In the small resort town of Lighthouse Cove, California, the best man for the job is a woman. And that woman is Shannon Hammer, owner of Hammer Construction Company and an expert in Victorian home restoration and renovation. Shannon is the heroine of Kate Carlisle’s new series, the Fixer-Upper Mysteries. A HIGH-END FINISH – the first book in the series – is available now.
Peeling off more than 100 years of wallpaper from a Victorian home is enough to drive a woman to murder. 100 years of people too lazy to do the job right, meaning that instead of replacing it when trends and tastes changed, they just added another layer. I’ve counted five so far, and I’m not sure I hit bottom. (Though style-wise, you couldn’t get much lower than the orange-and-green layer I assume was added in the 1970s.)
My name is Shannon Hammer, and I run Hammer Construction. Yeah, I’ve got a crew that could handle this, but sometimes I like to take the grunt jobs myself to show them that I’m willing to do what it takes. It’s a respect thing, both ways.
Adding to the complications of multiple layers and who-knows-what glue products are the effects of saltwater, always an issue here in Lighthouse Cove. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else, though. Now that I’m back, I won’t leave until I’m dead.
I glance at my watch and decide to knock off for the day. Dad and I are going to grab dinner tonight, and I need to take my dog Robbie for a walk first. He’s a Westie. The dog, not Dad. Dad is an all-American man who lives in his RV… most often parked in my driveway.
Which could explain why I don’t date much.
I do have a blind date next week. (What was I thinking?) My friend Lizzie set it up. It’s a compulsion with her. She’s happily married, so she constantly tries to find men for her single girlfriends. Her track record is terrible, but I didn’t want to hurt her feelings, so I sucked it up and said yes. A decision I hope I don’t live to regret.
A sneak peek at A HIGH-END FINISH:
Even with my flashlight guiding the way, I almost tripped over something on the floor.
It was an arm.
My heart was pounding in double time and I trembled so hard I almost fell. There was a man lying face down on the cold, broken foundation, his arms flailing out from his body. My flashlight beam was wavering, but I managed to train it directly at the man’s head.
I backed up and almost tripped against one of the new weight-bearing posts. I squeezed my eyes shut but I could still see the blood caked to his temple where someone had bludgeoned him with something like a baseball bat.
Chills crept down my spine as I recognized the face of the man whose blood had pooled on the floor beneath his cheek. It was Jerry Saxton, my blind date from the other night. He was dead.
You can read more about Shannon in A High-End Finish, the first book in the new “Fixer-Upper” mystery series, published by Obsidian.
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 6 p.m. eastern on November 10 for the chance to win a copy of A HIGH-END FINISH. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
About the author
New York Times bestselling author Kate Carlisle is a native Californian who worked in television production 
for many years before turning to writing. Kate’s “Bibliophile Mystery” series features bookbinder protagonist Brooklyn Wainwright, whose rare book restoration skills invariably uncover old secrets, treachery and murder. With the publication of A High-End Finish in November 2014, Kate introduces the new “Fixer-Upper Mystery” series, featuring small-town girl Shannon Hammer, a building contractor specializing in Victorian home restoration. Find excerpts, contests, book news, and more at Author Kate Carlisle and Facebook.
Looks like a great premise for a new series–and I love the kitty on the cover– the pink tools are a nice touch too!!
That kitty is just perfect! (Thank you, cover artists!) In addition to Robbie the Westie, Shannon Hammer has a cat named Tiger, and the cat on the cover is exactly how I picture Tiger. Hope you’ll enjoy A HIGH-END FINISH, Nancy!
I have been waiting for this one, sounds like a good one!
Thanks! This book sounds great! I love the cover! I definitely want to read more!
Love the biblio series. Looking foreword to this new one.
Thank you! That is so nice to hear! <3 I think the Fixer-Upper Mysteries will appeal to the Bibliophile Mystery fans. Like Brooklyn, Shannon is smart and independent… but her expertise lies in a completely different area, which is fun for me and, I hope, for readers.
I think Kate’s got another winning series on her hands… I want to read High End Finish all the way to the Finish!.
