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Fixer-Upper Mystery #7
Shot Through the Hearth
Contractor Shannon Hammer is measuring murder motives in the latest Fixer-Upper Mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of A Wrench in the Works and Eaves of Destruction...
Shannon's good friend and retired tech billionaire, Raphael Nash, is loving his new retired life but he can't stay unoccupied for too long. He's started the Marigold Foundation that helps fund small companies and individuals who do humanitarian work around the world. It's an exciting time in Lighthouse Cove as Raphael hosts the first ever global conference inviting big thinkers from every area of industry to give presentations on eco-living.
Raphael's old business partner arrives in town with a grudge and a plan to steal him away from his important new passion project. Shannon knows her friend has no intention of giving up Marigold and is proud of Raphael for sticking to his guns. But when his former associate winds up dead, all signs point to Raphael.
It's up to Shannon to hammer out the details of the murder before her friend gets pinned for the crime...
Shannon's good friend and retired tech billionaire, Raphael Nash, is loving his new retired life but he can't stay unoccupied for too long. He's started the Marigold Foundation that helps fund small companies and individuals who do humanitarian work around the world. It's an exciting time in Lighthouse Cove as Raphael hosts the first ever global conference inviting big thinkers from every area of industry to give presentations on eco-living.
Raphael's old business partner arrives in town with a grudge and a plan to steal him away from his important new passion project. Shannon knows her friend has no intention of giving up Marigold and is proud of Raphael for sticking to his guns. But when his former associate winds up dead, all signs point to Raphael.
It's up to Shannon to hammer out the details of the murder before her friend gets pinned for the crime...
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2019
308 people are currently reading
1135 people want to read
About the author
Kate Carlisle
99Ìýbooks2,776ÌýfollowersGolden Heart and Daphne du Maurier Award winning author Kate Carlisle spent over twenty years working in television production as an Associate Director for game and variety shows, including The Midnight Special, Solid Gold and The Gong Show. She traveled the world as a Dating Game chaperone and performed strange acts of silliness on The Gong Show. She also studied acting and singing, toiled in vineyards, collected books, joined a commune, sold fried chicken, modeled spring fashions and worked for a cruise ship line, but it was the year she spent in law school that finally drove her to begin writing fiction. It seemed the safest way to kill off her professors. Those professors are breathing easier now that Kate spends most of her time writing near the beach in Southern California where she lives with her perfect husband.
A lifelong love of old books and an appreciation of the art of bookbinding led Kate to create the Bibliophile Mysteries, featuring rare book expert Brooklyn Wainwright, whose bookbinding and restoration skills invariably uncover old secrets, treachery and murder. Kate is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers and Romance Writers of America. She loves to drink good wine and watch other people cook.
Despite the appearance of overnight success, Kate's dream of publication took many, many years to fulfill.
A lifelong love of old books and an appreciation of the art of bookbinding led Kate to create the Bibliophile Mysteries, featuring rare book expert Brooklyn Wainwright, whose bookbinding and restoration skills invariably uncover old secrets, treachery and murder. Kate is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers and Romance Writers of America. She loves to drink good wine and watch other people cook.
Despite the appearance of overnight success, Kate's dream of publication took many, many years to fulfill.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews
June 25, 2020
Shot Through the Hearth is the 7th book in the Fixer-Upper Mystery series by Kate Carlisle. I won this book through a giveaway contest on I enjoy reading and was thrilled to get a copy. I had been declined on NetGalley and planned to buy it when the opportunity to win it popped up. What a lucky day!
The series focuses on a contractor in a small town in California who remodels Victorian homes. She often stumbles into murders, and this time, the boyfriend of one of her close friends is suspected of a crime. He's a wealthy inventory and philanthropist, but his former partner shows up to cause trouble. When the partner is found dead, everyone who knew who claims to have thought about killing him. Toss in a few writers, inventors, and associated family members, there's a bunch of people to consider. Which person did it?
Carlisle always delivers with a wonderful setting. Her descriptions are fantastic and transport you to the scene. The mystery had lots of suspects, but I do think there were more descriptions and less investigation in this tale. It worked out well otherwise, and I really enjoyed it, but I couldn't push it up to five stars this time. I needed a bit more meat on the bones. But it's still very good, and I highly recommend the series.
I always walk away from reading these books thinking the author is quite a talent. She builds vibrant people and lots of red herrings to keep you guessing. There aren't any unnecessary side plots to weigh down the overall book, which is great. There are several integral ones, but they are balanced with the main story to keep everything connected. I'm already excited to devour the next book.
The series focuses on a contractor in a small town in California who remodels Victorian homes. She often stumbles into murders, and this time, the boyfriend of one of her close friends is suspected of a crime. He's a wealthy inventory and philanthropist, but his former partner shows up to cause trouble. When the partner is found dead, everyone who knew who claims to have thought about killing him. Toss in a few writers, inventors, and associated family members, there's a bunch of people to consider. Which person did it?
Carlisle always delivers with a wonderful setting. Her descriptions are fantastic and transport you to the scene. The mystery had lots of suspects, but I do think there were more descriptions and less investigation in this tale. It worked out well otherwise, and I really enjoyed it, but I couldn't push it up to five stars this time. I needed a bit more meat on the bones. But it's still very good, and I highly recommend the series.
I always walk away from reading these books thinking the author is quite a talent. She builds vibrant people and lots of red herrings to keep you guessing. There aren't any unnecessary side plots to weigh down the overall book, which is great. There are several integral ones, but they are balanced with the main story to keep everything connected. I'm already excited to devour the next book.
October 14, 2019
I love old houses, and the idea of a construction company that specializes in the restoration and reconstruction of old Victorians makes me happy in my soul. There's just something magical and homey in an old house. The main character in Kate Carlisle's Fixer-upper Mystery series, Shannon Hammer, breathes new life into old Victorian houses...so of course, I had to give this series a try!
