Source: Publisher
Description: In Nashville, carpenter Whitney Whitaker is ecstatic when she discovers an abandoned barn perfect for her next project. However, since the surrounding former farmland has now developed into a shiny new shopping center, it seems the decrepit antebellum barn that once served as a livery stable should be torn down to make way for something more modern. Even so, Whitney can’t help but think the barn should be preserved. While unproven, it’s rumored the building once served as a hiding place for escaped slaves as part of the Underground Railroad. She convinces her cousin to take a chance on the old property. After all, the barn would make a unique retail space or, with its high ceilings and wide walls, could be turned into an arthouse cinema.
When a local print journalist reporting on the renovation is found dead on the property, investigators suspect he might have been murdered for any one of several exposés he’d published about local politicians, movers, and shakers. Whitney suspects there’s more to the story, and that the journalist’s fate might be tied directly to the stable renovation. Can she solve the murder and bring a killer to justice? Or might this goal be too lofty?
Genre: Mystery - Cozy
Why I Picked This Book: I've read several of the other books in the series and have enjoyed them all.
My Impression: This was a lot of fun which I expected from this series. Whitney and her cousin are working on renovating a barn and Whitney becomes involved in the murder investigation of a journalist. This didn't have as much renovation detail as I expect from the book or as much time with her cousin and business partner Buck. However, the changes in Whitney's life make this make sense.
The mystery was a fun one and while Whitney involvement in the investigation does seem a bit over the top at times the solution is satisfying. I liked how it developed and all the different threads. There was a little spin at the end that didn't make the most sense to me but it was inconsequential. This could potentially be the last in the series and while I would be sad to not see any more of these characters it did wrap up nicely. I also always enjoy the appearances by Whitney's cast Sawdust who is such a sweetie.
The series as a whole is a fun one with a good mix of renovation and mystery. I've enjoyed everything I've read by this author and this is a solid cozy series.
The series as a whole is a fun one with a good mix of renovation and mystery. I've enjoyed everything I've read by this author and this is a solid cozy series.
Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Absolutely! I've enjoyed all of the books I've read in tis series and am looking forward to reading more.
Would I Recommend this Book? I wouldn't necessarily recommend jumping in with this book but if you enjoy cozy mysteries the series is one not to miss.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
Would I Recommend this Book? I wouldn't necessarily recommend jumping in with this book but if you enjoy cozy mysteries the series is one not to miss.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
