The Home Repair Is Homicide Series in Order

About the Home Repair Is Homicide series

Series Premise

Jacobia "Jake" Tiptree, a former high-powered Wall Street financial manager from New York City, abruptly leaves her stressful life, philandering ex-husband Victor, and upscale existence to start over in a crumbling 1823 Federal-style fixer-upper in remote Eastport, Maine. Accompanied by her teenage son Sam (troubled by substance issues and teen angst), Jake dives into massive home renovations—plumbing, wiring, plastering, roofing—while discovering that murder follows her like a bad contractor. Each book delivers a standalone mystery: suspicious deaths, disappearances, arsons, or scandals often linked to her house, neighbors, or Eastport's quirky residents (e.g., a victim in her attic, a cursed violin hidden in the walls, or a storm revealing old secrets). Jake and her best friend Ellie White investigate as amateurs, using Jake's sharp observation (honed from spotting structural flaws) and local knowledge to uncover motives amid red herrings. Ongoing arcs track Jake's healing from her past, Sam's recovery, family reconciliations, romantic developments, and the ongoing restoration of her historic home—symbolizing personal rebuilding. Mysteries tie into seasonal events (storms, holidays, festivals) or historical house lore, with Jake's DIY skills frequently providing literal or metaphorical clues.

Main Characters

> Jacobia "Jake" Tiptree: The protagonist—a smart, determined, divorced woman in her 40s (initially). Practical, sarcastic, and resourceful; her Wall Street past gives her analytical skills, while her new life in Maine fosters growth and independence. She's a skilled DIYer who tackles renovations and mysteries with equal tenacity; her voice drives the series with wry humor.
> Ellie White: Jake's bubbly, optimistic best friend—petite, fearless, and intuitive. A local with deep Maine roots, Ellie provides comic relief, emotional support, and complementary sleuthing (often the "gut instinct" to Jake's logic). Their friendship is the series' warm core.
> Sam Tiptree: Jake's teenage/young-adult son—troubled by past family issues and substance struggles but growing through the books. Adds stakes and heart; his arc involves recovery and bonding with his mom.
> Wade Sorensen: Jake's steady, kind-hearted romantic interest (later partner/husband)—a local boat-builder or handyman type. Supportive, patient, and helpful in crises; provides romantic warmth without overshadowing Jake's independence.
> Victor Tiptree: Jake's ex-husband—charming but unreliable, occasionally appears causing complications.
> Supporting Ensemble: Local police (tolerant of Jake's meddling), neighbors (nosy or helpful), quirky Eastport residents (e.g., historical society members, festival organizers), and occasional family/visitors who enrich the community feel.

Setting

The remote island town of Eastport, Maine—a real border community near New Brunswick, Canada—provides a vivid, atmospheric backdrop. Eastport is portrayed as a foggy, windswept coastal haven: historic homes on hilly streets, lobster boats in the harbor, rocky shores, pine forests, and a small downtown with shops, a library, and community spots. Jake's 1823 fixer-upper (a grand but decaying Federal house) is central—a character itself, with creaky floors, hidden rooms, secret passages, and endless repair needs. The setting captures Maine's harsh beauty and isolation: brutal winters (storms knock out power, reveal clues), glorious summers (tourists, festivals), fall foliage, and holiday cheer. The town's tight-knit, eccentric residents (fishermen, artists, old-timers) add flavor, while proximity to Canada brings occasional cross-border elements. The world feels authentic and lived-in—emphasizing small-town bonds, seasonal rhythms, and the challenges/rewards of restoring historic properties.

Tone & Themes

Quintessential cozy mystery—warm, witty, optimistic, and reassuring, with mild suspense and no graphic violence or deep darkness. The tone is humorous and empowering: puns abound in titles and dialogue, Jake's narration is sarcastic yet relatable (often comparing killers to shoddy contractors), and banter between friends lightens tense moments. Renovation details add practical charm (readers learn real tips on fixing old houses), while emotional layers explore second chances, addiction recovery, friendship, and resilience without heavy angst. Investigations feel puzzle-like and community-oriented—justice prevails gently, relationships strengthen, and endings are uplifting. It's "comfort reading" with intellectual puzzles and a sense of cozy domesticity—perfect for fans wanting escapism with heart, humor, and a dash of how-to.

The Home Repair Is Homicide series is a delightful cozy classic—melding clever mysteries, authentic home-renovation lore, and heartfelt character growth into an endlessly re-readable escape. Through Jake Tiptree's journey from burned-out city escapee to empowered Maine homeowner and sleuth, Sarah Graves crafts uplifting tales of resilience, friendship, and the satisfaction of fixing what's broken (houses and lives alike). With 16 books full of wit, warmth, and satisfying puzzles, it remains a standout for cozy fans who appreciate practical details, small-town charm, and gentle triumphs over adversity.