Shot Through the Hearth is the 7th book in the series. Normally I don't jump into a series after so many books, but I was willing to try it to see if I would like the characters and the plot. I'm glad I did! This was an enjoyable cozy! I was easily able to figure out most of the characters and their relationships, although I think I would have understood the nuances a bit better had I started at the beginning of this series.
In Shot Through the Hearth, Hammer Construction is hired for a complicated reconstruction and new construction project. They have 8 months to refurbish a large Victorian home, and build some green eco-friendly structures, including an eco-friendly barn. Their client, Rafe Nash, made his millions in the tech industry and energy efficient inventions. He plans an eco-friendly convention just after the construction projects are finished. Shannon finds herself really liking Rafe (which is good since he is engaged to a close friend of hers), but his business partner, Dillon, is another matter altogether. Things get dicey when a body is found in the barn during the convention.....and then another body turns up. With more than 500 people in attendance at the conference and most of them quirky in one way or another.....there are a lot of suspects and lots of investigation!
For me this was a nice introduction to this series. I'm definitely going to backtrack and read the Fixer-upper Mysteries from the beginning!
**I voluntarily read an advanced review copy of this book from Berkley via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
Shot Through the Hearth is the 7th book in the series. Normally I don't jump into a series after so many books, but I was willing to try it to see if I would like the characters and the plot. I'm glad I did! This was an enjoyable cozy! I was easily able to figure out most of the characters and their relationships, although I think I would have understood the nuances a bit better had I started at the beginning of this series.
In Shot Through the Hearth, Hammer Construction is hired for a complicated reconstruction and new construction project. They have 8 months to refurbish a large Victorian home, and build some green eco-friendly structures, including an eco-friendly barn. Their client, Rafe Nash, made his millions in the tech industry and energy efficient inventions. He plans an eco-friendly convention just after the construction projects are finished. Shannon finds herself really liking Rafe (which is good since he is engaged to a close friend of hers), but his business partner, Dillon, is another matter altogether. Things get dicey when a body is found in the barn during the convention.....and then another body turns up. With more than 500 people in attendance at the conference and most of them quirky in one way or another.....there are a lot of suspects and lots of investigation!
For me this was a nice introduction to this series. I'm definitely going to backtrack and read the Fixer-upper Mysteries from the beginning!
**I voluntarily read an advanced review copy of this book from Berkley via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
October 7, 2019
Series: Fixer-Upper Mystery #7
Publication Date: 10/31/19
Number of Pages: 304
This was my first book in this series and I am impressed. Of course, I expected to be impressed since I have read all of the books in the author’s Bibliophile Mystery series and have loved each and every one of them. I’ve also watched a few of the movies based on this series and liked them okay, but wasn’t totally impressed. My belief is that the book is always better than the movie � and that was certainly correct this time. I like both Shannon and Mac much better in the book! I liked the lighthearted banter between Shannon and Mac and also between Shannon and her friends.
Shannon and her construction company are undertaking their biggest job yet and it is really exciting for them because they will be doing some types of construction they’ve never done before. Not only will they be refurbishing an old farmhouse, but they’ll also be constructing all the venues for a huge environmental/earth survival conference where all of the latest green building technologies will be featured. This is all at the behest their client Raphael (Rafe) Nash who is a retired tech bazillionaire who is engaged to one of Shannon’s best friends � Marigold.
As the conference begins, Shannon meets some really strange people who are involved in all sorts of planet-saving research and/or projects. Some are true ding-a-lings, some are serious believers, and others are putting their drive and intelligence to good use by developing earth sustaining products. Everybody seems really excited about this first-ever conference � and the chance to win a grant from the newly formed Marigold Foundation.
It isn’t too long into the conference before a body is found. The victim was a real dastard and wasn’t liked by anyone � meaning that there are well over five-hundred suspects. Finding someone who didn’t want him dead would be an easier task. As both the conference and the investigation continue � other strange things happen � and then another body. Who is trying to ruin the conference? Or � is someone also trying to kill Rafe or Marigold?
Mac and Shannon continue to help the Police Chief with the investigation because they want to assure that their friends, Rafe and Marigold, aren’t harmed.
One of my favorite parts has to do with Shannon and the ‘smart� mice. Also, as I mentioned before, the humor and banter among the main characters are delightful. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and definitely recommend it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 10/31/19
Number of Pages: 304
This was my first book in this series and I am impressed. Of course, I expected to be impressed since I have read all of the books in the author’s Bibliophile Mystery series and have loved each and every one of them. I’ve also watched a few of the movies based on this series and liked them okay, but wasn’t totally impressed. My belief is that the book is always better than the movie � and that was certainly correct this time. I like both Shannon and Mac much better in the book! I liked the lighthearted banter between Shannon and Mac and also between Shannon and her friends.
Shannon and her construction company are undertaking their biggest job yet and it is really exciting for them because they will be doing some types of construction they’ve never done before. Not only will they be refurbishing an old farmhouse, but they’ll also be constructing all the venues for a huge environmental/earth survival conference where all of the latest green building technologies will be featured. This is all at the behest their client Raphael (Rafe) Nash who is a retired tech bazillionaire who is engaged to one of Shannon’s best friends � Marigold.
As the conference begins, Shannon meets some really strange people who are involved in all sorts of planet-saving research and/or projects. Some are true ding-a-lings, some are serious believers, and others are putting their drive and intelligence to good use by developing earth sustaining products. Everybody seems really excited about this first-ever conference � and the chance to win a grant from the newly formed Marigold Foundation.
It isn’t too long into the conference before a body is found. The victim was a real dastard and wasn’t liked by anyone � meaning that there are well over five-hundred suspects. Finding someone who didn’t want him dead would be an easier task. As both the conference and the investigation continue � other strange things happen � and then another body. Who is trying to ruin the conference? Or � is someone also trying to kill Rafe or Marigold?
Mac and Shannon continue to help the Police Chief with the investigation because they want to assure that their friends, Rafe and Marigold, aren’t harmed.
