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Hometown Hardware Mystery #4
Awl Shook Up
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 11, 2026
About the author
Paula Charles
6 books93 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!)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 16, 2026
Fantastic read. I love this series. The characters are great. I love the closer relationship that Dawna has with her daughter April. The coffee clutch gang also adds a great layer!
I enjoy how the books have a light paranormal tinge and we see a little bit more of Dawna and Bob's relationship.
It is bitter cold outside and the school is holding a winter carnival. One of the local teachers is found dead. Dawna can see his ghost, but can't talk to him. She and April, as always get mixed up in solving the murder. We also learn more about Bob's loan.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoy how the books have a light paranormal tinge and we see a little bit more of Dawna and Bob's relationship.
It is bitter cold outside and the school is holding a winter carnival. One of the local teachers is found dead. Dawna can see his ghost, but can't talk to him. She and April, as always get mixed up in solving the murder. We also learn more about Bob's loan.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 29, 2026
4th book in the series
I continue to love this series. Dawna Carpenter and her daughter April get involved in a murder of the local high school French teacher. Can't wait for the next book.
I continue to love this series. Dawna Carpenter and her daughter April get involved in a murder of the local high school French teacher. Can't wait for the next book.
September 14, 2026
Coming back to the town of Pine Bluff and reconnecting with feisty, independent Dawna is always such fun. There's a winter carnival going on at the local high school and all is well until the angry French teacher is found dead, by Dawna's daughter April. Secrets, shady suspects, and a few added paranormal characters make this story shine. Dawna is a sleuth who is loveable and you can't help but root for. Bundle up with a blanket and a hot cup of tea, because you won't want to put this book down.
August 27, 2026
Fantastic story
I really like this series and Dawna and April make a great investigative duo.
I love the addition of Sierra to the story, and I'm hoping to see more of her in future books.
Kudos to Dawna for finally evicting her tenant Darlene.
I really like this series and Dawna and April make a great investigative duo.
I love the addition of Sierra to the story, and I'm hoping to see more of her in future books.
Kudos to Dawna for finally evicting her tenant Darlene.
September 12, 2026
Awl Shook Up has that lovely blend of small‑town charm and gentle chaos that makes a cozy mystery feel like settling into a familiar armchair. Dawna Carpenter, hardware store owner and reluctant sleuth, heads into Pine Bluff’s Winter Carnival hoping for a bit of fun after a long, cabin‑fever winter. I liked how the book sets the scene — bobby socks, 50s music, neighbours mingling — all the ingredients for a harmless evening. And then, of course, everything goes sideways.
The murder of the high‑school French teacher is such a good twist, especially because he’s already been spitting nails at half the town. The tension around him is built in from the start, so when Dawna’s daughter April finds him dead behind his desk, it feels both shocking and inevitable. What I enjoyed most is the added supernatural wrinkle: his ghost is still in the classroom, completely unaware he’s been murdered. It gives the mystery a playful, slightly eerie edge without ever tipping into anything too dark.
Dawna is a great cosy‑mystery heroine — practical, observant, and grounded in that no‑nonsense way that fits perfectly with her hardware‑store background. She’s not dramatic; she’s capable. And watching her try to piece together clues while an ice storm looms gives the story a nice ticking‑clock tension. The suspects are fun too, each with their own secrets and simmering resentments, and the book lets you wander through them without ever feeling lost.
The setting is one of the things I liked most. Pine Bluff feels like a place where everyone knows everyone, where gossip travels faster than the weather, and where even a murder can’t quite shake the town’s quirky personality. The 50s theme adds a layer of charm, and the looming ice storm keeps the stakes high enough to keep you turning pages.
What lingers is the mix of humour and mystery — the ghost who doesn’t realise he’s dead, Dawna’s steady determination, and the sense that in Pine Bluff, even the prettiest winter festivities can hide something sharp underneath.