Toss my hat in the contest ring Dru.
LOL!!! Well said!
I think this will be another good series.
kaye.killgore@comcast.net
I think this sounds like a good series. I also loved the biblio series.
Thank you, Nancy. It means so much to me to hear from readers who love my books. Just so you know, the Bibliophile Mysteries will continue, as well. Moving forward, I’ll have two ongoing series. Very exciting!
Another good series you’ve found for us 🙂
This book is on my must read list. I can’t wait to read it.
OOOOOOOooooooh! I love being on the must read list!!!! Thank you, CarolBEE!
Looks great, so many cozies with kitties on the cover 🙂
Cozy readers do love our kitties! 🙂
I would love to win a copy of this book, it looks fun.
Have to envy ladies who are handy with tools. Will be a fun read.
It really is fun to see Shannon Hammer working on the Victorian homes. I hope readers will learn a little something about that fascinating period… while being entertained by the story, of course. 😉
This book is on my TRL, I love old house’s and fixing them up so this is right up my ally
Sounds like a perfect match for you, Debbie! Hurray!
I’d love to read this series! I watch lots of shows on TV about fixing up old homes. Thank you!
I do, too… but I swear, I wrote this book and named the series *before* HGTV came out with a show with the same name! I still haven’t decided whether that’s a good thing or not. LOL
This looks like a fun book and the great start to a series. I love heroines who are smart and talented, and the possibilities with renovation are endless.
It really is fun! My challenge is to figure out which interesting reno projects to write about with each book. I want to mix it up and not overload each book with every great idea I get. 🙂
Love to read this new series. Love her books.
Thank you, Lois! You’re so kind.
Wow! That is one gorgeous house — great excerpt, great premise!!
I read the excerpt and the extended sneak-peak in the secret room… can’t wait to get the whole story now! And a hidden hammers game on the cover? It can’t get much better than that. I’m hooked!
OMG, you just made my day! I’m so glad you had fun exploring all the bonus content in the Secret Room on my website. (It’s not a very well kept secret, I’m afraid. LOL I gave it that name because I wanted something that would give my readers the feeling of discovering something hidden.)
ThIs book sounds fantastic. I would love to be a character in this one.
Sounds perfect for me.
So much fun, and I love VictoriansA
Sounds like good read
I love reading Kate Carlisle’s writing and read all of the Brooklyn Wainwright books, can’t wait to start this series!
Thank you, Amy! I hope you’ll love the Fixer-Upper Mysteries as much as you love the Bibliophile Mysteries.
From all the comments, looks like a lot of people have been waiting for this one! Congrats, Kate! Thanks, Dru!
That is the dream, Patricia! 😉 Of course, since this is release week, I’m living in a state of heightened nerves.
I would like to read some of your books as I never have
I’d love for you to try one of my books, Maryann. You can read free excerpts on my website! http://www.katecarlisle.com
Sounds like a great book.
I intend to read this one regardless of whether I win, but I’d love to own it (maybe signed?).
I’m afraid the copy Dru has may not be signed, as it’s coming from my publisher. However, you can get a free autographed bookplate. Details are in the Secret Room on my website. http://www.katecarlisle.com
This would be great to win!
I am enjoyed reading the excerpt from A High-End Finish, and I am looking forward to reading it. The cover is lovely with an adorable cat. Please enter me in the contest. myrifraf (at) gmail.com Thank you
I enjoy seeing women featured in professions that are male dominated. This should be a fun book.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Women can do anything! 😀
I would love to win a copy of this book Thanks for the chance
Looking forward to reading this book! Sounds like my kind of book!
I can’t wait to read this new series. I love Carlisle and this one sounds like fun.
Thank you, Amy! I love being loved. 😉
I can’t wait to read it.
Love the house and the railings! And I’d love to read this book. thanks!
Didn’t the cover artist do an amazing job? I just adore the cover of A HIGH-END FINISH!
This sounds like a such a great book!
This is next on my list to read.