One of my favorite parts has to do with Shannon and the ‘smart� mice. Also, as I mentioned before, the humor and banter among the main characters are delightful. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and definitely recommend it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 24, 2019
Shot Through the Hearth by Kate Carlisle is the seventh book in this series and did not disappoint. The characters are fully developed now but they can still show us some surprises in this story. The story moved quickly and there were plenty of twists to keep me guessing. I love this series and wish I could visit Lighthouse Cove and meet the characters in person.
October 25, 2019
Shot Through the Hearth by Kate Carlisle is the seventh A Fixer-Upper Mystery. It can be read by those familiar with the series as well as newcomers. I found Shot Through the Hearth to be a delightful cozy mystery. Shannon Hammer is excited by the challenge of Rafe’s project. He not only wants his Victorian farmhouse renovated, Rafe wishes a unique tower (the Ecosphere) to be constructed and for them to hold a barn raising. It will be Shannon and her crews first barn. Rafe also wants them to use green materials as well as unique eco-friendly gadgets. The one downside is they only have eight months to complete Rafe’s list since he plans on holding the first Future Global Survival Con. The conference begins and we are introduced to a quirky cast of characters. There is Marcus Reedy with his special vine, Stephanie to Midge Andresen with her sandcastle worms. Sketch Horn, an author, is also in attendance and Mac is not thrilled (wait until you meet him). When Rafe’s old business partner, Dillon Charles is murdered, there are a host of suspects who could have killed the unpleasant man. There are good clues and some unexpected revelations. As the conference continues, there are a series of unfortunate events including another death. Shannon with help from her boyfriend, Mac work to uncover the culprit. I love the banter between Mac and Shannon. They are a couple who are truly meant for each other. I appreciate that Shannon and Mac share information with Eric Jensen, the chief of police. The female readers will relish the character Niall Rose with his Scottish brogue and the descriptions of him wearing his kilt. I laughed often while reading Shot Through the Hearth. It is a humorous story that I was sorry to see end. I especially enjoyed Shannon’s reaction to the smart mice (it was hilarious). Shot Through the Hearth is told in the first person which I normally dislike, but it works for this series. We get to see things from Shannon’s perspective which can be highly entertaining at times (like with the smart mice). There is one scene at the end that had me in stitches. I cannot wait to read the next installment in A Fixer-Upper Mystery series. Shot Through the Hearth is a captivating cozy mystery with a barn building, flirtatious fauna, puzzling patents, malicious mushrooms, wacky worms and a dazzling detective duo.
October 6, 2019
...You give love a bad name (said with a nod to one of my favorite Bon Jovi songs from years past) and another to the author, whose easy-to-read mysteries - and the characters in them - have become favorites as well. This one is the seventh in the "Fixer-Upper" series, which features the very capable, intelligent and never wimpy building contractor Shannon Hammer. Those qualities, nearly always lacking in the heroines of most cozy mysteries I've read, made me love her in last year's A Wrench in the Works, so I was super-delighted that my request for an advance review copy of this one from the publisher (through NetGalley) was granted.
Although Victorian restoration is her company's specialty (plus a new line of tiny houses that are becoming quite popular in the real world), it is a barn-raising that brings her to the home of filthy rich Rafe Nash, now retired and starting a foundation to help fund humanitarian efforts worldwide. She's also charged with renovating his mansion and erecting what will be called an Ecosphere, a plant-friendly tower - and most of these projects must be completed in time for Nash's upcoming inaugural Future Global Survival Con that will bring thousands to the property.
She's joined by her capable company team, her tight-knit group of female friends (which includes Marigold, Nash's soon-to-be bride), her hunky ex-Navy Seal and now best-selling writer boyfriend Mac and a few other notables such as her dad and his brother Pete. Add a cadre of "smart mice" - yes, real critters - to the mix (Shannon doesn't fear much, but if she's got a list, these rodents are at the top), and you've got the blueprint for an interesting, hard-to-put-down book.
As the conference gets under way, the barn-raising project comes to an abrupt halt when Rafe's partner in the company he just left - a total jerk - turns up dead as one of the door nails. That incident forms the foundation for the rest of the story, during which yet another body turns up, Rafe's life is threatened and Shannon tries to juggle the barn-raising and worry about her dad's newfound love life with figuring out the murderer's identity and keeping her distance from those dreaded mice. Fast-forward a few ills, spills and chills, and it shapes up to be another one well done. Kudos once again!
Although Victorian restoration is her company's specialty (plus a new line of tiny houses that are becoming quite popular in the real world), it is a barn-raising that brings her to the home of filthy rich Rafe Nash, now retired and starting a foundation to help fund humanitarian efforts worldwide. She's also charged with renovating his mansion and erecting what will be called an Ecosphere, a plant-friendly tower - and most of these projects must be completed in time for Nash's upcoming inaugural Future Global Survival Con that will bring thousands to the property.
She's joined by her capable company team, her tight-knit group of female friends (which includes Marigold, Nash's soon-to-be bride), her hunky ex-Navy Seal and now best-selling writer boyfriend Mac and a few other notables such as her dad and his brother Pete. Add a cadre of "smart mice" - yes, real critters - to the mix (Shannon doesn't fear much, but if she's got a list, these rodents are at the top), and you've got the blueprint for an interesting, hard-to-put-down book.
As the conference gets under way, the barn-raising project comes to an abrupt halt when Rafe's partner in the company he just left - a total jerk - turns up dead as one of the door nails. That incident forms the foundation for the rest of the story, during which yet another body turns up, Rafe's life is threatened and Shannon tries to juggle the barn-raising and worry about her dad's newfound love life with figuring out the murderer's identity and keeping her distance from those dreaded mice. Fast-forward a few ills, spills and chills, and it shapes up to be another one well done. Kudos once again!
