Fatal Fixer-Upper by Jennie Bentley (2008, Paperback)

What's not to love about a mystery wherein the heroine promises her mother that she doesn't plan to sell their dead aunt's personal correspondence on eBay?

Avery Baker is a textile designer in New York City when she unexpectedly inherits her great-aunt's Victorian cottage in Maine. A note from her aunt alludes to a mystery within its rundown walls. One break-up with her cheating boyfriend/boss later, Avery is on her way North to discover the perils and pleasures of home renovation.

With help from hunky handyman Derek Ellis, Avery starts learning the ABCs of DIY. But when the designer-turned-remodeler discovers clues that lead to a local missing professor and then her own life is threatened, Avery starts to wonder if she can finish the house without being finished off in the process.

Jennie Bentley's "Fatal Fixer-Upper" is a fun, fast-paced debut adventure. The characters are all likeable -- or not, as appropriate to their role in the story -- and they all get right up off the pages as people you might meet in real life. The plot is tricky without being overly convoluted.

Without giving away the dramatic ending, let's just say that Avery saves herself -- and the cheating ex-boss/ex-boyfriend -- from certain death, and romance ensues (not with the ex). Whether you read this book for the love interest or just to find out whodunit, you are certain to enjoy the ride plus a few fun surprises along the way.

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