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Hometown Hardware Mystery #1
Hammers and Homicide
Perfect for fans of Kate Carlisle and Victoria Gilbert, when a body is found in a hardware store, will Dawna Carpenter’s sleuthing measure up to find the killer?
Recent sexagenarian widow Dawna Carpenter thought running her own hardware store after the death of her husband was hard enough. With her adult daughter, April, moving back into town, and Darlene, the annoying boutique owner next door to her shop poking around, Dawna has her hands full. But when she finds a dead man in the bathroom of her store, with a framing hammer by his side, she’s in way over her head.
The victim, Warren Highcastle, was a land developer who was looking to purchase the old theater in town to build a new hotel. Dawna and April, worried about the implications of the crime scene at the hardware store, put themselves on the case. They soon learn that Warren had made quite a few enemies in his short amount of time in town. As the suspect list starts growing, so too do the threats against Dawna and April. Can Dawna and April nail the killer before they strike again?
Recent sexagenarian widow Dawna Carpenter thought running her own hardware store after the death of her husband was hard enough. With her adult daughter, April, moving back into town, and Darlene, the annoying boutique owner next door to her shop poking around, Dawna has her hands full. But when she finds a dead man in the bathroom of her store, with a framing hammer by his side, she’s in way over her head.
The victim, Warren Highcastle, was a land developer who was looking to purchase the old theater in town to build a new hotel. Dawna and April, worried about the implications of the crime scene at the hardware store, put themselves on the case. They soon learn that Warren had made quite a few enemies in his short amount of time in town. As the suspect list starts growing, so too do the threats against Dawna and April. Can Dawna and April nail the killer before they strike again?
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 16, 2024
11 people are currently reading
564 people want to read
About the author
Paula Charles
5 books79 followersAlways an avid reader, I came to this writing journey later than many. A local genealogical library offered a workshop on writing family stories, so I signed up, wrote a few short stories and was hooked. Cozy mysteries were always my go-to when I needed an escape, so I decided to see if I had what it takes. At the age of 55, I signed my first contract. And a week later, I signed my second. It's never too late!
I grew up in a small, Pacific Northwest town that instilled a lifelong love of small towns and country living, along with a deep love for pie, family history, and the possibility of ghosts. My grandfather was a building contractor and together my grandparents owned and operated a hardware store and lumberyard in my hometown. I spent many hours as a kid tagging along with Grandma in the store. Now I've turned those memories into my first cozy mystery series. Hammers and Homicide will be coming from Crooked Lane Books in January, 2024.
Today, my husband and I live on a small hobby farm in SE Washington. Watching the antics of our silly goats in the barnyard inspired my Zen Goat cozy mystery series. An Escape Goat is written under my pen name of Janna Rollins and will be coming from Level Best Books in March, 2024.
When I'm not writing or reading, I love to bake, garden, and spend time with the grandkids, (who are growing up way to fast!)
I grew up in a small, Pacific Northwest town that instilled a lifelong love of small towns and country living, along with a deep love for pie, family history, and the possibility of ghosts. My grandfather was a building contractor and together my grandparents owned and operated a hardware store and lumberyard in my hometown. I spent many hours as a kid tagging along with Grandma in the store. Now I've turned those memories into my first cozy mystery series. Hammers and Homicide will be coming from Crooked Lane Books in January, 2024.
Today, my husband and I live on a small hobby farm in SE Washington. Watching the antics of our silly goats in the barnyard inspired my Zen Goat cozy mystery series. An Escape Goat is written under my pen name of Janna Rollins and will be coming from Level Best Books in March, 2024.
When I'm not writing or reading, I love to bake, garden, and spend time with the grandkids, (who are growing up way to fast!)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
January 10, 2024
This is the first book in a new series. In fact I believe it is the author's debut novel.
The main character is Dawna, sixtyish years old and recently widowed. She is still running her husband's hardware store and her adult daughter, April, has come to live near her. Dawna presumes this is the family's way of keeping an eye on her, but in fact it turns out to be a real blessing when Dawna discovers a dead body on her bathroom floor. April is a big help in the subsequent investigation.
One thing I did not expect but did enjoy was the presence of ghosts! Dawna chats to several in the course of the book and even April is aware of one of them. I thought it was a fun touch and I look forward to more of Dawna, April and the ghosts in the next book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The main character is Dawna, sixtyish years old and recently widowed. She is still running her husband's hardware store and her adult daughter, April, has come to live near her. Dawna presumes this is the family's way of keeping an eye on her, but in fact it turns out to be a real blessing when Dawna discovers a dead body on her bathroom floor. April is a big help in the subsequent investigation.