December 14, 2019
Shannon is not only taking on the biggest job they've ever had, but a barn raising, joining a foundation board, participating in an eco-friendly convention and of course finding the killer of the body she finds! She better be quick at figuring out this mystery though or she and one of her friends may end up dead in the process. Excellent characters elevate an already exciting plot to make for a fabulous and entertaining read! This series is quite good and I do recommend reading it from the first book through to prolong your entertainment and enjoyment as well as building a foundation for the relationships among the characters.
October 20, 2019
Series: A Fixer-Upper Mystery - Book 7
Author: Kate Carlisle
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Renovation
Publisher: Berkley
Page Count: 304
Publishing Date: October 29, 2019
The latest in the “A Fixer-Upper Mystery� series from Berkley comes Kate Carlisle’s Shot Through the Hearth.
Ms. Carlisle is a well known and talented writer. Her cozy mysteries are well written, and original with unforgettable characters. The Fixer-Upper series is a fan favorite and for good reason. The characters are the kind of people many of us would love to have as friends and neighbors, as well as co-workers and family. The returning cast is well developed, with personalities unique to this author's books.
Cozy mysteries, in general, have plots that aren’t too heavy-handed, and characters that fans want to follow. A home renovator base is for many a fun exploration of a career readers flock too. For many of us who watch endless television shows on renovation or who do home reno’s, it is a pleasure to have a book and series that encapsulates our passion for these types of professions and hobbies.
In this addition to the Fixer-Upper cozy mysteries, Shannon once again finds herself trying to find a killer without becoming a potential victim or suspect as she has in the past. One murder turns into two, and if she doesn’t find out who is behind it all, there could be even more. Luckily, she has help in the form of her friends, and her boyfriend, Mac. Most of the guests at the conference are there to finds ways to help the earth and people survive, but some are there to seek fame and fortune and are not very likable, perhaps even a bit crazy.
Before long, Shannon realizes that one of them may also be desperate enough to have killed multiple times and could have every intention of doing it again. By happenstance, Shannon spies the killer in the nick of time and rushes in to save the day. Using anything she can get her hands on and hoping that Mac and Rafe make it on time, she decides to make a move to stop a killer. In the end, the killer is captured, and everyone is safe.
I am happy to recommend this book Shot Through the Hearth and these cozy mysteries to fans of home renovation, conservation, and lovers of all things mysterious.
Author: Kate Carlisle
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Renovation
Publisher: Berkley
Page Count: 304
Publishing Date: October 29, 2019
The latest in the “A Fixer-Upper Mystery� series from Berkley comes Kate Carlisle’s Shot Through the Hearth.
Ms. Carlisle is a well known and talented writer. Her cozy mysteries are well written, and original with unforgettable characters. The Fixer-Upper series is a fan favorite and for good reason. The characters are the kind of people many of us would love to have as friends and neighbors, as well as co-workers and family. The returning cast is well developed, with personalities unique to this author's books.
Cozy mysteries, in general, have plots that aren’t too heavy-handed, and characters that fans want to follow. A home renovator base is for many a fun exploration of a career readers flock too. For many of us who watch endless television shows on renovation or who do home reno’s, it is a pleasure to have a book and series that encapsulates our passion for these types of professions and hobbies.
In this addition to the Fixer-Upper cozy mysteries, Shannon once again finds herself trying to find a killer without becoming a potential victim or suspect as she has in the past. One murder turns into two, and if she doesn’t find out who is behind it all, there could be even more. Luckily, she has help in the form of her friends, and her boyfriend, Mac. Most of the guests at the conference are there to finds ways to help the earth and people survive, but some are there to seek fame and fortune and are not very likable, perhaps even a bit crazy.
Before long, Shannon realizes that one of them may also be desperate enough to have killed multiple times and could have every intention of doing it again. By happenstance, Shannon spies the killer in the nick of time and rushes in to save the day. Using anything she can get her hands on and hoping that Mac and Rafe make it on time, she decides to make a move to stop a killer. In the end, the killer is captured, and everyone is safe.
I am happy to recommend this book Shot Through the Hearth and these cozy mysteries to fans of home renovation, conservation, and lovers of all things mysterious.
October 31, 2019
Kate Carlisle’s books are quickly becoming a favorite amongst Cozy Mysteries so I was very excited to read SHOT THROUGH THE HEARTH. This is the seventh book in the Fixer-Upper Mystery series and although I honestly don’t have much interest in this topic, I do really like Shannon a lot and that is the main reason why I like this series.
When Shannon’s friend Raphael Nash asks her to help with a massive project, which will benefit humanitarians, she knows that she’s in for a lot of work. However, she doesn’t count on a rival to try and sabotage the billionaire’s plans. When the rival ends up dead, she must now try to get to the bottom of this mystery and clear Raphael’s name before the trouble really starts.
Although I wasn’t fully committed to the premise of this book as much as I have been with the other books in this series, I found myself still enjoying this book. Like I mentioned before, I really think this is due to Shannon’s character. Not only if she fun and charming, but she’s also quite logical and when it comes to this genre where these amateur sleuths can get themselves into a various of silly situations, I think this is important. So although a lot of things happens, it’s never too over-the-top and I totally appreciate this. It makes me enjoy the series a lot more.
July 17, 2019
The seventh book of the Fixer-upper series find Shannon Hammer working her largest project for Raphael Nash, an billionaire who has purchased a large piece land in Lighthouse Cove. She is restoring the house for Marigold, his wife. He has form a Foundation named after his wife. He has plans for a worldwide eco conference while the reconstruction is occurring. Things are moving along until his X- business partner arrives holding to lure him back to his business. He is found dead and all the clues point to Raphael as the killer. Shannon and crew must find an answer so the work can continue and eco-conference will occur. I highly recommend this book and series.
Disclosure: Thanks Berkley for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
Disclosure: Thanks Berkley for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
July 10, 2020
I usually really enjoy this series. But I found the MC annoying. It seemed she was just nosy and lots of speculation . I hope the next book is better.
