Deck the Hallways

Kate Carlisle

Nov 2016 · A Fixer-Upper Mystery Book 4 · Sold by Penguin

About this ebook

In the fourth novel in the New York Times bestselling Fixer-Upper Mystery series, contractor Shannon Hammer must restore the Christmas spirit by clearing her father's name...

Don't miss the Hallmark Movies & Mystery Originals starring Jewel, based on the Fixer-Upper Mystery series!
 
Even during the holidays, Shannon is more spackle than sparkle, which is why she leaps at the chance to transform a grand old Victorian mansion into ten charming apartments for homeless families. Filled with the spirit of the season, all of Lighthouse Cove turns out to help—including her best friends, a troupe of far-from-angelic Santa Claus impersonators, and her father, Jack.
 
But their merriment is soon dashed by a heated scuffle between Jack and the miserly president of the bank who’s backing the project. When the man is murdered, all eyes are on Jack, and visions of prison time dance in Shannon's head. Now, she needs to pull off a crime-solving miracle, before her father’s Christmas goose is cooked...

Ratings and reviews

Deck the Hallways by Kate Carlisle is the fourth book in the Fixer-Upper Mystery series. Shannon Hammer is supervising the Forester House project for Holiday Homebuilders. They are dividing the mansion into apartments for people in need. The house was donated by Lighthouse Cove Bank and Trust. Many people are donating their time and services for this special project. Unfortunately, they have a scrooge in their midst. Peter Potter, representing the bank, insists on visiting the site every single day. Mr. Potter is definitely on Santa’s naughty list for the way he manages to antagonize every single person he encounters. Early one morning Shannon is unable to sleep and heads over to the job site. Shannon wants to check the progress the butler’s pantry that is being turned into a kitchen. The door will not budge. She pushes on it and finds Mr. Potter on the other side with her father’s new axe in his neck. Jack, Shannon’s father, had a very loud, public argument with Potter the day before. Someone is trying to frame Jack. Shannon sets out to find the Grinch that is trying to ruin her Christmas. Shannon’s stocking is overflowing with trouble. A troublesome volunteer, a plethora of Santa’s, missing tools, a parade to organize, stolen diamond charm, the return of her beau, and a baby! Someone left a baby in Shannon’s truck. Shannon needs to find the baby’s mother and a killer (and someone to take care of said baby). Will she be able to wrap up her to do list by Christmas Eve? Join Shannon and friends for some holiday hijinks in Deck the Hallways! Deck the Hallways was an entertaining novel. It has engaging characters, good writing and a beautiful setting of Lighthouse Cove, California. There is certainly a lot going on in this book, but the author makes it work. I give Deck the Hallways 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I just wish that more work had been put into the mystery. It was obvious who would be killed (I think Peter Potter is nastier than Scrooge). The killer’s identity was as obvious as a wrapped golf club sitting under the tree. Deck the Hallways can be read alone. Everything the reader needs to know (about the main characters and town) is provided in the book. I look forward to visiting Shannon again in Lighthouse Cove in the next A Fixer-Upper Mystery novel.

I read through almost the first half of it and they're talking about being in the house the whole time like she doesn't have a life aside from fixing this house and it bores me to tears.

goood

About the author

A native Californian, New York Times bestselling author Kate Carlisle worked in television for many years before turning to writing. Inspired by the northern seaside towns of her native California, where Victorian mansions grace the craggy cliffs and historic lighthouses warn fishermen and smugglers alike, Kate was drawn to create the Fixer-Upper Mysteries, featuring small-town girl Shannon Hammer, a building contractor specializing in home restoration. Kate also writes the New York Times bestselling Bibliophile Mysteries featuring Brooklyn Wainwright.