Another great novel in the 'A Fixer-Upper' series. This series has grown to almost the level of putting done any book I'm reading immediately to read the next book when it arrives. I only do this with 3-4 other authors.

Shannon and company are pushing the construction envelope further in their assignments to build the 'ecosphere tower' and to build a barn using the old fashioned barn-raising method. Murder and mayhem result in this fast-paced, very amusing mystery. I did not know 'who did it' until the very last minute, that minute being when the author told me.

Five stars!

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This light and fun mystery proves that sometimes a person is just plain crazier than you think, but when it comes to retired billionaire Raphael Nash's conference on eco-living, the ideas that are described are often every bit as interesting as the mystery and the characters.

It's nice to read about a billionaire who actually wants to do good and pay his good fortune back, but it's just as much fun to try to figure out who killed his old business partner. Shot Through the Hearth (love the title) is another strong entry in one of my favorite cozy series. Now it's back to waiting for the next one...

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The first 25 pages I kept wondering why I was reading this book, but then it picked up fast and turned out to be a very thrilling story.

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Good read.

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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.

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