Dressed to Drill by Kate Carlisle takes us back to Lighthouse Cove where Shannon Hammer is remodeling a Gothic Victorian church into an art museum. It is just the type of project that Shannon enjoys. The church has beautiful features including a unique cabinet in the sacristy. I enjoyed the vivid word imagery that allowed me to visualize the church and the town. Shannon has a good team to help her with the renovations. She has added a new lighting expert that she met in Hollywood when visiting her sister, Chloe. It turns out that Buck has family in Lighthouse Cove (what a coincidence). I know that Shannon has a good team of workers, and she appreciates them. It is something that is mentioned often throughout the story (a few too many times). The whodunit was fun. A dead assistant in the sacristy. Shannon found clues that she happily pointed out to Eric, the chief of police. I like that Shannon and Mac bounce ideas off each other and their Scooby Doo game is amusing. There are clues to help readers solve the crime before the reveal. I wish the mystery had been more complex. There was a repetition of details as Shannon shared information with Mac, Eric, and her group of friends (who gathered helpful information). There were some intriguing points that I enjoyed. An old church is bound to have secrets. Shannon is good at finding those enigmas. Shannon and Mac are a happy couple. You can tell that they love each other and know each other very well. I did not feel, though, that we needed to be told this so frequently. The ending will please fans of the series. Dressed to Drill is the tenth A Fixer-Upper Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to A Fixer-Upper Mysteries. I appreciated the humor dispersed throughout the story. Dressed to Drill is a fun, lighthearted story with great characters and a beautiful setting (I would love to live in Lighthouse Cove). Dressed to Drill is an entertaining tale with a movie premiere, a church reconstruction, a slain assistant, an abundance of boxes, a curious cabinet, and a special surprise.

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Dressed to Drill is the 10th Fixer-Upper cozy mystery by Kate Carlisle. Due out 2nd May 2022 from Penguin Random House on their Berkley imprint, it's 332 pages and is available in mass market paperback and ebook formats. Regular paperback format due out in third quarter 2023 from the same publisher. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This is a fun and easy-to-read cozy with well established three dimensional characters and an ensemble cast. Despite being the 10th book in the series, it works fine as a standalone. Readers who read the books out of order won't be lost or confused though; the author manages to fill in the backstory and character developments without spoon-feeding or info dumping. She has a breezy and engaging style of writing and the action driven plot doesn't slow down much from start to finish.

For readers of romance who like some cozy mystery in their reads (or cozy readers who enjoy clean romance) this series will be a good fit. The plot is simple and mostly linear. The violence is mostly off scene and without gore. The language is PG and there is no racy content. The book is full of the sort of quirky eccentric characters cozy readers have come to expect.

With 10 books extant in the series currently, it would make a good choice for a binge or buddy reading project.

Four stars. Well written and engaging.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Dressed to Drill by Kate Carlisle is book #10 in the Fixer-Upper Mystery series. Shannon Hammer and her crew have a new job to do in this book. They are converting a church into an art museum. Of course, a body is found and an investigation begins. Shannon and her friends follow all the town gossip in hopes of coming up with clues. This storyline incorporates a fascinating investigation. Chief Eric Jensen does a great job on this case. But he has a lot of help from Shannon, Shannon's live-in boyfriend and thriller writer Mac Sullivan and their friends. I really like these characters. They are down-to-earth, fun and caring. I totally enjoy this author's writing style. Kate Carlisle is now one of my favorite cozy mystery authors.

"Dressed to Drill" the 10th instalment in the "Fixer Upper" Mystery series by Kate Carlisle. I really enjoy both of Kate Carlisle’s mystery series but I think this one is my favourite. Contractor Shannon Hammer’s new project, renovating an old church, reveals some old sins when a body is found on the premises …

As I have said before the setting of Lighthouse Cove on the northern coast of California is so beautiful and this time Shannon is renovating a really old church with secrets, but she also visits the tiny homes for veterans site. (I think there will be another story set there)

I love Shannon and Mac together and seeing how their relationship has progressed and in this instalment we get to see Mac and his friends as they go to the premier of his movie. I also really enjoy the interaction with Shannon and Chloe and am happy Chloe returned to the cove. I love all the side characters with exception of Whitney who we are meant to not like.

