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Home Repair Is Homicide #13
Crawlspace
Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree abandoned Wall Street to its bankruptcies and bailouts for a far more rewarding life fixing up an 1823 Federal-style house in Eastport, Maine. But in Sarah Graves’s chilling new mystery thriller, Jake discovers that no matter what your address, the most terrifying crimes always hit closest to home.
The infamous Dodd murders are hardly among Eastport’s proudest legacies. So when bestselling true-crime author Carolyn Rathbone arrives to research the case for a new book, the locals in the seaside town let her know that she’s about as welcome as a spoiled clam. But surely no one would harm a crime writer out of a sense of civic pride–or would they?
Jake has her own problems, from the mysteries of old-house insulation to an anonymous caller plaguing her with death threats. But with Carolyn’s arrival, the slayings of the wealthy Dodd women suddenly go from cold case to hot topic–much to someone’s dismay. For Carolyn Rathbone’s untimely investigation hasn’t only reopened old wounds and stirred up new suspicions; it’s unearthed a string of deadly secrets–ones that a cunning killer is grimly determined to rebury right along with Carolyn herself.
Suddenly Jake finds herself inescapably targeted by one of the most deranged criminal minds she’s ever encountered. For as much as she fights to insulate herself from his grisly compulsions, someone with a taste for terror has already crept closer than she dares to imagine. She’d rather die than lose the home and family she’s built–and that suits her nemesis fine, because her death is just exactly what he has planned..
The infamous Dodd murders are hardly among Eastport’s proudest legacies. So when bestselling true-crime author Carolyn Rathbone arrives to research the case for a new book, the locals in the seaside town let her know that she’s about as welcome as a spoiled clam. But surely no one would harm a crime writer out of a sense of civic pride–or would they?
Jake has her own problems, from the mysteries of old-house insulation to an anonymous caller plaguing her with death threats. But with Carolyn’s arrival, the slayings of the wealthy Dodd women suddenly go from cold case to hot topic–much to someone’s dismay. For Carolyn Rathbone’s untimely investigation hasn’t only reopened old wounds and stirred up new suspicions; it’s unearthed a string of deadly secrets–ones that a cunning killer is grimly determined to rebury right along with Carolyn herself.
Suddenly Jake finds herself inescapably targeted by one of the most deranged criminal minds she’s ever encountered. For as much as she fights to insulate herself from his grisly compulsions, someone with a taste for terror has already crept closer than she dares to imagine. She’d rather die than lose the home and family she’s built–and that suits her nemesis fine, because her death is just exactly what he has planned..
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
64 people are currently reading
675 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Graves
34 books795 followersSarah Graves lives with her husband John, a musician and luthier, and their black Labrador Retriever in a house very much like the one Jacobia Tiptree is remodeling in Eastport, Maine. When she's not writing Jake's adventures, Sarah works with her husband on the house and she plays the 5-string banjo.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
January 11, 2016
The last couple of books in this series are off. This author has written a series of cozy murder mysteries that are good. An interesting cast of characters and a beautiful setting. It seems like she has decided to write a suspense but instead of starting a new series she has taken people that have had their personalities set for 10 or 11 books and tried to force them into a different kind of story. It doesn't work for me.
February 8, 2021
I had been feeling ambivalent toward this series for awhile, this book just finished me off the series. There was just too much going on and too many POV to keep up with throughout. Just solidified I was over the series and did not want to continue forcing myself to read them all. Many will enjoy it, but after getting this deep into the series I expected more.
February 10, 2020
Holy effing cow.
Back in August I wrote about the previous book in the series, A Face at the Window, some changes from prior books and the breathless pace at which it was written. I can now say that her new style wasn't a one-off. In fact, if anything, I think this book had me even further on the edge of my seat. At this rate I'll be sitting on the floor before I finish the remaining 3 books in this series!
As for substance: no one likes it when folks "from away" come to Eastport to stick their noses into the tiny town's business. But when an up-and-coming true crime writer and her assistant show up to meet with a mysterious source, it's not only the usual Eastport residents who are on edge. When Jake's family gets pulled into the resulting mess, Jake once again finds that she can't leave everything to the authorities -- and ends up even further at risk herself.
The change in voice wasn't jarring this time (as it was with Face). I'm not sure whether that's because I've gotten used to it or because I really enjoyed hearing about events from the point of view of some of the other characters. I suspect the latter. I'm actually looking forward to finding out what the final 3 suspense-focused Home Repair Is Homicide books have in store!
