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Avery Shaw #27
Biased & Befuddled
A quiet stretch in Macomb County is interrupted by the death of a famous—or, rather, infamous—local personality.
Nick Butterfield is known by almost everybody. He’s famous for riding his bicycle, even in the dead of winter, knocking on car windows and flipping every member of the community off while unleashing a tirade of disgruntlement if they dare try to talk to him.
When he’s found dead near his favorite intersection, Avery Shaw assumes he was accidentally hit by a passing motorist. It was bound to happen eventually. The deputy on the scene, however, let’s a little something slip.
Nick wasn’t just hit by a vehicle, he was also shot. Who would want to kill a homeless man, though? Sure, Nick ticked off a lot of people with his antics, just not enough to kill him.
Avery is determined to find answers. Along the way, she’s distracted by a group on social media that she didn’t know existed until they featured an update on one of her cousins. Are We Dating the Same Guy turns into something fascinating, and maybe a little frightening. As she chases answers on Nick, she pokes local politicians about their cameos on her new favorite social media pages.
Then her two new passions show signs of colliding.
Who wanted Nick dead? Who would kill to keep their secrets from seeing the light of day?
Avery is about to find out. One way or another.
Nick Butterfield is known by almost everybody. He’s famous for riding his bicycle, even in the dead of winter, knocking on car windows and flipping every member of the community off while unleashing a tirade of disgruntlement if they dare try to talk to him.
When he’s found dead near his favorite intersection, Avery Shaw assumes he was accidentally hit by a passing motorist. It was bound to happen eventually. The deputy on the scene, however, let’s a little something slip.
Nick wasn’t just hit by a vehicle, he was also shot. Who would want to kill a homeless man, though? Sure, Nick ticked off a lot of people with his antics, just not enough to kill him.
Avery is determined to find answers. Along the way, she’s distracted by a group on social media that she didn’t know existed until they featured an update on one of her cousins. Are We Dating the Same Guy turns into something fascinating, and maybe a little frightening. As she chases answers on Nick, she pokes local politicians about their cameos on her new favorite social media pages.
Then her two new passions show signs of colliding.
Who wanted Nick dead? Who would kill to keep their secrets from seeing the light of day?
Avery is about to find out. One way or another.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2026
391 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Amanda M. Lee
297 books2,927 followersWhen I was a kid, I was torn between whether or not I was going to grow up and be the Incredible Hulk or Wonder Woman. I flirted with being a Jedi Knight for awhile, but I wasn't up for the intense travel associated with the gig. In my teens, I settled on being a writer -- although I had no idea the effort that would entail.
Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.
Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 13, 2026
Amanda M. Lee has done it again with Biased and Befuddled! As a long-time fan of the Avery Shaw Mysteries, I was thrilled to see Avery back in top form—sharp, witty, and delightfully meddlesome. This book was a true rollercoaster, full of clever twists and turns that kept me guessing right up until the end. Lee’s ability to balance humour, mystery, and heart is what makes this series a standout in the cozy mystery genre, and this latest instalment reminds me exactly why Avery remains one of my all-time favourite sleuths.
It was immensely satisfying to see Avery get her story in the end, with Jake once again proving why he’s the perfect partner, both on and off the job. Their chemistry and teamwork add warmth and energy to every page, and Lee’s signature snappy dialogue never misses a beat.
My only small gripe comes from the continuity around Carly. Long-time readers might remember that in Weddings and Whodunnit, Carly had just given birth to her son, Carlyle. In Biased and Befuddled, we suddenly find her complaining about having twins, with no mention of a second pregnancy in between. It’s a minor inconsistency, but as a devoted follower of the series, it pulled me out of the story for a moment.
Despite that, Biased and Befuddled is a fantastic addition to the Avery Shaw world—smart, funny, fast-paced, and full of heart. I adored it from start to finish and can’t wait to see where Avery’s curiosity leads her next.