Overall the mystery was interesting and well plotted, and had lots of suspects.

I feel like the characters are taking on some life changing events and I cant wait for the next book to see how things have progressed.

I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Dressed to Drill< Fixer-Upper Mystery #10, brings back the wonderful characters that pull me to the series, and add a new one who fits right in. I love that Kate Carlisle characters' lives are dynamic as much as I love the complexity of the mysteries which are always tantalizing and frustrating because it takes me forever to figure out who "done it". That frustration is a plus in my book.
Spending time with the construction crew is always a bonus whether they are discussing murder or the work they are doing on the church that is being transformed into a museum. It was fun watching Shannon's friends back her up on the investigation more than usual, or at least that is how it felt to me.
While there is a stress element in the relationship between Shannon and Mac, it is well handled with the couple acting like adults instead of lovesick teens as we too often see. I like them as a couple and want their relationship to continue to develop.
There was one issue that ran throughout the series that I hope has been cleared up before the release. There are frequent references to Catholic rituals and other indications that the Lighthouse Church is Catholic, but the "head of the church" is married and there are other elements that do not fit. I hope the church is switched to a different denomination that follows many of the Catholic rituals was we know other churches do.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Cozies for allowing me to enjoy an ARC of Dressed to Drill and allowing me to share my excitement with my friends.
#Netgalley #KensingtonCozies #KateCarlies #Fixer-UpperMyseryseries

2023 has been the year of suspenseful thrillers when it comes to my reading queue. I've always been a fan but never rushed out to pick up new authors; the same cannot be true for cozy mysteries, which are always in my reading queue. When Kate Carlisle's latest release, Dressed to Drill from the Fixer-Upper Mysteries, appeared on NetGalley, I quickly grabbed it. It hit my reading queue this week and it was the perfect book to read on my 90-minute commute back and forth to NYC this week. Shannon and her crew are wonderful characters who offer comedy, drama, and great life advice. Set in California, this installment takes us from the LA premier of Shannon's boyfriend's latest movie back to their small seaside where she is renovating a church that's being converted into an art gallery. Only they find a body inside the church one morning, which becomes the central focus of the mystery. Revolving around the family who owned/ran the church, some of the new art folks, and a new hire on Shannon's construction team, red herrings and viable clues are abundant. I guessed completely wrong, which is unusual, and part of me is still a little surprised / confused at the path this story went down... but it was still entertaining and kept me invested in the series.

One would think that contractor Shannon Hammer has the perfect life. Her hunky boyfriend is a best-selling author whose books are also made into blockbuster movies. She gets to spend her days working with a crew she has handpicked for their awesome skills. Together she and her crew restore buildings around their beautiful town to their original glory, as well as doing other satisfying construction. What's not to love?

Sadly, it seems that Shannon is destined to always take the jobs where a dead body is discovered. (What must the alignment of planets have been like when she was born?) So it comes as no surprise to readers of the series that a body does indeed turn up in the Victorian church that her crew is renovating to become a museum. And, as usual, there are plenty of suspects. Does the murder have something to do with the history of the church, one of its congregation, the staff of the new museum, or could it even be completely random?

This tenth installment in the Fixer-Upper Mystery series includes Shannon's first experience attending a premiere for a movie based on one of Mac's books, with the chance to trade her work boots for a glamorous outfit. The previous books haven't shown the characters in Mac's world of publishing and movies, just his involvement in Shannon's world, so this is a nice change of pace.

For return readers there are all the usual characters: Shannon's family, friends, her nemesis Whitney Reid Gallagher, Police Chief Eric Jensen, and Shannon's crew. Newcomers to Lighthouse Cove will be delighted with the attention to detail the author puts into the construction projects and relationships, as well as into the plot of the mystery.

When another one of Mac's books is made into a movie Mac and Shannon travel to Hollywood for the premier. While there Shannon sees another side of Mac's life that makes her question their relationship. When back home Shannon starts a major renovation turning a church into a museum. When she finds the museum coordinators assistant dead there are no lack of suspects, secrets and unusual behavior.
Another great book by Kate Carlisle. I love Shannon and Mac. As usual this book was full of great characters a story line that flowed well and a mystery that will keep you guessing.

Great installment in this series from Carlisle. Shannon is such a fun MC and I love watching her solve mysteries. Thanks to the publisher for an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

Another fun read from Kate Carlisle! I love contractor Shannon, and how Carlisle includes *just* enough of the business side of being a female contractor to make this main character totally believable. Shannon's smart and no nonsense and a good person--but in a believable way.

The mystery plot works well, and the subplot between Shannon and Mac works, too. I'm not a big romance fan, but I really admire how Shannon handles the whole tabloid thing, and I find the relationship thread of the book very satisfying.

This is a quick read. Nothing too deep. Just a fun escapist cozy. Bring 'em on!

Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

DRESSED TO DRILL is the tenth book in the Fixer-Upper Mysteries by Kate Carlisle. While the author has made it easy enough to read as a standalone, this series has such an enjoyable cast of characters, I highly recommend starting at the beginning (or at least catching up once you read this one) to see their development and friendships progress. Protagonist, Shannon Hammer, is the owner of a construction renovation company. I just love her strong character and self-assuredness. Yet, she’s a terrific friend and support to those in her community, her family, and her employees. Her relationship with Mac (a famous thriller author) is sweet, even when conflict crops up. It’s refreshing to see the respect they have for each other.

Ms. Carlisle does a fantastic job weaving together memorable characters, a charming setting, and bits and pieces about Shannon’s church renovation, while creating a well-plotted mystery to solve. The fast-paced action kept me turning pages until I’d read the last line. When Shannon discovers a body hidden in one of the small church chapels, it becomes apparent that someone associated with the church or with the renovation team is the killer. I admire the almost “closed room” aspect of the mystery, and with the addition of hidden key and a secret door, the suspense deepens. Shannon works closely with the town’s chief of police, who just so happens to be her sister’s boyfriend. I like that she’s open and honest about what she finds without putting herself in danger unnecessarily. As the book concludes, there are more surprises and changes awaiting the cast of characters and I, for one, can’t wait to find out what happens next!

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Although I came a little late to the party, I've read and thoroughly enjoyed four books in this cozy series - this is the 10th - featuring building contractor Shannon Hammer (it's hokey, but yes, that really is her last name). This one, honestly, is my least favorite of the bunch - but it's still entertaining, in large part because of Shannon's wonderful live-in love, successful writer Mac Sullivan (put another way, should he ever decide to dump Shannon, I certainly wouldn't turn him away if he knocked at my door).

Anyway, after spending some time with her sister Chloe, a TV home renovation show host and producer, Shannon and Mac return to northern California and their Lighthouse Cove home, where Shannon's team is starting a major project involving a local church that's 160-plus years old. It's been in use until just recently, when the congregation relocated to new quarters; now, it's slated for use as a museum. But no sooner than restoration preparation begins, it stops - with Shannon's discovery of a dead body in one of the small chapels inside the building. The chief of police may be Chloe's boyfriend, but he insists that Shannon - who's got a history of finding dead bodies and getting way more involved in investigations than civilians are supposed to - keep her nose out this time. The dead young woman is a key worker at the church, and both Shannon and the chief have good reason to believe the killer is someone they all know. But who did the dastardly deed? And why?

As always, the story is fleshed out with details of the investigation and the church renovation project (the latter a little too much so to suit me - I may not be familiar with all the proper terms for major parts of a church, but I really don't need instruction on how to spell them). But overall it's a don't-want-to-put-down adventure, right up to an ending that makes me even more eager than usual to read the next book. And for those who might be concerned, all the books, including this one, stand alone well enough for new readers to jump in at any time. As for me, it's always a pleasure to find a cozy heroine who isn't a ditsy paranoid female who never listens to reason, and I heartily thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy once again.

I will say, however, that I was left with a few questions, most notably what denomination the church was. Here and there the word Catholic appeared and several of the interior features like Stations of the Cross, ornate vestments and chalices and Virgin Mary icons were mentioned. But the many-year church leader is called "Reverend," not "Father" and he's married (as was his predecessor) and I'm pretty sure the Catholic Church still considers spouses a no-no. I'm leaning toward Episcopal, but inquiring minds really want to know.

What’s something that has brought you joy lately?

The other day my daughter lost her first tooth! It was such a pivotal moment that we’ve been waiting for. She was so very excited. We have these special treasure chests from the dentist and she just was giddy. It was adorable and it was such a bittersweet moment for me as a parent.

This is the newest Fixer-Upper Mystery. Shannon is excited to get started on her newest remodel project. On the first day of demolition, work suddenly stops when a body is found on site. Shannon and her boyfriend set out to figure out what is going on and who murdered the young girl, but they must hurry before another murder takes place.

Every once in a while I enjoy a nice cozy mystery to break up some of my heavier reads and this book delivered. It was cute and quaint and delightfully fun. Having never read a book in this series, I was excited to see the main character, a women, working in construction. One of my dearest friends in a female general contractor, and its tough! I adored the setting of this book. The town of Lighthouse Cove just sounds picturesque, and I wish I were there. All the characters were well developed and added to the story in a wonderful way. This was a truly enjoyable read.

Transport yourself to the lovely Lighthouse Cove on May 2nd.

Thank you to the publisher Berkley Publishing, @berkleypub, and Netgalley @netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

amateur-sleuth, construction-crew, consultant, consulting, contractors, cozy-mystery, film-industry, friendship, law-enforcement, made-me-smarter, murder, murder-investigation, read, sisters, small-business, small-town, writers, Y/A-only-means-no-gratuitous-erotica*****

Great cozy with all the right stuff in it. From a Hollywood film at the beginning to the amazing end, and all kinds of characters as well. I learned a lot about renovating a 19th century church (complete with buttresses and some peculiar architectural details) and about the vestments and gold-plated items stored inside. Riveting! I loved it!
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley. Thank you!

Any new book by Kate Carlisle is a good thing and Dressed to Drill is no exception. The contrast between Hollywood and Lighthouse Cove is well done and the mystery of the death of a young woman tied to the renovation of an old church to an art museum keeps one guessing.

Dressed to Drill, the tenth book in the Fixer-Upper Mysteries series by Kate Carlisle, doesn’t waste a moment’s time in piquing your curiosity and grasping hold of it until the last page is turned. Ms Carlisle once again transports her readers into the intriguing world of mystery, mayhem, blueprints, and construction plans…aka Shannon Hammer’s milieu.

With a compelling cast of characters and the picturesque ocean-side setting of Lighthouse Cove and its 160-year-old historic church, the twists and turns, red herrings, and the complete misdirection of the story keep the pages turning as the culprit’s reveal comes to a shocking conclusion of the secrets that the church’s sacristy holds.

As the series progresses, Ms Carlisle expertly keeps the plots fresh and unique...as well as Shannon and Mac’s relationship front and center; thereby creating a heartwarming investment in their future. And she does not disappoint on so many levels in whetting the reader’s appetite when it comes to what the next excitement awaits Shannon et al.

This ARC book was complimentary and provided by NetGalley and the Publisher. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

Shannon Hammer, a contractor, is renovating the church in Lighthouse Cove. Things come to a quick halt when a body is found in one of the chapels. Who is the killer and why was this woman killed? The church has many secrets from the past. Then a second body is found. What exactly is going on? Shannon and her boyfriend Mac, a writer, use all their tools to solve the case.. A fast , enjoyable read.

From the moment I began Dressed to Drill, I knew I'd need to read it in one sitting.
Shannon is a strong, confident character, and I had so much fun reading about her adventures in this latest book.
Shannon and her crew are getting ready to renovate a church, but things never go quite as planned.
Murder, lies, hidden tunnels and so much more bring this fantastic story to life.
This is a great weekend book that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
#DressedtoDrill #NetGalley

In this latest installment of the wonderful fixer upper series Shannon Hammer and crew are about to start a year long complicated project turning an old church into a museum. But of course it doesn’t get very far before she finds a body in one of the rooms and feels she has to solve the case. With Shannon’s huge cast of friends, and a few new ones added in this book, she discovers a secret tunnel, and sometimes the nicest people aren’t who they seem. Another fun mystery with a nice surprise ending.