Christmas Book Review: Deck the Hallways

* Book 4 in the Fixer-Upper Mystery series *

Shannon's having a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit, but working on the Forester House project where she's in charge of carving up a beautiful Victorian home into 10 apartments for homeless folks. The apartments will be ready just before Christmas. It's a lot of work just organizing all the workers and the volunteers.

But when a man from the bank is found on site, murdered with her father's tools, it's enough to make anyone feel like Scrooge - especially since this man could get under anyone's skin. The list of suspects grows by the minute.

Shannon knows her father isn't a murderer, but proving it will take time. Plus with the house a crime scene, it puts everyone further behind schedule. Can the house be finished and a murdered caught in time for Christmas?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this installment of the series. I loved how the whole town pitched in to help create these apartments. It was so thoughtful and heartwarming. I loved the Santa brigade and how they came dressed to impress. I liked learning more about Shannon's father. I didn't like the romance turn in this book, but I'm glad things changed. I adored the teenage girls and their helpfulness. The moments with the baby made me tear up. Another winner in this great series; I can't wait to read more. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Purchase for this series for your cozy collection, it's unique and entertaining. 

Mysterious Saturday Review: Crowned and Moldering

* Book 3 in the Fixer-Upper Mystery series *

Shannon finally starts work on the historical lighthouse that her mystery thriller novel writing friend purchased. During the walk through, Shannon discovers the remains of a body in the dumbwaiter.

The body turns out to be Lily Brogan, a young girl who disappeared fifteen years ago. The police assumed she run away, but her brother kept looking. Now Sean learns that his sister has been murdered.

Sean's a member of Shannon's crew and a friend. Shannon wants to help him find justice and learn the truth once and for all about his sister's death.

When the past rears it's ugly head, will the truth finally come out?

My Thoughts: I love this series - Shannon is a tough, strong, loyal character - but she tends to react emotionally.  I like how the past came to the future in this murder and how Eric needed Shannon's knowledge of her hometown. I liked learning more about Sean - even though his history was terrible. I have high hopes for his future. I loved the addition of Callie - it would be nice to see her more in future books. 

I loved seeing the inside of Mac's house. I can't wait to see how it develops after the crew works on it!

Plus I like seeing Mac and Shannon's relationship develop a bit more...

I can't wait to see what happens next in this series.

Cover Thoughts: Delightful
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: If you like strong women, great friendships, small town, and a good murder - then this cozy series is perfect for you!

Mysterious Saturday Review: This Old Homicide

* Book 2 in the Fixer-Upper Series *

Shannon hasn't seen her next door neighbor in a few days. Uneasy, she uses her key to let herself into this house to check on him. The house is in a complete disarray. It's not long before she find Jesse's body.

At first, it looks like a heart attack killed her neighbor and her best friend's uncle. But Shannon isn't convince. Jesse would have never left his house in that shape. Could someone have tossed it?

What were they looking for? Jesse didn't have anything of value - except for that necklace he claimed to have recovered while diving. No one has seen the necklace. Or the new girlfriend he claimed to have. Everyone knows that Jesse loved telling stories - but could one of his stories have gotten him killed?

My Thoughts: I loved the second book as much as the first - with the small town charm and the characters. I really liked Jesse and was hoping to see him in many books to come, so I was saddened by his death. Although I did like how Shannon and Jane looked into this murder - how they didn't believe that he died of natural causes.

I enjoyed learning more about Jesse - from his tall tales to reality. I like how Shannon tried to include the police this time along with her mystery writer friend. I like how the two men play off each other - both as experts in the mystery world but also as romantic interests. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library

Overall Thoughts: Another fantastic edition to this series - if you haven't read it, what are you waiting for? It's got small town charm, romantic potential, friendships, and danger! I'm a big fan.

Mysterious Saturday Review: High-End Finish

* First in a new series *

When Shannon's father had a heart-attack, she came home to take over his business. Business is booming and Shannon couldn't be happier. Until she's forced to go on a blind date. It doesn't end well and after she kicks him in the shin, she threatens to kill him if he comes near her again.

The next day she finds his body at one of her work sites. She calls the police who find the murder weapon to be a pink tool - one of hers. She's taken down to the station and interviewed for hours.

Shannon doesn't want to wait for the police to find her innocent, so she starts asking some questions. When more bodies pile up, all the evidence points towards her. Can she uncover the real murdered before her enemy ends her?

My Thoughts: I devoured this  book - it had everything: family, friendships, work details, small town charm, murder, danger, and a little romance. I'm excited to read more about Shannon's dad. He seems really fun and sweet. I love her group of friends and how they stuck by her and how they helped by asking questions around town. I love the people she works with and their banter. I liked learning more about construction. I loved the town - where secrets don't last long and everyone looks out for each other. I liked how Shannon's neighbor confided in the betting pool on her love life. 

After the first murder, I wasn't expecting more, but the plot twisted and I kept turning the pages faster to figure out the culprit. As the book continued, the danger increased for Shannon not only through her guilt by association, but also little incidents were starting to pile up. At first they were just inconvenient, but as she kept asking questions, they grew. 

I really loved meeting Mac - I loved that he was a writer of thrillers. He seemed to have a different way of looking at things than most people. He was charming and sweet but also preoccupied with his writing. I can't wait to read more about him.  The police chief was stern and serious but showed a softer side as the book progressed. He seems to have secrets from his past that I can't wait to uncover.

The relationships make the book - from family and friends to potential love interests. Everyone's connected.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: If you read cozies, add this new series to your list to read; it's fantastic!