A charming, lightly supernatural cozy mystery with a warm‑hearted sleuth, a fun cast of suspects, and just enough danger to keep things lively. Perfect for a cup‑of‑tea afternoon when you want something comforting with a little bite.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The murder of the high‑school French teacher is such a good twist, especially because he’s already been spitting nails at half the town. The tension around him is built in from the start, so when Dawna’s daughter April finds him dead behind his desk, it feels both shocking and inevitable. What I enjoyed most is the added supernatural wrinkle: his ghost is still in the classroom, completely unaware he’s been murdered. It gives the mystery a playful, slightly eerie edge without ever tipping into anything too dark.
Dawna is a great cosy‑mystery heroine — practical, observant, and grounded in that no‑nonsense way that fits perfectly with her hardware‑store background. She’s not dramatic; she’s capable. And watching her try to piece together clues while an ice storm looms gives the story a nice ticking‑clock tension. The suspects are fun too, each with their own secrets and simmering resentments, and the book lets you wander through them without ever feeling lost.
The setting is one of the things I liked most. Pine Bluff feels like a place where everyone knows everyone, where gossip travels faster than the weather, and where even a murder can’t quite shake the town’s quirky personality. The 50s theme adds a layer of charm, and the looming ice storm keeps the stakes high enough to keep you turning pages.
What lingers is the mix of humour and mystery — the ghost who doesn’t realise he’s dead, Dawna’s steady determination, and the sense that in Pine Bluff, even the prettiest winter festivities can hide something sharp underneath.
A charming, lightly supernatural cozy mystery with a warm‑hearted sleuth, a fun cast of suspects, and just enough danger to keep things lively. Perfect for a cup‑of‑tea afternoon when you want something comforting with a little bite.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Whoever thought an awl could be quite so deadly? Paula Charles did! And she wrote just how the killer did it in this wonderful book. When the Pine Bluffs High School French teacher, Leo is found stabbed with an awl in his classroom the night of the Winter Carnival, with everyone in town in attendance, the suspects abound! turns out Leo was a womanizer or as Dawna Carpenter calls him, a letch, and had cheated several people out of money, plus flunked the school basketball star, so no college scholarship.
Dawna and daughter April are asked by Sheriff JT Dallas to assist by listening to all the gossip as they go about their business in Dawna's Hardware Store with April teaching part-time at the high school. Of course both of them go a bit beyond listening, asking questions, trying a stakeout, finding a homeless young woman, unmasking a killer. All in a day's work for them.
Pine Bluffs, Oregon is the kind of small town that appeals to my heart, well all but the ice and snow and frigid temps! But I love the sense of community and caring that comes in this series and really shines in this book. The friendships and camaraderie is what all towns should be like in my perfect world so I love visiting this little town and I especially love how Dawna has figured out a way to communicate with the ghost of her much loved husband. What to know what she does? Read Awl Shook Up to find out! It's a grand read!
Dawna and daughter April are asked by Sheriff JT Dallas to assist by listening to all the gossip as they go about their business in Dawna's Hardware Store with April teaching part-time at the high school. Of course both of them go a bit beyond listening, asking questions, trying a stakeout, finding a homeless young woman, unmasking a killer. All in a day's work for them.
Pine Bluffs, Oregon is the kind of small town that appeals to my heart, well all but the ice and snow and frigid temps! But I love the sense of community and caring that comes in this series and really shines in this book. The friendships and camaraderie is what all towns should be like in my perfect world so I love visiting this little town and I especially love how Dawna has figured out a way to communicate with the ghost of her much loved husband. What to know what she does? Read Awl Shook Up to find out! It's a grand read!
Review of advance copy
Awl Shook Up
Hometown Hardware Mysteries: Book 4
by Paula Charles
Thanks to Paula Charles and Book Sirens for an e-copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
Hardware store owner Dawna Carpenter finds herself involved in solving another murder in the small Oregon town of Pine Bluff.
In this fourth installment of the Hometown Hardware series, the French teacher at the local high school is murdered in his classroom. Dawna Carpenter, a widow running Carpenter’s Corner Hardware, is drawn into the murder investigation at the request of Pine Bluff’s police chief J. T. Dallas. There are numerous suspects, since the murder occurred during the Pine Bluff’s Winter Carnival, and most of the town was there.
