A wrench in the works by Kate Carlisle is another delightful novel. If you are looking for a good mystery you can't go wrong with one of Kate Carlisle's novels.

Kate Carlisle returns with book six in the Fixer-Upper series. A WRENCH IN THE WORKS is another great installment to the series. This time, Shannon’s sister, Chloe, makes an appearance with her popular home repair show. It was the perfect way to bring her into the series. Super fun and a little dramatic, this book definitely brought something new to the series that was refreshing.

But as always, there’s quite a bit of sketchy things that are happening in this book. With some stalking and other sticky situations, this book quickly heats up and soon, Shannon must solve the secret before the killer can strike again.

Just to make sure everyone is on the right page here… I had someone comment that the books by this are not gory or funny. They’re not really supposed to be. They have their own charm that Carlisle puts into her writing but with Cozy Mysteries, it’s really more laid back and all about putting the clues together. You won’t find overt humor or the gory details in any of the author’s work so just be warned about that if you’re expecting something like that.

Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this book. With excellent pacing and a fun, fresh character, this series really is one of my favorites from this author.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

The television cameras have arrived in Lighthouse Cove along with Shannon’s sister Chloe. She is the co-host of a home renovating show, Makeover Madness, and is thrilled to be taping back in her hometown. Shannon also gets in on the fun by making some guest appearances. The hammer comes down on all the fun though before they even start filming. Executive producer Bree is found dead in the house chosen for the big makeover and the whole crew including Chloe are now suspects. Even Shannon saw with her own eyes the way Bree always through a major wrench in the productions. But then a real estate agent from Lighthouse Cove is found dead, again at the makeover house and the suspect pool widens. What is really scary is that Chloe could be the next victim. Shannon, Mac, and their friends are nailing down every clue to keep her safe and catch the killer.

The author has created characters that are very likable and realistic. Both Shannon and Chloe grew up working construction with their dad and know their way around a job site and every tool in the box. Determined women but Chloe hasn’t been back to Lighthouse Cove since she left for Hollywood. We learn along with Shannon the secret that has kept Chloe away all these years. I really enjoyed this subplot woven throughout the mystery as we see so much evolve for Chloe. Shannon is so proud of her sister and her accomplishments. Their strong bond is heartwarming. The relationship between Mac and Shannon is getting more comfortable too. He really is a great boyfriend. He understands Shannon and her need to jump into these murder mysteries and is happy to help her in any way he can. The supporting cast is captivating too and made me feel like I was visiting old friends.

The backdrop of Lighthouse Cove, oceanside and all the old Victorian homes is a perfect setting for this series. Big enough to handle all the dead bodies, small enough to allow our amateur sleuth to nose her way into the investigation. I truly enjoy all the descriptions of the homes. The makeover house had so much wrong with it, novices would think the only answer would be to tear it down, but in the hands of Shannon, Chloe, and their teams you know they are going to turn it into a real jewel.

The mystery is well plotted and written. All the drama brought by the television people along with the added drama of some current Lighthouse Cove residents flows together to bring a story that sets a very nimble pace. There is always something happening, a twist, a turn, a curve, that diverts attention or sends everything in another direction. It is impossible not to totally be pulled into this story. I did solve the mystery just a little bit before Shannon but the entire story was totally entertaining.

This story does read well on its own. I always recommend reading the series in order for maximum enjoyment. The movies are great too but could never replace these wonderful stories.

Picturesque setting, terrific characters, and a delightful mystery. A Perfect Escape for all cozy lovers.

I was originally really skeptical that I would like this series, but I really like Kate Carlisle's Bibliophile Mysteries, so I gave this series a shot. I'm so glad that I did, because I have thoroughly enjoyed each book. I'm so glad we were finally introduced to Shannon's sister Chloe in this one, she is a wonderful character, and I hope she pops up again in the future! You don't have to know anything about home improvement to enjoy these books, which is nice. I always look forward to the next book in the series, and I hope this one continues for a long time!

This was a fun, cute cozy mystery! I love the theme throughout, and I will definitely be continuing with the series.

Thank you very much for allowing me the opportunity to read this book! I appreciate the kindness. <3

The Only cozy series that I felt okay with just jumping into the series since I had been watching the Hallmark version and thought I wouldn't be to lost. :) Not that it's the same as the show as some of the names are players are different but the main people are easy to pick out even with different names.

I first jumped in on book #5 so jumping into book #6 was a lot easier and just as much fun!

