Within a few pages, I knew I was going to really enjoy this book. Debut of a new cozy series for Diane Kelly, it has all the elements to draw the reader in: a strong point of view from a winning protagonist, Whitney Whitaker, well drawn characters, a different take on the mileau, strong plot and written with style. Whitney, a property manager and carpenter, gets an opportunity to purchase a semi-dilapidated house for a reasonable price. Knowing that she has the skills for the repairs make the opportunity for flipping the house undeniably appealing. The story has twists and turns from there but always plays fair with the readers and true to Whitney's character. Looking forward to meeting her again too.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book blew me away. The way the author moved between the main character and her pet was perfection and added so much to the overall story. The author did a great job really building the family dynamics in this book as well, it was so real. The mystery was well written and just when you think you know whodunit, the author throws you a curve ball. Definitely a book to read again and again.

I like the characters in this one and the story building. I'm not sure how I felt about their "crime solving" because a lot of what they did was illegal. I do want to read the next one.
Sawdust rules.

I like it!

Very good mystery and it unfolded at a nice pace. Had me guessing almost up to the end!

I like Whitney (the MC) and her supporting cast. The setting for this series is promising for future stories and dialogue is good - not awkward or lengthy with too much details.

My favourite parts:
-Sawdust's (Whitney's cat) POV
- no obligatory romance for the MC.

Great cozy mystery book. Loved the many suspects. Really loved the pov from an aspiring real estate business woman.

Hated the cats pov. Skipped thru those every time.

Gut Instinct Rating: 4.5
Characters: 3.75
Believability: 5
Uniqueness: 4.75
Writing Style: 4.5
Excitement Factor: 4.5
Story Line: 4
Title Relevance: 5
Artwork Relevance: 5
Overall: 4.56

Slow start, too stupid to live protagonist, and repeated details (a certain pun, how many rings it takes someone to pick up the phone, make and model of non plot relevant cars.) Saved by Sawdust, the cat, and a sense of humor over repeated poor decision making.

An ok start. I've seen people do the idiotic thing with chapters from a pet's point of view, but it's usually to pad a novel to book length. This would have been fine without it.

Whitney works managing houses and wanting to be a real estate agent. She has a chance to buy a house from a nasty real estate man, and he ends up dead in the yard of the house she buys. The mystery ensues. There's too much early acquiescence by the detective, but other than that, and the cat's point of view, it moves smoothly with a good story. I'll read the next.

I did not think it was possible for Sophie Amoss’ voice to annoy me but turns out this southern accent will do it lol