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Hoale Construction Mystery #1
A Hoale Lot of Trouble
Adam Hoale owns a construction company called Hoale Construction. When he finds an eye-opening surprise in the walls of a house he’s flipping, and a libido flaring surprise standing on the lawn, he's willing to do the right thing with the surprise in the wall while entertaining lusty thoughts about the surprise on the lawn.
But as the world finds out what he discovered, and his new boy toy seems to be keeping too many secrets to make a relationship a reality, Adam soon realizes he may just get flipped himself if he's not careful.
But as the world finds out what he discovered, and his new boy toy seems to be keeping too many secrets to make a relationship a reality, Adam soon realizes he may just get flipped himself if he's not careful.
175 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2012
12 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Declan Sands
16 books20 followersDeclan Sands is NOT a man. But she plays one on the Internet.
Declan writes romantic mysteries, fantasy and suspense, creating stories that celebrate the joy of love in all its forms. Known for writing great characters, snappy dialogue, and unique and exhilarating stories, Declan has been writing for over a decade under several noms de plume.
Declan writes romantic mysteries, fantasy and suspense, creating stories that celebrate the joy of love in all its forms. Known for writing great characters, snappy dialogue, and unique and exhilarating stories, Declan has been writing for over a decade under several noms de plume.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
dnf
November 29, 2017Dnf at 20%
When you start skimming by the beginning of the fourth chapter, you know it’s time to quit.
When you start skimming by the beginning of the fourth chapter, you know it’s time to quit.
May 24, 2015
I did enjoy the mystery and the story.
The romance didn't come off quite right.
Oh, I'm happy enough with the ending. Just didn't feel the love.
But the story was nice, and I enjoyed it.
The romance didn't come off quite right.
Oh, I'm happy enough with the ending. Just didn't feel the love.
But the story was nice, and I enjoyed it.
February 2, 2018
The story, like the house they're flipping, has/had 'good bones'. I LOVED the CONCEPT! 'Flip a house, uncover a dead body'. It's BRILLIANT! The Suspects were really bad-- hardly a sane one in the bunch! I didn't care who did it (although I was wanting it to be Dirk the Dick), just GET THERE, dammit! I did love some of the characters: A Hoale, our MC, the police detective named 'Clandestine',
and his partner, who-I-cannot-name. If you like funny mysteries, get this.
and his partner, who-I-cannot-name. If you like funny mysteries, get this.
June 15, 2013
I'm not sure what the point of Adam Hoale's having an awkward name is ... but I liked this book; liked him and Dirk as they were developed. I wanted more development of Adam's life and his past - but perhaps that will come in the next book. The mystery was good, although I confess to not being completely happy (nerd alert!) with the house discussions - since houses are my specialty, I know when someone doesn't really know architecture or old houses well enough. But I let that slide.
The novella format presents problems because it doesn't allow the sort of in-depth character study and building of a sense of place...although I must say this old part of Indianapolis came to life in my imagination. The gradually revealed past of the secondary characters - Sean and Eddie - was very effectively done. But I'd have liked equal time for Adam, who is, after all, the guy we're supposed to care about most.
I hope that in book 2 we'll learn more about the backstory between Dirk and Adam. And Walter, of course. Will he ever adjust to the back seat?
The novella format presents problems because it doesn't allow the sort of in-depth character study and building of a sense of place...although I must say this old part of Indianapolis came to life in my imagination. The gradually revealed past of the secondary characters - Sean and Eddie - was very effectively done. But I'd have liked equal time for Adam, who is, after all, the guy we're supposed to care about most.
I hope that in book 2 we'll learn more about the backstory between Dirk and Adam. And Walter, of course. Will he ever adjust to the back seat?
May 12, 2012
Gay construction company owner with the unfortunate name of Adam Hoale (pronounced hole) is struggling like everyone else in this economy. He’s just bought a house to flip and discovered a hand buried in the wall. Until the cops clear up the mystery he can’t get in to do any work and is losing money. He needs to be proactive so he and his dog Walter are on the case.
This is a terrific mystery with lots of twists and turns and some wonderfully spicy m/m love scenes. This is the first in a series and I hope we get to see Adam and Dirk’s relationship grow.
This is a terrific mystery with lots of twists and turns and some wonderfully spicy m/m love scenes. This is the first in a series and I hope we get to see Adam and Dirk’s relationship grow.
