"Latest book in Home Repair is Homicide series is a well-crafted whodunit."

Jacobia "Jake" Tiptree knows she's going to be sorry for intervening on behalf of her new housekeeper, but the woman is driving everyone nuts with her excessive cleaning. Hoping to put an end to the messages that have the woman on a cleaning binge, Jake and her best friend, Ellie, go to see the woman's ex-husband. If he is the one leaving the threatening messages in Bella Diamond's home, Jake is determined to make him stop. When the ex turns up dead, Bella is suddenly a suspect in his murder and Jake shifts the focus of her informal investigation to prove the woman innocent.

In the course of her investigation, Jake uncovers evidence of money laundering and blackmail and no shortage of suspects. Bella's daughter, currently dating Jake's son, had reason to hate her mother's ex, as did the banker who inadvertently assisted with the money laundering scheme, and the woman whose husband was robbed. Even Jake's son's ex-girlfriend was seen at the scene of the crime and is unwilling to talk about what she was doing there.

TOOL & DIE is a well-crafted whodunit, the latest in the Home Repair is Homicide series of mysteries. The charming Maine setting and collection of quirky characters provide a fun reading experience. I was entertained from the first chapter and was surprised when all was revealed. Ms. Graves keeps her readers guessing until the end.

Reviewed by Paula Myers
Posted January 10, 2005