Get ready for a thrilling read with “Wicked Fix” by Sarah Graves, the third book in the Home Repair is Homicide series. In this book summary, we’ll introduce you to the suspenseful world of home repair that becomes entangled with mystery and murder.
Fans of mystery novels will not be disappointed with this captivating story. “Wicked Fix” is a page-turner that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Follow our summary to learn more about this exciting read and discover what happens when the world of home repair collides with deadly secrets.
Read on to learn more about the author, the intriguing plot, and the critical reception of “Wicked Fix.”
About the Author, Sarah Graves
Meet Sarah Graves, the author behind the captivating Home Repair is Homicide series. Born and raised in Maine, Graves draws inspiration from her surroundings and her own experiences in home repair, which add a layer of authenticity to her writing.
Graves’ career in writing began in the romance genre under the pen name, “Sarah Hardesty.” She later shifted her focus to mystery and crime fiction, publishing the first book in the Home Repair is Homicide series, “The Dead Cat Bounce,” in 1996. Since then, she has published 17 more novels in the series, including “Wicked Fix.”
Graves’ writing style has been praised for its attention to detail, complex characters, and skillful blending of humor and suspense. She ensures that her readers are fully immersed in the world and suspense of her stories, keeping them on the edge of their seats until the very end.
“A mystery that keeps you guessing until the last page, Graves’ books are a must-read for anyone who loves the genre.” – Harlan Coben
Synopsis
Looking for a suspenseful and captivating read? “Wicked Fix” by Sarah Graves has got you covered. In this third installment of the “Home Repair is Homicide” series, we follow Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree, a former financial manager turned home repair enthusiast, as she uncovers a dark mystery lurking beneath the surface of her small town.
Set in the quaint coastal town of Eastport, Maine, “Wicked Fix” kicks off with a dangerous explosion that destroys the local craft store and claims the life of one of Jake’s closest friends. With the authorities struggling to pinpoint a suspect, Jake realizes that she needs to take matters into her own hands and investigate the crime herself.
As Jake delves deeper, she discovers a twisted web of secrets, lies, and betrayal that threatens to tear apart the town she loves. From a hidden stash of drugs to a shocking betrayal by someone she trusted, Jake must navigate a treacherous landscape to uncover the truth and bring the killer to justice.
But with danger lurking around every corner, and her own life at risk, will Jake be able to solve the case before it’s too late? Join her on this thrilling journey into the heart of a murder mystery that blends home repair with suspenseful twists and turns.
Setting
“Wicked Fix” by Sarah Graves takes place in the small town of Eastport, Maine. The town’s quaint charm and coastal location provide a picturesque backdrop for the events that unfold.
Graves creates a vivid sense of place through her attention to detail, describing the old houses and their creaky floorboards, the salty air blowing in from the sea, and the bustling streets of the town. These atmospheric details contribute to the overall tone and ambiance of the story, immersing the reader into the world of the book.
Central to the setting is the protagonist’s home renovation business, Jacobia Tiptree’s, which shapes the story in numerous ways. Through the business, Graves explores themes of community, revitalization, and the intersection of the personal and the professional.
Whether you’re a fan of cozy mysteries or crime fiction, the setting of “Wicked Fix” is sure to captivate and transport you to the charming town of Eastport, Maine.
Main Characters
As with any mystery novel, the characters in “Wicked Fix” play a significant role in the development of the plot and overall suspense. Let’s take a closer look at some of the main characters:
| Character Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree | A retired Wall Street power player turned home renovator, Jake is the protagonist of the series. She is no stranger to solving a mystery and unraveling secrets in the small town of Eastport, Maine. In “Wicked Fix,” Jake finds herself in the middle of another dangerous situation when a carpenter is found murdered in the house she is repairing. |
| Ellie White | Jake’s best friend and partner in their home repair business, Ellie is also the town’s deputy sheriff. She is a trusted ally and helps Jake in her investigation into the murder. |
| Sam Tiptree | Jake’s ex-husband and father of their son, Sam is a local lawyer who provides legal assistance to Jake and her team in the murder investigation. |
| Miranda “Randi” White | Ellie’s teenage daughter who often helps with Jake and Ellie’s home repair business. She is a sassy and intelligent young woman who adds her own flavor to the mystery-solving team. |
The character development throughout “Wicked Fix” adds depth and complexity to the storyline, keeping readers engaged and on the edge of their seats. Each character has their own backstory and motivations, making them more than just mere players in the murder mystery.
Plot Summary
Follow the twists and turns of “Wicked Fix” as we unravel the mystery alongside the characters. Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree, a former Wall Street executive turned house restorer, is plunged into another murder investigation when a wealthy retiree goes missing from her posh seaside town. With the help of her friends, Jake uncovers a trail of greed, deception, and murder that threatens to tear the town apart.
The investigation takes several unexpected turns, leading to the discovery of a complex web of secrets and lies that implicates many of the town’s residents. As the body count rises, Jake must use all her skills and experience to uncover the killer’s identity and put an end to the murders.
Will Jake be able to solve the case, or will she become the next victim? Find out in “Wicked Fix” by Sarah Graves.