June 13, 2024
Adam hoped that flipping his latest renovation would keep him and his business alive; he wasn't expecting to be helping solve a series of cold case murders. Finding a severed hand in the wall they were removing starts off the investigation. Hoping to keep the police from obstructing his renovation plans long term Adam starts poking around. The son of one of the previous owners shows up and though attracted to the man, Adam senses that something is not quite right. A very thrilling story.
November 12, 2017
The bad guys are no surprise and the mystery is very easy to figure out. Adam is a likable guy, but his jumping in to investigate on his own did not make much sense. The romance between Adam and Dirk did not click for me. Walter, the dog, may have been my favorite character.
December 15, 2016
Cute, fun, quick read. Nice little mystery (not too obvious too early), good character development. Will probably keep reading.
dnf
March 16, 2020Yeah I think it's time to throw in the towel.
March 18, 2017
More of a murder mystery with a little love on the side. kept me entertained
February 1, 2014
I was introduced to the Hoale Construction Mysteries when the author submitted a Christmas story to us for review. I hadn’t read any of her other books, but the Christmas story (Oh Hoaley Night) looked really funny, so I took her up on it. Then, I liked it so much, I had to read the rest of the series. See, that’s how these evilly talented authors suck us in. First it’s just a short story, then, the next thing we know, we’re spending Christmas day reading a novel instead of spending time with family! Works on me every time!
Adam Hoale (yeah, he gets a lot if shit about his name, A. Hoale), along with his partner Maddy, owns a house flipping business. He is the contractor and she is the diamond-in-the-rough finder and decorator. They also work closely with Mink, a very flamboyant real estate agent. You know how it can be when you take on rehabbing an old house, right? Old secrets, old mysteries, old enemies all get uncovered.
I decided to review this series (so far) as a whole because each one takes place immediately following the end of the previous book. Declan Sands goes so far as to have Maddy mention the next project by the end of each book. As you read each novel, the characters become more alive to you, and more real. I found myself cringing and shutting my eyes and laughing, and sometimes scoffing along with the crew. The mysteries themselves aren’t the centerpieces of the books. Ms. Sands may have planned them to be, but for me, they were all pretty simple and easy to predict.
These books are more about this group of friends and co-workers, willing or not (Detective Clandestine, better known as C.C., much to his chagrin) and the lengths to which they will go in order to protect and care for one another. Even Walter, Adam’s ever-present OCD drive-by licker has a major role. Each book has a colorful cast of supporting characters whose purpose is either to cause trouble, stir up the mystery, shoot at, kidnap or otherwise threaten our beloved main characters or to help solve the mystery.
I have intentionally left one character out. I do not like him! But the review wouldn’t be complete without introducing you all to Dirk the Dick (Maddy calls him that, I’m just repeating it)! Dirk is a famous actor and Adam’s sometimes lover. I don’t like the way be breezes in and out of Adam’s life when it’s convenient for him. I don’t like that he refuses to come out for fear of ruining his acting career. I don’t like his picture in the paper with other men whom he claims are just “business associates”. He does always seem to turn up at the right moment. He saves Adam’s bacon on a few occasions as well as Adam saving Dirk’s.
I really enjoyed these books. They are light, fun, the sex is really hot when Dirk shows up for it! They have a little bit of everything. I am a hopeless romantic. I want Dirk to come out and move Adam into the house Dirk bought from him and for the two of them to solve mysteries together happily forever, just like Shaggy & Scooby. Ms. Sands is really leaving their relationship open-ended and I am hoping for a nice big HEA bow tied around it before she decides to stop writing about these engaging characters.
Adam Hoale (yeah, he gets a lot if shit about his name, A. Hoale), along with his partner Maddy, owns a house flipping business. He is the contractor and she is the diamond-in-the-rough finder and decorator. They also work closely with Mink, a very flamboyant real estate agent. You know how it can be when you take on rehabbing an old house, right? Old secrets, old mysteries, old enemies all get uncovered.
I decided to review this series (so far) as a whole because each one takes place immediately following the end of the previous book. Declan Sands goes so far as to have Maddy mention the next project by the end of each book. As you read each novel, the characters become more alive to you, and more real. I found myself cringing and shutting my eyes and laughing, and sometimes scoffing along with the crew. The mysteries themselves aren’t the centerpieces of the books. Ms. Sands may have planned them to be, but for me, they were all pretty simple and easy to predict.
