The Barn Identity by Diane Kelly

The Barn Identity

Book Summary

The eighth in the House-Flipper mystery series set in Nashville, where the real estate market is to die for.

In Nashville, carpenter Whitney Whitaker is ecstatic when the owner of an antebellum livery stable approaches her about rehabbing the barn and offers Whitney free rein with the design. While unproven, it’s rumored that the building once served as part of the Underground Railroad. The project presents a unique opportunity to work on a site of significance and help preserve history, and she convinces her cousin to take a chance on the old property.

When a local journalist reporting on the renovation is found dead on the property, investigators suspect he might have been murdered for any one of several exposés he’d published about local politicians, movers, and shakers. Whitney wonders if there’s more to the story and whether the journalist’s fate might be tied directly to the stable renovation. Can she solve the murder and bring a killer to justice? Or might this goal be too lofty?

My Thoughts

The Barn Identity by Diane Kelly takes Whitney Whitaker Flynn and her cousin, Buck to Leipers Fork, Tennessee.  I always look forward to the latest A House-Flipper Mystery because I like the characters, the animals, and the setting.  Whitney is a spunky woman who is also smart, a talented designer and renovator.  Whitney and her husband are expecting their first baby.  They are excited and wondering how the new baby will change their lives.  I enjoy the chapters from Sawdust’s (Whitney’s cat) point of view.    I find them cute. I have a feeling that Sawdust is going to be a little put out by the new addition to the family.

The mystery of the murdered podcaster was appealing.  I followed Whitney as she asked questions and searched for clues.  The source of the last puzzle piece truly delighted me. The barn renovation was interesting plus it added realism to the story.  The information on plant-based diets was not something that I had heard before (I avoid vegetables since I am allergic to most of them).  I liked the animal cameras with the live feeds in the restaurant (clever idea).  The Barn Identity is a lighthearted cozy mystery with a pregnant renovator, a snuggly Sawdust, a barn renovation, a murdered podcaster, scrummy smoothies, and a cow camera.  

The Barn Identity can be obtained from Amazon*.  You can find the other books in The House-Flipper Mysteries here.  If you follow Diane Kelly on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  You can find Diane Kelly's other cozy mysteries here.  

I appreciate you joining me today.  I will return on Tuesday, April 7 with Targeted in the Swamp by Kerry Johnson. It is the third Forest Ranger Rescurers book.  I hope that you have a Happy Easter and the Easter Bunny leaves your favorite candy (I want Werther's Soft Caramels).  I have my Mother's Easter treats ready and I have purchased the items for our Easter dinner. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

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