True-crime writers Chip Hahn and Carolyn Rathbone arrive in Eastport, Maine, to research the murders of two sisters. The crimes occurred six years apart, but Carolyn and Chip believe the women's husbands, Roger and Randy Dodd, committed the murders. Before they can unpack their luggage, Carolyn disappears. Chip appeals to Jacobia "Jake" Tiptree, the mother of his friend Sam, to help him convince the police of foul play. Jake's interest spikes when Sam's disappearance coincides with Carolyn's. Jake looks for clues and scrutinizes Roger Dodd, the surviving brother. She probes the accidental death of Randy Dodd in a fishing accident right after his wife's murder. The compelling evidence at that time was Randy's body was on the ocean bottom. The evidence proves wrong. Randy is alive and on a killing spree.

Jake's housekeeper and new mother-in-law, Bella, joins Jake as they search for Sam. Their evolving uneasy relationship undergoes drastic changes as they attempt to get into the mind of a killer to save Sam and the other hostages.

Ms. Graves delivers a riveting thriller that ratchets up the suspense from the first page to the breath stopping conclusion. The cold Maine Island and frigid water surrounding it take center stage as the characters must battle their perilous environment along with struggling to match wits and stay alive from a ruthless serial killer. The Home Repair series continues to give mystery and thriller fans a top notch read.