April 29, 2021
4 stelle e mezza
Mi piace questa serie, ma questo libro mi ha lasciata un po' perplessa: al centro di tutto c'è una conferenza sullo sviluppo sostenibile, ma la protagonista non fa che incontrare una persona più strana (o matta) dell'altra... Non è proprio una bella pubblicità alla salvaguardia dell'ambiente! A parte questo ho particolarmente apprezzato le poche pagine dedicate alle tiny houses: visto che la protagonista ha iniziato a produrle, spero che prima o poi siano al centro di un libro. Alla fine, il mio voto è più alla serie che al libro in sé stesso (a cui darei una mezza stella in meno).
Mi piace questa serie, ma questo libro mi ha lasciata un po' perplessa: al centro di tutto c'è una conferenza sullo sviluppo sostenibile, ma la protagonista non fa che incontrare una persona più strana (o matta) dell'altra... Non è proprio una bella pubblicità alla salvaguardia dell'ambiente! A parte questo ho particolarmente apprezzato le poche pagine dedicate alle tiny houses: visto che la protagonista ha iniziato a produrle, spero che prima o poi siano al centro di un libro. Alla fine, il mio voto è più alla serie che al libro in sé stesso (a cui darei una mezza stella in meno).
November 16, 2019
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Shannon Hammer, contractor extraordinaire, knew her job for billionaire Raphael Nash was going to be a huge job but big thinking Rafe has expanded his plans for his project and Hammer’s construction crew and for Lighthouse Cove too. Not only does he want the home on his property renovated he adds a barn-raising and a garden tower all to be completed before a global conference about eco-living. He has a vast schedule of events with many guest speakers, including Mac, Lighthouse Cove’s resident author. Rafe has also created the Marigold Foundation, named after his lady love, to award money for research and ecologic humanitarian work around the world. He hopes the conference will become an annual event.
While Rafe Nash is over the moon excited about the foundation and conference, his former partner Dillon Charles is not happy. He wants Rafe to come back to the company they built together and to do new projects together. Rafe tries hard to explain he has a new life in Lighthouse Cove and has no plans to leave it but Charles is not backing down.
Then as the barn-raising gets underway Dillion Charles is found dead and Rafe finds himself at the top of the suspect list. Shannon vows to help her friend. She plans to find the real killer before he gets screwed for a crime he didn’t commit
___
I am always excited when a book in this series is released. With a little home construction experience, I am always pulled into Shannon’s new project and all the drama that surrounds it. Because of this series, I look at every Victorian home that crosses my path in a new light. This time the project is huge and takes about 8 months to complete so we don’t get as many details of all the work completed but the author gives us plenty of information to visualize not only the house with its wonderful outside living space, but the grounds, the barn, the tower, and the unique pods Rafe Nash brings in for his conference.
Ms. Carlisle has also constructed a fantastic mystery. The victim was shady and unlikable. As the story continues information comes to light the pries the suspect list wide open. Many people have a motive, the key is the opportunity. A second death gives a little more focus to who did the deed and readers are taken right into the middle of the scary big reveal when all the clues fall into place. That wasn’t the only scary moment, there are a few that added to the suspense of the story. I was captivated by the process and each little twist and I was still totally surprised at the end.
I enjoy that Shannon is a woman in a male-dominated field who knows her job but isn’t afraid to admit when she doesn’t know something. Her field is Victorian restoration, not barn building, and she sent one of her crew to witness and help in an Amish barn raising and bring back what he learned to have their job go off without a hitch. Her crew, many of who worked with her dad, trust her and they work together like a well-oiled machine.
Shannon also has a strong man in her life and he is right there to help when she finds herself dealing with yet another dead body. Of course, Eric Jensen, the chief of police, is on the scene and kept in the loop on everything Shannon uncovers. Her father is not quite as involved this time but it is for a good reason. Her uncle also makes an appearance. All the characters have a purpose and the dialogue flows so well.
Engaging characters and another fine mystery. A great addition to this series. Each one has been A PERFECT ESCAPE foe me and I recommend them all.
Shannon Hammer, contractor extraordinaire, knew her job for billionaire Raphael Nash was going to be a huge job but big thinking Rafe has expanded his plans for his project and Hammer’s construction crew and for Lighthouse Cove too. Not only does he want the home on his property renovated he adds a barn-raising and a garden tower all to be completed before a global conference about eco-living. He has a vast schedule of events with many guest speakers, including Mac, Lighthouse Cove’s resident author. Rafe has also created the Marigold Foundation, named after his lady love, to award money for research and ecologic humanitarian work around the world. He hopes the conference will become an annual event.
While Rafe Nash is over the moon excited about the foundation and conference, his former partner Dillon Charles is not happy. He wants Rafe to come back to the company they built together and to do new projects together. Rafe tries hard to explain he has a new life in Lighthouse Cove and has no plans to leave it but Charles is not backing down.
Then as the barn-raising gets underway Dillion Charles is found dead and Rafe finds himself at the top of the suspect list. Shannon vows to help her friend. She plans to find the real killer before he gets screwed for a crime he didn’t commit
___
I am always excited when a book in this series is released. With a little home construction experience, I am always pulled into Shannon’s new project and all the drama that surrounds it. Because of this series, I look at every Victorian home that crosses my path in a new light. This time the project is huge and takes about 8 months to complete so we don’t get as many details of all the work completed but the author gives us plenty of information to visualize not only the house with its wonderful outside living space, but the grounds, the barn, the tower, and the unique pods Rafe Nash brings in for his conference.
Ms. Carlisle has also constructed a fantastic mystery. The victim was shady and unlikable. As the story continues information comes to light the pries the suspect list wide open. Many people have a motive, the key is the opportunity. A second death gives a little more focus to who did the deed and readers are taken right into the middle of the scary big reveal when all the clues fall into place. That wasn’t the only scary moment, there are a few that added to the suspense of the story. I was captivated by the process and each little twist and I was still totally surprised at the end.