One thing I did not expect but did enjoy was the presence of ghosts! Dawna chats to several in the course of the book and even April is aware of one of them. I thought it was a fun touch and I look forward to more of Dawna, April and the ghosts in the next book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
January 11, 2024
This is Paula Charles's debut cozy mystery, and she knocked it out of the park. I love the fact that her main character, Dawna, is starting a new chapter in her life after her husband passed away. She is still running their hardware store, and she reminded me a lot of my Nonnie. Tough, loving, and always willing to fix the problems herself. Her dry sense of humor and sarcastic comments to herself made me snort with laughter. I love her relationship with her daughter. It felt real. It wasn't a perfect relationship, they would pick at each other but you knew that the love was there.
The descriptions of the book were fantastic. I could really picture the shop, her beautiful house, and I was able to get a good picture of the town, though I can't wait to find out more about all of the shops. I'm not going to go too into the mystery because what fun is that? However, I will say that I didn't guess the whodunnit. So there is that. I highly recommend this book.
I received an ALC on Netgalley for the audiobook and it was wonderful! The narrator was fantastic!
The descriptions of the book were fantastic. I could really picture the shop, her beautiful house, and I was able to get a good picture of the town, though I can't wait to find out more about all of the shops. I'm not going to go too into the mystery because what fun is that? However, I will say that I didn't guess the whodunnit. So there is that. I highly recommend this book.
I received an ALC on Netgalley for the audiobook and it was wonderful! The narrator was fantastic!
February 10, 2024
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Dawna Carpenter never thought she would be running her hardware store, Carpenter’s Corner without her husband in her sixties. She lost her active husband to a heart attack a few weeks ago and is still adjusting to life as a widow. Her youngest daughter April has moved back to town saying she was “tired of the corporate world, city life, and city men”. Dawna believes her siblings decided “she was the best candidate to keep an eye on her nutcase of a mother” but she has taken over Dawna’s design and furniture restoration business so that Dawna could work full-time at the hardware store. Dawna never imagined she would find a dead man in the bathroom she shares with the store next door.
The deceased Warren Highcastle had come to Pine Bluff to turn the town’s old theater into a fancy new hotel which was a huge blow to the Women’s Service Club which wanted to restore the theatre. With Highcastle’s death, that option may be viable again but it could also land some members on the suspect list. Dawna and April are worried about the future of the store now that a murder has happened on the premises and that the police have made them close the store as their investigation continues. To hurry that up they decide to try to hammer out the path to the killer themselves. But with the body count on the rise, they know they could be next. Can Dawna and April catch the killer before the killer catches them?
In this first Hometown Hardware Mystery, the author introduces a large slate of characters. Dawna Carpenter is a strong mature woman with a huge heart and a lot on her plate. She is mourning her husband who she often thinks is nearby, she talks to him often, and when she gets in trouble he just may be around to help her. I loved the way she talked to him even though her kids thought she was crazy. Dawna uses the phrase “Good Night” like I use the phrase “Good Grief” and she is a bit klutzy like me so I was able to identify with her quickly. She has a great relationship with her daughter April. Their interactions reminded me of those I have with my daughters. Sweet, funny, sometimes trying, and sometimes only things we understand.
We also meet J.T. Dallas, Pine Bluff’s chief of police. He’s all business when working on a murder but otherwise is fun and caring and may be a good match for April. Darlene Lovelace owns Lipstick and Lace next door to Carpenter’s Corner and is Dawna’s least favorite person in Pine Bluff. We meet several other residents of the small town throughout the book. They all feel like folks you would meet in any small town, except one of them is a murderer.
Ms. Charles has written a compelling mystery. Our protagonist is still working on her sleuthing skills so all the clues didn’t all fall into place for her before the reveal. I did figure it out a little quicker but the showdown was fantastic. “What in the name of Zeus is happening?” I loved the way everything played out.
There was a lot of humor throughout the story. There was an incident in Steam Engine Park that had me laughing out loud and in tears. Described so well, that I pictured it clearly, and then just a few pages later I was giggling again. Karma will get me back, I am sure.
Hammers and Homicide is a delightful start to the Hometown Hardware Mystery Series. I love that the lead character is my age and that the author has surrounded her with genuine true-to-life characters. The paranormal sprinkle was unexpected and appreciated. There is a subplot still open that has me concerned but excited to see what Ms. Charles has in store for her characters next.
Dawna Carpenter never thought she would be running her hardware store, Carpenter’s Corner without her husband in her sixties. She lost her active husband to a heart attack a few weeks ago and is still adjusting to life as a widow. Her youngest daughter April has moved back to town saying she was “tired of the corporate world, city life, and city men”. Dawna believes her siblings decided “she was the best candidate to keep an eye on her nutcase of a mother” but she has taken over Dawna’s design and furniture restoration business so that Dawna could work full-time at the hardware store. Dawna never imagined she would find a dead man in the bathroom she shares with the store next door.
