In the New York Times bestselling Fixer-Upper mysteries, contractor Shannon Hammer can repair even the most distressed building. But clearing out the cobwebs from her current project may distress her… to death.When Mac Sullivan—famous thriller writer and Shannon’s new beau—first moved to Lighthouse Cove, California, he bought the historic lighthouse mansion that the town is named after. Mac needs … the town is named after. Mac needs help cleaning up the place, and Shannon is more than happy to get her handywoman hands on the run-down Victorian.
But during demolition, a grisly discovery is made among the debris—the bones of a teenage girl who went missing fifteen years ago. Locals had always assumed Lily Brogan ran away from her difficult life, but it seems her troubles followed her to the grave. If Shannon has any chance of getting her renovation back on track, she’ll need to tackle the cold case. But with new suspects coming out of the woodwork every day, she’ll have to be careful to pry the right secrets and clues from the poor girl’s problematic past…
From the Paperback edition.
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Crowned and Moldering is the 3rd book in Kate Carlisle’s ‘A Fixer-Upper Mystery’ series, also adapted as a TV show on the Hallmark channel. I haven’t caught the shows yet, but as soon as I catch up on the books, I will check it out. I don’t want it to alter my perspective until I’m current. As a stand-alone book, this one was good and I’d recommend it to all cozy readers.
Shannon Hammer inherited a construction business from her father in California. She’s doing well, but a former high school student returns home and tries to put Shannon out of business. While she’s renovating the lighthouse home for new love-interest, Mac, she finds a dead body jammed into a unique, early twentieth century home feature. It’s actually just a skeleton that’s nearly ten years old. Unfortunately, one of her employees realizes it must be his long-lost sister. Without trying to get in the way, Shannon ultimately falls into the same social circle as the deceased girl when she visits the high school on career day. Was it the guidance counselor? The principal? A rival student? A secret older boyfriend? A teacher? This one is packed full of suspects and had a lot of complex angles to consider.
I enjoy the descriptions of the houses and construction projects. The characters are all good. None are super amazing stand-out, but they work well and make me want to read more of the books. The writing style is simple and clean making it a quick 3-hour read for me. I began and finished this one on two flights and a layover last weekend. Although there is a typical 3-way romance building that will push readers to choose sides, it’s not thrown directly at us, which makes the story-line easier to accept. I do like how genuine and kind Shannon is, allowing me to root for her despite how close she is to the investigation. I plan to get the next book at the library over the weekend.
Just when I thought I had the mystery figured out the author slipped in another clue and sent me in another characters direction. So many twists and turns and unexpected happenings made for a very fun, intelligent read.
I swear I am falling in love with this adorable cozy mystery series! It is great fun to follow Shannon along on her adventures both at work and while she is amateur investigating. The construction side is quite detailed showing how hard the work really is yet we get breaks as the story progresses that are filled with eclectic characters as well as little clues to solve the mystery. There is also a nice mix of both the old and new as more then one murder victim comes into play. Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
cozy-mystery, Y/A-only-means-no-gratuitous-erotica, contractors, small-town, small-business, family-dynamics, friendship, murder, murder-investigation, law-enforcement, amateur-sleuth*****
Small towns mean rapid transit gossip and knowing everyone else’s business. So when contractor Shannon finds a skeleton in the lighthouse mansion she is renovating/restoring for the handsome crime writer staying in the apartment above her garage it’s really big news. Especially when it turns out that is is the remains of a local girl and sister to one of Shannon’s coworkers who disappeared fifteen years ago. Let the sleuthing begin and the plot twists and red herrings pile up! Lots of other goings on amongst friends and the mystery brings it down to the wire. Good read!
Angela Starling is the chirpy narrator.
Crowned and Moldering is the third book in A Fixer-Upper Mysteries series by Kate Carlisle where Shannon and her crew are starting rehab Mac’s new home the Lighthouse. Guess what? They find a dead body, well more like bones.
I could put this book down and I’m starting her next one Deck the Hallways!
I enjoy this series a lot.
Loved this book and I’m looking forward to the next one in the series