Books On Board
series Reading Order

Do-It-Yourself Mysteries Books in Order

7 Books
2008 – 2013 Published
Jump to reading order
Affiliate links: We may earn a commission on purchases made at no extra cost to you.
Reading order

The Recommended Reading Order

For the best experience, readers should follow the series in its original publication order. The narrative development, specifically the evolving relationship between Avery Baker and Derek Ellis, is strictly chronological. Reading the books out of order will spoil major relationship milestones, including their progression from business partners to romantic interests, and eventually to marriage. Because there are no spin-offs, short stories, or companion prequels, the path is exceptionally straightforward.

Do-It-Yourself Mysteries in Publication Order

The series was published between 2008 and 2013 by Berkley Prime Crime. Below is the list of books in order of release, which is also the exact chronological order of the narrative:

  1. Fatal Fixer-Upper (2008)
  2. Spackled and Spooked (2009)
  3. Plaster and Poison (2010)
  4. Mortar and Murder (2011)
  5. Flipped Out (2011)
  6. Wall-to-Wall Dead (2012)
  7. Home for the Homicide (2013)

What to Know Before You Start

Before diving into the coastal fixer-uppers of Waterfield, there are a few useful details to keep in mind:

  • The Author's True Identity: "Jennie Bentley" is a pseudonym used by Jenna Bennett (originally Bente Gallagher). Under her primary pen name, Jenna Bennett, she writes the popular Savannah Martin mystery series set in Nashville. The two series are set in separate universes and feature no character crossovers or plot tie-ins.
  • Tone and Style: The series strongly appeals to fans of HGTV house-flipping shows and traditional cozy mysteries. Avery often shares clever, real-world DIY home improvement tips throughout the books.
  • Ending Status: The series officially concluded in 2013 with Home for the Homicide. The author has since focused on her self-published works under the Jenna Bennett name.

Book-by-Book Breakdown

1. Fatal Fixer-Upper (2008)

In the series debut, Avery Baker inherits her aunt's dilapidated cottage in Waterfield, Maine. She leaves her design career in New York behind to restore the property. After hiring local handyman Derek Ellis, the renovation turns dangerous when Avery finds a connection to a missing college professor and must solve a murder before her new home becomes her tomb.

2. Spackled and Spooked (2009)

Avery and Derek tackle their next major renovation: a local house rumored to be haunted. The rumors turn out to have teeth when a skeleton is discovered in the crawlspace. Avery has to dig through decades-old town secrets to discover who committed the crime while managing the tricky logistics of flipping a historic property.

3. Plaster and Poison (2010)

Avery agrees to renovate an old carriage house for a close friend who is preparing for her wedding. The celebratory mood is quickly ruined when a dead body is found on the site. Since the victim was closely linked to the bride-to-be, Avery must work fast to clear her friend's name and ensure the wedding goes off without another murder.

4. Mortar and Murder (2011)

This installment takes Avery and Derek to a historic island home off the coast of Waterfield. While working to restore the grand estate, Avery unearths clues tied to a mystery dating back to the Revolutionary War, proving that some local feuds never truly die.

5. Flipped Out (2011)

Home renovation meets local media when Avery and Derek's latest project is featured on a local news station. However, the media spotlight gets uncomfortably hot when a popular news anchor is murdered on the property. Avery must navigate camera crews and suspects to find the culprit.

6. Wall-to-Wall Dead (2012)

Looking for a quick investment, Avery and Derek purchase a small condominium to renovate and flip. A nosy neighbor, Hilda Shaw, keeps a close eye on their work—until she is found dead. When more neighbors fall ill or turn up dead, Avery realizes a killer is active within the small residential community.

7. Home for the Homicide (2013)

In the final book of the series, Avery and Derek take on a vintage Craftsman-style bungalow, complete with original historic fixtures. The project turns mysterious when Avery uncovers an antique crate hidden in the attic containing clues to a decades-old missing persons case. Their investigation puts them in the crosshairs of a killer determined to keep the past buried.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the correct order to read the Do-It-Yourself Mysteries?

You should read the series in publication order, starting with Fatal Fixer-Upper and ending with Home for the Homicide. The romantic relationship and personal lives of the main characters develop chronologically across the books.

QIs Jennie Bentley a real person?

No, Jennie Bentley is a pen name for Norwegian-born author Jenna Bennett, who also writes under the name Bente Gallagher.

QAre there any crossover characters with the Savannah Martin series?

No. Even though both series are written by the same author, the Do-It-Yourself Mysteries (set in Maine) and the Savannah Martin Mysteries (set in Nashville) are completely independent of each other.

QAre the books in the series standalone novels?

While each book features a standalone murder mystery that is resolved by the end, the overarching relationships, character growth, and home renovation business progress chronologically. It is highly recommended to read them in order.

QAre there any novellas or short stories in the series?

No, there are no spin-off stories, holiday novellas, or prequel shorts. The series consists solely of the seven main novels.

QIs the Do-It-Yourself Mysteries series still ongoing?

No, the series concluded in 2013 with the seventh book, Home for the Homicide. The author has not published any new books under the Jennie Bentley pen name since then.