I enjoy that Shannon is a woman in a male-dominated field who knows her job but isn’t afraid to admit when she doesn’t know something. Her field is Victorian restoration, not barn building, and she sent one of her crew to witness and help in an Amish barn raising and bring back what he learned to have their job go off without a hitch. Her crew, many of who worked with her dad, trust her and they work together like a well-oiled machine.
Shannon also has a strong man in her life and he is right there to help when she finds herself dealing with yet another dead body. Of course, Eric Jensen, the chief of police, is on the scene and kept in the loop on everything Shannon uncovers. Her father is not quite as involved this time but it is for a good reason. Her uncle also makes an appearance. All the characters have a purpose and the dialogue flows so well.
Engaging characters and another fine mystery. A great addition to this series. Each one has been A PERFECT ESCAPE foe me and I recommend them all.
May 10, 2020
Shannon Hammer has a remodeling company. She has taken on a very ambitious project to remodel a home, build a high tech green tower and a barn for a local retired tech billionaire.., Rapheal Nash.
He wants it all done in time for the first meeting of a Green Foundation/Eco-living conference he is having on his property.
Raphael's old business partner arrives in town to convince him to come back to the company they owned together inventing and manufacturing new products.
Raphaels's partner turns up dead in the middle of the convention. And of course Raphael is the prime suspect. Great characters, some craziness and fun.
Would recommend.
He wants it all done in time for the first meeting of a Green Foundation/Eco-living conference he is having on his property.
Raphael's old business partner arrives in town to convince him to come back to the company they owned together inventing and manufacturing new products.
Raphaels's partner turns up dead in the middle of the convention. And of course Raphael is the prime suspect. Great characters, some craziness and fun.
Would recommend.
October 14, 2019
3.5 stars
Shot Through the Hearth is a nice addition to the Fixer-Upper Mystery series featuring a unique protagonist, construction contractor Shannon Hammer. This time around, a murderer potentially targets Shannon's friends, Shannon feels particularly invested in solving the murder of nasty Dillon Charles.
I enjoyed the book but not as much as some others in the series. The victim is totally unlikable so I felt no sympathy for his demise. The conference attendees (and suspects) are so eccentric that they all became unpleasant. The mystery is a satisfactory puzzle.
Shot Through the Hearth is a nice addition to the Fixer-Upper Mystery series featuring a unique protagonist, construction contractor Shannon Hammer. This time around, a murderer potentially targets Shannon's friends, Shannon feels particularly invested in solving the murder of nasty Dillon Charles.
I enjoyed the book but not as much as some others in the series. The victim is totally unlikable so I felt no sympathy for his demise. The conference attendees (and suspects) are so eccentric that they all became unpleasant. The mystery is a satisfactory puzzle.
May 14, 2022
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery, set in Northern California! It's a series book, but this series can be read in any order!
June 24, 2020
This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series. I had been so over-extended on my ARC reading that I hadn't had a chance to pick up this book until now. I always know that when I pick up a book in this series that I am going to be transported by the author's descriptions of the setting. Along with her descriptive writing style, Ms. Carlisle has a knack for creating characters that resonate with me as a reader and crafting an engaging mystery with plenty of twists, turns, and red herrings to divert her readers. Shannon Hammer is a wonderful protagonist. She is smart, caring, and careful because she does have a way of either finding a dead body or being in the vicinity when one is found. As always, Shannon is surrounded by her boyfriend Mac and her close circle of girlfriends. I think the author has done a great job with Shannon and Mac's relationship. It has progressed naturally over the course of the series and they seem to complement each other nicely. While Mac worries about Shannon's sleuthing, he is supportive and jumps in where needed. Her girlfriends are all diverse and supportive of Shannon, as she is of them.
The mystery in this book was well done. Shannon is helping her tech billionaire friend with his farm in Lighthouse Cove along with the conference that is being held on the grounds. Of course, Shannon is near when the dead body of her friend's business partner is discovered leading her to put on her detective hat. Ms. Carlisle has crafted an engaging mystery that kept me guessing until the end. There are plenty of twists, turns, and red-herrings that are of course designed to misdirect attention. The victim was not well-liked so there were plenty of suspects to choose from and of course, I did not have a clue.
This is a wonderful series that keeps me entertained and wanting to see what happens next. I've already pre-ordered the next book in the series, due out late this year. I'm looking forward to returning to Lighthouse Cove to see what adventure awaits Shannon.
The mystery in this book was well done. Shannon is helping her tech billionaire friend with his farm in Lighthouse Cove along with the conference that is being held on the grounds. Of course, Shannon is near when the dead body of her friend's business partner is discovered leading her to put on her detective hat. Ms. Carlisle has crafted an engaging mystery that kept me guessing until the end. There are plenty of twists, turns, and red-herrings that are of course designed to misdirect attention. The victim was not well-liked so there were plenty of suspects to choose from and of course, I did not have a clue.
This is a wonderful series that keeps me entertained and wanting to see what happens next. I've already pre-ordered the next book in the series, due out late this year. I'm looking forward to returning to Lighthouse Cove to see what adventure awaits Shannon.
November 21, 2019
One heck of a conference!
Well, I have to say this book was very different from it's predecessors. As I finished it I felt like I had been running around the conference myself. I loved how this was a different kind of project for Shannon, and especially liked how many of the other characters were actively involved in the project. As always, it was well written and characters were well developed especially the ones readers have gotten to know through the earlier books. The setting also sounds amazing. It was really fun and interesting to hear about the wacky and larger than life participants and projects. The book was wonderful but I can't help but wonder how Shannon could top this book. I'm really looking forward to the next book and maybe another book down the line to hear updates on some of the more colorful characters.
Well, I have to say this book was very different from it's predecessors. As I finished it I felt like I had been running around the conference myself. I loved how this was a different kind of project for Shannon, and especially liked how many of the other characters were actively involved in the project. As always, it was well written and characters were well developed especially the ones readers have gotten to know through the earlier books. The setting also sounds amazing. It was really fun and interesting to hear about the wacky and larger than life participants and projects. The book was wonderful but I can't help but wonder how Shannon could top this book. I'm really looking forward to the next book and maybe another book down the line to hear updates on some of the more colorful characters.
