Contractor Shannon Hammer gets tangled up in murder at a spooky old asylum in the latest Fixer-Upper Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Kate Carlisle. . . .Shannon Hammer is about to embark on one of the biggest projects of her career. Her best friend Jane Hennessey has purchased one wing of the Gables, formerly the old state insane asylum, located on a bucolic hillside two miles … bucolic hillside two miles northeast of Lighthouse Cove. Jane plans to turn her section into a small luxury hotel complete with twenty ocean-view rooms, a spa, and a restaurant.
Shannon is raring to get started on the enormous project and is shocked when a group of unruly protesters shows up at the groundbreaking ceremony and wreaks havoc. She’s even more freaked-out when someone pushes her into a pit of bricks in a closed-off room of the asylum. Despite her close call, Shannon wants nothing more than to get back to work . . . until she finds a body not far from where she was pushed. Now Shannon is determined to get to the bottom of the goings-on at the Gables even if it kills her. . . .
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Premeditated Mortar is the 8th book in the Fixer-Upper Mysteries written by Kate Carlisle. I’ve read all the other books in her cozy series and highly recommend them. For some reason, this one didn’t connect as much as all the previous ones, but perhaps it was a reader issue and nothing else. I still enjoyed the town setting, character descriptions, and all the interaction among the supporting cast.
Shannon owns a construction company, and she’s been hired by a good friend to help renovate one wing of the The Gables, a former institution. The entire property is being revitalized, and Rachel is overseeing the project. Rachel has convinced Shannon’s boyfriend, Mac, a famous writer, to help fund it too. When Shannon and Mac do some exploring, they find a mysterious stranger running around the abandoned property. Later on, he shows up as part of a team who oppose the project. Even later on, one of those team members ends up dead. What does the past have to do with this murder, and who in town might be connected to the former medical staff or patients?
I praise the writing style and the background setting. The Gables is a perfect location, and I really enjoyed all the descriptions and scenes that took place there. Mac and Shannon’s relationship and her connections with others shine too. For some reason, I struggled with the plot on this one. The murder doesn’t happen until well after the 50% mark. We also don’t get to know many of the characters and possible suspects, except as vague strangers, until that point too. When the mystery unfolds, it has a strong connection and reasoning, but much of that drama wasn’t included early on… so my interest was starting to fade by then. Ultimately, I wasn’t excited about the ending.
This is a rarity for Kate Carlisle for me. Perhaps because I’d just started watching the Netflix series Ratched–about a nurse with a strange and wicked way of handling ill patients–I was comparing the two in terms of character development and backstory. I will take partial blame on this one, and I will definitely read the next book as the author is usually highly reliable. That said, I end up around 3 stars… maybe up to 3.5 because of all the other components. But give it a try, yourself. I encourage everyone to read this author for the strong supporting plots alone.
This is the first book in the series I have read. And, to be honest, while the mystery was interesting, the sickly sweet, googoo eyes interactions with people in their various relationships was a little too much. I don’t mind a romantic relationship, but really!? It was just over the top. I had been excited about reading all of the books in this series, but have since removed them from my “to-be-read” list. It makes me sad.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Premeditated Mortar is the 8th in the A Fixer Upper Mystery series by Kate Carlisle. Jane Hennessey hired Shannon and her crew to convert the Gables building number 7 into Hotel Hennessey. The Gables a historical landmark was a hospital where Jane’s mother stayed for sometime and Jane wants to bring some goodness and light to this place. Dr Jones who ran The Gables believed the best way to heal insanity, as they called back then, was to provide a beautiful, quiet, comfortable, and safe environment.
First Judson Killian, as Shannon called him “carrot head” until she knew his name ends up dead. Mac and Shannon love playing Scooby-Doo game where they come up with suspects and why they are the killer. As Mac and Shannon investigated more and more they befriend one of the protestors, Ricky who informed them that Dr Fairchild that took over The Gables was his mother! Shocking!!!
This story was well written, great characters and Kate Carlisle must have done lots of research to bring this story alive on paper.
A new fixer-upper mystery featuring Shannon Hammer and her crew plus her boyfriend Mac and her best friend Jane. Jane has hired Shannon to restore part of The Gables and change it into an upscale hotel. Before Shannon barely gets started, there are protesters and a dead body on the premises. The task is before her. Shannon sets out to investigate the murder and to do her best to change The Gables so that Jane’s memories of the place are better. I enjoyed the characters, especially Shannon’s sister and her newfound love for the police chief. I also enjoyed how the story unrolled slowly and methodically to the big reveal of the killer.