These books are more about this group of friends and co-workers, willing or not (Detective Clandestine, better known as C.C., much to his chagrin) and the lengths to which they will go in order to protect and care for one another. Even Walter, Adam’s ever-present OCD drive-by licker has a major role. Each book has a colorful cast of supporting characters whose purpose is either to cause trouble, stir up the mystery, shoot at, kidnap or otherwise threaten our beloved main characters or to help solve the mystery.
I have intentionally left one character out. I do not like him! But the review wouldn’t be complete without introducing you all to Dirk the Dick (Maddy calls him that, I’m just repeating it)! Dirk is a famous actor and Adam’s sometimes lover. I don’t like the way be breezes in and out of Adam’s life when it’s convenient for him. I don’t like that he refuses to come out for fear of ruining his acting career. I don’t like his picture in the paper with other men whom he claims are just “business associates”. He does always seem to turn up at the right moment. He saves Adam’s bacon on a few occasions as well as Adam saving Dirk’s.
I really enjoyed these books. They are light, fun, the sex is really hot when Dirk shows up for it! They have a little bit of everything. I am a hopeless romantic. I want Dirk to come out and move Adam into the house Dirk bought from him and for the two of them to solve mysteries together happily forever, just like Shaggy & Scooby. Ms. Sands is really leaving their relationship open-ended and I am hoping for a nice big HEA bow tied around it before she decides to stop writing about these engaging characters.
July 11, 2017
I'd give this book 3,5 stars if I could but alas it is not to be
I feel that giving it 3 stars is slightly unfair because I did enjoy reading the book a lot, but there were too many little things that took away from the enjoyment for me. I'll try to keep this as spoiler free as possible but still, you've been warned
I liked the story and the mystery, but at one point not very far into the story, the culprit became glaringly obvious. I kept thinking 'that can't be, there must be more to it', but there wasn't, but hey, maybe I'm just spoiled. Although I thought the characters had somehow inadequate responses to the things happening around them? We found a severed hand in the wall? Eh let's continue working. There's a 10+ years old decomposing body dumped in my bed as a threat? I'll just change the sheets and sleep in the bed anyway. I've been attacked twice while going into the house unarmed alone at night? Let's do it third time, what could go wrong? And so on
And there were so many unanswered questions about Adam's and Dirk's relationship by the end of the book (that are still unanswered as of the end of second book)- are they living together in the new house? Has Dirk publicly came out so that they're okay with paparazzis? The progression from 'going out with dirk is a really bad idea because he is closeted and has no plans to change that and we're really not good for each other' to 'scrap that we're in love' seemed to be mainly fueled by Adam's dick y'know? It felt really rushed to me
BUT to not just criticize, I honestly enjoyed reading the book, there were great moments there. I liked Maddy (she asked out Rosalee!! Aww!) and CC and Adam was really likeable (if his decision making process is downright ridiculous. I'm not forgetting the corpse, Adam) protagonist!
I'd suggest you give it a try, I've basically inhaled the first two books and the third one is ready to be read :D
I feel that giving it 3 stars is slightly unfair because I did enjoy reading the book a lot, but there were too many little things that took away from the enjoyment for me. I'll try to keep this as spoiler free as possible but still, you've been warned
I liked the story and the mystery, but at one point not very far into the story, the culprit became glaringly obvious. I kept thinking 'that can't be, there must be more to it', but there wasn't, but hey, maybe I'm just spoiled. Although I thought the characters had somehow inadequate responses to the things happening around them? We found a severed hand in the wall? Eh let's continue working. There's a 10+ years old decomposing body dumped in my bed as a threat? I'll just change the sheets and sleep in the bed anyway. I've been attacked twice while going into the house unarmed alone at night? Let's do it third time, what could go wrong? And so on
And there were so many unanswered questions about Adam's and Dirk's relationship by the end of the book (that are still unanswered as of the end of second book)- are they living together in the new house? Has Dirk publicly came out so that they're okay with paparazzis? The progression from 'going out with dirk is a really bad idea because he is closeted and has no plans to change that and we're really not good for each other' to 'scrap that we're in love' seemed to be mainly fueled by Adam's dick y'know? It felt really rushed to me
BUT to not just criticize, I honestly enjoyed reading the book, there were great moments there. I liked Maddy (she asked out Rosalee!! Aww!) and CC and Adam was really likeable (if his decision making process is downright ridiculous. I'm not forgetting the corpse, Adam) protagonist!
