Jacobia "Jake" Tiptree is as interesting as her name. Her mother was murdered, her father was accused, and she was raised by miserable relatives until she ran away at age 14 to the concrete jungle of the big city to fend for herself. That's where she found her life-long friend Jemmy, who took her under his wing. Eventually she found herself in a career as a money manager for the mob. In another strange twist of fate, she married a brain surgeon who ultimately died of a virulent brain tumor.

It's no wonder that Jake is a life-long magnet for intrigue mixed with trouble. After her husband's death, she's living a semi-quiet life in Maine fixing up a historic home when Jemmy reappears in her life needing a place to lay low and deal with some unresolved business with local resident and professional hitman Walter Henderson.

Suddenly, Jake's troubles are far bigger than a leaky roof and creaky floorboard as she navigates mayhem, mystery and murder in this small Maine town. Sarah Graves has a vibrant and colorful way of creating memorable scenes and characters. Home improvement tips scattered throughout the book add a little extra charm in this cozy home improvement mystery.