Review
Synopsis: Welcome to the charming little town of Crocus Heights, Minnesota, where life is usually as sweet as a slice of homemade pie! In this tight-knit community, Katelyn has always found her happy place in the art of renovating houses. It's more than just a hobby; it's a passion that weaves her into the fabric of her neighborhood. Recently, she took on a delightful two-story home on Thrush Street, envisioning cozy evenings and the laughter of friends echoing through its halls.
But as Katelyn dives into her renovation dreams, the tranquil hum of Crocus Heights is shaken by an unsettling revelation: the eager seller of her beloved home is linked to a high-profile murder case! Suddenly, the quaint streets that once felt like a warm embrace are cloaked in tension and uncertainty. As Katelyn finds herself tangled in a web of intrigue, she must navigate the unsettling dynamics of her neighbors, including a chatty confidante determined to share her theories about the seller, his wife, and, of course, the enigmatic Sheriff Don Williams, who adds a dash of charm amidst the chaos.
With her ex-husband Eddy stepping in with his sleuthing skills and her best friend Myra by her side, every corner turned reveals another mystery. Once filled with paint colors and renovation plans, Katelyn's life is filled with suspense and unexpected twists. And when she thinks she has a handle on it all, the pre-wedding jitters kick in, leaving her yearning for clarity. Enter the famed psychic Gabriella—will she bring light to Katelyn's tangled journey, or will the mystery deepen?
Critique: Mortal Flip is a heart-pounding tale of friendship, courage, and the undeniable thrill of discovery. So, dear reader, as you sip your coffee and immerse yourself in Katelyn's world, let her story inspire you to seek your adventures.
M.E. Bakos is a talented author whose humor and mystery intertwine to create a delightful reading experience! Bakos' fun-filled book features zany characters, each bringing unique flair and charm to the narrative. As you journey through the pages, you'll find yourself wrapped in a plot that entertains and inspires the spirit of adventure.
Editorial Note: Mortal Flip is the fifth book in the A Home Renovator Mystery. To learn more about past titles, visit the author's website:
Reviewed by Priya Mathew for Readers' Favorite
Mortal Flip is the fifth book in the Home Renovator Mystery Series by M. E. Bakos. Home renovation specialist Katelyn Baxter is in the middle of her latest fixer-upper project in Crocus Heights, Minnesota, when she stumbles on a set of keys that could be linked to a recent local murder. When Katelyn's friend Myra identifies the keys as those belonging to Arthur Brett, found murdered after workplace harassment, the project takes an unexpected turn. When the local sheriff Don Williams, also Katelyn's fiancé, is drawn into the case, it causes tensions in both her professional life, as her latest project gets pulled with a criminal investigation, and her personal life, as her engagement to Don digs up unresolved issues between the couple. With tips from the nosy neighbor Dottie, and help from her friends Wayne and ex-husband Eddy, Katelyn tries to piece together the clues and solve the case before she becomes the next victim.
M. E. Bakos draws us into Mortal Flip with a mix of humorous conversational narration and introspective commentary from Katelyn's point of view. The author seamlessly blends the mundane everyday aspects of property renovation, neighborhood interactions, and personal relationships with the darker elements of a murder mystery. The dialogues between the characters sound real, and bring out the dynamics between them in an authentic manner. Humor and sarcasm balance the suspense, immersing us in the mystery and Katelyn's complex relationship with Don. The mystery is revealed gradually, building suspense with each clue and increasing tension as the story unfolds. Katelyn is portrayed as a well-rounded, independent, and reflective character, which adds depth to her relationships with those around her. Overall, Mortal Flip provides a balanced mix of suspense, humor, and warmth. This makes it perfect for fans of cozy mystery novels that don't dwell on overwhelming dark details but focus on investigations, with an unfolding romance thrown in.
About the Author
M.E. Bakos writes cozy mysteries about a house flipper, turned sleuth, in fictional Crocus Heights, Minnesota. She has published short stories in Twin Cities Sisters in Crime anthologies, and was a regular fiction contributor to national women's magazines. She is an alumna of the University of MN.
If she isn't plotting mysteries, she's planning home improvements. She lives in Minnesota with her husband, Joe, and a spoiled pooch named Chipper.