I'd suggest you give it a try, I've basically inhaled the first two books and the third one is ready to be read :D
January 8, 2016
Let's see... within the first 10 pages or so, I had a whole sticky note listing of characters that were introduced before anything much happened in the story. So, that acted like speed bumps along the way. I think some of these characters we really didn't need to be introduced to so thoroughly.
I found myself rolling my eyes a bit while reading this story. The names of characters annoyed me for some reason (A. Hoale, Craig Clandestine, Dirk). Maybe the author was trying to just keep it funny but it felt childish to me. And a lot of the dialogue was overly dramatic. I totally skimmed past the sexy scenes.
And the story felt like a big grab bag of every possible subject/character/action that might interest someone reading this kind of story: Lesbian friend, flaming realtor, gruff physical trainer, old lady next door, superstar ex, etc. There wasn't really any depth to it, it just ran from one thing to the next.
This is not a book that I'm going to pick up and read again, but I did end up finishing it, so that puts it ahead of some other books I've read. Plus side?
I found myself rolling my eyes a bit while reading this story. The names of characters annoyed me for some reason (A. Hoale, Craig Clandestine, Dirk). Maybe the author was trying to just keep it funny but it felt childish to me. And a lot of the dialogue was overly dramatic. I totally skimmed past the sexy scenes.
And the story felt like a big grab bag of every possible subject/character/action that might interest someone reading this kind of story: Lesbian friend, flaming realtor, gruff physical trainer, old lady next door, superstar ex, etc. There wasn't really any depth to it, it just ran from one thing to the next.
This is not a book that I'm going to pick up and read again, but I did end up finishing it, so that puts it ahead of some other books I've read. Plus side?
June 28, 2013
I found this confusing at times, because although it's marked book 1 of the series, I felt I should know some of the characters already. Especially C.C., the detective, who is spoken of as someone already known and dealt with before.
I also found, at the end, it was difficult to keep the bodies separate in my mind. If all sort of landed on top of me in the last chapters, whereas before it had been a nice, separate build-up that was easy to follow.
I still enjoyed the book, and will read book 2. I note the GR ratings go up from this one, so I'm sure once I've settled in to the series (and this book is the settling-in, pilot-type one) I should 'get it' more.
ETA: I LOVED Walter. :)
(the dog)
I also found, at the end, it was difficult to keep the bodies separate in my mind. If all sort of landed on top of me in the last chapters, whereas before it had been a nice, separate build-up that was easy to follow.
I still enjoyed the book, and will read book 2. I note the GR ratings go up from this one, so I'm sure once I've settled in to the series (and this book is the settling-in, pilot-type one) I should 'get it' more.
ETA: I LOVED Walter. :)
(the dog)
April 23, 2016
I enjoyed this book, but it did feel a little like a second or third in the series where we've already learned more about the characters. A little more back story would have been great. Some quotes I like were
"HE'S GAY AS A PEACOCK AND RIDES THE RAZOR EDGE OF THE FASHION HORIZON."
"I'M NOT A PSYCHOPATH, BUT I SOMETIMES PLAY ONE ON THE BIG SCREEN."
"MMM, BEER. I COULD GET DRUNK JUST KISSING YOU."
"REALLY? YOUR NAME'S A. HOALE?"
"HE'S GAY AS A PEACOCK AND RIDES THE RAZOR EDGE OF THE FASHION HORIZON."
"I'M NOT A PSYCHOPATH, BUT I SOMETIMES PLAY ONE ON THE BIG SCREEN."
"MMM, BEER. I COULD GET DRUNK JUST KISSING YOU."
"REALLY? YOUR NAME'S A. HOALE?"
September 30, 2012
3.5 stars. This is one that was chosen for me for a challenge so without that I probably never would have picked it up, with that said I did enjoy enjoy it so I'm glad it was picked for me. A short easy read with a good mystery.
October 17, 2012
Kind of a regular old cozy mystery, only with a hunky gay protagonist and some spicy sex scenes included. Enjoyed it very much.
March 8, 2013
Rating 3.5-4
March 17, 2015
This was an enjoyable read, kept you guessing and alot of humor. Truly enjoyed it. Can't say that I really like Dirk, however Maddy made up for it!
March 8, 2016
Great book. Now I have to read book 2.
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October 30, 20162.7
February 14, 2015
Great book, and it was free on Amazon
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews