Sarah Graves and the Home Repair is Homicide Series: Cozy Mystery Books in Order
Last Updated on December 1, 2025
Sarah Graves is a name that resonates with fans of cozy mysteries, particularly those who enjoy a touch of home improvement alongside their whodunits.
Born in Wisconsin in 1951, Graves has built a reputation as an author who brings small-town charm, relatable characters, and a keen sense of place to her books.
Living in Eastport, Maine, with her husband John, she draws inspiration from her own experiences renovating an 1823 Federal-style home.
This real-life setting forms the backdrop for her most beloved series, Home Repair is Homicide, featuring the intrepid Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree.
Graves’ work stands out in the cozy mystery world for blending the intricacies of home repair with the twists and turns of murder investigations, all set against the atmospheric coast of Maine.
Jacobia Tiptree: Every Book in Order
At the heart of the Home Repair is Homicide series is Jacobia Tiptree, known as Jake to her friends, a former Wall Street financial whiz who trades big-city stress for the slower pace and fixer-upper challenges of Eastport.
Each book follows Jake as she juggles home renovation projects and murder cases, often with the help of her son Sam and best friend Ellie White.
With 16 books in the series, it would be easy to get them mixed up, so if you fancy reading them in order, here you go…
1. The Dead Cat Bounce (1997)
Jake Tiptree’s move to Eastport is anything but quiet when a body turns up in her new home.
Between peeling wallpaper and plumbing disasters, Jake must unravel a mystery that hits close to home.
2. Triple Witch (1999)
Jake and Ellie find themselves investigating the suspicious death of a local woman, all while dealing with the quirks of small-town life and the pitfalls of Maine’s harsh weather.
3. Wicked Fix (2000)
A new handyman in town seems too good to be true, and when murder strikes, Jake suspects that the town’s latest addition might be hiding deadly secrets.
4. Repair to Her Grave (2001)
Renovations at Jake’s historic house reveal more than just old beams. There’s a skeleton in the garden, and Jake is determined to uncover the truth behind a decades-old crime.
5. Wreck the Halls (2001)
A Christmas-themed mystery, this installment sees Jake preparing for the holidays when a murder threatens to ruin the festive spirit in Eastport.
6. Unhinged (2003)
Jake’s neighbor is found dead, and as Jake investigates, she discovers that the victim’s past might be as tangled as the wiring in her old house.
7. Mallets Aforethought (2004)
A local builder’s death appears accidental, but Jake suspects foul play. Her search for answers leads her through the secrets of Eastport’s close-knit community.
8. Tool and Die (2004)
Jake’s latest home repair project is interrupted by murder, drawing her into a web of jealousy and old grievances.
9. Nail Biter (2005)
A series of accidents at Jake’s home seem suspicious, and when a body is found, Jake must determine if someone is targeting her or if the house itself is cursed.
10. Trap Door (2006)
A hidden trapdoor in Jake’s house leads to a chilling discovery, setting off a chain of events that puts her right in the path of danger.
11. The Book of Old Houses (2007)
Jake stumbles upon a mysterious book hidden in her home, and soon after, people connected to the book begin to die. The secrets of the past refuse to stay buried.
12. A Face at the Window (2008)
Jake’s estranged father returns to Eastport, bringing with him old wounds and new mysteries when a local is murdered.
13. Crawlspace (2009)
Jake’s home repair takes a dark turn when she uncovers evidence of a crime in her crawl space, leading her on a search for answers that stretches back years.
14. Knockdown (2011)
A storm brings chaos to Eastport, and Jake finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation as the town tries to recover.
15. Dead Level (2012)
Jake faces her most personal case yet when someone she cares about becomes a suspect in a murder, forcing her to balance loyalty and justice.
16. A Bat in the Belfry (2013)
A newcomer to Eastport is found dead in the church belfry, and Jake’s investigation uncovers secrets that threaten to shake the town to its core.
Throughout the series, Graves weaves together the challenges of restoring an old house with the suspense of solving a murder, making each book a satisfying blend of cozy comfort and page-turning intrigue.
Is Sarah Graves Still Writing? What’s Next for Home Repair is Homicide?
Sarah Graves remains an active author, with new books in the Death by Chocolate series being published as recently as 2025.
While the original Home Repair is Homicide series concluded with A Bat in the Belfry in 2013, the continuation of Jake Tiptree’s adventures in the Death by Chocolate Mysteries suggests that Graves has not left her beloved character or setting behind.
Other Series by Sarah Graves
Sarah Graves hasn’t limited her talents to just one series. She is also the author of the Death by Chocolate Mysteries, which reunite readers with Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree, now running a bakery specializing in chocolate treats on the same Maine island.
This series includes titles such as Death by Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake, Death by Chocolate Malted Milkshake, and continues with new releases as recently as 2025.
It really is very unusual for an author to create a whole new series with the same leading character, but to be fair to Graves, eventually that house was going to be renovated!
At least this way, the new mysteries serve as a natural evolution for both the character and the setting.
The shift allowed Graves to maintain the cozy, small-town atmosphere and the core cast of characters that readers loved, while introducing new elements and themes.
Additionally, Graves has written the Lizzie Snow Mystery series, featuring a female police officer who relocates to rural Maine and finds herself embroiled in complex cases.
This series includes Winter at the Door and The Girls She Left Behind.
Wrapping Up
Sarah Graves has carved out a special place in the world of cozy mysteries with her mystery series.
Her books are loved for their authentic Maine setting, relatable protagonist, and the clever way she ties home repair into each mystery.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her work, if you want a new series to get stuck into, then give Jake Tiptree’s world a try.
They are currently not available as part of Kindle Unlimited, but you can get the ebook version of each for as little as $2.99.
With more mysteries arriving in the form of chocolate-laden adventures and the possibility of future stories, Sarah Graves continues to be a must-read for cozy mystery enthusiasts and anyone searching for a series that balances suspense and small-town charm.