Leo Fontaine, the murder victim, had plenty of people angry with him, but only one was angry enough to commit murder. And this same person, having killed once, won’t hesitate to silence Dawna before she solves the case.
I’ve read several of the Hometown Hardware books, and Awl Shook Up is a good addition to the series. The relationships between the characters keeps me coming back.
The mystery in the book is a bit of a challenge to solve, but not impossible. There is also a touch of supernatural in this series. Two ghosts. One is Dawna’s childhood cat, Lilac. The other is her late husband, Bob.
Awl Shook Up is a cozy mystery, and good way to spend several hours absorbed in a book.
Hometown Hardware Mysteries: Book 4
by Paula Charles
Thanks to Paula Charles and Book Sirens for an e-copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
Hardware store owner Dawna Carpenter finds herself involved in solving another murder in the small Oregon town of Pine Bluff.
In this fourth installment of the Hometown Hardware series, the French teacher at the local high school is murdered in his classroom. Dawna Carpenter, a widow running Carpenter’s Corner Hardware, is drawn into the murder investigation at the request of Pine Bluff’s police chief J. T. Dallas. There are numerous suspects, since the murder occurred during the Pine Bluff’s Winter Carnival, and most of the town was there.
Leo Fontaine, the murder victim, had plenty of people angry with him, but only one was angry enough to commit murder. And this same person, having killed once, won’t hesitate to silence Dawna before she solves the case.
I’ve read several of the Hometown Hardware books, and Awl Shook Up is a good addition to the series. The relationships between the characters keeps me coming back.
The mystery in the book is a bit of a challenge to solve, but not impossible. There is also a touch of supernatural in this series. Two ghosts. One is Dawna’s childhood cat, Lilac. The other is her late husband, Bob.
Awl Shook Up is a cozy mystery, and good way to spend several hours absorbed in a book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Awl Shook Up is another visit to Pine Bluff and the mystery is only part of the story.
The real heart lies in the community. Carpenter's Corner Hardware feels like a place I'd spend an afternoon, and Dawna Carpenter is the kind of protagonist I enjoy following—kind, compassionate, practical, and genuinely invested in the people around her.
The mystery begins with a string of unusual thefts across town. Instead of simply seeing a criminal, Dawna recognizes that the stolen items—food, blankets, hand warmers, batteries, and other essentials—suggest someone is desperate rather than malicious. Of course, this seemingly simple mystery soon leads to something much darker.
The annual Winter Carnival provides a backdrop for the story, complete with Elvis-themed costumes, cake walks, bingo, community dinners, and all the small-town charm readers expect from this series. The gentle touches of magical realism—particularly Dawna's continuing connection with her late husband add warmth without overshadowing the mystery.
There were enough twists to keep me guessing while still allowing the characters and relationships to take center stage.
Whether you're already a fan of the Hometown Hardware Mysteries or discovering the series for the first time, this is an enjoyable read that will leave you eager for the next visit to Pine Bluff.
The real heart lies in the community. Carpenter's Corner Hardware feels like a place I'd spend an afternoon, and Dawna Carpenter is the kind of protagonist I enjoy following—kind, compassionate, practical, and genuinely invested in the people around her.
The mystery begins with a string of unusual thefts across town. Instead of simply seeing a criminal, Dawna recognizes that the stolen items—food, blankets, hand warmers, batteries, and other essentials—suggest someone is desperate rather than malicious. Of course, this seemingly simple mystery soon leads to something much darker.
The annual Winter Carnival provides a backdrop for the story, complete with Elvis-themed costumes, cake walks, bingo, community dinners, and all the small-town charm readers expect from this series. The gentle touches of magical realism—particularly Dawna's continuing connection with her late husband add warmth without overshadowing the mystery.
There were enough twists to keep me guessing while still allowing the characters and relationships to take center stage.