The deceased Warren Highcastle had come to Pine Bluff to turn the town’s old theater into a fancy new hotel which was a huge blow to the Women’s Service Club which wanted to restore the theatre. With Highcastle’s death, that option may be viable again but it could also land some members on the suspect list. Dawna and April are worried about the future of the store now that a murder has happened on the premises and that the police have made them close the store as their investigation continues. To hurry that up they decide to try to hammer out the path to the killer themselves. But with the body count on the rise, they know they could be next. Can Dawna and April catch the killer before the killer catches them?
In this first Hometown Hardware Mystery, the author introduces a large slate of characters. Dawna Carpenter is a strong mature woman with a huge heart and a lot on her plate. She is mourning her husband who she often thinks is nearby, she talks to him often, and when she gets in trouble he just may be around to help her. I loved the way she talked to him even though her kids thought she was crazy. Dawna uses the phrase “Good Night” like I use the phrase “Good Grief” and she is a bit klutzy like me so I was able to identify with her quickly. She has a great relationship with her daughter April. Their interactions reminded me of those I have with my daughters. Sweet, funny, sometimes trying, and sometimes only things we understand.
We also meet J.T. Dallas, Pine Bluff’s chief of police. He’s all business when working on a murder but otherwise is fun and caring and may be a good match for April. Darlene Lovelace owns Lipstick and Lace next door to Carpenter’s Corner and is Dawna’s least favorite person in Pine Bluff. We meet several other residents of the small town throughout the book. They all feel like folks you would meet in any small town, except one of them is a murderer.
Ms. Charles has written a compelling mystery. Our protagonist is still working on her sleuthing skills so all the clues didn’t all fall into place for her before the reveal. I did figure it out a little quicker but the showdown was fantastic. “What in the name of Zeus is happening?” I loved the way everything played out.
There was a lot of humor throughout the story. There was an incident in Steam Engine Park that had me laughing out loud and in tears. Described so well, that I pictured it clearly, and then just a few pages later I was giggling again. Karma will get me back, I am sure.
Hammers and Homicide is a delightful start to the Hometown Hardware Mystery Series. I love that the lead character is my age and that the author has surrounded her with genuine true-to-life characters. The paranormal sprinkle was unexpected and appreciated. There is a subplot still open that has me concerned but excited to see what Ms. Charles has in store for her characters next.
January 15, 2024
If you enjoy cozies set in small towns with a quirky main character, you will enjoy Hammers and Homicide, the first book in a new cozy mystery series.
Dawna Carpenter is around 60 and has been widowed for a few years. She now runs the local hardware store in Pine Bluffs, Oregon, with just one other employee. A land/real estate developer, Warren Highcastle, has come to town to renovate their historic opera house into a hotel. When he is found murdered in the bathroom connected to the hardware store, Dawna decides to “help” the police in their investigation.
I enjoyed the character of Dawna, who is a bit clumsy and not exactly a model housekeeper or cook. She feels a bit guilty over the high fat convenience foods she used to feed her husband (he died of a heart attack), but she hasn’t changed her eating habits yet. There is a smidge of possible paranormal activity, in that she senses her husband’s presence sometimes, smelling his scent of sawdust and coffee. She also sees visions of their former cat, Lilac. Perhaps this aspect will be further developed in future books in the series. Another nice aspect was April, Dawna’s youngest daughter, who has returned to live in Pine Bluff and restores old furniture. Their banter was fun and it was nice to read about a positive mother-daughter relationship.
I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient. The audiobook was nicely narrated by Petrea Burchard, a new-to-me narrator.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book and to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
Dawna Carpenter is around 60 and has been widowed for a few years. She now runs the local hardware store in Pine Bluffs, Oregon, with just one other employee. A land/real estate developer, Warren Highcastle, has come to town to renovate their historic opera house into a hotel. When he is found murdered in the bathroom connected to the hardware store, Dawna decides to “help” the police in their investigation.
I enjoyed the character of Dawna, who is a bit clumsy and not exactly a model housekeeper or cook. She feels a bit guilty over the high fat convenience foods she used to feed her husband (he died of a heart attack), but she hasn’t changed her eating habits yet. There is a smidge of possible paranormal activity, in that she senses her husband’s presence sometimes, smelling his scent of sawdust and coffee. She also sees visions of their former cat, Lilac. Perhaps this aspect will be further developed in future books in the series. Another nice aspect was April, Dawna’s youngest daughter, who has returned to live in Pine Bluff and restores old furniture. Their banter was fun and it was nice to read about a positive mother-daughter relationship.
I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient. The audiobook was nicely narrated by Petrea Burchard, a new-to-me narrator.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book and to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
January 28, 2024
I don't usually read cozy mysteries, but really enjoyed Hammers and Homicide. The was able to put myself in the POV of the characters. If you're looking for a fun murder mystery on these long winter nights, I highly recommend Hammers and Homicide by Paula Charles. :)
March 21, 2024
This book was delightful. I really enjoyed the town and thought that the characters were likable. I did have a little problem with how naive the main character felt at times but the story was still fun.
Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape media, and Paula Charles for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape media, and Paula Charles for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 14, 2023
Need a cozy read that gives you all the cozy feels? HAMMERS AND HOMICIDE is the perfect book for you! It has mystery, an adorable small town, quirky characters, delicious-sounding food, a mother-daughter duo with hilarious banter, and a main character that you want to be friends with. Did I mention yummy food? Ms. Charles has created a story that kept me guessing until the end and left me wanting to visit Dawna and Pine Bluff a lot more.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.
September 10, 2023
I got a copy of Hammers and Homicide on NetGalley.
This is a delightful cozy mystery by Paula Charles.
Widow, Dawna Carpenter, takes over her deceased husband's hardware store. She never expects to find a developer's dead body in the store's bathroom. She feels a little responsible for the man's death because the body was found on her property. So, she begins to investigate the murder.
If you enjoy small town cozy mysteries, you'll like Hammers and Homicide.
This is a delightful cozy mystery by Paula Charles.
Widow, Dawna Carpenter, takes over her deceased husband's hardware store. She never expects to find a developer's dead body in the store's bathroom. She feels a little responsible for the man's death because the body was found on her property. So, she begins to investigate the murder.
If you enjoy small town cozy mysteries, you'll like Hammers and Homicide.
January 23, 2024
Hammers and Homicide is the perfect summer cozy mystery (or to be read in winter when you're desperate for that summer feel). Dawna Carpenter is a widow running the hardware store her and her deceased husband shared when a high-falutton outsider who is trying to buy the Emery Theater in her small town ends up murdered on her stores property. With the help of her daughter, April, Dawna sets out to find the truth, only to put herself right in the pathway of the murderer, but as a reader you'llbe guessing until the very end of who that might be. This story is filled with lovable small town characters and charm, a perfect sprinkle of spectral visitors, but I warn you now, by the time you're done you'll be really hungry for at least 3 different kind of pies.
August 27, 2024
This was such a cute, entertaining and easy read! I loved the characters and all of the gardening and food references!
August 14, 2023
Dawna Carpenter became the sole proprietor of Carpenters Corner Hardware and Building Supply in Pine Bluff, Oregon, after the death of her husband, Bob. Dawna’s youngest daughter, April, took over Dawna’s design and furniture restoration business, Carriage House Designs. Questions arise the day Steve Harrison is late to work as he’s late the same morning Dawna discovers a dead body in her building.
One delight of visiting a newly created small town for a debut cozy series is learning the names of the businesses. My favorites in Pine Bluff are Lipstick and Lace, Rocking M Coffee Shop, and Stage Stop Café.
The very 1st action that Dawna takes as a sleuth is the first time I remember the subject matter being captured in a photograph. I loved the sleuth’s act of taking the opportunity of the moment's spontaneity, even though it is improbable that a police chief would let this item linger out of his sight. For those of a certain age or those that enjoy series from years gone by, the chief’s last name may be a highlight with the addition of his description compared to a cowboy in a commercial of the same vintage. There is a paranormal aspect to the cozy as well. I knew the reveal from the first clue but still enjoyed the progress of the investigation.
I was puzzled that Dawna never mentioned to April a discovery in town (even photographing it too) that she knew April would enjoy using in her business. A certified letter and phone call also leave questions unanswered, so I’ll revisit Pine Bluff for further developments.
Thank you to Paula Charles, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book.
One delight of visiting a newly created small town for a debut cozy series is learning the names of the businesses. My favorites in Pine Bluff are Lipstick and Lace, Rocking M Coffee Shop, and Stage Stop Café.
The very 1st action that Dawna takes as a sleuth is the first time I remember the subject matter being captured in a photograph. I loved the sleuth’s act of taking the opportunity of the moment's spontaneity, even though it is improbable that a police chief would let this item linger out of his sight. For those of a certain age or those that enjoy series from years gone by, the chief’s last name may be a highlight with the addition of his description compared to a cowboy in a commercial of the same vintage. There is a paranormal aspect to the cozy as well. I knew the reveal from the first clue but still enjoyed the progress of the investigation.
I was puzzled that Dawna never mentioned to April a discovery in town (even photographing it too) that she knew April would enjoy using in her business. A certified letter and phone call also leave questions unanswered, so I’ll revisit Pine Bluff for further developments.
Thank you to Paula Charles, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book.
August 2, 2023
Super fun new series from this author. Hammers and Homicides centers around Dawna Carpenter, a widowed hardware store owner who talks to ghosts-her best friend growing up was one. Dawna lives in the small town of Pine Bluff which is full of charm, fun (and funny) characters, and is a sleepy quiet place to live until a murder happens at the hardware.
Dawna feels obligated to put on her sleuth pants and solve the crime since it happened at her store. She, along with her daughter set out to uncover the murderer. Her wit and humor move the story along at a nice pace and a thorough look into several red herrings provides a surprising and twisty-turny timeline of events that is both entertaining and suspenseful.
