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Overedited & Underpaid (2023) by Amanda M. Lee is the 22nd installment in the popular Avery Shaw Mysteries cozy‑mystery series, and it matters because it puts long‑time reporter Avery Shaw in a new kind of newsroom‑and‑nightclub hybrid investigation that blends humor, suspense, and the series’ signature small‑town media world with unexpected twists.
Setting & Author Context
The story is set in Michigan’s small‑town and regional newspaper environment where news deadlines and local politics collide. Avery Shaw, a persistent young reporter, regularly finds herself investigating crimes that skirt the edges of her beat and into the kind of danger that local cops prefer to bury. Lead author Amanda M. Lee draws on her own background in journalism to give the newsroom details authenticity, and she balances that with light‑hearted banter, local‑town color, and the kind of cast you’d expect in a long‑running cozy mystery series. Lee’s recurring motif of “newsroom meets mystery” appears clearly in this book, as do themes of power, corruption, and friendship under pressure.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
When Avery receives a tip about a gunshot at a strip club called Antique Dolls, she expects a standard police press release—but what she finds complicates things. The club caters to a niche older‑dancer clientele, but more importantly, a politician is whisked away in a jurisdictional mess during the hospital visit of the club’s owner. As Avery digs in, she finds that the “lifestyle minister” who keeps appearing in the story might be more than a charismatic figurehead—he may be the linchpin in a network of influence, protection, and payoffs. With her grandfather and family friend Mario joining the investigation (one of them even going undercover), Avery is pushed into unintended danger and unexpected alliances. The investigation forces Avery to ask: which story is worth telling, and how far will she go when the powerful decide they don’t want the truth printed?
Characters & Themes
Central Characters
- Avery Shaw – The persistent reporter at the heart of the series, she represents investigative tenacity and journalistic integrity in the face of local cover‑ups and personal risk.
- Eliot Kane – Avery’s partner, both in life and in many investigations. He symbolizes loyalty and moral support, and he often functions as the steady counter‑balance to Avery’s fearless chasing of leads.
- Grandpa (Shaw family patriarch) – He represents experience, community roots, and the long view of a small town where everyone knows someone.
- Mario (friend/sidekick) – More than comic relief, Mario shows how friendship and bravery often support the main hero’s mission, even when “going undercover dancer” seems absurd.
- The lifestyle minister – An enigmatic figure whose charisma conceals influence, he embodies the theme of public persona versus private power.
- Local police / politician cameo – Their presence highlights the recurring theme of institutional limits when the industry and public figures collide.
Key Themes
- Truth vs. Influence – The book explores how local power structures can influence media coverage and what happens when a reporter refuses to be “edited.”
- Risk and reward in journalism – The title evokes the dual pressures Avery faces: to chase the story (over‑edited) while knowing her resources and influence (underpaid) are limited.
- Community and accountability – Because the setting is a small town, relationships matter. The investigation questions what the community will tolerate and what will remain hidden.
Tropes & Reader Experience
If you enjoy cozy mysteries with newspaper settings, underdog sleuths, and witty banter, this book hits the mark. The novel uses familiar tropes like “underdog reporter,” “small‐town secrets,” “reluctant undercover operation,” and “politician with hidden agenda,” but Amanda M. Lee offsets the expected with sharp humor, strong character relationships, and a pace that balances investigative tension with cozy‑friendly dialogue. Readers who like series where the protagonist keeps returning to a “day job” (reporter) while moonlighting as detective will feel at home; this one leans a little heavier on the “danger” than some lighter cozies, but without tipping into thriller territory.
Series Placement & Reading Order
Within the Avery Shaw Mysteries series, Overedited & Underpaid is listed as Book #22. Here’s a brief sequence excerpt around it:
- #21 Opinionated & Out of Control (2022)
- #22 Overedited & Underpaid (2023)
- #23 Press Releases & Puff Pieces (2023)
- #24 Banner Headlines & Late Deadlines (2024)
Knowing the series order helps deepen the continuity of character arcs, recurring jokes, and the newsroom‑community ecosystem that Lee builds book by book.
Reader Suitability / Why Read It
Readers looking for a cozy mystery with wit, community charm, and a newsroom backdrop will find this book satisfying. The emotional impact comes from seeing Avery push into new territory—both professionally and personally—while still anchored by her relationships with Eliot and her family. If you’re drawn to mysteries that are smart rather than raw, character‑driven rather than gadget‑driven, and fun rather than grim, this novel fits well. It maintains the cozy tone of the series while raising the stakes in a credible way.
Facts & Editions (Verified)
- Release Year: 2023 (some listings indicate March 2023).
- Publisher: Independently Published.
- ISBN‑13: 9798366699723 (Paperback edition)
- Pages: Approximately 244 pages.
- Formats: Paperback, ebook, audiobook (narrated by Angel Clark)
Continue the Avery Shaw Mystery Series
Read other books in the Avery Shaw Mystery Series.
Where to Buy
View “Overedited & Underpaid” on Amazon
FAQ
Is this book readable if I haven’t read the earlier Avery Shaw books?
Yes. While longstanding character relationships add richness, the core investigation stands alone. You’ll still enjoy the drama and humor even if you’ve skipped earlier titles.
Does the novel contain graphic violence?
No. It stays within cozy‑mystery boundaries—there’s tension and danger, but not intense gore or horror.
Where does this sit in the series?
It is Book #22 in the Avery Shaw Mysteries series by Amanda M. Lee.
Are there any special editions or adaptations planned?
As of now, the book is self‑published and available in standard formats; there are no public adaptation announcements.