The Barn Identity by Diane Kelly

Reviewed by Jeanne

Building-flipper Whitney is embarking on more than one new project:  together with her cousin, she is working on rehabbing a historic livery stable; she’s now expecting her first child with her detective husband Collin; and she’s has a new murder to solve.  That’s a lot for anyone to handle, but Whitney is a pro at all of the above—except for impending motherhood.

When Whitney meets with Gail Pittman, owner of the property in question, journalist podcaster Tyler Yee tags along.  He’s interested in doing a story, both on the history of the property and on its forthcoming transformation.  Whitney has an idea of turning the stable into apartments, providing affordable housing while preserving the history of the place as part of an old plantation.  The owner is interested, so they all agree to meet in a few days to look at Whitney’s drawings and to decide whether to proceed. Whitney arrives early for the meeting, and due to pregnancy induced sleepiness climbs up into the old hayloft and dozes off. She’s awakened by the sounds of shouts.  By the time she gets down from the loft, she finds Yee dead and the killer gone.

It turns out that Yee has covered a lot of stories in his time, not all of them favorable to the subjects.  This means there are many out there with motives to do away with the reporter, but which one actually stuck a pitchfork into him?

Although part of a series, this can indeed be read as a standalone.  However, I’d advocate for starting a bit earlier, just to get to know the characters. I have enjoyed all the books both for the mystery and bits of renovation thoughts, especially when Whitney talks about colors and amenities—it’s like watching one of those home make-over shows.  Whitney is a take-charge sort, and she knows her way around a hammer or a miter saw.  I like the history she tosses in, especially about the area around Nashville. I’m always interested in seeing how Whitney plans to renovate a boat or motel or firehouse.

While I don’t know for certain, this had the feel of a last in series book.  Many of my favorite authors’ work has been published in mass market paperback, a format which is rapidly headed for extinction, apparently.  The good news is that the library still has copies of paperbacks for checkout.  I am looking at older series and starting to read those. 

If you’re intrigued by this series, earlier titles are:

Dead as a Door Knocker

Dead in the Doorway

Murder with a View

Batten Down the Belfrey

Primer and Punishment

Four-Alarm Homicide

Dead Post Society

The Barn Identity