by Cynthia Chow

Details at the end of this review on how to enter to win a copy of This Old Homicide. There is also a link to purchase the book where a portion goes to help support KRL & indie bookstore Mysterious Galaxy.

If there’s one thing that building contractor Shannon Hammer loves to do, it is to renovate Victorian Homes. Since her father’s retirement, Shannon Hammer has taken over Hammer Construction Company located in Northern California’s quaint Lighthouse Cove.

Shannon makes time to check on her neighbor Jesse Hennessey and discovers his body. For the sake of Jesse’s niece—who is also her best friend, Jane—Shannon hopes that his death was natural despite evidence that his home was searched. Jesse was notorious for tall tales and exaggerations but when some of his stories turn out to be true, Shannon wonders if his boasts of a sunken treasure inspired someone to kill.

Shannon has more than enough to keep her mind occupied. She enjoys the attention of her tenant, a bestselling thriller writer whose new series is based in the town. Her crew has to finish Jane’s new Bed and Breakfast for its grand opening, renovate Jesse’s home and discover how a thief keeps breaking into Jesse’s. On top of all this, Emily’s new home seems to be inhabited by a ghost who appears to enjoy the presence of male construction workers.

The effort that Carlisle devoted to researching books and their creation in her Bibliophile Mystery Series is also present in this second of the Fixer-Upper novels. Without overwhelming the reader she illustrates just how complicated and arduous construction can be, from city ordinances to maintaining structural integrity. Nothing makes Shannon happier than being able to construct and create a home, although the joy on her clients’ faces comes close. It’s refreshing that Shannon listens to Eric’s warnings not to endanger herself by investigating, and she remembers to call for backup when following her suspicions. Shannon’s network of four close friends is the foundation of this series. Their interactions depict how they love one another as much for their irritating quirks as for their unwavering support. Readers will find themselves in love with this gossip-loving community, full of diverse characters and thrilling secrets.

To enter to win a copy of This Old Homicide, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “Homicide,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen February 14, 2015. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address, and if via comment please include your email address.

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Click on this link to purchase this book and you will be supporting an indie bookstore & a portion goes to help support KRL.

This Old Homicide: A Fixer-Upper Mystery

Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos (sorry, Mom).