I loved the humor in Charles's writing. I thought character development was thorough and engaging. Dawna is someone I'd totally be friends with. Looking forward to more in this series.
ETA: I received an eBook ARC from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Dawna feels obligated to put on her sleuth pants and solve the crime since it happened at her store. She, along with her daughter set out to uncover the murderer. Her wit and humor move the story along at a nice pace and a thorough look into several red herrings provides a surprising and twisty-turny timeline of events that is both entertaining and suspenseful.
I loved the humor in Charles's writing. I thought character development was thorough and engaging. Dawna is someone I'd totally be friends with. Looking forward to more in this series.
ETA: I received an eBook ARC from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
August 23, 2023
Hammers and Homicide is the first installment in a new cozy mystery set in the small town of Pine Bluff. Sexagenarian Dawna Carpenter, the owner of Carpenters Corner Hardware, stumbles upon a dead body in her bathroom one morning. After one of her friends is arrested in the murder, Dawna and her daughter, April, decide to investigate and help free her friend.
I thought this was a great story and loved that our main character was not a recently single 30-year-old that moved back in with her family, as most cozies seem to be. Dawna is sassy, and her conversations with her daughter are laugh-out-loud funny. The mystery was great, and at times I was creeped out by the descriptions of happenings in the book. There was part of the story that was never put to rest, so I hope the author will approach that in another book. 5/5 stars!!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I thought this was a great story and loved that our main character was not a recently single 30-year-old that moved back in with her family, as most cozies seem to be. Dawna is sassy, and her conversations with her daughter are laugh-out-loud funny. The mystery was great, and at times I was creeped out by the descriptions of happenings in the book. There was part of the story that was never put to rest, so I hope the author will approach that in another book. 5/5 stars!!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 25, 2023
I was intrigued right from the beginning. I love the author’s writing style with all of the wonderful descriptions of everything. She gave us a little background info in the first chapter and then sprinkled more after the mystery started. I really like the main character Dawna and how she was naturally curious. Her daughter April is great too. I love the setting and the small-town locals. I love that this book has short chapters that keep you wanting to read on. It was a good mystery. I highly recommend this book and will continue with the next book in the series.
Thank you to Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books for the eARC!
Thank you to Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books for the eARC!
January 24, 2024
Hammers and Homicide is the first book in a new cozy mystery series. The book features Dawna Carpenter, a widow taking over the running of the hardware store that her husband owned. When the body of a murder victim is found in the store, Dawna and her grown daughter start investigating.
This is a relaxing read with a nice small-town setting in the fictional town of Pine Bluff, Oregon. I had mixed feelings about the main character, so that detracted a bit from how much I liked the book as a whole. I like her daughter, April, though, and the way Dawna and April look out for each other and work together on the case. There is a very small paranormal element in the story, but not enough to be an issue if you don't usually read that type of book. I like how things wrapped up with the case and in the lives of Dawna and April. I think this has the potential to be a fun series. (3.5 stars.)
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
This is a relaxing read with a nice small-town setting in the fictional town of Pine Bluff, Oregon. I had mixed feelings about the main character, so that detracted a bit from how much I liked the book as a whole. I like her daughter, April, though, and the way Dawna and April look out for each other and work together on the case. There is a very small paranormal element in the story, but not enough to be an issue if you don't usually read that type of book. I like how things wrapped up with the case and in the lives of Dawna and April. I think this has the potential to be a fun series. (3.5 stars.)
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
August 24, 2024
An excellent cozy series debut! Paula Charles combines a wonderfully charming setting and cast of eclectic characters with a well paced mystery. I found myself smiling and laughing throughout at lovable protagonist, Dawna Carpenter's antics and witty banter. Her use of the term, "Good night!" as an exclamation reminds me of my grandmother who I miss and mourn much like Dawna mourns the loss of her husband. This little tidbit sprinkled throughout made the read even more cozy and heartwarming for me. As I enjoyed the mystery unfold, I could practically hear my grandmother uttering the phrase almost as clearly as Dawna's supernatural interactions with her deceased husband and cat. Highly recommend to those who enjoy cozy mysteries. I hope this will be a long running series, and I can't wait for the next installment!
January 16, 2024
This is a great first book in a new series. I found myself flying through it. The setting was great, the characters were likeable and the storyline was fast paced. I loved the relationship between Dawna (MC) and April, her daughter. It was really nice to see a good relationship between the two, where they actually enjoyed spending time together and had fun.
Since her husband's passing, Dawna has assumed the responsibility of the hardware store they owned together. She is learning how to manage everything when she finds the body of a real estate developer in the bathroom she shares with her neighbor, Darlene. The local detective will not let her open up her shop until the murder is solved, which gives Dawnya some serious incentive to solve the murder.
I was not expecting the ghost presence component of her late husband and cat. It was a nice addition to the story.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Since her husband's passing, Dawna has assumed the responsibility of the hardware store they owned together. She is learning how to manage everything when she finds the body of a real estate developer in the bathroom she shares with her neighbor, Darlene. The local detective will not let her open up her shop until the murder is solved, which gives Dawnya some serious incentive to solve the murder.
