REVIEW: If Walls Could Talk

If Walls Could Talk
Author: Juliet Blackwell

Melanie Turner remodels homes. Not just any homes....historic San Francisco homes. Rejuvenating properties to their former glory is Melanie's favorite thing to do. She's taken on a problematic project this time. A dilapidated Pacific Heights mansion needs a makeover. The property owner attempts a drunken DIY session that ends with a death by power tool. Melanie steps in to help finish the remodel work, but the dead man's ghost won't leave her alone. She begins investigating to save her reputation as a contractor and rid herself of a pesky spirit.

I listened to the audio book version of this story and enjoyed every minute of it. The background theme (historic homes restoration), characters, and mystery were all interesting. I'm not sure how I would respond to the situation (death by power tool is pretty gruesome), but Melanie stepped right in to try and help. I like her as a MC. She is intelligent, very good at her job and feisty when required. It would be difficult to be a woman in a typically male job, but she pulls it off with gusto.

This book is definitely a cozy. While the death is a gruesome, it isn't described in graphic details. There is no sex, cussing or otherwise distressing moments. The story is a nice mix of humor and mystery. I like the combination of historic home renovation and murder mystery. It just works well. And wouldn't that be a fun job?? So much history! And getting to bring an old home back to life. It would be so interesting! Lots of work....but rewarding!

There are seven books in this series. I'm definitely going to be reading my way through the rest! This was a fun book to read! Juliet Blackwell writes several other cozy series including Witchcraft Mysteries, and Art Lover's Mystery series.

Moving on to book two -- Dead Bolt!