Four-Alarm Homicide

Four-Alarm Homicide by Diane Kelly is the sixth book in the cozy House-Flipper Mystery series. As with most cozy mysteries each of these books in the series could be read as a standalone or in any order if choosing to do so as the mystery within is fully solved during the book. There is of course some character development carried over book to book for those fans following in order from the beginning.

In the House-Flipper Mystery series Whitney Whitaker had been working as a property manager to pay the bills while she had been living in her parents pool house with her cat, Sawdust. Real estate and renovating were really Whitney’s passions so whenever she got the chance she was diving into the house flipping business with her cousin Buck.

This time around Whitney and Buck have their eye on a historical fire station wanting to turn the property into an unique home for a future buyer. Shortly after they get the go ahead on the fire station property though Whitney and Buck are confronted by some nearby neighbors about another property. Definitely interested the cousins start looking into investing but things go off rails when the original neighbor that contacted them ends up murdered.

While it’s not necessary to read all the books to enjoy this series the cozy House-Flipper Mystery series is one that I have followed from the beginning and always enjoy coming back to. There are a couple of elements in here that I adore and one being that the resident furry friend, Sawdust, gets his own point of view during the books. This one also appeals to my HGTV renovation loving side and I enjoy imagining what the characters are building up each time. Overall though this one just appeals to my wants in a cozy mystery with a lot of laughs mixed into the fun mystery involved. Looking forward to continuing this series in the future!

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Whitney and her cousin have barely started converting a historic firehouse into a private residence when an older lady aproaches them about the dilapidated townhouse attatched to her own home. The owners have passed away and their adult children are doing nothing to preserve the structure. Whitney and Buck quickly decide to take on the extra project. As soon as the quit claim deeds are signed, they're dealing with angry criticism from neighbors who felt entitled to buy the house for themselves. There's murder and vandalism and the mystery is completely engaging. I've missed a couple of previous books in the series but was able to follow everything just fine. I definitely need to go back and read about their motel project.

Four Alarm Homicide
Is a cozy mystery series set in the Nashville area. The author has drawn very likable characters. Whitney and her cousin Buck are turning a firehouse into a home when a neighbor shows them a townhouse that needs work. They buy that too which possibly starts a chain of events that lead to death - is it natural causes or murder?
I really enjoyed Whitney - she is very caring and observant. I consider this novel on the lighter side of mystery - that said I could not figure out the killer.

A part of the hose flipping series with Whitney and Liam.
A cozy mystery with suspense, intrigue, and surprise ending.
Enjoyed reading,
voluntarily reviewed.

Whitney and her cousin Buck flip houses and are excited to begin their latest project. They are fixing an old firehouse to a single residence, while maintaining its outside look. They take on a townhouse project on an adjacent property, which involves getting seven heirs to agree to sell. The small neighborhood has interesting characters, but when one stumbles into the firehouse and dies in Whitney’s arms, Whitney is drawn to investigate. Between sabotage, arson, harassment, and preparations for her upcoming wedding, there is plenty going on.
I liked the characters in Four-Alarm Homicide as well as the mystery. And it has a lovely ending.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC.

What a fun book cover. It truly matches the story. The flippers have bought an old firehouse. It needs work and yet so much potential. Let the work begin. Then a neighbor asks them to consider fixing up the other side of her duplex. So many kids inherited but none want to fix up the place to make it livable again. Sounds like a fun cozy doesn't it. Then someone dies. The who-dun-it is hard because so many characters have the opportunity to have done it. Surprise ending! Liked the story. It caught my interest and I spent too much time reading instead of other obligations.

The sixth in the House Flippers series has Whitney and her cousin Beau renovating an old fire station in Germantown, a Nashville suburb. This leads them to a townhouse around the corner from the fire station which is owned by a bunch of feuding siblings. The owner of the attached townhouse - widowed Joanna Hartzell - is afraid that the neglected building is bringing down her property values.

After some legal manipulations, including quit claim deeds, Whitney and Beau add the townhouse to their slate of renovations. But arson at the fire station, vandalism in the townhouse, and the suspicious death of Joana are delaying their renovations plans. Whitney needs to solve the murder and get the reno done at the fire station because she and her fiancé detective Collin are planning to use it as the venue for their upcoming wedding.

