worker, who still wasn’t clear of the murder as far as she was concerned.
This was an easy read for the most part, but the whole thing was unusually long and slow. Instead of diving right into the mystery, we hear about Scarlett’s friends, basement apartment, and random thoughts.
A mild and lengthy mystery at best. I may check out the rest of the series if I have nothing else to read.
This was an easy read for the most part, but the whole thing was unusually long and slow. Instead of diving right into the mystery, we hear about Scarlett’s friends, basement apartment, and random thoughts.
A mild and lengthy mystery at best. I may check out the rest of the series if I have nothing else to read.
April 14, 2023
I won this audiobook in a giveaway so thank you to the author. I liked this cozy mystery and the characters for the most part. I suspected who dunnit before the reveal but really it could have been any number of people.
I thought the narrator did a good job and enhanced the story.
My only complaint is that I dislike cliffhangers and one element of this story is definitely that. I don't know if it will be resolved before the end of the series.
There was a little romance along with the mystery but that didn't resolve well either leaving me wondering if that relationship picks up again in the next book or if that was it. As I said, I dislike cliffhangers. But I would be happy to continue on with the series to learn all in the end.
Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: yes, murder, threatening situations
I thought the narrator did a good job and enhanced the story.
My only complaint is that I dislike cliffhangers and one element of this story is definitely that. I don't know if it will be resolved before the end of the series.
There was a little romance along with the mystery but that didn't resolve well either leaving me wondering if that relationship picks up again in the next book or if that was it. As I said, I dislike cliffhangers. But I would be happy to continue on with the series to learn all in the end.
Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: yes, murder, threatening situations
December 8, 2023
Did I miss something?
It feels like I missed reading a book and maybe it is the prequel, but that is only because she laments losing her job so much and a previous issue where she saved someone's life. Not that I blame her on the job. It sucks, and having to start over is scary and depressing. Maybe she should consider becoming a detective.
At the latest temp job, Scarlett meets Austin when she finds him standing over a dead body. Someone she herself was avoiding and no one in the building liked. Determined to find the killer, she and Austin decide to look into the murder. A little bit of luck, walking into danger situations, and a few too many men underfoot, but she does stumble onto who killed the psychic.
Outside of her design snobbery an knack for walking into places without paying attention, Scarlett was cool.
It feels like I missed reading a book and maybe it is the prequel, but that is only because she laments losing her job so much and a previous issue where she saved someone's life. Not that I blame her on the job. It sucks, and having to start over is scary and depressing. Maybe she should consider becoming a detective.
At the latest temp job, Scarlett meets Austin when she finds him standing over a dead body. Someone she herself was avoiding and no one in the building liked. Determined to find the killer, she and Austin decide to look into the murder. A little bit of luck, walking into danger situations, and a few too many men underfoot, but she does stumble onto who killed the psychic.
Outside of her design snobbery an knack for walking into places without paying attention, Scarlett was cool.
April 30, 2023
A Real Mess
Scarlett lost her dream job thanks to her brother. Now as a temp she has infrequent work. This new week long job for an oral surgeon should be easy. Wait for deliveries and answer the phone while the doctor and staff are out of town. Murder wasn’t on the schedule.
With time on her hands after finding the body, Scarlett begins to snoop and take care of the goat stuck in a room in his dead mistress’ office suite. The woman was hated by the whole second floor because of the smell (she propped the door open when leaving because she lost the electronic key.) With few clues and someone searching the office every time she helps with the goat Scarlett. Th
Scarlett lost her dream job thanks to her brother. Now as a temp she has infrequent work. This new week long job for an oral surgeon should be easy. Wait for deliveries and answer the phone while the doctor and staff are out of town. Murder wasn’t on the schedule.
With time on her hands after finding the body, Scarlett begins to snoop and take care of the goat stuck in a room in his dead mistress’ office suite. The woman was hated by the whole second floor because of the smell (she propped the door open when leaving because she lost the electronic key.) With few clues and someone searching the office every time she helps with the goat Scarlett. Th
December 5, 2022
🅰🆄🅳🅸🅾🅱🅾🅾🅺 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆
I had the opportunity to listen to this cozy mystery by new to me author, K.B. Blake.
This was not my usual read but I was pleasantly surprised and I would recommend this book to anyone out there looking for a clean, no sex, no profanity, all grown up Nancy Drew type read.