Shannon  and her sister Chloe are both contractors with one big difference, Chloe works on TV. She is now bringing that TV show to her hometown and wants Shannon to work on the episode with her. Shannon is excited to work with her sister as she doesn't get to see her very much (which is explained in the story) but she is nervous about being on TV.

Then the producer ends up dead and Shannon's sister had had a huge argument with the lady so some things are pointing to her. Of course, Shannon doesn't think that her sister had anything to do with the murder so she does some snooping around to see if she can come up with a killer.

I really like the characters in this series. I love Shannon and Mac and think they make a cute couple and different from most cozy series and Mac is a ex-military turned thriller writer. I really need to dig into the first four from this series and get all caught up on everything!

It had a really good mystery and the author did a great job of making you second guess yourself when you thought you knew who the killer was!

Recommend for those who love cozies!

This is book 6 in the Fixer-Upper mystery series. It's a great read for people who like to do their own repairs and various projects. Shannon's sister Chloe is returning to Lighthouse Cove to film some clips for her home repair show. The girls are happy to be working together when murder hits the set and Chloe becomes the prime suspect. A mystery from the sister's past comes into play and this is a great continuation of the series and adds some background to previous books. This one can be read as a stand alone. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This was another great edition to the series! This time things get shook up with the arrival of Shannon’s sister and it was fun to have that, plus an HGTV-esq show, in the mix. Chloe is a great character and she and Shannon work well sharing the leading role. I love all the home improvement aspects of this book, and the entire series. If you like to watch home improvement shows and read mysteries, then this series should be a great fit! While I enjoyed the story, I did feel a few scenes weren’t really believable and there were a few too many characters floating around. I also didn’t like a few of the characters. Other than that it was a great read.

When Shannon's sister - and the home renovation reality TV show she works on - roll into town, it seems like a nice way for the sisters to work together. But when a coworker is murdered, they will have to team up to solve the case. Carlisle does a great job incorporating a behind the scenes look at the TV show in between the mystery and the renovation tips.

I have read quite a few books in this series and this one was OK. I liked the reality show background and meeting Shannon's sister Chloe. Her sister is a co-host of a reality fixer up show and they have arrived in Lighthouse Cove to fix up a Victorian Mansion. Chloe has not been home for awhile and she has some secrets. During a walk though of the house she stumbles across the body of the show's producer. Soon there are other accidents/murders on set. The mystery was only OK. It was easy to figure out and there were not many suspects or surprises. I enjoyed the characters more. I liked Shannon and Chloe together. This series does not have to be read in order. Enjoy your visit to Lighthouse Cove.

Katie Carlisle adds to the Fixer Upper mysteries with A Wrench in the Works. Contractor Shannon Hammer's sister Chloe is a cohost of a popular house repair show on the Home Builders network; Chloe has come home to do a session of the show in a local fixer upper; Then Bree, executive producer, is found dead after stirring up her usual upsets with the staff and the people whose house was not chosen for repair. Whodunit? A sleazy local real estate agent? The producer's husband? Stay tuned for sneaky behavior..

This series is addicting and I could not wait for this book. Lighthouse Cove is one of the best fictional towns and I could not wait for Shannon and Chloe to be working together again. The mystery had great twist I did not see coming and I couldn't put the book down. I highly recommend this book and if you haven't read any of the other books in the series that will be okay, you won't be lost. But you will want to go back and bread the other books in the series.

I always love these books! So sad that they changed her name for the tv specials but oh well. I recommend these books to anyone! There are always good for a nice getaway from real life stuff when a person just wants to relax and read about murder in an attractive coastal setting.

I found A Wrench in the Works to be a fun and flirty murder mystery all based around a home improvement tv show. Marvelously executed, fantastic premise and completely engaging, Carlisle six book in the Fixer-Upper Mystery made me want to back read this series from the beginning. That being said, A Wrench in the Works also read well as a stand-a-lone.

The cast of characters were delightful but Shannon steals the show.

I received this ARC copy of A Wrench in the Works from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my honest and voluntary review. A Wrench in the Works is set for publication Nov. 6, 2018.