With a wide variety of suspects including the arguing siblings, the man across the street who wants to buy the newly renovated townhouse, the victim's daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter, and the family from across the street who also really want to move into the renovated townhouse, Whitney has plenty of people to investigate.

This was an entertaining cozy mystery. I enjoyed the chapters told by Sawdust, Whitney's cat.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Whitney loves her job and is excited about getting married. When an individual she knows dies, she knows foul play was involved. I liked this book.

4.25 stars

Diane Kelly is one of those authors that I rely on to captivate and entertain me, especially valuable after reading a series of just ok books. Bolstered by an unusual murder weapon, Four-Alarm Homicide moves at an enjoyable pace combining a sizeable and interesting array of potential murderers with glimpses into house-flipping. Can definitely be read as a standalone, but reading the series gives you character growth and understanding to some of the characters who may only make a cursory appearance here.

I have read the enitre series and enjoy the characters and plots of this series about house renovation and flipping houses. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own.

This is the sixth release in the House Flipper Mysteries . Our protagnist is Carpenter Whitney. She works with her partner Buck. They buy and renovate old houses and commerical buildings for a tidy profit. A vintage fire house in Nashville is their current project. When a neighbor ask them to buy and renovate a condo next to hers in disrepair they agree. However the owners are siblings and fight them every step of the way. When the neighbor dies due to poisening Whitney is on the case investigating. She and Buck are under suspicion and she must find the true killer before she risks her freedom and their business.

I enjoyed this next in series. The author has included a well crafted story that engages the reader. Many sub plots in this book made for a exciting read I enjoyed to conclusion. .Well done to the author. I look forward to the next in series.

Love it so much, the mystery part is interesting and keeping change the suspect. And of course the sawdust. How can you not smile when reading the point of view of a cute little cat. I also enjoyed the knowledge of house flipping.
It is not complicated to read this one without knowing any of the other books in this series.
I think I find a new fav author and a series to start. （from book one）
Highly recommended 5 starts

Four-Alarm Homicide is a Five-Star read! It is book number Six in Kelly's House Flipper mystery series. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer looking for a captivating mystery 'Four-Alarm Homicide' delivers on all fronts.

Whitney Whitaker and her cousin, Buck, are back in action with rehabbing old properties in Nashville. After some competitive bidding, they are able to purchase an old fire station in the Germantown neighborhood. A neighbor, who owns one-half of a duplex, approaches them about buying the other side. It takes some legal finesses, but soon Whitney and Buck are also working on that property. When someone dies, Whitney needs to figure out who did it before she becomes a prime suspect herself.

What sets 'Four-Alarm Homicide' apart is its seamless blend of suspense, humor, and heart. Kelly expertly crafts a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats and delves deeper into the lives of beloved characters. From unexpected baby announcements to heartwarming wedding celebrations, this book is as much about personal growth as it is about solving crimes.

I enjoyed this next installment in the house-flipper mystery series. I enjoyed re-visiting the characters, especially the Sawdust the cat. This can be read as a standalone and would highly recommend this cozy mystery series.

I loved this delightful cozy from the adorable cover to the very last page. This episode has Whitney, Sawdust and the gang of usual cohorts taking on not one but two rehabs and a bunch of family drama most of it not her own. The mystery had me guessing and re-guessing and I still didn’t peg the killer. An entertaining addition to the series.

Four-Alarm Homicide is the sixth book in the House Flipper Mysteries featuring Carpenter Whitney Whitaker and her cousin Buck. An old fire house in Nashville seems like the perfect fixer upper to flip for a tidy profit. While starting work on the firehouse, a neighbor, JoAnna points out the townhouse connected to hers is going to ruin and would be a great fixer upper if not for the owners. Whitney takes on the owners, a bunch of bickering siblings to buy the townhouse. The townhouse is a hot commodity as everyone seems to want to buy it. JoAnna’s death due to poisoning has Whitney investigating another murder and squarely in the eyes of the police. Arson and threats leave Whitney racing to find truth in this easy to read cozy with a surprising twist. The likable protagonist will keep the reader coming back for more in this memorable series. My voluntary, unbiased, and non-mandatory review is based upon a review copy from NetGalley.