Whether you're already a fan of the Hometown Hardware Mysteries or discovering the series for the first time, this is an enjoyable read that will leave you eager for the next visit to Pine Bluff.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another winner in the Hometown Hardware mystery series! It's February in Pine Bluff, and Dawna and other locals have come together to enjoy the winter carnvial at the local high school. Within the first few pages, I was transported to the frigid, winter setting; a lovely escape from the sweltering August heat currently beating down. I absolutely adore the combination of the cast of characters, humor, paranormal elements, and suspense that author Paula Charles weaves together to create the perfect cozy mystery. In this installment, readers will be pleased to learn more about a mysterious subplot mentioned in earlier books in the series. A couple of quotes that made me laugh out loud:
"It wasn't my fault if I was a total smoke show." -Smitty, lovable octogenarian
Roxy and Dawna discussing a power outage: "How many games of Uno can a family play before they want to kill each other?" "Three. My answer is three. After the third round, I'd rather drip hot sauce in my eyes."
This series is a delight and just keeps getting better and better! Highly recommend to cozy mystery readers everywhere. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My sincere thanks to the author and BookSirens for providing an eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
"It wasn't my fault if I was a total smoke show." -Smitty, lovable octogenarian
Roxy and Dawna discussing a power outage: "How many games of Uno can a family play before they want to kill each other?" "Three. My answer is three. After the third round, I'd rather drip hot sauce in my eyes."
This series is a delight and just keeps getting better and better! Highly recommend to cozy mystery readers everywhere. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My sincere thanks to the author and BookSirens for providing an eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Awl Shook Up stitched together everything I love about a cozy mystery! Between the charming small-town setting, an engaging cast, plenty of humor, and a mystery that kept me guessing until the very end, I was completely hooked.
The hardware store feels like coming home, while the winter setting and unforgettable ice storm tighten the tension with every chapter. It was the perfect backdrop for a mystery that never had me pinned to one suspect, making the final reveal feel both surprising and well earned.
Dawna is a delightful sleuth with heart, determination, and a voice that's easy to root for, and the supporting cast adds just the right blend of warmth and wit. The paranormal touches continue to give this series its own unique personality without overshadowing the mystery.
Awl Shook Up checks "awl" the boxes for a cozy mystery: clever, heartfelt, atmospheric, and impossible to put down. If you're looking for a mystery that's built on strong characters, clever twists, and plenty of cozy charm, this one absolutely nails it. I can't wait to see what Dawna gets herself into next!
The hardware store feels like coming home, while the winter setting and unforgettable ice storm tighten the tension with every chapter. It was the perfect backdrop for a mystery that never had me pinned to one suspect, making the final reveal feel both surprising and well earned.
Dawna is a delightful sleuth with heart, determination, and a voice that's easy to root for, and the supporting cast adds just the right blend of warmth and wit. The paranormal touches continue to give this series its own unique personality without overshadowing the mystery.
Awl Shook Up checks "awl" the boxes for a cozy mystery: clever, heartfelt, atmospheric, and impossible to put down. If you're looking for a mystery that's built on strong characters, clever twists, and plenty of cozy charm, this one absolutely nails it. I can't wait to see what Dawna gets herself into next!
Review of advance copy
This is the fourth book in Paula Charles’ Hometown Hardware Mystery series. I feel like this entry into the series was one of the best. The characters are well established, the paranormal part of the book is well explained and we are now really familiar with the setting and the town. Dawna is once again caught up in a murder with lots of suspects and the police need her and her daughter to help figure out who the killer is. I enjoyed the many suspects and some red herrings and although I guessed early in the book who the killer was, it didn’t stop my enjoyment of reading the story and watching Dawna and friends figure it out. It was also nice that a long standing mystery was solved in this book. That mystery didn’t seem like it served a lot of purpose, but it had a conclusion that was satisfying and will hopefully help Dawna move forward. I have read the previous books, but it could be read as a stand alone too. Paula Charles has created some very likable characters and I look forward to reading about them again soon.
Thank you to Book Sirens and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Book Sirens and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy
"Awl Shook Up" is a delightful cozy mystery set in the charming town of Pine Bluff, Oregon during the Winter Carnival. The story is engaging, well-written, and full of suspense, with a cast of lovable characters.
Dawna is a standout character, and her relatability and likeability make her a joy to read about. The way she feels the presence of her late husband and deceased pet adds a touching element to the story. I like the addition of Sierra and the new store The Sprouted Hearth …
The mystery is expertly woven, with plenty of suspects and twists to keep you guessing. I didn't suspect the killer until the very end, which made the reveal satisfying.