January 29, 2021
Actually 4.25 stars
Contractor Shannon Hammer is fixing up an old farm for a conference run by her friend Marigold's fiance, tech billionaire Rafe Nash, when the body of Rafe's former business partner is found during the barn raising. Are Shannon, Rafe, and Shannon's writer boyfriend Mack Sullivan attending a conference with a killer?
So far, this is my favorite of the Fixer-Upper Mysteries. While Shannon is involved in solving the crime, her presence (as someone not part of law enforcement) doesn't seem intrusive, but instead feels very natural. The supporting characters are great, and the scientists have just the right bit of eccentricity. It's a really great cozy mystery.
Contractor Shannon Hammer is fixing up an old farm for a conference run by her friend Marigold's fiance, tech billionaire Rafe Nash, when the body of Rafe's former business partner is found during the barn raising. Are Shannon, Rafe, and Shannon's writer boyfriend Mack Sullivan attending a conference with a killer?
So far, this is my favorite of the Fixer-Upper Mysteries. While Shannon is involved in solving the crime, her presence (as someone not part of law enforcement) doesn't seem intrusive, but instead feels very natural. The supporting characters are great, and the scientists have just the right bit of eccentricity. It's a really great cozy mystery.
November 16, 2019
Shannon’s friend Raphael, billionaire has Shannon redo his whole house, adding a barn and several other buildings all green. Raphael’s old business partner comes to town baring a grudge and trying to get Raphael to come back to the company. The former partner end’s up dead with Raphael the top suspect. Shannon gets involved and finds several things out about his former partner.
April 17, 2020
I love this series, and I loved this book. I love reading about Shannon and Mac and Shannon's family and crew. Good mystery with lots of suspects. Didn't see the ending coming. Fun to read!
October 22, 2024
Loved it! The characters are great, I really like Shannon and Mac together, they make a great crime fighting duo. The mystery was good and the conference came with lots of whackadoodles to keep us entertained as we solved the case. I’m already looking forward to reading the next book.
February 17, 2020
Judging from other reviews, I'm out of the mainstream in my dislike for this book. True, it's very easy to read, and the protagonist is smart and capable. But the tone just didn't work for me. There's a kind of saccharine quality to all of the characters, and the women are all so reliably paired up with men who want to take care of them (and even though they push back on this, it's definitely there). When one of the bad guys makes fun of a character's girlfriend for being uninteresting and for her name being cow-like, a part of me couldn't help but wonder if Carlisle wasn't setting him up when she named her Marigold.
What bothered me the most, though, was the hero of the piece, Rafe. He swoops into town with more money than he knows what to do with and has all sorts of grandiose plans to (literally) save the world. He's supposed to be this business genius and inventor. He seems high maintenance to me, but everyone just loves him. We're supposed to believe that all the people at the save the world conference that he hosts on his property (but seems to spend remarkably little time running. Who is actually in charge of that conference? Every conference I've been to or been involved with generally has multiple people running around madly to keep everything going smoothly) are weirdos, but I honestly couldn't see what separated him from the rest. The fact that he had money? That he was devoted to Shannon's friend Marigold (who never really emerges as much of a personality).
I haven't read any other books by Carlisle before this one, but I had heard great things about the bibliophile series. After this one, though, I'm not so sure.
I received an ARC of this book from Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ in exchange for an honest review.
What bothered me the most, though, was the hero of the piece, Rafe. He swoops into town with more money than he knows what to do with and has all sorts of grandiose plans to (literally) save the world. He's supposed to be this business genius and inventor. He seems high maintenance to me, but everyone just loves him. We're supposed to believe that all the people at the save the world conference that he hosts on his property (but seems to spend remarkably little time running. Who is actually in charge of that conference? Every conference I've been to or been involved with generally has multiple people running around madly to keep everything going smoothly) are weirdos, but I honestly couldn't see what separated him from the rest. The fact that he had money? That he was devoted to Shannon's friend Marigold (who never really emerges as much of a personality).
I haven't read any other books by Carlisle before this one, but I had heard great things about the bibliophile series. After this one, though, I'm not so sure.
I received an ARC of this book from Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ in exchange for an honest review.
February 29, 2020
Hammer Construction has been given their most challenging project yet, Raphael Nash would like them to completely renovate his farmhouse, and a barn and lay the foundation for another barn in less than eight months and then in less than a week raise a barn on the foundation using eco products - whilst a global eco conference is happening on the site, Shannon and her two foremen (well one foreman and a forewoman) take a deep breath and say they can do it, and they get everything ready a good while before the conference is due to start (including a large concrete tower that will house plants and have louvred windows that are solar powered).Ìý The only thing Shannon is now worried about is the barn raising, never having done anything like that before, but one of her staff has friends in Pennsylvania and so he headed over there to take part in and discuss how to do a barn raising.Ìý So far so good, but at the opening evening Shannon and Mac witness Raphael's prior business partner having various arguments, including a very heated one with Raphael himself, but no one expects to find the man well and truly dead under that beams etc for the barn.
Now Shannon and Mac have been drafted in by Raphael to find out what happened as all finger, police wise, seem to be pointed at him (even though Eric the police chief can't believe it but he has to follow where the clues lead, now all Shannon, her friends and staff want is to have everything sorted so life can get back to normal!
Now Shannon and Mac have been drafted in by Raphael to find out what happened as all finger, police wise, seem to be pointed at him (even though Eric the police chief can't believe it but he has to follow where the clues lead, now all Shannon, her friends and staff want is to have everything sorted so life can get back to normal!