Amber Battaglia narrates this book and as always does an amazing job voicing so many characters!
I would definitely listen to the next book in the series just so I can find out what happens to her father!
I had the opportunity to listen to this cozy mystery by new to me author, K.B. Blake.
This was not my usual read but I was pleasantly surprised and I would recommend this book to anyone out there looking for a clean, no sex, no profanity, all grown up Nancy Drew type read.
Amber Battaglia narrates this book and as always does an amazing job voicing so many characters!
I would definitely listen to the next book in the series just so I can find out what happens to her father!
December 14, 2022
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery up until the end when we were left with a cliffhanger! Ugh.... Not that I wasn't going to read the next book in the series but I would have loved for it be all wrapped up. I understand why she did it however this means you have to read these in order. Where most of the cozy mysteries I read can be read as a stand alone book and out of order.
I listened to this book on audible.
The writing is REALLY REALLY good but the narrator needs help on the men's voices. Her take on a men's voice was AWFUL! Other than that she did a fantastic job.
Now on to book 2!
I listened to this book on audible.
The writing is REALLY REALLY good but the narrator needs help on the men's voices. Her take on a men's voice was AWFUL! Other than that she did a fantastic job.
Now on to book 2!
May 1, 2023
This is a well written and thought out cozy mystery. Scarlett's life has gone down the dumpster, reducing her to temp jobs. Even still, she is spunky and a little bit pushy with some cowardice thrown in. In this situation, cowardice might have saved her life. It's upbeat and funny at points. I might have given this 5 stars except for the ending It was a little disappointing. I think the author should work on the 2nd book's ending, so the reader is not left disappointed. The reader does not care about a character only described in the book and not introduced.
January 11, 2023
You have an interesting storyline that goes off in different directions with believable and likable complex characters that feel real. As in books you have enjoyed, it has many twists and turns that keep the suspense of the book interesting. All loose ends are tied up as you get to see the flaws of the killers at the end of the book. The way it was written kept you wanting to read more and not put it down. I never guessed how the plot would end. I am looking forward to the next book.
January 20, 2023
Temp jobs can lead to Murder!
Scarlett has lost her job and career as an Interior Designer, thanks to her brother’s mishaps, and is working a temporary job answering phones for an oral surgeon on vacation. The office building is full of slightly wired but interesting characters, which she gets to know. When one of them winds up murdered, she decides she needs to investigate. Fun and full of action!
Scarlett has lost her job and career as an Interior Designer, thanks to her brother’s mishaps, and is working a temporary job answering phones for an oral surgeon on vacation. The office building is full of slightly wired but interesting characters, which she gets to know. When one of them winds up murdered, she decides she needs to investigate. Fun and full of action!
November 17, 2022
Death Behind the Dumpster
A quick, fun and exciting read that keeps you guessing as to who is guilty of murder. Scarlett discovers Austin standing over a woman that had asked her for help before running off. Austin swears he is innocent. Scarlett and Austin work together trying to figure out who killed the woman.
A quick, fun and exciting read that keeps you guessing as to who is guilty of murder. Scarlett discovers Austin standing over a woman that had asked her for help before running off. Austin swears he is innocent. Scarlett and Austin work together trying to figure out who killed the woman.
May 4, 2023
Death Behind the Dumpster
I really like this book. A young woman was the main character. The author made every person seem believable. I am good at knowing what happened before the end of the book. It did not end like I thought. I didn’t know who did it tell the end. I want to read some more of her books. You should read this book.
I really like this book. A young woman was the main character. The author made every person seem believable. I am good at knowing what happened before the end of the book. It did not end like I thought. I didn’t know who did it tell the end. I want to read some more of her books. You should read this book.
May 24, 2023
Hunkville
I love this mystery with good looking men to boot! I really thought she figured the murderer out sooner but the ending puts her into danger! Austin should have come through after the event but was surprised with the ending! But guess you just have to read another of K.B.Blake's books.
I love this mystery with good looking men to boot! I really thought she figured the murderer out sooner but the ending puts her into danger! Austin should have come through after the event but was surprised with the ending! But guess you just have to read another of K.B.Blake's books.
January 16, 2024
Good mystery!