The blend of cozy mystery, rural suspense, and supernatural flair makes this book a standout in the genre. The setting is vivid, the characters are endearing, and the mystery is perfectly paced.
I highly recommend this cozy mystery series to all my friends.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Level Best Books and BookSirens. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dawna is a standout character, and her relatability and likeability make her a joy to read about. The way she feels the presence of her late husband and deceased pet adds a touching element to the story. I like the addition of Sierra and the new store The Sprouted Hearth …
The mystery is expertly woven, with plenty of suspects and twists to keep you guessing. I didn't suspect the killer until the very end, which made the reveal satisfying.
The blend of cozy mystery, rural suspense, and supernatural flair makes this book a standout in the genre. The setting is vivid, the characters are endearing, and the mystery is perfectly paced.
I highly recommend this cozy mystery series to all my friends.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Level Best Books and BookSirens. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy
Awl Shook Up is the delightful fourth book in Paula Charles’ Hometown Hardware cozy mystery series – a series that gets better with each and every book. I love the hardware store setting, as well as the main characters – store owner Dawna Carpenter and her daughter April and the various townspeople, as well as the slight supernatural touch in the books (Dawna can see ghosts including her husband, cat, and in this book the murder victim). The mystery in this book is a good one – Dawna and April are at a Winter Carnival at a local high school when one of the teachers is murdered. Dawna and April quickly become involved in solving the mystery and they have plenty of suspects to choose from as the victim made several enemies. The identity of the killer is believable but the motive is sad (but again believable). In addition to the murder mystery, there is a smaller (non murder) mystery that, while also a bit sad, introduces readers to a new character who will ultimately bring a smile to readers’ faces.
I received a copy of this book from BookSirens.
I received a copy of this book from BookSirens.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another well-constructed whodunit in the Hometown Hardware Mystery Series! It’s winter in Pine Bluff, Oregon, and the story opens with a 50s-themed winter festival at the high school. But when the festival ends and Dawna’s daughter discovers the French teacher dead in his classroom, Dawna finds herself in the middle of another murder investigation.
Returning to this series with each new book feels like sitting down for a slice of pie with Dawna, who is smart, kind, and sassy. The added paranormal touches are more heartwarming than spooky and add another dimension to Dawna’s character. The mystery plot, with all its twists and turns, is expertly woven together with Dawna’s personal life and relationships with her daughter and the community, as well as the introduction of a new character.
If you’re a cozy mystery lover, this book (and series) is for you!
Returning to this series with each new book feels like sitting down for a slice of pie with Dawna, who is smart, kind, and sassy. The added paranormal touches are more heartwarming than spooky and add another dimension to Dawna’s character. The mystery plot, with all its twists and turns, is expertly woven together with Dawna’s personal life and relationships with her daughter and the community, as well as the introduction of a new character.
If you’re a cozy mystery lover, this book (and series) is for you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Awl Shook Up is the 4th fabulous book in Paula Charles's Hometown Hardware series. There are so many things to love about this book and series including the relationships of family and friends, and the cozy feel to the story! Dawna Carpenter is widowed and is running the family hardware store. The Winter Carnival is taking place at the.high school and Dawna's daughter April is selling tickets at the door. There are several arguments between the high school French teacher, other teachers and some locals. When the French teacher ends up dead Dawna and April are asked to help find out whodunnit. Dawna's deceased husband's ghost makes a couple of appearances to add some fun to the.story. I really enjoyed this book and wanted to keep reading to see what happened next! #AwlShookUp #HometownHardwareMystsry
#BookSirens #CrookedLaneBooks
#BookSirens #CrookedLaneBooks
September 4, 2026
This is the first book I've read of the series but it seemed to stand up fine on its own. I liked that Dawna didn't let Darlene get by with her attitude for long. It may have been overdue from the first three books but again, this being my first, I was satisfied.
The paranormal element is one I wouldn't have expected here but seems to fit as Dawna talking to them helps her work out the case. I had a suspicion early on that kept coming back to a particular character, I think maybe some of the suspects' motives could have been beefed up a little.