Four-Alarm Homicide is the 6th of the House Flipper series. I have read this series from the beginning. It takes place in Nashville, TN. Whitney Whitaker is a partner with her cousin, Buck having a house flipping business. Her fiance, Collin Flynn is also a police detective. Wanda and Marv Hartley, Real Estate brokerage and property management company told Whitney about an old firehouse that was up for sale and was having an open house. They go to the open house to check out the firehouse. Thad Gentry, a real estate magnate known for unscruplous business practices is there showing interest in it. Betsy Palmer, President of the Historical Society is there as representative selling the building. Whitney and Buck decide they would like to buy the building and goes to speak to Betsy. Thad is telling her what he would do with the building. When Whitney speaks to her, Thad tells them he is not interested and walks out. Betsy asks them to send their drawings, etc. There are 4 others interested. They get the firehouse and go to work making it into a single family dwelling. While there, Joanna Hartzell and Gideon Koppelman who live on the street behind the firehouse come and ask them if they would come and check out the attached house next to her. They go and check out the dilapitated house. It is owned by the 7 children who own it.l It is still under their dead parents name. After checking the house out Whitney and Buck think it would make a good fixer upper. They go back to their back. The bank will give them a partial morgage but they will have to raise the $100,000.00 to make up the difference. They go to their friend and notory, Presley and she is willing to make up the money needed. Whitney speaks to their lawyer and he tells them that they will have to get a signed paper from each of the siblings. They go and get the papers signed offering them each $25,000.00, Two of the brothers ask for more and they give it to them. All the siblings have signed the papers and got their money.
The others hear that two of them got more money and are not happy about it. Go and tell them they need to give them the same.

This is where the story takes off with all the twists and turns with the death of Joanna under strange circumstances. There is so much that is going on that it is too much to put on paper. I willl leave this to the reader to enjoy to the surprising ending.

The book ends with the marriage of Whitney and Collin and their honeymoon. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in their adventure.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Paperback for this ARC.

This was another winner in this series, it had everything that I was looking for from the previous five books in this series. It worked with everything that I enjoyed from the other books. It uses the mystery elements in a way that was going on, it has that character development that I was looking for and thought everything worked overall.

This is the sixth book in the series. I recommend reading previous books. I didn’t I was wondering about different things. A woman and her cousin flip houses. In this book they are flipping an old firehouse and a duplex. Good read, but I am now going back to read the previous books.

DIY Cozy Mystery set in Tennessee that finds a house-flipper who juggles wedding plans, rehabbing a townhouse and a historic fire station and investigating a neighbor's death.

5/5 stars: This is the sixth entry in Kelly's House-Flipper Mystery series, which is a DIY Cozy Mystery that takes place is Tennessee and features a carpenter who works with her cousin flipping residential and commercial properties. Kelly's a longtime favorite author and this newest book doesn't disappoint. With plenty of twists and turns, Kelly has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Additionally, Kelly's writing and character work is stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. It was a joy to catch up with Whitney, her cousin Buck and her friends and family. And it's great to see Whitney and Collin, a homicide detective, getting hitched! Oh and I love how Kelly includes chapters in Whitney's cat, Sawdust, POV. It's such a unique addition. And of course Collins's cats, Copernicus & Galileo, are adorable. But wait, you'll for sure want to try out the absolutely delicious recipes that are included. Yummy! While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Dead as a Door Knocker.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Paperbacks in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

Four-Alarm Homicide the 6th instalment in the House Flipper Mysteries series by Diane Kelly. This is 5th book I have read in the series, and it can be read as a standalone.

Nashville, TN—where the real estate market is to die for.
Some properties are too hot to handle...

The characters of Whitney, Sawdust (cat), Buck, Collin and Collette are ones I have really come to love. I also enjoy the setting of Nashville, Tennessee. I like how the series continues to alternate chapters narrated by Whitney and her cat Sawdust.

This time around they are flipping an old fire station in Germantown which turns out to be a great place for a wedding! The neighborhood also has some goings on that interest Whitney and Buck. Overall I really like this series and it’s on my must read list.

