MORTAL FLIP

 

REVIEW--MORTAL FLIP

By M.E. Bakos

ISBN: 979-8-9867889-3-7

A 2004 release 

Frequently a house in a nice neighborhood that has a bad reputation is not a desirable asset. For home renovator Katelyn Baxter, who bills herself as a successful Home Rehabber, learning that the place she just acquired in Minneapolis has been the target of a suspected serial killer, is a real set-back. But, she’s committed. Katelyn is stubborn, a real optimist and she has friends. This is book 5 in Katelyn’s varied and unusual adventures in homes she never really lives in. She buys places, rehabs, then flips them over for a profit. It’s not an easy business. Every house has its strengths and weaknesses. Every neighborhood has its recluses and nosy neighbors. In this case the former owner, prominent businessman Arthur Cook was found murdered in a field and rumor links him to several possible targets in the area.  Not helpful for a sale, especially since the murderer is unknown.

Nevertheless, Ms Baxter has purchased the property, battles the reputation and works up the place for resale. She’s engaged to be married to the local sheriff, another complication of her current life, as is a persistent nosy neighbor. The novel skates along with contract egocentric workers, friends, her fiancé and the occasional legal bump. The author knows her area and gives readers an engaging, often fun look inside the rehab business connected to talent, smarts, and mystery. A fun, light-hearted cozy mystery with a careful, well-executed narrative that will satisfy any reader of crime fiction. Accuracy of process, thoughtfulness of character and good dialogue are all foundations of this cozy mystery novel.