I was not expecting the ghost presence component of her late husband and cat. It was a nice addition to the story.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 3, 2024
Excellent!
February 16, 2024
I might be a little biased. Hehehe
July 18, 2023
#HammersandHomicide #NetGalley is the first book I've read by this author.
This is a fantastic beginning to a new series and I love the main character, Dawna.
After her husband's death, Dawna is running the hardware store on her own, while hoping for the opportunity to have her husband's ghost pay her a visit.
When a visitor is found dead, in the bathroom shared of the hardware store, Dawna starts asking questions, trying to piece the clues together.
I felt an immediate connection with Dawna, she's portrayed as a kind, determined, independent woman, and even though she's older, she has a lit of spunk.
This is a series to watch, I'm hoping it continues for a long time.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
This is a fantastic beginning to a new series and I love the main character, Dawna.
After her husband's death, Dawna is running the hardware store on her own, while hoping for the opportunity to have her husband's ghost pay her a visit.
When a visitor is found dead, in the bathroom shared of the hardware store, Dawna starts asking questions, trying to piece the clues together.
I felt an immediate connection with Dawna, she's portrayed as a kind, determined, independent woman, and even though she's older, she has a lit of spunk.
This is a series to watch, I'm hoping it continues for a long time.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
January 29, 2024
Great premise, terrible execution. Skipped from the 50% mark to the 90% and literally no new information was provided. I was missing nothing. The reason for the initial killing was terrible and the main character was too stupid for a cozy mystery heroine. Major disappointment.
I read this books as an audio ARC from Netgalley
I read this books as an audio ARC from Netgalley
January 17, 2024
Hammers And Homicide is the first book in the A Hometown Hardware Mystery series by Paula Charles.
Dawna Carpenter Has continued the family business, Carpenter’s Corner Hardware store in Pine Bluff, Oregon, after her husband’s death. One morning, as she arrived near the store, she heard a loud argument from a nearby real estate company. Arriving at work, Dawna is surprised to see that her lone employee, Steve Harrison, has not arrived as yet. Later in the morning, she goes to use the bathroom, and to her horror, she finds a dead body with severe head injuries caused by a framing hammer lying next to his body. The bathroom is shared with Darlene Lovelace, who owns a pricey boutique next door. The body is quickly identified as Warren Highcastle, a real estate developer in town trying to buy the old Emery House opera theatre and convert it into a hotel. A women’s club in Pine Bluff had attempted to buy the opera house, but the offer was rejected. Dawna is a member of that club. With the murder happening in the hardware store and with easy access to the weapon, Dawna will become the prime suspect.
Dawna and her adult daughter, who recently moved back to Pine Bluff, will set out to clear Dawna's name from suspicion. But when the owner of a construction company that was going to work on the project is arrested, Dawna and April will also start to work to clear his name. Dawna will soon find many other suspects to clear her name.
I enjoyed this first book in a new series. I particularly liked how well Dawna and her daughter worked together. Also, I enjoyed how Dawna sensed her late husband's presence and how talking to him helped her in her investigation. The book is well-written and plotted. The characters are all well-developed, engaging, and entirely believable. There were plenty of red herrings that kept me guessing until the end of the book.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
Dawna Carpenter Has continued the family business, Carpenter’s Corner Hardware store in Pine Bluff, Oregon, after her husband’s death. One morning, as she arrived near the store, she heard a loud argument from a nearby real estate company. Arriving at work, Dawna is surprised to see that her lone employee, Steve Harrison, has not arrived as yet. Later in the morning, she goes to use the bathroom, and to her horror, she finds a dead body with severe head injuries caused by a framing hammer lying next to his body. The bathroom is shared with Darlene Lovelace, who owns a pricey boutique next door. The body is quickly identified as Warren Highcastle, a real estate developer in town trying to buy the old Emery House opera theatre and convert it into a hotel. A women’s club in Pine Bluff had attempted to buy the opera house, but the offer was rejected. Dawna is a member of that club. With the murder happening in the hardware store and with easy access to the weapon, Dawna will become the prime suspect.
Dawna and her adult daughter, who recently moved back to Pine Bluff, will set out to clear Dawna's name from suspicion. But when the owner of a construction company that was going to work on the project is arrested, Dawna and April will also start to work to clear his name. Dawna will soon find many other suspects to clear her name.