My Rating: 4 stars
Written by: Kate Carlisle
Series: A Fixer-Upper Mystery
Sequence in Series: Book 6
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: November 6, 2018
ISBN-10: 0399586482
ISBN-13: 978-0399586484
Genre: Suspense | Mystery

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A Wrench in the Works by Kate Carlisle takes us back to Lighthouse Cove. Shannon Hammer is looking forward to her sister, Chloe coming to town. Chloe is the co-star of Makeover Madness, a rehab and design show on the Home Builders Network. Chloe has not been home for five years and the family is looking forward to catching up with her. Chloe along with the crew from Makeover Madness are coming to town to do a feature on the Victorian homes in Lighthouse Cove. Shannon has helped locate properties to showcase, and she will be on the show as well helping rehab a Victorian home in need. Shannon quickly learns that television life is not glamorous and Chloe’s executive producer, Bree Bennett is a terror. The day before filming begins, Shannon overhears an argument between Bree and Chloe and notices an eavesdropper in the form of the slimy Richard Stoddard. The next morning, Chloe and Shannon arrive early at the Bloom house for the first day of filming. They are exploring the first floor to see what work needs to be accomplished when they find Bree leaning against the tiles on the fireplace. Chief Eric Jensen quickly arrives to take charge of the scene. With everyone on the crew a suspect, Shannon and Chloe begin chiseling away at the suspects in the hopes of exposing a killer.

A Wrench in the Works is a lively cozy mystery with engaging characters, beautiful Victorian homes, a charming town, and a murder mystery. I thought the book was well-written and it gallops along at a snappy pace. Kate Carlisle has a writing style that allowed me to be drawn into the story. The dialogue is realistic, and the book has a good flow (I just kept reading until I finished). Shannon is a strong female character in an unusual occupation for a woman. I like her relationship with Mac (though he does seem a little too perfect). Shannon has a loving family and good friends. It was lovely to find out more about Chloe. She has a secret that has been bothering her for ten years which has kept her from coming home. There are sparks between Chloe and a certain police chief. I am curious to see what happens next with them. The mystery was intriguing with several suspects and misdirection. Cozy mystery sleuths, though, will have no problem identifying the killer. There are descriptions of beautiful Victorian homes in the book with their unique architectural details (I want to live in one). I can see why Shannon loves her job restoring these beauties. If you have not read the previous books in A Fixer-Upper Mystery series (or watched the movies), you will not be lost. I am giving A Wrench in the Works 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). A Wrench in the Works is a peppy and warm cozy mystery. I look forward to returning to Lighthouse Cove in the next A Fixer-Upper Mystery.

This series hugs me and holds me from beginning to end. Hollywood is coming to Lighthouse Cove and Shannon can not wait. Not only is the whole town excited about a television show being taped in their community but Shannon is going to be part of the show and her sister Chloe, the co-star of a popular renovation program who has been too busy to visit, is returning for the first time since she left shortly after high school. The dead body curse that has haunted Shannon for over a year seems to have spread to Chloe as the duo manages to trip over bodies before taping even begins.
The warmth of the Shannon’s friend, especially Max and Eric, and the every day details that Kate Carlisle so smoothing integrates into the story bring such a real life feel that it is easy to get pulled into the story even before the mystery grabs readers and holds us enrapt throughout the book. I loved the interaction between Shannon and Chloe and hope to see her in the next book. A Wrench in the Works is a must read for any fans of cozy or amateur sleuth mysteries.
I was delighted to receive and ARC of A Wrench in the Works via NetGally and am delighted to share my love for this book with other book lovers.

In this sixth installment in Carlisle's Fixer-Upper cozy series, readers get to learn more about Shannon Hammer's younger sister, Chloe, and the reason why Chloe left Lighthouse Cove right after high school helps to fuel the mystery.

As always, I enjoyed the scenes which show Shannon working on an old house and explaining what she's doing, and Carlisle uses her newfound knowledge of how television programs are filmed to make readers feel as though they have a backstage pass allowing them to see and hear everything on set. Although I found the identity of the killer to be rather easily deduced, I enjoyed A Wrench in the Works and look forward to my next visit to Lighthouse Cove.

A Wrench in the Works: A Fixer-Upper Mystery
By Kate Carlisle
Berkley
November 2018

Review by Cynthia Chow

Contractor Shannon Hammer is thrilled that her sister Chloe is finally returning to Lighthouse Cove after being away for years. Chloe left their hometown after high school in search of a career in Hollywood, and her skills at construction and natural on-camera charisma led her to becoming the co-star of the popular home renovation television show Makeover Madness. Chloe has enlisted her sister’s help not only in selecting historical rehab candidates for the show and website, but in appearing as an on-screen advisor. Most of the town’s local businesses will be involved in the production, with home owners of historical fixer-uppers vying for the chance of a free renovation. Shannon’s first realization that all is not copacetic on set is when she learns of producer Bree Bennett’s routinely ignored firings of crew members, including co-hosts Chloe and Bree’s husband Blake. It seems that Bree loves to create drama, whether on set or amongst those unknowingly competing to be featured on the show.