The mystery is interesting and had lots of twists which kept me guessing. I did suspect who the killer was just before Whitney did.

I highly recommend to all my cozy mystery loving friends.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from St.Martin Press and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is the 6th installment in the House Flipper series. Whitney Whitaker and her cousin Buck are excited to start on a renovation of a historic firehouse when they get a plea from two neighbors to help with a rundown property. The property is part of a duplex townhouse and Joanna (who owns the other half) and Gideon who has a property across the street want them to purchase and fix it up and one of them will purchase once the property is flipped. Well Whitney and Buck take it on and it is nothing but trouble, with many people giving them ideas on how to restore the property, the property getting vandalized and even a deliberate fire being set at the firehouse. They really wonder what they have gotten themselves into. Joanna shows up at the firehouse and collapses and dies it turns into a murder investigation. Whitney even becomes a suspect in the equation, so she has a murder to solve as well as the flips and planning her wedding to Detective Collin Flynn. This was a solid mystery with an unexpected culprit that you don’t see coming which really keeps you engaged in the story. Love this series and all the characters. Looking forward to the next installment. Recommend.

House-flipper Whitney Whitaker and her cousin, Buck, take on a historical fire station in Nashville’s Germantown neighborhood as their next remodel. While working on the fire station, they get roped into buying and rehabbing the rundown half of a nearby duplex. Taking on the duplex project puts them at odds with the former owners’ various children who could not agree what to do with their inherited property. Between battling with the angry siblings and dealing with issues at the fire station, Whitney and Buck have a lot of their hands. When the owner of the other half of the duplex, Joanna Hartzell, stumbles into the fire station and dies from mercury poisoning, Whitney finds herself caught up in a murder investigation.

Prior to reading FOUR-ALARM HOMCIDE, I binge read the other novels in the series. I currently working at a flooring store and I used to work for a home remodeler, so this series really appeals to me. It’s a very fun series with a cast of likeable characters—both human and feline. FOUR-ALARM HOMICIDE is a great addition to the series, though there were times when it seemed a bit disjointed. Between the two flips, the murder investigation, and Whitney’s upcoming wedding, there is a lot going on in the novel. There are a number of plausible suspects with solid motives. I was actually a little disappointed with the identity of the killer. It definitely was not what I was expecting. The sibling rivalry over the dilapidated duplex was both hilarious and bizarre. As an only-child, sibling rivalry is not something I’ve ever experienced firsthand, and I got a good laugh at the characters fighting over their shared ownership of their parents’ former home.

House flipping is not anything I'd ever be interested in, but it makes for a fun premise for a series, bringing in new locations and characters in each book. Whitney and Buck are working on an old fire station (cool!) and get drawn into a neighborhood drama. There are lots of interesting secondary characters and possible suspects. The death is awful, and the resolution is bittersweet.

I love the bit about the whiskey barrel and the peek into house flipping. I'm looking forward to the next project.

Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love all of Diane Kelly’s books, but the House Flipper series is my favorite. Her sixth entry has Whitney Whitaker and her cousin Buck working in the Germantown section of Nashville. Their focus is the conversion of an historic firehouse into a single family home but through a chance meeting with a neighbor, they end up working on a nearby townhouse too. As seems to be Whitney’s lot in life, she finds herself involved in a suspicious death. To make her life just a bit more hectic, she and police detective Collin Flynn are planning their wedding. But, seemingly infused with unlimited energy, she manages to investigate the death, find time to spend with her feline Sawdust and finalize the wedding plans. As always, a very enjoyable book. I was lucky enough to read an advance copy on NetGalley but the opinion is my own.

Whitney and Buck are back and renovating an old firehouse. As they’re working, a neighbor asks for help with the other half of the duplex she owns. The cousins buy it for their next project, but it seems that while no one was interested in the property before, now everyone and their brother wants it.

When owner of the other half of the duplex dies at the fire station, Whitney and Collin have to figure out what happened. There’s something strange going on and they plan to get to the bottom of it…if the killer doesn’t get to them first.

This series is like visiting old friends and seeing what they’re up to. Each entry includes a really good mystery as well as a fabulous renovation project. It’s rewarding to solve the mystery and “See” the finished property each time. A great series for the cozy and renovation lovers.