The event reminded me of the school carnivals of my childhood- the fishing game, not the dead body! With all the food mentions I wondered if there would be recipes. There isn't but I've just gotten spoiled by so many having them now. It definitely made me hungry!
The paranormal element is one I wouldn't have expected here but seems to fit as Dawna talking to them helps her work out the case. I had a suspicion early on that kept coming back to a particular character, I think maybe some of the suspects' motives could have been beefed up a little.
The event reminded me of the school carnivals of my childhood- the fishing game, not the dead body! With all the food mentions I wondered if there would be recipes. There isn't but I've just gotten spoiled by so many having them now. It definitely made me hungry!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I will never look at a hardware store the same way again. Paula Charles uses various tools in fictional murders in her Hometown Hardware mysteries.
Awl Shook Up is book 4. It’s set in northeastern Oregon in February. I really want to visit this part of the country, but not in winter especially not after reading this book.
The Winter Carnival takes place just before Valentine’s Day and is meant to lift everyone’s spirits. It does until the end when a teacher is found dead.
Dawna and April are ready to go with sleuthing, and JT actually asks them for help.
An ice storm brings its own peril, along with a wrap up to the mystery.
I enjoyed reading and recommend the Hometown Hardware mysteries, you won’t want to miss a single one.
Awl Shook Up is book 4. It’s set in northeastern Oregon in February. I really want to visit this part of the country, but not in winter especially not after reading this book.
The Winter Carnival takes place just before Valentine’s Day and is meant to lift everyone’s spirits. It does until the end when a teacher is found dead.
Dawna and April are ready to go with sleuthing, and JT actually asks them for help.
An ice storm brings its own peril, along with a wrap up to the mystery.
I enjoyed reading and recommend the Hometown Hardware mysteries, you won’t want to miss a single one.
August 12, 2026
Awl Shook Up is the fourth installment in Paula Charles’s Hometown Hardware Mystery series. Mother-and-daughter sleuthing duo Dawna and April Carpenter return in another fast-paced whodunit. Along with the murder investigation, Charles weaves in several intriguing subplots and reveals another clue about why Dawna’s husband took out a large loan shortly before his death.
I enjoyed reading this installment and especially liked how the author continues to develop the characters while keeping the mystery moving. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series, as well as the next installment in Charles’s Goat Zen Mysteries.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed reading this installment and especially liked how the author continues to develop the characters while keeping the mystery moving. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series, as well as the next installment in Charles’s Goat Zen Mysteries.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 12, 2026
Awl Shook Up is a twisted, small town, cozy mystery with a touch of ghosts. First up is a series of IOUs found at various local establishments. Then the French teacher is found murdered during the high school winter carnival and spaghetti supper. JT asks Dawna and April to help the police by listening to gossip at the hardware store and the high school. This well plotted book has wonderful recurring characters, small town charm, a couple of ghosts and the murder of the reprehensible French teacher. An impending ice storm means that our sleuths need to sort through the clues, red herrings, suspects and motives in a hurry. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Pine Bluff and this intriguing mystery.
Review of advance copy
This one entertained and kept me guessing whodunit. I was never sure, but the journey was great. The ladies in their little town were good sleuths too. When one lead came up empty, they kept looking for the answers. Several suspects looked like prime candidates, but that didn't deter these sleuths. Persistence and tenacity with twists and turns. An absorbing, entertaining read you don't want to miss. I loved Dawna and her daughter teaming up to sleuth. Their charity and kindness to a found stranger was also touching and added warmth to a compelling read. Thanks for the journey.
I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
‘The funny thing is, I knew I was innocent all along.’
When the less than popular French teacher at the local high school is killed during the Winter Carnival and spaghetti supper Dawna doesn’t set out to investigate, exactly. Before she can get there on her local detective JT asks her and her daughter, April, to use their spidey senses and knack for prying details out of everyone they come across, to help him solve this case asap. With plenty of suspects, and motives, the race is on in this stellar installment, before a winter storm shuts down the town. Lovely town, entertaining characters, and a brush with the supernatural for those who like that kind of thing!