June 14, 2019
Shannon Hale is back in action with one of the largest jobs she's had to date. Newly local Rafe (Raphael Nash, retired Tech billionaire and fiances to Shannon's friend Marigold) has asked Shannon and her crew to restore the Victorian house he recently acquired as a home for he and Marigold. In addition to the restoration, Rafe has asked that a new barn be built, the old barn repaired, land be cleared and a new eco-greenhouse be built in time for a survival conference he plans to host the next year. Shannon agrees and restoration and construction go as planned, without incident. Until the actual conference, when during the barn raising, a dead body is discovered under the framing of one of the barn sides.
Dead bodies find Shannon, and this Fixer-Upper mystery number 7 is no exception. Shannon, along with her friends and boyfriend, Mac, become entrenched in solving this who-dunnit. Shannon's character is tough and feisty; she's a woman who owns and runs her own construction business, so there is much to be admired. Just light enough, just mysterious enough, these cozy mysteries are fun and light-hearted enough to not be taken too seriously, yet keep the reader coming back for more. This is a fun way to while away a rainy afternoon, or would work well as a beach read. I was glad for the chance to read this in advance of publication.
Dead bodies find Shannon, and this Fixer-Upper mystery number 7 is no exception. Shannon, along with her friends and boyfriend, Mac, become entrenched in solving this who-dunnit. Shannon's character is tough and feisty; she's a woman who owns and runs her own construction business, so there is much to be admired. Just light enough, just mysterious enough, these cozy mysteries are fun and light-hearted enough to not be taken too seriously, yet keep the reader coming back for more. This is a fun way to while away a rainy afternoon, or would work well as a beach read. I was glad for the chance to read this in advance of publication.
April 29, 2020
A building renovation contractor is asked to add eco-conscious living when she renovates an old California farmhouse. Then the wealthy owner decides to host an eco-conference. This brings in all kinds of over-the-top new characters (writers are allowed do that because it helps us tell the characters apart) to mix with the established cast list in town.
Some of the characters have sensibilities which may get hurt, while others have existing grudges. When a murder occurs our lady builder tries to sort out what happened.
I can't believe the wealthy businessman doesn't have security staff, in a country which appears to have more guns than adults. I can't believe security staff were not needed on the shopping list for a conference. I can't believe he didn't add security after a murder occurred on his premises. Otherwise the book is good fun.
I downloaded an e-ARC from Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
Some of the characters have sensibilities which may get hurt, while others have existing grudges. When a murder occurs our lady builder tries to sort out what happened.
I can't believe the wealthy businessman doesn't have security staff, in a country which appears to have more guns than adults. I can't believe security staff were not needed on the shopping list for a conference. I can't believe he didn't add security after a murder occurred on his premises. Otherwise the book is good fun.
I downloaded an e-ARC from Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
August 26, 2020
Shannon and her crew have been asked to help out Marigold's beau, Rafe, by renovating his house, building him a new barn, and constructing an ecospehere all before a big convention he's throwing. It's a good, exciting gig, and her crew sees it through in time, with the exception of the barn which Rafe wants done during the convention. A good ole fashioned barn raising.
As usual, things in Shannon's life don't always go smoothly. There's the little problem of a body being found at the convention. But which of the eccentric weirdos in attendance is responsible? And don't even get Shannon started on the smart mice! Even when things escalate Shannon and Mac are on the case, much to Eric's dismay.
This book follows a similar pattern of its predecessors, which is why it's a good book. I like Kate's writing style and her wonderful cast of characters.
As usual, things in Shannon's life don't always go smoothly. There's the little problem of a body being found at the convention. But which of the eccentric weirdos in attendance is responsible? And don't even get Shannon started on the smart mice! Even when things escalate Shannon and Mac are on the case, much to Eric's dismay.
This book follows a similar pattern of its predecessors, which is why it's a good book. I like Kate's writing style and her wonderful cast of characters.
November 1, 2021
Shot through the Hearth by Kate Carlisle is the 7th book in the Fixer-Upper Mystery series. Shannon Hammer has been hired by tech billionaire Raphael Nash to renovate his home and build an ecosphere tower and barn for his inaugural conference on eco-living. Unfortunately when his previous partner is murdered during the conference and other mishaps occur, it looks like some-one is out to sabotage the conference. An interesting and enjoyable book, although mainly taken up with preparations for the conference rather than investigating the crime which does not take place until well into the book. It is good to see Shannons and Macs relationship developing and the companionship and rapport that they have. I like that Shannon is very capable especially in her male dominated field. A nice cozy mystery.
November 11, 2019
In many ways, this book was what I've come to expect for this series. The cast of characters is growing but all feel like old and 'new' friends. I like watching how the relationships are developing and learning a little more about each character with each book.
This book seemed to me to be a bit different as we 'missed' most of the restoration work. Although I loved the 'barn raising', I missed reading her ideas as she and her crew restore a house. Also the information provided about 'green' house construction was very interesting.
The book was a quick and easy read. The mystery was well-done and even though I had it 'figured out', it kept me reading late into the night.
Note: I received a copy for review with no expectations for a positive review.
This book seemed to me to be a bit different as we 'missed' most of the restoration work. Although I loved the 'barn raising', I missed reading her ideas as she and her crew restore a house. Also the information provided about 'green' house construction was very interesting.
The book was a quick and easy read. The mystery was well-done and even though I had it 'figured out', it kept me reading late into the night.
Note: I received a copy for review with no expectations for a positive review.
August 5, 2021
This book had little something for everyone.
It had drama, romance and excitement all rolled into one great book.
When you can picture the characters in your head I personally know that it's a great book. I'm a great fan of kate carlisle and have even read Fixer upper mysteries collection from beginning to end.
So start with that series first and enjoy the laughter, tears, and the excitement you want be disappointed.
Christonya hudgins
It had drama, romance and excitement all rolled into one great book.
When you can picture the characters in your head I personally know that it's a great book. I'm a great fan of kate carlisle and have even read Fixer upper mysteries collection from beginning to end.
So start with that series first and enjoy the laughter, tears, and the excitement you want be disappointed.
Christonya hudgins
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