Over the last few years, I have come to expect that great writing is synonymous with the name Diane Kelly. And I have not been disappointed. I have read other series of hers but had not yet had the chance to read anything from this series.

I really enjoyed Whitney as a character and her cousin Buck as well. They were very knowledgeable about restoring buildings and I loved how she worked a mystery in with all of the house jargon. Genius. I also appreciate the fact that none of her books come off as a 'cookie cutter' cozy with the same kind of characters and situations. This is something new that I haven't come across before.

The way she writes, her characters come off the page and you can envision them all in your head. The mystery is smart, you actually have to think. There is no guessing, because it's never who you think its going to be.

My husband is an ex-firefighter, and I especially loved the fact that Whitney fixes up an old fire station in this one. I really enjoyed myself. If I had any complaints, it would be that the book ended way too fast for me lol. I always want her books to keep going.

I, one hundred percent recommend this and any of her other books. You won't be disappointed.

Thanks to Net Galley, the publishers, and to Diane Kelly for the ability to read and review this book. All opinions are mine and are completely honest.

Four Alarm Homicide is the 6th book in the House Flipper Mystery by Diane Kelly.
Whitney Whitaker, a carpenter and house flipper along with her cousin Buck are working on renovating a historic fire station when they get involved in another murder mystery.
This book is a wonderful cozy murder mystery that combines humor, romance and suspense.
The author does a great job of creating a charming setting and likable characters.
Fans of the series will enjoy catching up with the characters as well as Sawdust, Whitney’s cat and her much loved friends and family.
Any new readers will easily fall into place and live this book.
I received an advanced copy from St Martins Publishing Group and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

"Four-Alarm Homicide (House Flipper Mystery #6)" by Diane Kelly gives a little bit wedding/wedding prep, a little baby expecting and some house flipping. Whitney and her cousin are renovating an old firehouse into a single family home AND a run down townhouse with lots of people that want it when it's cleaned up. Plus, they have to deal with major sibling rivalry over much and to whom they paid for the townhouse. Then, one of their new friends and neighbors ends up dying in the firehouse in Whitney's arms. In the end it wasn't the how/why that I expected.

Whitney is getting married! She's got to pick a venue, a dress, a cake flavor, and all the other details that come along with getting married and she and Buck have just purchased an abandoned fire station that they're repurposing as a home. When some nearby neighbors come by and ask Whitney and Buck to take a look at a townhouse attached to the woman's home, little do they know the trouble they're getting themselves into.

I actually started this series with book 5. Normally, I don't like reading a series out of order for a lot of reasons but book 5 was so easy to follow and I enjoyed the characters and the setting so much. Still in book 6 I felt the same way, even if it had been my first read in the series I would have enjoyed it just as much. There was some great investigation and although it seemed very clear right from the start how the murder was committed and the culprit was pretty obvious, there were enough red herrings for me not to get irritated with the MC for not seeing it.

Probably my favorite part of the book was Sawdust. He doesn't play a huge role in the story but I love the little chapters that focus on him. He's very sweet and charming and I love how he plays a pivotal role in solving the case.

This is a great series (what I've read of it) and I would recommend it to any cozy fan, even if reading out of order.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

Whitney and her cousin, Buck, have just begun demo on a historical property in Nashville’s Germantown. It’s a fire station built almost a century ago. How fun!

And right away they are interrupted by Joanna, who lives around the corner. She has a request that is hard for the cousins to turn down. Her side of the townhome is immaculate. The other side is a wreck.

But you know things rarely run smoothly for them. And just as they complete the work, Joanna up and collapses!!

You just know there will be shenanigans with someone!

This is one of the most interesting cozies I read. I love the projects coming together and of course, solving a death or two.


Netgalley/ St. Martin’s Press April 23, 2024

Whitney and Buck have just purchased an old firehouse to renovate and flip. A townhouse nearby
has two owners. When approached to look at the townhouse, it appears that the owners of half the
townhouse has died and that half is in need of repair. Whitney and Buck decide to buy the half
townhouse, renovate and flip. However, the heirs to the half they bought are causing problems.
Who is responsible for the fire and vandalism? When the owner of the other half of the townhouse
dies, Whitney is concerned that she may have been murdered.
Interesting characters and suspects,
#FourAlarmHomicide #NetGalley

Four Alarm Homicide is the 6th book in the series and continues with the house flipping ( or in this case fire station flipping) adventures of Whitney and Buck.