Themes and Motifs
While “Wicked Fix” is first and foremost a murder mystery novel, it also delves into deeper themes and motifs that add an extra layer of meaning to the story. One of the central themes of the book is the idea that even the most idyllic communities can hide twisted secrets beneath the surface. As Jacobia Tiptree, the book’s protagonist, delves deeper into the mystery surrounding her town, she uncovers a web of lies and deceit that threatens the very fabric of her community.
Another key motif in “Wicked Fix” is the idea of the past coming back to haunt the present. As Jacobia begins to uncover the truth about the town’s dark history, she realizes that events that took place years ago are still affecting the lives of the people living there today. This motif is underscored by the book’s atmospheric setting, which serves to create a sense of history and continuity that ties the past and present together.
Overall, “Wicked Fix” is a thought-provoking mystery novel that tackles complex themes and motifs with skill and sensitivity. By exploring these deeper elements, the book goes beyond the surface-level thrills of the murder mystery genre and offers readers a rich and rewarding reading experience.
Writing Style and Tone
Sarah Graves’ writing style in “Wicked Fix” is a unique blend of descriptive prose and dialogue that creates an immersive reading experience. Her attention to detail and atmospheric descriptions lend themselves well to the suspenseful mystery genre. The tone of the book is dark and brooding, with a sense of danger lurking around every corner.
Graves’ writing style also includes a touch of humor, which helps to balance the tension and prevent the story from becoming too intense. Her use of language is engaging, drawing readers in and keeping them entranced until the very end. Overall, the writing style and tone of “Wicked Fix” contribute to a thrilling and unforgettable read.
Critical Reception
Since its publication, “Wicked Fix” has received generally positive critical reception from both readers and critics. The book has been noted for its clever plot, engaging characters, and atmospheric setting. One reviewer stated, “Sarah Graves has once again delivered a well-written and suspenseful mystery that will keep readers guessing until the very end.”
In addition to gaining praise for its storytelling, “Wicked Fix” has also been recognized for its exploration of themes relevant to the genre of mystery fiction. The book’s use of home repair as a backdrop for the murder mystery has been noted by several reviewers as a unique and refreshing take on the classic whodunit format.
“‘Wicked Fix’ is a true testament to Sarah Graves’ talent as a mystery writer. The way she uses home repair and renovation as a metaphor for the unraveling of the tightly-wound mystery is truly brilliant.”
Overall, “Wicked Fix” has garnered positive reviews and critical acclaim, cementing its place as a thrilling addition to the Home Repair is Homicide series.
Similar Books by Sarah Graves
If you’re a fan of “Wicked Fix,” you’ll be happy to know that Sarah Graves has written many more captivating murder mysteries. Here are some of her other works that share similar themes, writing style, and atmosphere:
| Title | Series | Publication Year |
|---|---|---|
| The Dead Cat Bounce | Jacobia Tiptree | 2005 |
| Mystery of the Lost Voices | Home Repair is Homicide | 2002 |
| Unhinged | Lizzie Snow | 2016 |
| Crawlspace | Jacobia Tiptree | 2002 |
The Dead Cat Bounce, for example, shares the Home Repair is Homicide series’ premise, with a murder taking place during a home renovation. Mystery of the Lost Voices is another installment in the series and follows Jacobia as she investigates the disappearance of a young woman. If you’re looking for something a bit different, try Unhinged, where newly appointed police chief Lizzie Snow investigates a string of murders in a small town. Finally, Crawlspace takes Jacobia back to an old childhood home haunted by ghosts and a murderer on the loose.
Impact and Legacy
Through its engaging storyline and skillful writing, “Wicked Fix” has left a lasting impact on the Home Repair is Homicide series and the wider genre of mystery fiction. Its legacy can be seen in the numerous positive reviews it has received from both readers and literary critics alike.
The unique blend of home repair and murder mystery in “Wicked Fix” has inspired future authors to experiment with different genres and themes, adding to the diversity of the mystery fiction landscape.
Furthermore, the book’s well-crafted characters and skillful use of suspense have set a high bar for future authors in the genre, inspiring them to create more complex and thought-provoking stories.
“‘Wicked Fix’ is a captivating read that keeps readers on edge until the very end, while also offering a unique twist on the traditional murder mystery genre.”
Conclusion
Sarah Graves’ “Wicked Fix” offers a thrilling read filled with suspense and mystery. The book perfectly captures the blend of home repair and murder, making it a must-read for fans of the Home Repair is Homicide series. For those new to Graves’ work, the book serves as a perfect introduction to her unique writing style and storytelling abilities.
Throughout the article, we have provided a detailed book summary, author background, and explored the various aspects that make “Wicked Fix” special. From the vivid setting and well-developed characters to the thought-provoking themes and motifs, the book has something to offer for everyone.
The critical reception of “Wicked Fix” has been positive, with readers and experts praising Graves’ ability to keep them engaged and on-edge. Furthermore, if you enjoyed “Wicked Fix,” we recommend exploring other books by Sarah Graves that share similar themes and atmosphere.
In conclusion, “Wicked Fix” is a standout book and a testament to Sarah Graves’ skill as a writer. It is a book that will leave you captivated from start to finish, and we highly recommend it to all mystery and suspense lovers.