Disclaimer
I checked out this book from my local library using the Overdrive App. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Kate delivers a great read, as always!
I have enjoyed this series from the start; Premeditated Mortar has not changed that fact. The characters are entirely believable, the location warm and inviting, and the mysteries are well written with enough action to make them enticing. Writing a home renovation series isn’t easy; it can be challenging to keep things fresh and new, but Kate Carlisle knows what she is doing and how to write a cozy mystery.
Shannon can be a bit much to take at times, especially when she is mooning over Mac. But when a person is passionately in love with someone, they should be mooning over them, at least for a while. It’s time Shannon and Mac take their relationship to the next level and grow as a couple instead of remaining in a teenage cloud. Shannon’s sister is adorable, and I love that she played a somewhat larger role and looks to play an even bigger one in the future. Mac is still impressive, but he definitely needs to be less involved in Shannon’s home renovation business and more with his writing career.
The murder in this book does not occur at the beginning of the book, or the middle, which is odd in a cozy. But the mystery in this book pertains more to the asylum’s past and its future than it does with a killer or victim. The murderer is, in my opinion, easy to figure out, with the obvious motive there from the start. I don’t think there was ever a doubt who the victim would be. There are plenty of suspects, although not all of them play a significant role in the investigation. The renovation of the asylum is detailed enough to make readers want to see it happen and perhaps remind them of old asylums and hospitals in their hometowns that could become beautiful.
There is some drama at the end of Premeditated Mortar that makes readers smile and look forward to the next installment. I can’t wait to read the continuation of Shannon’s story, finding out what her next renovation will be and how much trouble she can get into before she puts herself and others in danger.
I really liked the many layers this story had. Really had me guessing up to the end. I totally loved how it turned out. Can’t wait for the next one.
Kate Carlisle’s latest installment of the Fixer-Upper mysteries, Premeditated Mortar, may be the best one yet. As always, Carlisle’s characters are engaging and the mystery will pull you in and leave you guessing. The backdrop for this book ads another fascinating element. Set at an abandoned insane asylum, Shannon, Jane, Mac and the crew are working to rehab the remains of a 19th century Kirkbride-style mental institution. With personal connections to the locale, the group works overtime to solve the mystery when the bodies (again) turn up at their worksite. The historic elements of the Kirkbride movement add a great historical connection to the book, and you will be intrigued from start to finish.
Another Hit By Kate Carlisle
It’s hard to believe this is the 8th book in the series. It is still as fresh today as it was the first time Mac met Shannon. Kate Carlisle’s characters are so solid, you’d think they were real people and her backstories are always rock-solid.
This time Shannon is working for her friend Jane. While working on the Gables, intrigue ensues. More of Jane’s backstory becomes known. In a series of twists and turns, what Shannon and Jane thought they knew turns out to be … less than the whole story.
Turns out, turning an old insane asylum into a luxury hotel could be murder.
A good book keeps you up long past your bedtime. Kate Carlisle’s 8th book in her Fixer-Upper Mystery Series does just that. I have been a fan of her contractor heroine, Shannon Hammer, since the beginning. Shannon is the Cozy Mystery version of HGTV’s Joanna Gaines or Hilary Farr. With her pink tools she restores and updates classic Victorian homes in her beloved town of Lighthouse Cove, but inevitably discovers dead bodies along the way. In this book her “project” is the creepiest one ever as she attempts to transform a wing of a former asylum into a 5-star hotel for her best friend, Jane, whose mother was once a patient there. The story draws you in as the plot twists with surprises beginning with the protesters at the ground breaking shouting to burn the building down to unearthing long kept secrets of what really was going on behind the brick walls. I am looking forward to seeing what Shannon and her crew have in store for us in book #9!
Shannon Hammer’s latest renovation project is turning one building of a former mental hospital into a luxury hotel for her friend Jane amid protests and haunting memories. Memories may not be the only bad thing about the property when the body of a protester is found. Once again Kate Carlisle delivers a great mystery that will keep the reader guessing and a stellar cast of characters. I love this series and how the recurring characters are changing and growing. However, if you have not read the books that came before don’t let that stop you from starting this series now. You can definitely jump right in with no trouble. The humorous writing style, well developed characters that are very relatable and a whodunit all combine for a book a highly recommend.
I love this series! Shannon is renovating a wind of a former insane asylum that her friend Jane purchased. Very creepy! Wonderful interesting story filled with some intense moments. The characters are complex and there are lots of twists and turns. This is a real page turner! A must read!