Dru, Thank you so much for being such a wonderful supporter of mystery fiction! You are always so generous with your time, and I really appreciate everything you do to match readers with books they’ll love!
looking forward to reading your books
Happy birthday to your new book, Kate! I am looking forward to this new series!
This just sounds like such a fabulous beginning for what looks to be a great series. I’ve been waiting for this book’s release ever since I first heard about months ago and I’m thrilled that it’s finally here. Thanks for the chance to win.
Thank you so much, Meg! I love hearing that you’ve been anticipating the release of A HIGH-END FINISH. I put a lot of effort into building awareness about my new series, and I’m thrilled to hear that you caught the buzz. 😉
Love all things to do with fixing and changing houses. Great to get in on the beginning of this series. Looking forward to reading and reviewing this book😃
Thanks, Ronna! I’m hoping that lots of readers will be excited to get in on the Fixer-Upper Mysteries right from book 1. Not long to wait until book 2 comes out – THIS OLD HOMICIDE is a February release!
Kate Carlisle has the ability to make a job of home renovation fall into a good read mystery. Can’t wait for more to come.
I am a huge fan of Diane’s other series and look forward to reading this one.
Diane…? 😉
I love renovation stories and this book looks like a real treat.Can’t wait to get it:)
Thanks, Kerry!
Love the awesome book cover….looks like it will be a really great and exciting read…..so excited to read this new book!!!
I’m so glad you’re excited, Beverly! I hope you’ll love A HIGH-END FINISH.
Great news for all of us DIYers–as in, an excuse to set down the hammer and read.
LOL, Ann! I love the way you put that! If you like funny DIY stories, check out these stories that I gathered from some of today’s top cozy mystery writers. Good stuff! http://on.fb.me/1tBhWiN
I would love to read this
Love the premise of the book. Looking forward to staring a new series. Thanks for the heads up!
So happy about the new series so sad that I went into the local Walmart and they didn’t have it out and were not sure when they would be getting it 🙁 “It is newer so it takes awhile” is what I was told…seriously? Very bummed and wishing I was in KC so I could have gotten it today; patients is a virtue I’m told. Good luck all!
It’s always so frustrating to wait for books! We want instant gratification!! You might have more luck looking for A HIGH-END FINISH at a bookstore, if you have one near you.
Thank you for a chance to win a copy of A High-End Finish. This sounds like a book I would like to try.
This sounds like a good read. It would be great to win this book!!
I’ve been reading Kate’s promo posts about this book on Facebook for weeks (or is it months?)! I’m really interested in checking out this new series. 😀
Months probably, Deb! LOL I wrote the book about a year ago, and I’ve just been soooo anxious for readers to start the Fixer-Upper Mysteries. I hope you’ll love A HIGH-END FINISH!
I haven’t read the excerpt. I don’t need to. A Kate Carlisle book is a sure winner for me. Love the bibliophile series and looking forward to this new one.
Awwww, Dotty!!! That is such a nice thing to say! Wow, what an honor to be an auto-buy for you. Thank you!
Love the excerpt. Can’t wait to red the rest of the book.
This sounds like a super good book. I am looking forward to reading it.
I’m looking forward to reading this book which is next in my queue.
I hope you’ll enjoy your first visit to Lighthouse Cove, Dru! Thank you again for your hospitality and your friendship!
Looking forward to reading this book!
Sounds like a great read.
Definitely adding this to my “need to get” list on Goodreads!!
I definitely want to read this book! Thanks for the chance!
I enjoy many of the “crafty”, food, bookstores, antiques cozies. But this one is definitely something I can relate to more! In my TBR list. Thanks for the giveaway.
Love this series!
Love the Bibliophile series, so looking forward to this one!
This one looks great!
Would be thrilled to receive this book from Kate/Dru. Didn’t get a chance to log on much this week due to medical problems, so I hope that I didn’t miss out on too many offers. I love the cover of this book too and know the story is fantastic. Thank you.
Cynthia
Beautiful cover, I’d be ecstatic to win & read this book 🙂
Love to win this
Very excited to ready this book. If I don’t win I will have to still pick it up 🙂
contest is closed.