This book is about doing what's right even when others make things difficult. This is one of the things I love about this series. The main characters are strong genuine people who always try to do what's right.

There were so many red herrings that the murderer really blew my mind and never in a million years would have guessed. The way the story ended was so well done and really wrapped it up wonderfully.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the advanced copy for my honest review.

This is the 6th installment in the House Flipper series. Whitney Whitaker and her cousin Buck are excited to start on a renovation of a historic firehouse when they get a plea from two neighbors to help with a rundown property. The property is part of a duplex townhouse and Joanna (who owns the other half) and Gideon who has a property across the street want them to purchase and fix it up and one of them will purchase once the property is flipped. Well Whitney and Buck take it on and it is nothing but trouble, with many people giving them ideas on how to restore the property, the property getting vandalized and even a deliberate fire being set at the firehouse. They really wonder what they have gotten themselves into. Joanna shows up at the firehouse and collapses and dies it turns into a murder investigation. Whitney even becomes a suspect in the equation, so she has a murder to solve as well as the flips and planning her wedding to Detective Collin Flynn. This was a solid mystery with an unexpected culprit that you don’t see coming which really keeps you engaged in the story. Love this series and all the characters. Looking forward to the next installment. Recommend.

Tennessee, small-town, small-business, relationships, relatives, renovation, rental-units, wedding-madness, cozy-mystery, amateur-sleuth, local-law-enforcement, murder, investigations, verbal-humor, families, family-drama, family-dynamics, friends, friendship, arson, vandalism, pet-cat*****

Buck and Whitney are cousins and partners in a property flipping business. While they have had success with their partnership, they have been involved in solving several murders, and Whitney is soon to be married to the local Homicide Detective. This project is to turn an old firehouse into a home but they soon add a nearby townhouse to their agenda. They make friends with some and adversaries with others. Then an elderly lady dies, and it proves to be murder. All this while getting a wedding together! Good read with a learning opportunity to boot!
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from St. Martin's Press/St. Martin's Paperbacks via NetGalley. Thank you!
#HouseFlipperMysteryBk6 Pub Date 23 Apr 2024

This is book #6 in the House Flipper Mystery Series and the first one that I have read. You don't need to read the other books in the series before this one. I'm going to go back to Book #1 and read this series in order, as I enjoyed it so much!

The house flipper crew always seems to come across a dead body somewhere. Such a great cozy mystery - great plot, lots of red herrings to keep you guessing, lots of suspects in the murder, and the group of characters are enjoyable to get to know.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

It was so much fun to read this book! I just love this series, and that this book had a double whammy of a flip, the firehouse, and the left side townhouse. Plus there was all sorts of things going on, between the siblings who inherited the house, and the wedding preparations!

One thing that was interesting to note for me, this is the first book in the series that I've read since I adopted my own cat, Holly, and the first book with a cat's perspective in the book. So that was a lot of fun, though she hasn't kneaded me yet-can't tell if I want her to want to do it or not, since it sounds painful!

Really, those seven co-owners of the house, yeah, they were really frustrating, they were adults, some of them even had grandchildren, but pretty much all of them acted like children themselves, and there were quite a few awful actions that they did!

Oh, but the mystery was pretty sad, given that it's a grandmother who just was told that a second grandchild was coming. That the case was complicated by an unknown cause of death, and all the complications, yeah, this book was such a quick and fast paced, easy to consume read!

It was so much fun reading this book, and I can't wait to see what the future holds!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC.

I recently fell in love with Nashville, TN when I visited it last year so I was excited to read a book set in that city.

This is the first House-Flipper Mystery series and I will be going back to read the other books in this series. I fell in love with the main characters Whitney and Buck. I just wish I had read the others in the series before this one just so that I could have more background. I also felt the mystery kept my interest and I felt it was quick read. think anyone who enjoys cozies will enjoy this series. I will be adding it to my cozy list.