Back in August I wrote about the previous book in the series, A Face at the Window, some changes from prior books and the breathless pace at which it was written. I can now say that her new style wasn't a one-off. In fact, if anything, I think this book had me even further on the edge of my seat. At this rate I'll be sitting on the floor before I finish the remaining 3 books in this series!
As for substance: no one likes it when folks "from away" come to Eastport to stick their noses into the tiny town's business. But when an up-and-coming true crime writer and her assistant show up to meet with a mysterious source, it's not only the usual Eastport residents who are on edge. When Jake's family gets pulled into the resulting mess, Jake once again finds that she can't leave everything to the authorities -- and ends up even further at risk herself.
The change in voice wasn't jarring this time (as it was with Face). I'm not sure whether that's because I've gotten used to it or because I really enjoyed hearing about events from the point of view of some of the other characters. I suspect the latter. I'm actually looking forward to finding out what the final 3 suspense-focused Home Repair Is Homicide books have in store!
September 18, 2018
I've only read one other book in the series and the tones were vastly different between the two. The other book Tool & Die was much more humorous and caper-oriented. Crawlspace, however, is much darker, more haunting, and subdued in humor. Unlike the other book, which begins with an encounter with a moose, this story investigates a cold case of two murdered sisters, and includes scenes that could easily appear in a horror movie. So while I enjoyed the former, the latter book really impressed me. In fact, I wish some studio or TV network would turn this into a (well-made) movie.
The plot: Carolyn Rathbone, a true crime writer, comes to Maine to investigate this cold case, accompanied by her long-suffering assistant. After a night at the bar, Carolyn is missing, and her assistant, who is concerned but also certain he would be viewed as the number one suspect, goes to an acquaintance for help: the resident amateur sleuth Jake Tiptree. When Jake cannot locate her son Sam, either, that gives her even more incentive to get to the bottom of the case.
The plot: Carolyn Rathbone, a true crime writer, comes to Maine to investigate this cold case, accompanied by her long-suffering assistant. After a night at the bar, Carolyn is missing, and her assistant, who is concerned but also certain he would be viewed as the number one suspect, goes to an acquaintance for help: the resident amateur sleuth Jake Tiptree. When Jake cannot locate her son Sam, either, that gives her even more incentive to get to the bottom of the case.
October 5, 2015
I haven't read on of the Home Repair mysteries in several years, but if I remember correctly they were very funny and very much a cozy. Crawl Space is altogether different-not very funny, much darker and more thriller, but still has the great characters, gripping action and stellar writing. Several chapters had me holding my breathe.
March 31, 2019
I thought I had read this before but it was so long ago that I couldn't remember what happened. I need to go back and read this series in order because I know I missed some of them. I love Jake and Ellie.
November 8, 2023
Absolutely loved this one. Amazing tension throughout.
January 2, 2018
This is a good mystery but the criminals in this story were a bit too sick for my taste. I have read other books by this author where this was not the case so although I don't recommend this book, i have enjoyed others by the same writer
July 13, 2022
The characters in the book seemed to be making multiple cameos. Pop into the book, pop out, and pop back in. Considering you can die from hypothermia in summer in Lake Michigan I don’t think you’d survive the Atlantic Ocean in northern Maine in late fall. Add to that being shot, head injuries, and all the other myriad injuries that befell the cast. Books have to be believable at some level.
July 13, 2024
"Crawlspace (Home Repair is Homicide #13)" by Sarah Graves really got bouncy with the multiple points of view. Occasionally a bit confusing as to who's point of view we were on until more context was given. I liked these better with less of the victims perspectives. I have no problem imagining things.
The other major differences in this one are that there wasn't a murder victim discovered and it bounced around in character perspectives. It worked okay for this one. However, still wasn't necessary and would have been fine being from Jacobia's perspective.
Tiptree's Tips at the beginning of each chapter were as pointless as usual. Not relevant to the content of the chapter. Not very useful either. Could very much have gone without these. More to keep it was the overall series theme.
Over all the story was a good one. Not much need to figure out who was behind things. So, more of a drama/cozy thriller than a mystery this time.
The other major differences in this one are that there wasn't a murder victim discovered and it bounced around in character perspectives. It worked okay for this one. However, still wasn't necessary and would have been fine being from Jacobia's perspective.
Tiptree's Tips at the beginning of each chapter were as pointless as usual. Not relevant to the content of the chapter. Not very useful either. Could very much have gone without these. More to keep it was the overall series theme.
Over all the story was a good one. Not much need to figure out who was behind things. So, more of a drama/cozy thriller than a mystery this time.
