Step into the charming yet chilling world of the Home Repair is Homicide Mysteries, where a hammer and a hunch can solve a murder! This cozy mystery series by Sarah Graves follows Jacobia 'Jake' Tiptree, a former Wall Street whiz who trades high finance for a fixer-upper in Eastport, Maine, only to find herself knee-deep in small-town secrets and suspenseful whodunits.
Blending the warmth of cozy mysteries with the grit of home renovation, the series captivates readers with Jake’s knack for uncovering bodies alongside broken pipes. With Eastport’s salty air and quirky locals as the backdrop, each book delivers a delightful mix of intrigue, humor, and DIY disasters that make you want to grab a screwdriver—or a magnifying glass!
How Home Repair is Homicide Mysteries Began
Sarah Graves, a Maine resident with a passion for old houses, launched the series in 1998 with The Dead Cat Bounce. Inspired by her own life in Eastport, where she restores a historic home with her husband, Graves crafted Jake Tiptree as a relatable heroine—a city slicker seeking simplicity but stumbling into murder. The series’ unique hook, blending home repair with homicide, sprang from Graves’ love for storytelling and the quirky challenges of renovating a 200-year-old house.
Graves’ background as a lifelong reader and writer—she sold her first story at age seven—shaped the series’ vivid prose and intricate plots. Her goal was to create a cozy mystery that felt fresh, grounding Jake’s adventures in the authentic struggles of small-town life and the endless surprises of an old home.
The Heart of Home Repair is Homicide Mysteries
The series spans 16 books, each weaving murder into Jake’s renovation woes. In The Dead Cat Bounce (1998), Jake discovers a corpse in her storeroom, kicking off her sleuthing career alongside friend Ellie White. Triple Witch (1999) dives into financial scandals and dark secrets, while Wicked Fix (2000) tackles a vengeful sociopath’s return to Eastport. A Bat in the Belfry (2013), the final book, pits Jake against a storm and a killer, with newcomer Lizzie Snow adding fresh intrigue.
Themes of reinvention and resilience shine through Jake’s journey, as she rebuilds both her life and her crumbling Federal-style house. The Eastport setting, with its foggy shores and tight-knit community, grounds the series in a vivid sense of place, while Graves’ witty prose and knack for suspense keep readers guessing. Home repair tips sprinkled throughout add a practical charm, making you feel like you could fix a sagging beam—or solve a crime.
The series’ cozy mystery style avoids graphic violence, focusing instead on clever plotting and colorful characters like Jake’s son, Sam, and her exasperating ex-husband, Victor. Fans love the balance of humor, heart, and tension, with Jake’s DIY disasters mirroring her knack for piecing together clues.
Why Home Repair is Homicide Mysteries Resonates
Home Repair is Homicide Mysteries has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, appealing to readers who crave stories of second chances and small-town charm. Its blend of home renovation and sleuthing offers a fresh twist, inspiring fans to dream of their own fixer-uppers—minus the murders. Graves’ authentic portrayal of Maine life and her relatable heroine have earned praise from outlets like Booklist and RT Book Reviews, cementing the series’ cult following.
Though the series concluded in 2013, its legacy endures through fans who revisit Jake’s adventures and new readers discovering Eastport’s mysteries. The books’ timeless appeal lies in their celebration of grit, wit, and the idea that even the creakiest old house—or life—can be made new with a little elbow grease and courage.
- First Book: The Dead Cat Bounce (1998)
- Last Book: A Bat in the Belfry (2013)
- Total Books: 16
- Setting: Eastport, Maine
- Genre: Cozy Mystery
Grab The Dead Cat Bounce and dive into the Home Repair is Homicide Mysteries’ world of creaky floors and clever clues. Whether you’re a mystery buff or a DIY dreamer, Jake Tiptree’s adventures will keep you hooked!