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 … 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…
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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 a blog 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.
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
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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.
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 and the characters. Along with her descriptive writing style, Ms. Carlisle has a knack for creating characters that resonate with me as a reader and crafting 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. She has a knack for providing her readers with 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.
SHOT THROUGH THE HEARTH by Kate Carlisle is the seventh book in the Fixer-Upper Mystery series. It’s the wonderful story of Shannon Hammer, contractor and owner of Hammer Construction in Lighthouse Cove. She’s hired by Raphael “Rafe” Nash (a retired tech billionaire who is engaged to one of her best friends, Marigold) to enlarge and remodel an existing home, build an Ecosphere, and to hold a barn raising.
During the lengthy remodel, Rafe spends his time working on creating the Marigold Foundation and making plans for the first global conference where knowledge can be shared in order to make this planet better for us all as well as inviting the top people in the eco-living field (both as attendees and speakers) to attend.
Once the conference starts, we meet a wide array of professionals from an ethnobotanist, a specialist in smart mice studies, and an eco-fisheries expert. Rafe has even enlisted Shannon’s boyfriend, MacKintyre “Mac” Sullivan – author and former navy SEAL, to be one of the speakers. Dillon Charles, Rafe’s partner, attends managing to disrupt things making several people angry. Even Rafe, who after Dillion insulted his fiancée, told him to leave the property and not come back. When Dillion is found dead among the barn raising materials, things start to unravel at the conference. With such a wide array of patrons and so many of them despising the victim and having a good motive for murder, where will the authorities start? Police Chief Eric Jensen, boyfriend of Shannon’s sister Chloe, and Tommy Gallagher, assistant police chief and Shannon’s ex-high school boyfriend, have their hands full!
Disaster continues to strike with another murder, gun shots, and poisonings. It seems as the crimes and victims pile up that the suspect list grows just as high. Shannon and Mac agree to help Rafe any way they can. They are determined to figure out who and why before the conference is in the recycle heap or someone close to them becomes a victim too.
Is Shannon really a murder magnet? Can they figure out who the real murderer is before they strike again or get away? While Shannon live to see her wonderful romance with Mac progress further? Can Rafe straighten out the mess of the past? Will there be a second global conference?
SHOT THROUGH THE HEARTH is a very well written cozy mystery that will have you suspecting just about everyone as you explore the possible suspects alongside Shannon Hammer. It will keep you turning pages while you hope that neither Shannon nor her friends, who we have come to think of as our friends too, come to any harm as danger lurks and bullets fly. You will even chuckle a few times proving there is laughter even in the “small things” in life. Kate Carlisle has managed to keep this series fresh and exciting and once again proves what a great writer she is.
Although part of a series, this book can definitely be read as a standalone book. Without hesitation, I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves a cozy mysteries, a great whodunit story, a clean read that will keep you turning the pages or just an out and out great book regardless of what genre you like. This book will fit the bill and have you recommending it as well.
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.
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.
Love all her books.
The first 40+ pages read more like an environmental how to book. The character keeps mentioning her friends..repeatedly….and it is all We just love each other….say a bad word and she is goes off. Sorry I bought the paperback, I read other books of her and no more.
Do not recommend it…this is probably the first book I ever gave a bad review…
One of my favorite authors. Love this cozy mystery series.
I love this series, I love everything this author writes. I have renovated two houses, the one I’m in with my husband, so it’s fun to have renovation included. The mysteries are fun, the characters are wonderful and grow as you get to know them. This was caught up in sustainability and ecology which isn’t a big interest for me, but it wasn’t so heavy it spoiled the mystery and book. I’ll still be reading any new book going forward.
Buying the series!
Shannon Hammer has been restoring and upgrading the old Victorian farmhouse that her friend and retired tech billionaire, Raphael (Rafe) Nash has purchased in Lighthouse Cove. In addition, they’ll be doing a barn raising. Rafe has scheduled a conference which he hopes to be the first of many where he’s invited people who have plans on eco-living. When Rafe’s old partner, Dillon, shows up hoping to get him back into the company, heated words are exchanged then Dillon is found murdered. Shannon is drawn into the investigation to help her friend.