I enjoyed this first book in a new series. I particularly liked how well Dawna and her daughter worked together. Also, I enjoyed how Dawna sensed her late husband's presence and how talking to him helped her in her investigation. The book is well-written and plotted. The characters are all well-developed, engaging, and entirely believable. There were plenty of red herrings that kept me guessing until the end of the book.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
January 13, 2024
I really liked the premise of this story - a quaint murder mystery set in a sleepy town - but unfortunately, I was left disappointed. The numerous "ghost" moments were just irritating as it was never made clear if Dawna's husband or cat Lilac really were ghosts in her home or not - and even more irritating was the fact that this paranormal aspect, which takes up a lot of the story, was never mentioned once in the book description. It also felt as though 30-50% of the novel was missing as we moved from Dawna's brief investigations to the climax of the story so abruptly that I actually rewound the audiobook to make sure that I hadn't accidentally skipped a chapter or six. There were no suggestions or hints as to the killer's identity until they were suddenly revealed, and even then, I found it incredibly difficult to believe that that character was actually the killer. In addition, there are still numerous unanswered questions that made the book feel half-finished, such as the issue with the bank contacting Dawna multiple times about a loan that had been taken out on her store - despite this being mentioned in many chapters, it was never resolved one way or the other. In fact, the only reason I am giving this novel two stars instead of one is because of its potential. The beginning was interesting and the possible motives were intriguing, yet ultimately, this book disappointed me greatly as that potential wasn't followed through.
December 4, 2023
Dawna Carpenter is facing a new life. The death of her beloved husband, decisions about selling their hardware business, her daughter moving back to town are nothing compared to finding a dead man in her store's shared restroom. Now, she and her daughter have to find a murderer before they become the next victims!
When I look to see if the author has written any other books, when I'm halfway through the book,I know it's going to be one of my favorites. The slight paranormal aspects of the book made it even more enjoyable and. I liked the main characters who were believable and easy to relate to. No rushing into dangerous situations, but the amateur sleuths Dawna and her daughter April are determined to solve the case. Also, I like to read books with older sleuths and this book fits the bill. Humor, mystery, with a !little romance and paranormal make the series a favorite!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
When I look to see if the author has written any other books, when I'm halfway through the book,I know it's going to be one of my favorites. The slight paranormal aspects of the book made it even more enjoyable and. I liked the main characters who were believable and easy to relate to. No rushing into dangerous situations, but the amateur sleuths Dawna and her daughter April are determined to solve the case. Also, I like to read books with older sleuths and this book fits the bill. Humor, mystery, with a !little romance and paranormal make the series a favorite!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
September 6, 2023
When a town landmark is sold to a developer, the town is torn between being excited that the property will be restored and used again and the fact that it may just ruin the old relic. Though when the developer is found dead in Dawna’s business, she can’t help but try to figure out who killed the man and why. After all, it happened in her building and she feels some level of responsibility to find the killer. Could it have been her quiet employee whom she really knows nothing about? Dawna will find out, but she hopes it won’t be the last thing she does.
This is the first book I have read from this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I like the fact that dawn isn’t super young and she’s got some experience on her side and her take on things in life. I’m going to be back for more in this series!
This is the first book I have read from this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I like the fact that dawn isn’t super young and she’s got some experience on her side and her take on things in life. I’m going to be back for more in this series!
September 21, 2023
One of my favorite things about reading cozy mysteries is finding myself immersed in a quaint community, and Pine Bluff, Oregon does not disappoint.
After the death of her husband, sexagenarian Dawna Carpenter is up for the challenge of running the family hardware store, but she never expected to find a dead body in the bathroom of her store. Along with her adult daughter, April, Dawna sets out to solve the murder.
This was such a fun read! Dawna is charming as a protagonist, and some of her expressions, as well as the mother-daughter banter, had me laughing—good night! The mystery was well-crafted, and I enjoyed solving the murder while meeting many of Pine Bluff’s interesting characters. I look forward to the second book in this series where I foresee financial trouble ahead for Dawna. It seems there’s the matter of an unresolved loan…
After the death of her husband, sexagenarian Dawna Carpenter is up for the challenge of running the family hardware store, but she never expected to find a dead body in the bathroom of her store. Along with her adult daughter, April, Dawna sets out to solve the murder.
This was such a fun read! Dawna is charming as a protagonist, and some of her expressions, as well as the mother-daughter banter, had me laughing—good night! The mystery was well-crafted, and I enjoyed solving the murder while meeting many of Pine Bluff’s interesting characters. I look forward to the second book in this series where I foresee financial trouble ahead for Dawna. It seems there’s the matter of an unresolved loan…
January 9, 2024
Hammers and Homicide
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“ Recent sexagenarian widow Dawna Carpenter thought running her own hardware store after the death of her husband was hard enough. With her adult daughter, April, moving back into town, and Darlene, the annoying boutique owner next door to her shop poking around, Dawna has her hands full. But when she finds a dead man in the bathroom of her store, with a framing hammer by his side, she’s in way over her head.”
This is an awesome start to this series. Love the way the character development has started. Really enjoyed the mystery in this one. I didn’t guess who did it until the end, which I love! I would love to go to this little town, the setting sounds wonderful. Can’t wait for the next one to come out.
#netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“ Recent sexagenarian widow Dawna Carpenter thought running her own hardware store after the death of her husband was hard enough. With her adult daughter, April, moving back into town, and Darlene, the annoying boutique owner next door to her shop poking around, Dawna has her hands full. But when she finds a dead man in the bathroom of her store, with a framing hammer by his side, she’s in way over her head.”
This is an awesome start to this series. Love the way the character development has started. Really enjoyed the mystery in this one. I didn’t guess who did it until the end, which I love! I would love to go to this little town, the setting sounds wonderful. Can’t wait for the next one to come out.
#netgalley
November 12, 2023
The first in a new series, this is a good introduction to the characters and the setting. I've not read a cosy mystery where the protagonist owns a hardware store, so that was unique. Also, my parents used to own a hardware store in a country town, so I could relate to the sense of community that comes from such a business.
The mystery is early in the story, which I prefer. Long introductions can be a problem at times, as I always wonder if readers will drop off. And also, early on we meet some interesting town locals, who I assume will become regular support characters in the series. Some quickly make their mark in the book, with strong personalities or quirks. Paula Charles has created the characters with a genuine small town feel. This added to my enjoyment of the book.
I enjoyed following Dawna and her daughter, April, as they investigated the two crimes in this book. Their energy comes through in the pages, and the investigation paved way for other characters to be introduced. It felt like a natural progression in the story.
There are two things that detracted a little from the book. The dialogue felt a bit too stilted at times. This is the debut book by the author, so I think more relaxed dialogue will happen over time. The second is the ghost angle in the book. This isn't a paranormal cosy mystery, so I didn't expect that to be a big part of the book. And for it to play a very prominent part at the end. I didn't really enjoy that element, especially with how it was included in the conclusion of the book. If this were a paranormal cosy mystery, I would feel differently, but I felt like the paranormal aspect was used as an easy out at the end.
A fun read with a genuine small town cosy mystery feel. I think this will find a good reader base, because it does read well and the characters are well developed.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and to Netgalley for providing a copy of the book for an honest review. All comments are my own.
The mystery is early in the story, which I prefer. Long introductions can be a problem at times, as I always wonder if readers will drop off. And also, early on we meet some interesting town locals, who I assume will become regular support characters in the series. Some quickly make their mark in the book, with strong personalities or quirks. Paula Charles has created the characters with a genuine small town feel. This added to my enjoyment of the book.
I enjoyed following Dawna and her daughter, April, as they investigated the two crimes in this book. Their energy comes through in the pages, and the investigation paved way for other characters to be introduced. It felt like a natural progression in the story.
There are two things that detracted a little from the book. The dialogue felt a bit too stilted at times. This is the debut book by the author, so I think more relaxed dialogue will happen over time. The second is the ghost angle in the book. This isn't a paranormal cosy mystery, so I didn't expect that to be a big part of the book. And for it to play a very prominent part at the end. I didn't really enjoy that element, especially with how it was included in the conclusion of the book. If this were a paranormal cosy mystery, I would feel differently, but I felt like the paranormal aspect was used as an easy out at the end.
A fun read with a genuine small town cosy mystery feel. I think this will find a good reader base, because it does read well and the characters are well developed.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and to Netgalley for providing a copy of the book for an honest review. All comments are my own.
October 12, 2023
Thank you to Paula Charles, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book.
Dawna Carpenter is a widow and owner of Carpenter's Corner Hardware and Building Supply in Pine Bluff, Oregon. Missing her husband, she still feels his presence and talks to him about her escapades. A paranormal element was a nice addition. Dawna's daughter, April, has recently returned to Pine Bluff after many years away. When a murder occurs at Dawna's shop, Dawna and her daughter, April, are on the case to resolve the mystery.
This was a good start to a new series. The characters were quirky and funny at the same time. Though there are some lingering "cliffhangers", I am sure they will be answered in additional books in the series. I will definitely return to Pine Bluff again.
Dawna Carpenter is a widow and owner of Carpenter's Corner Hardware and Building Supply in Pine Bluff, Oregon. Missing her husband, she still feels his presence and talks to him about her escapades. A paranormal element was a nice addition. Dawna's daughter, April, has recently returned to Pine Bluff after many years away. When a murder occurs at Dawna's shop, Dawna and her daughter, April, are on the case to resolve the mystery.
This was a good start to a new series. The characters were quirky and funny at the same time. Though there are some lingering "cliffhangers", I am sure they will be answered in additional books in the series. I will definitely return to Pine Bluff again.
February 24, 2024
I figured out the murder the first time she was introduced to us. All the ghost talk was just weird. The main character let out a breath she didn't know she was holding (please authors stop using this line) and was also extremely judgmental about e-readers stating "They were another reason for people to spend their lives with their faces buried in a screen". Even though she reads books.
All of this makes this book unlikable and I should have stopped reading when I figured out the murderer.
All of this makes this book unlikable and I should have stopped reading when I figured out the murderer.
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