Four-Alarm Homicide is the sixth installment in the House-Flipper Mystery series set in the Germantown section of Nashville and featuring Whitney Whitaker and her cousin Buck. The duo makes an offer on an historic fire house with the intention to renovate the building into a single family home.

Just one day into the renovation they are approached by Joanna Hartzell and Gideon Koppelman, neighbors on the other side of the block. Joanna lives in a townhouse duplex and the other half of the building has been abandoned after the elderly couple who lived in the building passed away. Unfortunately, the couples seven children couldn't come to an agreement on what to do with the property so they have not done any upkeep in years and Joanna is worried that damage and/or mold is soon to make its way to her home. After discussing the legalities involved, Whitney and Buck end up purchasing the townhouse through quitclaim deeds with the intention of renovating and selling to either Joanna or Gideon.

Things seem to be a little fishy in the neighborhood; Joanna's daughter, husband and their daughter live across the street in Gideon's building and there seems to be a little tension between them and Joanna. There is a another couple who seem determined to own the townhouse and as a result keep turning up and letting themselves into the unit uninvited. There are a group of Senior males who like to show up and offer their unsolicited advice on how to go about making the repairs. Plus, the children of the original owner feel that Whitney and Buck stole the property out from under them and various acts of vandalism occur at both the townhouse and firehouse.

When Joanna stumbles into the firehouse, collapses and dies, Whitney finds herself in the middle of another investigation to catch a killer. It seems almost everyone in the Germantown neighborhood has something to hide.

In the midst of renovating and investigating, Whitney is planning her upcoming wedding to Police Detective Collin Flynn. And of course, Sawdust (Whitney's furry feline) is coming to terms with the new man and pets soon to become part of the family.

A great addition to the series - home renovation ideas, delicious recipes, expecting couples, lovable pets and a wedding. Another fun filled afternoon read, that leaves you looking forward to the next adventure with Whitney and Sawdust.

I received an advanced copy of Four-Alarm Homicide from NetGalley via St. Martin's Paperbacks. While not required to write a review I am happy to offer my honest opinion.

Renovation and sleuthing
I loved this series since the first book. Ms.Kelly has a gift for bringing her characters to life, incorporating family and romance along with intrigue. The cousins are drawn into a murder by the victim herself during a renovation and Whitney is determined to find out how and why. I highly recommend for anyone looking for a great cozy.
I requested and received a NetGalley arc gratis and offer my opinion in the same.

There was a lot of different things going on in this book as Buck and Whitney are rehabbing two places at once. There are many suspects for the misfortunes that happen and the death of one of the people. It was fun to read and quite a surprise at the end as to who was the culprit.

Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of FOUR-ALARM HOMICIDE (Book 6 of the House Flipper Mystery series) by Diane Kelly in exchange for an honest review. Cousins Whitney and Buck Whitaker have an exciting new project; they’re flipping a historic fire station in Nashville’s Germantown neighborhood. During the demolition phase, two locals approach Whitney and Buck about possibly flipping a nearby rundown property. The property has become rundown and is affecting the stability, security, and property values of nearby homes. The cousins are interested enough to sort out the complicated ownership tangle and buy the rights townhouse. Once the cousins own the townhouse, they’re inundated with more drama than they paid for. The previous owners become combative, the neighbors begin to fight over who will buy the property once flipped, and the next-door neighbor dies under mysterious circumstances. Can Whitney find the answers to all of these problems in time?

I like the book and the series. I recommend the book to fans of the series and the series to fans of cozy murder mysteries featuring renovation, construction, family businesses, suspicion, and cute kitties with a knack for murder.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of "Four-Alarm Homicide" in exchange for my honest review.

This is the sixth book in the House-Flipper Mystery series and a wonderful addition by Ms. Kelly. She has once again written a gripping story that kept me turning the pages wanting to know what would happen next.

Whitney Whitaker and her cousin Buck had been the successful bidders on a 1930s era fire station that the historic preservation group sold to them on the promise that they would maintain as much of the exterior as possible when they restored it. Whitney and Buck had decided that they would turn it into a family home. They have a very successful business where they have already turned a motel into a luxury condo, a country church into a live music and theatre venue, a parsonage which is now a restaurant where Buck's wife Colette works.