It was immensely satisfying to see Avery get her story in the end, with Jake once again proving why he’s the perfect partner, both on and off the job. Their chemistry and teamwork add warmth and energy to every page, and Lee’s signature snappy dialogue never misses a beat.
My only small gripe comes from the continuity around Carly. Long-time readers might remember that in Weddings and Whodunnit, Carly had just given birth to her son, Carlyle. In Biased and Befuddled, we suddenly find her complaining about having twins, with no mention of a second pregnancy in between. It’s a minor inconsistency, but as a devoted follower of the series, it pulled me out of the story for a moment.
Despite that, Biased and Befuddled is a fantastic addition to the Avery Shaw world—smart, funny, fast-paced, and full of heart. I adored it from start to finish and can’t wait to see where Avery’s curiosity leads her next.
March 14, 2026
Excellent!
I love Avery Shaw so much, although if I met her in real life, maybe not so much 😉. I really enjoyed this story. AML really writes a compelling tale that grabs you and keeps you interested until the end. I also like that the characters continue to grow and change as the series goes on.
This time Avery's interest in one story leads to several more. With social media, politics and a murder to solve, she has her hands full. Add in arguments with her boss, Tad (of course) and Jake and Elliot and you get a fun and well written story that you just can't put down.
I love Avery Shaw so much, although if I met her in real life, maybe not so much 😉. I really enjoyed this story. AML really writes a compelling tale that grabs you and keeps you interested until the end. I also like that the characters continue to grow and change as the series goes on.
This time Avery's interest in one story leads to several more. With social media, politics and a murder to solve, she has her hands full. Add in arguments with her boss, Tad (of course) and Jake and Elliot and you get a fun and well written story that you just can't put down.
March 19, 2026
As usual you have a murder but it involves both hitting someone with a car and then shooting them which is a little unusual. We also learn Avery attended a rather small school.
She and Eliot work on solving that but there's also something major going on with the Tad Ludington storyline which seems very intense in this book, more so than before, and seems to be leading to something really major happening soon involving him, Eliot and Avery. It's more tense, it seems to me, than most of the other books. Really top-notch writing.
She and Eliot work on solving that but there's also something major going on with the Tad Ludington storyline which seems very intense in this book, more so than before, and seems to be leading to something really major happening soon involving him, Eliot and Avery. It's more tense, it seems to me, than most of the other books. Really top-notch writing.
March 11, 2026
Excellent Read
This was a fast paced read. I couldn't put this book down. I love Avery Shaw, Elliot, and Jake. These characters as so well developed over the series. Avery is predictably unpredictable. She is confident, mouthy, and sarcastic. I love when she goes after her nemesis Tad and makes a fool out of him. A fun read, action packed, and cozy mystery plus romance all in one book. The suspects of this mystery almost completely surprised me.
This was a fast paced read. I couldn't put this book down. I love Avery Shaw, Elliot, and Jake. These characters as so well developed over the series. Avery is predictably unpredictable. She is confident, mouthy, and sarcastic. I love when she goes after her nemesis Tad and makes a fool out of him. A fun read, action packed, and cozy mystery plus romance all in one book. The suspects of this mystery almost completely surprised me.
March 12, 2026
Another Great Avery Shaw Read
I LOVE this series. This book didn't disappoint. If you haven't read any other books in this series...I wouldn't start with this one. Plenty of continued storylines, character growth and you won't really understand all the underlying relationships. I highly recommend this book (and series) if you love a laugh out loud, fun and easy to read book to get lost in
I LOVE this series. This book didn't disappoint. If you haven't read any other books in this series...I wouldn't start with this one. Plenty of continued storylines, character growth and you won't really understand all the underlying relationships. I highly recommend this book (and series) if you love a laugh out loud, fun and easy to read book to get lost in
March 13, 2026
Avery Shaw is still awesome!
This is one of my favorite series from Amanda M Lee - and the latest book is no exception. Avery and Eliot are awesome - she wants to win but also wants to help those she thinks need it. He loves her for who she is and supports all of her adventures - even when he doesn’t want to. Love seeing her figure out the details and out the pieces together - and of course laughing as she makes Tad cry along the way!