While scouting out one of the prospective renovation homes, the Hammer sisters make a discovery far worse than rotten wood or insect damage. Bree Bennett has been murdered, possibly poisoned not long after a public argument with Chloe. Bree’s husband Blake is also found drugged, but with so much of the town invested in the production the show indeed does manage to go on. Their last combative encounter makes Chloe an obvious suspect, but subsequent attacks indicate that she is as much a victim as a culprit. Chloe had originally left town due to her association with an entitled rich kid, and that self-inflicted guilt continues to haunt and influence her life. Shannon tends to lose objectivity when it comes to her little sister, and when all of her big sister protectiveness kicks into gear she will be unstoppable in her efforts to keep Chloe safe and out of police custody.

By this sixth in the series, Shannon and the rest of Lighthouse Cove are more than aware of her propensity for stumbling across bodies. While Shannon’s friends may have generously underestimated the corpse count at eight, that number quickly escalates as attacks seem to center around the Makeover Madness renovations. Even without her sister’s experience with murder, Chloe should probably have known that making public threats only tempts fate. The relationship between the sisters is the highlight of this novel, especially since it’s been five years since Chloe last visited and their lives have changed. As proud as Shannon may be of her successful younger sister, the fact remains that Chloe is indeed the younger sister with a popular television show and new bestselling book. That drop of insecurity is quickly surpassed by Shannon’s big sister protective side, which is why she will bulldoze over the very likable police chief and his justifiable concerns. Shannon’s boyfriend MacKintyre Sullivan is fully in support of Shannon’s efforts, providing backup along with some sizzling romantic moments. The rewarding moments of the Hammer sisters confronting their pasts and moving forward, not to mention the humorous banter and surprise ending, ensure that readers will be more than ready for the next appearance by these extraordinary women.

I'm not a huge fan of cozy mysteries, but I warmed up to this one almost from the first page. By the time I finished, I was positively toasty!

This is the sixth in the author's "Fixer-Upper" mystery series, and since I've not read any of the other five, I went in with a bit of trepidation. But at no time did I feel at the slightest disadvantage; this one stands on its own beautifully (although finishing it did make me wish I'd read the rest - yes, it's that good). The author does an outstanding job of filling in background from the previous books - which should make series fans who may have forgotten a detail or two happy as well as those of us new to the game.

Part of the reason I enjoyed this so much is because I saw a bit of myself in lead character Shannon Hammer, who BTW has the perfect last name for a building contractor, which she is. I, too, fondly remember childhood years following my father around as he pounded nails, screwed screws and tackled home remodeling projects (once in a while letting me help). Unlike Shannon and her younger TV-star sister Chloe, though, I forgot everything I ever learned from dear old dad once I left home for college.

As this story begins, Chloe is returning home to Lighthouse Cove for the first time in a while, bringing with her the cast and crew of her very popular home improvement show. The intent is that Chloe and her co-star, Blake Bennett, will film their restoration of one of the elegant Victorian homes for which Lighthouse Cove is known. Included in the cast of characters is the show's particularly nasty producer - who "fires" cast and crew members with regularity, Chloe and her husband- the latter of whom just happens to be her husband.

Because of Shannon's building expertise, she'll be working alongside her sister on the show. Just before starting to film the first segment in which one of two homes will be selected for a redo, the sisters go for an inside look at the one they're hoping will be chosen and find something that can't be repaired: A dead body. Someone, it seems, had it in for producer Bree. But who? After all, virtually no one involved in the production liked her, except possibly her husband.

But the show must go on - and so it does, as does the investigation led by the local police chief, who seems to have put Chloe on his list of prime suspects. As filming begins, though, still another murder victim turns up and an extension ladder suddenly collapses with Chloe at the top. Clearly, someone's ratcheted up the action in Lighthouse Cove - and it's up to the police, with help from Shannon (who, for the record, has found several dead bodies over the course of the series), to identify the perpetrator before someone else bites the sawdust.

I especially enjoyed the details involved in filming the TV show as well as the strong characters like Shannon, Chloe and Shannon's handsome, ex-Navy SEAL boyfriend, Mac Sullivan. One of my objections to cozies is the headstrong, overbearing females who can't keep their noses where they belong and run off willy-nilly despite protests and outright warnings from law enforcement. There's almost none of that here; Shannon respects the police chief (a childhood friend), is quite capable and always does her "thing," but she does it sensibly without alienating everyone around her. That alone, I hasten to add, makes me eager to read more in this series. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy of this one.