The Barn Identity
House-Flipper Mystery #8
By Diane Kelly
ISBN 9781250359346
Author’s website: dianekelly.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
In Nashville, carpenter Whitney Whitaker is ecstatic when she discovers an abandoned barn perfect for her next project. However, since the surrounding former farmland has now developed into a shiny new shopping center, it seems the decrepit antebellum barn that once served as a livery stable should be torn down to make way for something more modern. Even so, Whitney can’t help but think the barn should be preserved. While unproven, it’s rumored the building once served as a hiding place for escaped slaves as part of the Underground Railroad. She convinces her cousin to take a chance on the old property. After all, the barn would make a unique retail space or, with its high ceilings and wide walls, could be turned into an arthouse cinema.
When a local print journalist reporting on the renovation is found dead on the property, investigators suspect he might have been murdered for any one of several exposés he’d published about local politicians, movers, and shakers. Whitney suspects there’s more to the story, and that the journalist’s fate might be tied directly to the stable renovation. Can she solve the murder and bring a killer to justice? Or might this goal be too lofty? (From Goodreads)
Review:
This is an excellent addition to a series I always enjoy! Whitney and Buck, cousins trained as carpenters by Buck’s father, are so much fun to watch and learn from! They began a business in which they purchase, renovate, and sell homes. In a short time, they began to bid on properties they could give a whole new life to: other, older structures, such as the out-of-use fire station converted into a fine, luxurious home. They only work on properties they purchased.
Whitney and her husband, Collin, still newlyweds, were thrilled to learn she was pregnant! Whitney was adapting to the physical changes, and knew her work for the next several months would be reduced as the baby grew.
Whitney is an excellent protagonist, and she feels like an old friend. Each character is portrayed well through their behaviors and conversations. I thought the sisters at the nearby farm-to-table restaurant were great, and enjoyed their enthusiasm for their restaurant, their farm, and their special soapbox speeches.
Gail is the current owner of a historic property passed down through her family. She had contacted Whitney based on a special recommendation. Gail wanted to preserve the old livery stable on her property. Almost two centuries ago, it had served people staying at a nearby hotel. Gail’s great-great-great-grandmother was born a slave on that land. Gail’s great-great-great-grandfather was born a slave on a nearby farm, and they had been sent to Canada a couple years before the Civil War began.
Whitney noted the dry-stack stone foundation of the fence and the huge barn that attested to its age. Gail told Buck and Whitney the history of the land and how she, a descendant of slaves, eventually inherited the property. Pieces of it were sold during the depression for food and survival, but it was still a substantial property.
Tyler, an independent journalist, was present when the cousins met Gail. He wanted to learn about the property and potentially write about it.
Captivated by the property and its human history, Whitney was excited to work on it, until they learned that Gail was not selling the property. Gail wanted to preserve the barn, and welcomed their ideas for an upcycle. She would go to almost any length for their input and work. Whitney and Buck discussed it, and absolutely wanted to do the project. Whitney agreed to meet with Gail again with their ideas, and Tyler would join them to see the process.
Buck and Whitney went to the nearby diner, Victory Garden, a farm to table restaurant. They were unaware that only plant-based foods were served. By the end of lunch, even the staunch carnivore, Buck, was sold on the delicious, filling foods that rivaled any red meat he had ever eaten. A fun feature of Victory Garden was the inclusion of several large television screens inside that shared live feed from some of the rescue animals on the property.
Whitney had taken measurements in the barn, and suggested they turn it into an apartment building. They discussed the possibilities, including how to tie the history of Gail’s family into much needed affordable apartments.
Whitney arrived early for her meeting with Gail and went up to the haymow for a short nap. She was awakened by loud voices outside. Tyler’s backpack crashed into the haymow, then she looked out and saw the journalist, lying still, with a pitchfork jutting out of his lower back. She couldn’t see the vehicle that roared away and called 911. She told the responding deputy what happened, then Detective Alonzo. She saw Gail approach the property, then get sent away by the detective.
Whitney was more determined than ever to do the project. When she and Buck started to work, the killer had not been caught. Whitney had helped solve murders before, but being pregnant now changed everything. Her research was limited, but what she learned, she shared with the homicide detective.
The author plotted and executed this cozy so well! I loved seeing the history of Gail’s family! I appreciated Whitney’s concern to keep her baby safe, even as she went to surprising places to ask questions. The local detective had once worked a case with Whitney’s husband, Collin, a homicide detective in Nashville. She valued Whitney’s discoveries, even sharing a bit of information. I was impressed when the real killer was identified through Whitney’s brainstorm. You truly don’t want to miss the ending! I highly recommend this mystery and series!