I really enjoy this series and this book was no exception. I was pulled into the story from the beginning and kept hooked until the end. Kate Carlisle has a masterful way of writing that brings her characters to life, some you like and others you don’t. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order.
Each book in Kate Carlisle’s Fixer-Upper series keeps me looking forward to the next.
Shot Through The Hearth is a light, entertaining read with its main character Shannon Hammer, a contractor who is a smart take charge gal. The camaraderie between the characters remind me of my own friends and family. It’s so easy to feel like part of the community in Lighthouse Cove.
Murder tends to find Shannon- of course- but once again this mystery didn’t disappoint. I did not figure out who murdered Raphael’s associate Dillion but it sure was a fun read, while Shannon figures out who the murderer is and why they did it.
If you want a well written mystery that’s a page turner, with a smart spit fire heroine- you’ll enjoy spending your time reading Shot Through The Hearth. Need a gift for a friend or group of friends? This would be perfect! ENJOY-
Several chapters into the book and I was not sure how I felt about Rafe. He seemed to me at that time to be an interesting character, and ultimately he was. I really liked him by the end of the book. Clearly, Kate Carlisle has given us another mystery with one of our favorite Heroines, Shannon Hammer. What is she tasked with building this time around? What other things has she gotten into in the last year that is a real-life thing? What are she and her crew asked to do with this particular property for Rafe? I loved what I saw. I really enjoyed his vision, even if it wasn’t something I would normally consider doing myself on some of the things. There were a couple of items that he had that really got my attention and I thought were neat ideas! There were some truly crazy and/or insane characters in this story! It was very cool to watch the conspiracy theories that came out about ‘Who dun it?!’ after each issue. How many people ended up dead in this book? This is another must-read! I am happy I physically own all these books. They are so much fun to go back and re-read. Enjoy the story!!!!
Kate Carlisle writes two of the best cozy mystery series around. Shot Through the Hearth in the latest in the Fixer-Upper series focusing on Shannon Hammer, a contractor who finds more dead bodies than any small-town resident could possibly come across. Suspend disbelief on that front, and enjoy the usual twists and turns and generally satisfying mix of sleuthing and great characters.
What a wonderful book. Characters are rich, I could almost picture their faces. Story line was great, I never guessed the killer. I love all the relationships. Very well written. I can’t wait for the next one.
This is the seventh book in the Fixer-Upper series and another hit! Shannon and Mac are awesomely paired so of course, it will be great! This time there is a huge conference being put on by Rafe on how to be eco-friendly in so many areas and to give prizes through the Marigold Foundation for the great ideas individuals come up with. There are hundreds of attendees so something has to go wrong….and Shannon is there to help the police figure out who did it yet again! I love the characters (they feel like old friends) and the love Shannon and Mac have for one another. This book has some amazing environment saving ideas that I definitely want to read more about! You definitely should pick this book up, get in a comfy chair with a cup of tea, and enjoy another fast and fun read by Kate Carlisle.
I received a free copy of this book but my review is entirely voluntary. After a renovation project that has taken most of the year, Shannon and her team have one more task to make the job complete-a barn raising. Before all the walls can be completed, the team hits a snag in the form of a dead body among the timbers. Now Shannon, Mac and the gang need to prove one of their own didn’t murder his former business partner. As always, reading the recurring characters is like visiting old friends. The mystery is full of twists that kept me guessing all while written with a great sense of humor. Ms. Carlisle always delivers a great mystery that is fun to read and keeps me eagerly awaiting the next book.
Shot Through the Hearth is book #7 in this series and it never gets old! Once again Shannon Hammer finds herself at a crime scene and then trying to help solve a murder. This book stands on its own so if you have not read the previous books, it is not a problem. I enjoy all the characters, watching their relationships grow, and the loyalty between friends. I didn’t not expect the twist at the end! I can’t wait to see what Shannon gets into next!!
If you want to save the planet, Shannon Hammer and her town can lend a helping hand. There’s solar shingles, plant management, tiny houses and more; including murder.
If you’re a fan of fun, cozy mysteries (I love them) then give this series a try. They can all be read as a standalone but I’ve enjoyed the entire series and look forward to the next one!