January 4, 2018
Ugh, so the author got a lot of criticism for putting one of her character's daughter in danger in the last book. So this time she puts the main character's son in mortal danger. And this book has the most convoluted plot that barely hangs together, including stupidity at the end that just drags the story out endlessly....I really think I might be done with this series. It's just getting ridiculous. Jake figures some things out, police chief scoffs at her, she puts herself in harms way, the water is cold......over and over again. But this one gets to be told by multiple points of view, though it doesn't help with the storytelling. By half way through you know who did it and why and where everyone was - the rest of the book is just the slog to get everyone home safe. Frustrating this was my first book finished in 2018. I've got to raise the level of books I read.
July 4, 2023
Crawlspace by Sarah Graves was another enjoyable installment in the Home Repair is Homicide Mystery series. An author investigating the Dodd murders gets caught up in the mystery with the killer on her trail. Jake, Ellie, and Bella once again get involved in helping solve crimes, including the Dodd murders and more recent crimes and disappearances. Definitely more enjoyable if the 12 earlier books in the series were read first.
April 28, 2017
True-crime author Carolyn Rathbone arrives in the New England town of Eastport with her assistant, Charles. They go into a bar where Carolyn loudly announces who she is and why she’s there putting their lives in danger. Carolyn is kidnapped and it’s up to her assistant Charles and his friend Jake to find her. Crawlspace was an all right read and Lindsay Ellison did an okay job in storytelling.
February 7, 2019
I wanted to like this book more than I did, but to be perfectly honest Jake kinda got on my nerves in this one. I really need Jake to find a holster and/or a bag that zips closed before she goes on any more adventures! Ugh. Not sure if I'll read/listen to the next one in the series or not.
July 21, 2019
This is the first book in this series that I have read. Nothing like jumping in on the 13th book but it does stand-a-lone and I will be reading more. I really enjoyed this mystery and the writer did a good job with characters and the plot.
August 23, 2023
Wow. Nothing cozy about this one. Starts off with dark and gets darker. Frightening situations, characters who make you hope will not be in anyone's future, and multiple problems at once. Thank goodness for strong women.
October 29, 2012
Only read 130 pages and while there were a couple places it caught my interest, the rest was too far fetched in how the crimes were being dealt with. Better books to read.
June 19, 2013
Blech. Not her best effort.
February 24, 2019
Another fun installment in this series. I was really happy to see a whole new side of Bella in this book. Sarah Graves always keeps me entertained by her writing.
August 11, 2025
Suspense fuels this three-star chiller, starring Jake Tiptree, Eastport, Maine's home repair guru and amateur sleuth.
True-crime writer Carolyn Rathbone storms into town, obsessed with unearthing a killer's secrets, heedless of the locals' fears that her exposé will tarnish Eastport's name. Her self-absorbed digging ruffles feathers, but she and her assistant press on.
Years ago, two sisters wed two brothers. Now, both sisters are dead-murdered-and one brother supposedly drowned. Carolyn's convinced he faked his death and is back for a million-dollar insurance payout tied to his wife's murder. Problem is, only his brother knows whether he's alive.
When Carolyn threatens to blow his cover, the killer kidnaps her, intent on adding her to his growing list of victims. Jake's troubled son, Sam, spots the killer and lands in his crosshairs, locked away with a death sentence.
Carolyn's assistant, a local kid and Sam's old friend, races to save both his selfish boss and his childhood pal.
The plot snaps like a crisp fall apple, with no dull moments to lull you to sleep.
You don't need to read the series to dive into this standalone thrill ride.
True-crime writer Carolyn Rathbone storms into town, obsessed with unearthing a killer's secrets, heedless of the locals' fears that her exposé will tarnish Eastport's name. Her self-absorbed digging ruffles feathers, but she and her assistant press on.
Years ago, two sisters wed two brothers. Now, both sisters are dead-murdered-and one brother supposedly drowned. Carolyn's convinced he faked his death and is back for a million-dollar insurance payout tied to his wife's murder. Problem is, only his brother knows whether he's alive.
When Carolyn threatens to blow his cover, the killer kidnaps her, intent on adding her to his growing list of victims. Jake's troubled son, Sam, spots the killer and lands in his crosshairs, locked away with a death sentence.
Carolyn's assistant, a local kid and Sam's old friend, races to save both his selfish boss and his childhood pal.
The plot snaps like a crisp fall apple, with no dull moments to lull you to sleep.
You don't need to read the series to dive into this standalone thrill ride.