When the less than popular French teacher at the local high school is killed during the Winter Carnival and spaghetti supper Dawna doesn’t set out to investigate, exactly. Before she can get there on her local detective JT asks her and her daughter, April, to use their spidey senses and knack for prying details out of everyone they come across, to help him solve this case asap. With plenty of suspects, and motives, the race is on in this stellar installment, before a winter storm shuts down the town. Lovely town, entertaining characters, and a brush with the supernatural for those who like that kind of thing!
August 15, 2026
I've read this series since the beginning and am very happy with the growth of the characters and how well Ms. Charles pulls the reader into the story. Her writing style has allowed the setting to become a character, which made me feel like I was part of the community of Pine Bluff, Oregon. I enjoyed reading about the fun activities at the Winter Carnival. Dawna is a strong woman that is good at multitasking, which adds depth to each story. In this book there is a murder and several subplots to keep the reader entertained. A new character is introduced that I hope we will see in future books.
I was given an advanced copy of this book for a fair and truthful review.
I was given an advanced copy of this book for a fair and truthful review.
Review of advance copy
Awl Shook Up is Book 4 in the Hometown Hardware Mysteries by Paula Charles. I enjoy stories where the community comes together for festivals. The Winter Carnival is a 50s theme and is supposed to be fun. Dawna's daughter, April, finds the French teacher dead at his desk. This is unexpected, BUT, finding the teacher's ghost in the classroom is shocking. I was enjoying this story so much that I kept turning pages. From the clever title to The End, Awl Shook Up is excellent. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
An icy February and many of the shops in town are noticing thefts with IOUs left behind. The 'Winter Carnival' is coming up at the high school this week and the theme is 50's sock hop, a spaghetti diner, some games, music and proceeds go to charity. It is very well attended. Things are going great and then during clean up, some of the money is found missing. Then a teacher is found dead at his desk! Great storytelling, well constructed plot, interesting characters and a really nice story!
Read on 07/24/26.
I am an ARC reviewer.
Read on 07/24/26.
I am an ARC reviewer.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Awl Shook Up is a Superb story and series about Dawna Carpenter and her Daughter April and they went to the Winter Carnival. Unfortunately at the end of the event the French Teacher was found dead and Chief of Police J.T. Dallas comes to investigate. JT asks Dawna and April to assist him. There are many possible twists and turns throughout the story. But what will they uncover and can they discover the truth?
I enjoyed reading this story very much and I highly recommend that you read story and series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed reading this story very much and I highly recommend that you read story and series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read
September 26, 2026Very good storyline, interesting and unique. The characters are becoming more alive for me after each book in the series. Each book is becoming better and better as the author writes. Lots of interesting characters set in a small town (where I'd love to live!) with all the normal small town secrets. This could be read as a standalone but it works very well as a series, so I would recommend starting with book 1.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read this book in one sitting. It kept me turning the pages and trying to figure out who did it and why. I guessed wrong!
Excellent plotting by the author, there were plenty of suspects and red herrings along the way.
This was a great read and the best in the series so far.
I love the characters in the series and the setting in the series. It reminds me of a small town I lived in (minus all the murders!).
I received an e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Excellent plotting by the author, there were plenty of suspects and red herrings along the way.
This was a great read and the best in the series so far.
I love the characters in the series and the setting in the series. It reminds me of a small town I lived in (minus all the murders!).
I received an e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy
The French teacher has been killed He wasn't a good man He was a womanzer. He took advantage of people. But who killed him?.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Winter Carnival was in full swing with a 50’s theme. Pine Bluff was Rockin’.
Sad to hear there were several disagreements with tempers flairing. The French teacher was angry and people knew it. A ghost was waiting in his classroom - what a challenge to find the clues needed.
Enjoy!
Sad to hear there were several disagreements with tempers flairing. The French teacher was angry and people knew it. A ghost was waiting in his classroom - what a challenge to find the clues needed.
Enjoy!
August 16, 2026
What a great series! All the gang is gang is back, and they're sifting through suspects to find out who killed the French teacher at the winter carnival, and as usual, they uncover lots of secrets that some people want to keep hidden.
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