This is one of my favorite series from Amanda M Lee - and the latest book is no exception. Avery and Eliot are awesome - she wants to win but also wants to help those she thinks need it. He loves her for who she is and supports all of her adventures - even when he doesn’t want to. Love seeing her figure out the details and out the pieces together - and of course laughing as she makes Tad cry along the way!
March 12, 2026
Excellent read
I highly recommend the Avery Shaw Mystery series. They are funny, intriguing books with snappy dialog. The family relationships are fascinating and oddly sweet, both the blood and found members of it. The mysteries are always full of current, news worthy concerns, in addition to hee hilarious vendetta driven stories. Enjoy.
I highly recommend the Avery Shaw Mystery series. They are funny, intriguing books with snappy dialog. The family relationships are fascinating and oddly sweet, both the blood and found members of it. The mysteries are always full of current, news worthy concerns, in addition to hee hilarious vendetta driven stories. Enjoy.
March 11, 2026
I bow down to Amanda m Lee
I have read every single Amanda m Lee and lily Harper hart book and I’ve never been disappointed I loved every single book! Avery Shaw books are so good I sadly read them in hours then pout they are over.
I have read every single Amanda m Lee and lily Harper hart book and I’ve never been disappointed I loved every single book! Avery Shaw books are so good I sadly read them in hours then pout they are over.
March 11, 2026
Amazing series
I love this series. I have read a lot of this series twice. I love the humor and the main characters. I wish these books came out a lot more often. This is the only series that I read by this author.
I love this series. I have read a lot of this series twice. I love the humor and the main characters. I wish these books came out a lot more often. This is the only series that I read by this author.
March 13, 2026
Um!
Avery is a good reporter but sometimes she takes it too far. Elliott is right about Tad, he is gonna blow and Avery is gonna get hurt. I wish she wouldn't dismiss his concerns. Lets see what she does next. On to the next adventure! 😉💚💙
Avery is a good reporter but sometimes she takes it too far. Elliott is right about Tad, he is gonna blow and Avery is gonna get hurt. I wish she wouldn't dismiss his concerns. Lets see what she does next. On to the next adventure! 😉💚💙
March 14, 2026
Oh how I love Avery!
Avery is the best I so want to be her when I grow up. I love her attitude and her ego. But in the end she proves that she knows what she is doing. Kane and Avery make the perfect team. Loved it
Avery is the best I so want to be her when I grow up. I love her attitude and her ego. But in the end she proves that she knows what she is doing. Kane and Avery make the perfect team. Loved it
March 24, 2026
What happened here?
I've read everyone of these books and I'm having a hard time believing that my favorite author actually wrote this. Alot of serious mistakes. Nobody had twins and since when is it a big deal to Fish that Avery tried to black mail him. Was this ghost written?
I've read everyone of these books and I'm having a hard time believing that my favorite author actually wrote this. Alot of serious mistakes. Nobody had twins and since when is it a big deal to Fish that Avery tried to black mail him. Was this ghost written?
March 12, 2026
4 Stars:)
March 12, 2026
Balm for the soul
If only we could all take on our politicians and win like Avery. Great story, as always. Hers are the best, don't skip them!
If only we could all take on our politicians and win like Avery. Great story, as always. Hers are the best, don't skip them!
March 17, 2026
Avery is the queen of snark
Great book! Hard to put down! Avery is one of my favorite of Amanda’s characters! Consistent, clearly written, well edited, and full of laughs!
Great book! Hard to put down! Avery is one of my favorite of Amanda’s characters! Consistent, clearly written, well edited, and full of laughs!
March 22, 2026
Love!
Avery Shaw is funny, sarcastic, egotistical, snarky and I’m here for it. I love this series. It’s a joy to read.
Avery Shaw is funny, sarcastic, egotistical, snarky and I’m here for it. I love this series. It’s a joy to read.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews