A High-End Finish

A High-End Finish follows Shannon Hammer, a building contractor who specializes in Victorian home restoration in the coastal town of Lighthouse Cove, California. When Shannon finds a local real estate agent dead, she becomes the prime suspect in his murder. Shannon must balance running her construction business with clearing her name, all while navigating relationships with the town's new crime reporter and a mysterious federal agent. Her knowledge of construction and architecture becomes crucial as she works to uncover the truth behind the murder. The story takes place against the backdrop of a charming seaside community filled with historic homes, local business owners, and long-held secrets. Shannon's crew of craftsmen and her close circle of friends support her through the investigation. This cozy mystery explores themes of small-town connections and how one's professional expertise can provide unexpected insights into solving crimes. The novel highlights the intersection of historic preservation and modern-day intrigue.

Readers call this mystery a light, cozy read with an engaging home renovation backdrop. Many note the balance of construction details and murder mystery elements keeps the story moving. Likes: - Realistic portrayal of contracting work and home repairs - Strong female protagonist who runs her own business - Humor throughout dialogue and situations - Details about Lighthouse Cove setting Dislikes: - Romance subplot feels forced to some readers - Several reviewers found the killer obvious early on - Some construction terminology can be overwhelming - A few readers wanted more depth to supporting characters Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (1,100+ ratings) Common reader comment: "Fun start to a series but don't expect complex mysteries" According to reviews, this works best for readers seeking a casual mystery with home improvement themes rather than an intricate whodunit.

The Diva Runs Out of Thyme by Laura Davis A domestic contractor finds herself investigating a murder in this cozy mystery that blends home renovation details with amateur sleuthing.

Fatal Foundations by Kathi Daley The first book in a series about a female construction company owner who becomes entangled in murder investigations while renovating historic buildings.

Mortar and Murder by Jennie Bentley A house flipper and her handyman partner uncover dark secrets in a Victorian home renovation project that leads to solving a decades-old murder.

Crowned and Moldering by Jenn McKinlay A contractor and her crew discover a skeleton behind the walls during a lighthouse renovation, launching them into a murder investigation with ties to local history.

Spackled and Spooked by Jennie Bentley A home renovator faces danger while restoring an old house when she discovers clues to an unsolved murder hidden within the building's structure.

🏠 "A High-End Finish" is the first book in Kate Carlisle's Fixer-Upper Mystery series, which was later adapted into popular Hallmark Movies & Mysteries films starring Jewel as Shannon Hammer. 🔨 Author Kate Carlisle worked in construction herself before becoming a writer, giving her firsthand experience with the renovation and restoration details she includes in her books. 🏗️ The story's setting of Lighthouse Cove is inspired by Fort Bragg, California, a historic lumber town known for its Victorian architecture and famous Glass Beach. 📺 When Hallmark adapted the series, they changed the setting from California to Canada's Vancouver Island, though they maintained the small coastal town atmosphere. 🏛️ The book explores authentic Victorian architectural details and restoration techniques, as the protagonist Shannon Hammer specializes in restoring the historic homes that are characteristic of California's north coast.