February 2, 2023
This entry in the series was a letdown for me. In fact, I have found the recent novels in this series to be considerably lower in quality. They have taken a different writing style and tone. It sounds as if a different writer (or at least a different editor) is working on these books now. There is an apparent lack of continuity within the series.
It now seems that the author is trying to puppet James Patterson (but with longer chapters) in style and tone versus the more "cozy"-adjacent style the series in which the series started. Don't misunderstand me...I enjoy a good Pattersonesque thriller as well as a cozy mystery when in the right frame of mind and mood.
It just seems that this series has changed (and not necessarily for the better). Plus, many of the plot points have become so outlandish that they are almost laughable. I don't want to give any plot points away, so I won't list them here.
I don't know if I'll continue with this series to see what happens to the characters, but I do know that I need a good break from reading these stories.
It now seems that the author is trying to puppet James Patterson (but with longer chapters) in style and tone versus the more "cozy"-adjacent style the series in which the series started. Don't misunderstand me...I enjoy a good Pattersonesque thriller as well as a cozy mystery when in the right frame of mind and mood.
It just seems that this series has changed (and not necessarily for the better). Plus, many of the plot points have become so outlandish that they are almost laughable. I don't want to give any plot points away, so I won't list them here.
I don't know if I'll continue with this series to see what happens to the characters, but I do know that I need a good break from reading these stories.
January 8, 2019
A writer comes to Eastport to write a story on the Dodd sister deaths. Someone however, does not like Carokyn snooping around asking questions. Carolyn goes missing. Carolyn assistant is Chip who is a friend if Jacobia family and stops by to visit. Meanwhile Sam suddenly goes missing and Jake is in a panic. With the help of Bella she is off to try to findCarolyn and Sam. Meanwhile, Chip is no where to be found as well.
A bit of a different story as Ellie is not involved that much as she is taking care of Lee so Bella steps in to help. An I terestkng plot though I hope Ellie is in the next book as I like her and Jake together.
A bit of a different story as Ellie is not involved that much as she is taking care of Lee so Bella steps in to help. An I terestkng plot though I hope Ellie is in the next book as I like her and Jake together.
February 13, 2023
Like A Face in the Window, the previous book in this series, Crawl Space has veered away from the cozy and slightly comical and into a darker, thrillerish vibe. And also like that book, this one is more than half taken up with one, final series of action sequences. Less mystery (or in this case, no mystery at all) and more thwarted chase scenes with huge helpings of peril. And it’s not that Crawl Space is a bad book, it’s just not nearly as good as the earlier Home Repair is Homicide books. The writing is still taut, but the plot is more or less mailed in. And, I for one, miss the first person narration from Jake.
April 24, 2018
This series seems to be going downhill fast. The last one was pretty sketchy w/ hardly any character development or plot other than the action and, sadly, this one was more of the same. The main characters I enjoyed reading about were hardly even in the story; they were mostly incidental background setting. I will probably read the next one, though. Mostly due to my compulsion to read an entire series through rather than anticipation of the next Jake Tiptree adventure.
August 3, 2023
I've read a number of books in this series. I like the characters, and I love the town of Eastport and therefore the atmosphere, but the series has become entirely too much a formula: some bad people from out of town come in and make trouble (or get into trouble) and Jake and Ellie have to save them, imperiling themselves in the process. This is a average book for the series--entertaining but goes according to plan.
May 19, 2024
I think I’m over this series. Like the other reviewers, it’s hard to get over the inconsistency and it seems like laziness to me when you can’t keep your characters straight. Also, does anyone know why Jacobia’s father and ex husband have the same last name? Especially as unusual as the name is?
I also agree that this series has veered into psychological thriller territory, it’s not what I read to relax.
I also agree that this series has veered into psychological thriller territory, it’s not what I read to relax.
July 24, 2018
My second novel by Sarah Graves, because I liked the first so much. This one was also well-written, but not fun to read - about half way through it becomes a non-stop nail biter, one bad thing after another with no let-up for any of the main characters - they're all in imminent peril. Exhausting and way beyond believability.
August 6, 2019
Some of the Home Repair is Homicide series are mysteries and some are horror stories. This one falls into the second category. It is a pretty terrific tale and a pretty terrific reading. The main character, Jacobia Tiptree is a tough character and in this one that is more than stretched to the limit. Many of the characters have their characters tested beyond what they thought they had.
June 13, 2017
Too much going on in this one. Character and plot overload. And it sure seemed like Sam was at death's door while at the mercy of Randy Dodd; but the author skimmed over his recovery as though his ordeal had been no big deal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews