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Shot Off the Presses (2014) by Amanda M. Lee is the fourth book in the Avery Shaw Mysteries series, a cozy‐mystery about intrepid newspaper reporter Avery Shaw. Lee blends sharp humor with newsroom chaos and investigative suspense to explore how a presumed “routine” crime story can unravel into far more. The novel matters to fans because it deepens Avery’s world, ramps up the stakes and reflects Lee’s real‐world journalism experience.
Setting & Author Context
The story is set in southeastern Michigan, anchored in the small‑town newsroom and local law‑enforcement milieu that Lee draws from her background as a newspaper reporter. This setting shapes the tone—everyday familiarity collides with deadly violence, making the cozy mystery feel grounded yet serious. Lee’s style often features snarky protagonists, quirky secondary characters and an underlying respect for the profession of journalism—she writes what she knows, and the setting supports that motif.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The story follows Avery Shaw as she settles into what seems like a comfortable rhythm: a stable relationship, fewer family dramas, and work that seems manageable. But when a young mother is killed in what appears to be a random freeway shooting, the formerly calm scenario explodes. The same gun used in one county is traced to another crime elsewhere, pulling Avery—and the local police—into a serious investigation.
As Avery navigates newsroom distractions (a new boyfriend, a cousin launching a business, her mom’s odd wardrobe suggestions) she realises this story isn’t going to be routine. She must decide whether to stick to safe fluff assignments or dig deeper into dangerous territory. Her choices connect directly to themes of truth‑seeking, risk and the cost of journalism in tight‑knit communities.
Characters & Themes
- Avery Shaw: A reporter unwilling to settle for bland assignments; she represents integrity under pressure and the tension between career ambition and personal safety.
- Elliot Kane: Avery’s new boyfriend, local pawn‐shop owner and amateur sleuth; his dual role illustrates the blurred lines between personal life and investigative work.
- Jake Farrell: The county sheriff; his uneasy relationship with Avery highlights institutional resistance and the challenge of partnership across professions.
- The local National Guard/base commander & the PR liaison: These characters embody themes of secrecy, public messaging and press control—showing how the truth can become a casualty in itself.
Major themes include: the power of the press versus the restraints of authority, the cost of digging beyond the surface, and the chaos that erupts when “just another story” turns into something much larger.
Tropes & Reader Experience
Shot Off the Presses uses familiar cozy‑mystery tropes—an amateur sleuth in a close community, humour and character‑driven interactions—but it also adds a sharper edge by involving a real murder investigation and personal danger for the protagonist. The pacing is brisk, the tone balances wit and tension, and Lee’s journalism background gives authenticity to the newsroom scenes. For readers accustomed to airy cozy mysteries, this one offers a dose of “serious stakes” while remaining light on graphic violence. That blend of humour + danger is a hallmark of Amanda M. Lee’s Avery Shaw series.
Series Placement / Reading Order
Shot Off the Presses is Book #4 in the Avery Shaw Mysteries series.
Here’s the reading order up to this point:
- Who, What, Where, When, Die (2011)
- If It Bleeds, It Leads (2012)
- Buried Leads (2013)
- Shot Off the Presses (2014)
Though the book can stand on its own, reading the earlier titles strengthens familiarity with Avery’s relationships and career development.
Reader Suitability / Why Read It
If you enjoy quirky, character‑driven mysteries featuring a smart, snarky protagonist, and you don’t mind your cosy mystery with a bit of edge—then this book is for you. It’s particularly strong for readers who like journalist sleuths, small‑town investigative settings, and the mix of workplace humour with suspense. The emotional impact comes from watching Avery deal with real threats, organisational walls, and personal choices—not just whodunit puzzles. For fans of the series it hits the sweet spot of growth + risk; for newcomers it offers an inviting entry to Avery’s world.
Verified Book Facts
- Release year: 2014.
- Publisher: CreateSpace (self‑publishing imprint).
- ISBN‑10: 1495370453; ISBN‑13: 978‑1495370458.
- Genre: Cozy mystery / detective fiction with amateur sleuth reporter protagonist.
- Reader Consensus: Goodreads average ~4.46 out of 5 from ~1,700 ratings.
- Author Background: Amanda M. Lee is a former newspaper reporter, which influences her depiction of journalism and newsroom dynamics.
Continue the Avery Shaw Mystery Series
Read other books in the Avery Shaw Mystery Series.
Where to Buy
View “Shot Off the Presses” on Amazon
Final Thoughts
Shot Off the Presses delivers a deft mix of newsroom humour, investigative urgency and personal growth. Amanda M. Lee leverages her journalism experience to ground Avery’s world in authenticity, even as quirky characters and clever banter keep the tone light. For readers who like cosy mysteries with substance—where the reporter doesn’t just solve crimes but also wrestles with what it means to tell the truth—this book is a standout. Whether you’re deep into the Avery Shaw series or looking for a smart entry point, this one offers both escape and engagement.