Enjoyed this book! Lots of possible killers to pick from! Scarlett has a boring temp job that quickly becomes much more exciting as the first day of her job progresses. The characters in the book are interesting and I really got drawn into the story as I got further into the book. I recommend this book & am eager to start the next book in the series!
Enjoyed this book! Lots of possible killers to pick from! Scarlett has a boring temp job that quickly becomes much more exciting as the first day of her job progresses. The characters in the book are interesting and I really got drawn into the story as I got further into the book. I recommend this book & am eager to start the next book in the series!
January 28, 2024
Wherever Scarlet works as a temp she walks right into trouble!
She’s not the one in trouble though.
It’s the dead bodies she stumbles upon.
She’s inquisitive and helps solve this quirky mystery along with Austin whom she just met at the job site.
Sparks fly as the case gets solved.
A fun, fast, entertaining read with great characters that will leave you wanting more!!
She’s not the one in trouble though.
It’s the dead bodies she stumbles upon.
She’s inquisitive and helps solve this quirky mystery along with Austin whom she just met at the job site.
Sparks fly as the case gets solved.
A fun, fast, entertaining read with great characters that will leave you wanting more!!
November 19, 2024
Great book
This was a great book. A wonderful start to the series. I was hoping things would work out for certain people but I was sad they didn't. Maybe he might make an appearance in a later book. The characters of this book were well crafted. The scene were smooth switching from one to the other. The storyline is great. I enjoyed this book.
This was a great book. A wonderful start to the series. I was hoping things would work out for certain people but I was sad they didn't. Maybe he might make an appearance in a later book. The characters of this book were well crafted. The scene were smooth switching from one to the other. The storyline is great. I enjoyed this book.
January 24, 2023
Irresposible Yet Resposnsible
As a mother and grandmother, some of the risks Scarlett takes make me crazy. However, K.B. Blake does an excellent job keeeping us guessing to the end. It also ends with a great cliffhanger. I enjoyed Death Behind the Dumpster.
As a mother and grandmother, some of the risks Scarlett takes make me crazy. However, K.B. Blake does an excellent job keeeping us guessing to the end. It also ends with a great cliffhanger. I enjoyed Death Behind the Dumpster.
April 7, 2023
This was recommended by a friend and I stopped after two chapters. It was too sweet, my teeth hurt. The heroine was ditsy and had three good-looking boys interested in her. You just knew one had to be the killer.
April 16, 2023
Entertaining
A temp job usually isn't complicated by a healer with a goat support animal, a mystery and a murder. What really happened during the blackout that shut down the whole building?
A temp job usually isn't complicated by a healer with a goat support animal, a mystery and a murder. What really happened during the blackout that shut down the whole building?
April 27, 2023
A goat, a temp job, a little romance and a murder
This ‘cozy’ mystery tells the story of Scarlett, a temp worker who finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery, a murder which happens early in the week of a 1 week temp job at a dentist’s office.
Enjoy!
This ‘cozy’ mystery tells the story of Scarlett, a temp worker who finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery, a murder which happens early in the week of a 1 week temp job at a dentist’s office.
Enjoy!
September 24, 2023
Death Behind the Dumpster
I received this book as an Arc from the author and I’m writing a review because I want to. This story an enjoyable and relaxing story about a temp worker who on her 1st day discovers a dead body behind the dumpster. Highly recommended!
I received this book as an Arc from the author and I’m writing a review because I want to. This story an enjoyable and relaxing story about a temp worker who on her 1st day discovers a dead body behind the dumpster. Highly recommended!
May 14, 2024
Fast faced
This high quality cozy mystery is fast-paced and well written. The characters grabbed my interest right away and the murder was a surprise. I'll definitely check out more books by this author.
This high quality cozy mystery is fast-paced and well written. The characters grabbed my interest right away and the murder was a surprise. I'll definitely check out more books by this author.
July 20, 2025
Temp jobs are Murder
Scarlet working on a temp job finds a murdered woman and a romantic interest. This is a good story with major twist you don't see coming. The characters are full of humor. Loved it.
Scarlet working on a temp job finds a murdered woman and a romantic interest. This is a good story with major twist you don't see coming. The characters are full of humor. Loved it.
December 5, 2022
Who killed Willow Dawn and why??? She was a bit of a pest, wasn’t she??? I enjoyed this story and recommend the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews