Step into the charming world of the Do-It-Yourself Mysteries, where home renovation meets cozy mystery in the picturesque small town of Waterfield, Maine! Written by Jenna Bennett under the pen name Jennie Bentley, this delightful seven-book series (2008–2013) follows Avery Baker, a former New York textile designer turned amateur sleuth, as she tackles crumbling cottages and cunning criminals alongside her hunky handyman boyfriend, Derek Ellis. Perfect for fans of HGTV and Agatha Christie, this series blends suspense, romance, and DIY tips into a cozy package that’s hard to resist.
With its quirky characters, twisty plots, and a knack for making home improvement thrilling, Do-It-Yourself Mysteries invites readers to grab a hammer and a magnifying glass for a renovating adventure. Whether you’re a mystery buff or a fixer-upper fanatic, Avery’s journey offers a refreshing escape into a world where every creaky floorboard hides a clue.
How Do-It-Yourself Mysteries Began
Jenna Bennett, a Norwegian-born author with a flair for storytelling, launched the Do-It-Yourself Mysteries in 2008 under her pseudonym Jennie Bentley. Drawing from her own experience as a realtor and home renovator, Bennett crafted a series that married her love for cozy mysteries with her knack for transforming old houses. Inspired by authors like Elizabeth Peters and Janet Evanovich, she created Avery Baker, a relatable heroine whose curiosity and creativity shine. Published by Berkley Prime Crime, the series quickly gained traction for its unique blend of genres, earning a spot on the New York Times bestseller list.
The Heart of Do-It-Yourself Mysteries
The series kicks off with Fatal Fixer-Upper (2008), where Avery inherits her aunt’s dilapidated Maine cottage and teams up with Derek to restore it—only to uncover a missing professor and a web of secrets. In Spackled and Spooked (2009), the duo flips a haunted house with a dark past, complete with ghostly rumors and a skeleton in the crawlspace. Mortar and Murder (2011) sees them renovating a historic island home while unraveling a Revolutionary War-era mystery, and Flipped Out (2011) adds a TV show twist when a local news anchor’s murder disrupts their latest project.
At its core, the series weaves themes of reinvention, community, and resilience. Avery’s transition from city slicker to small-town sleuth mirrors the transformation of the houses she restores, while her budding romance with Derek adds warmth and humor. Set against the idyllic yet secretive backdrop of Waterfield, the stories balance lighthearted DIY tips—like turning a Fiesta bowl into a sink basin—with gripping whodunits that keep readers guessing. The series’ cozy mystery style, with its emphasis on likable characters and intricate plots, makes every book a page-turner.
Why Do-It-Yourself Mysteries Resonates
Do-It-Yourself Mysteries has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre by blending home renovation with sleuthing, appealing to readers who crave both practical inspiration and escapist fun. Fans praise the series for its well-drawn characters, from Avery’s plucky determination to Derek’s charming reliability, and even the snarky ex-wife, Melissa, who adds spicy tension. Reviews highlight the series’ ability to keep readers hooked with unpredictable plots and a small-town vibe that feels like a warm hug. Though the series ended in 2013 with Home for the Homicide, its blend of creativity and suspense continues to attract new readers, especially those drawn to HGTV-inspired storytelling.
- Publication Years: 2008–2013
- Number of Books: 7
- Setting: Waterfield, Maine
- Author: Jennie Bentley (Jenna Bennett)
Grab Fatal Fixer-Upper and dive into the Do-It-Yourself Mysteries’ cozy world of clues, cottages, and clever renovations!