What fun wll we have with Mac, Shannon, and the gang this time? Who is Rachel and why does she contact Mac? What does she want? What does he say to Shannon about it? What do we learn about the Gables? Why is it called that? What s the history there? What does Shannon think she sees when she and Mac visit before he meets with Rachel? What does Mac see? The interaction between Ms. Baxter and Sandra, then Shannon and Paige was funny. When is the next time we see Ms. Baxter? Who are Orange Hat and Carrot Top? Who is this Doctor that shows up at the Gables? What is going on with the doc? What is going on at the Gables? What happens to Shannon? Why the protests? Read and see who and what is behind everything that is happening. Mindblowing! I did not guess, though I had ideas, they were all wrong! I really enjoyed this paperback!
It’s so easy to become engrossed in this storyline as well as the characters. Hands down I found Premeditated Mortar the best in this series.
Kate Carlisle’s characters Shannon and Mac, Chloe and Jane, are just a few that make me feel like I’m part of their small community in Lighthouse Cove.
I enjoy the tidbit of history that is always part of the book. What fun for murder to take place in a insane asylum. Jane is breeding need life into a place she knew well. Her mother spent time institutionalized at The Gables Insane Asylum where the story unravels with horror.
Shannon stumbles upon a body at the asylum which her construction company is one of the contractors renovating Jane’s space at The Gables. Always descriptive! I enjoyed Mac & Shannon’s way of creating scenarios to figure out what’s going on- you’ll have to read the story to hear about Mac’s Scooby Doo game.
A cozy mystery with some sweet romance. I read the book then I purchased the audiobook version and listen to it. Such a delight to be read to. While listening I realize I missed a few things in the storyline. However I never figured out who committed the murder until the end!
Repurposing abandoned buildings can be murder
This eighth entry in the Fixer-Upper Mystery series from Kate Carlisle finds our favorite contractor, Shannon Hammer, beginning work on the transformation of a portion of an abandoned insane asylum. She has agreed to create a 5-star hotel for her friend Jane out of a crumbling wing of the state hospital in which Jane’s mother spent time. Add in some vocal protestors, hidden rooms, a dead body and a bit of romance and you will want to read the entire series. I can hardly wait for the next installment!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was SO good! I loved the plot and all of the characters. Kate Carlisle describes things in such a way that I’m picturing everything, which has a way of making you feel like you are watching everything happen. I totally recommend this book for anyone. Such a great book!!
Shannon Hammer and her crew are remodeling a beautiful, but creepy, Victorian complex that was once an insane asylum, which Jane plans to open as a small luxury hotel.
As you would expect, there are murders and mysteries involved. There is also plenty of history about the asylum and its connections to the residents of Lighthouse Cove.
This is actually one of my favorite books in the series. I love that we get a better look at Shannon and Mac’s relationship, as well as more insight into Jane and why she lived with her uncle.
Premeditated Mortar is a great book and a good read, even if you haven’t read the rest of the series!
I’m a fan of cozy mysteries, truly enjoy this Fixer-Upper series a lot and have read every book so far and this one is just as good, if not — well they just keep getting better.
It’s not just another book on the shelf! (You’ll get the meaning after you read the book).
Check it out, it’s fun and worth your time!
There’s a new development taking place in Lighthouse Cove and Shannon Hammer is very involved in the renovation of a particular property that her good friend, Jane, has purchased and plans to turn into a luxury hotel. The property is an abandoned old asylum (the Gables) built in a Victorian style and has many interesting architectural details and a bit of interesting personal history for Jane. This job is huge and is expected to take a year to complete but it gets a delayed start when a body of a protester is found in a walled off section of the building. Shannon and Mac, boyfriend and writer, use all of their sleuthing skills to help solve the mystery and discover the secrets of the Gables.
I enjoyed visiting Lighthouse Cove again and getting an update on Shannon, Mac, Eric, Chloe, and many others in the town. There are always interesting architectural details in these stories!
Shannon Hammer, a contractor, has been hired by her best friend Jane to renovate part of an old insane asylum, turning it into a luxury hotel. Where I live, in Buffalo, NY, they did the exact same thing, although I don’t remember hearing of any murders taking place during the renovation process. Kate Carlisle has done an outstanding job of once again using interesting characters, romance, and humor to tell a very interesting story. Each book in the Fixer-Upper series is better than the last, and this one is the best yet! It grabs you from the very first page and keeps you riveted to the very last page. If you like suspense, you will love this book!