The duo are approached by Joanna Hartzell and Gideon Koppelman who live around the corner - opposite to each other. The townhouse that Joanna lives in has another townhouse attached to it and it's been sitting derelict for years. Joanna, concerned that there might be mold or water damage that could affect her property as well, ask Whitney and Buck to look over the house and advise. They end up purchasing that house as well to do-over after some not too pleasant negotiations with the grown children of the previous owners.

There is a fire at the fire station that was deliberately set and someone vandalized the townhouse by breaking in. Whitney and Buck are starting to think that these fun flips are turning into frustrations and it only gets worse.

When Joanna wanders into the fire station totally disoriented and is desperate need of medical attention, she collapses and dies on the way to the hospital. Having been complaining about a migraine they think she suffered an aneurysm. But then it begins to look like murder and murder by an obscure method.

Of course, Whitney decides to investigate as there are at least a dozen people who could have benefited from Joanna's death. The actual culprit turns out to be a shock that the reader will not see coming.

Joanna wanted to buy the townhouse next door once it was renovated, but so did Gideon. Joanna's children also wanted her money. Gideon's tenants Samira and D-Jay also have motive because they just assumed that the house would be theirs - even though they can't get a mortgage. They have no boundaries and show up whether they are invited or not. They enter the house without permission assuming they can enter any time they want to. Their behaviour is very suspicious.

When Whitney herself is identified as a suspect, she doubles her efforts to clear her name before her wedding to fiancé police detective Collin Flynn. The story ends on a happy note with friends and family celebrating with the happy couple.

The best part of the story is Sawdust - Whitney's cat. Several of the chapters are written in his view point, giving his thoughts on what he sees Whitney going through. The reader learns about his concerns for Whitney and how he feels about her feelings.

The book also includes 3 recipes that were mentioned in the story. I'm very much looking forward to what Whitney and Buck will flip next. This story once again deserves more than 5 stars!!

Whitney, Buck, and Sawdust are back in this fantastic addition to this series.
Whitney and Buck are excited to start renovations on the historic fire house they purchased, but things never go as planned. Four -Alarm Homicide is a great book that includes a lot of family drama and secrets that Whitney uncovers after a tragic death.
The characters in this book are great, they are incredibly believable and I adore Sawdust, Whitney's cat. I find myself smiling when I get to a chapter that's about him and I can picture him in my mind.
The house flipping is also well done, it's always exciting to see what the dynamic duo will be fixing up next.
The end of the story showcases Whitney and Collins wedding, which sounded amazing, especially when Sawdust meowed his approval.
I'm looking forward to reading more in this series and I'm happy to recommend the book to others.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.

This was another delightful book in the House-Flipper Mystery series. I'm a huge HGTV fan and enjoy the home improvement side of the story just as much, possibly more, than the mystery side.

Whitney and the other cast of reoccurring characters are wonderful. I especially love the chapters we get from Sawdust's POV. Happy he's getting some new kitty roommates. All the books can be read as a standalone.

Looking forward to the next installment of this series.

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley and will also be buying a copy for my shelves. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, St. Martin's Press.

This is a good addition to an enjoyable series. The house flipper business crew always seems to find a dead body somewhere. This cozy mystery kept me guessing. Lots of potential culprits. Also time for a wedding. Great venue. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

FOUR ALARM FIRE is the sixth book in this charming cozy mystery series, set in Nashville, Tennessee. This time around cousins Whitney and Buck win a bid from the historical society to renovate an old fire station, with plans to turn it into a large family home. They have just started demolition when Joanna, a nearby neighbor, stops in and asks if they would be interested in a rundown townhouse next to her. Buying the property is a hassle as its owned by seven greedy siblings who are at first happy to get anything for the rundown townhouse, but later feel cheated and each come back wanting more money. Someone vandalizes the townhome, and deliberately sets a fire in the firehouse and Whitney suspects its one of the siblings. Joanna and a couple of her neighbors are interested in buying the townhome once its renovated but Whitney promises Joanna first dibs. One day Joanna stumbles into the fire station stumbling and incoherent and dies before the ambulance gets to the hospital. This was a pretty good read with a good plot and lots of suspects. I was very surprised by who the murderer turned out to be. My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.