The Knife Before Christmas by Kate Carlisle

 The Knife Before Christmas

Book Summary

Contractor Shannon Hammer hopes for a peaceful Christmas with her fiancé, Mac, until murder throws a wrench in her holiday plans in a brand-new installment of the USA Today bestselling Fixer-Upper Mystery Series.

Christmas has come to Lighthouse Cove, but business hasn’t slowed down for Shannon Hammer. She’s been contracted to renovate a local hotel owned by the Garrisons, a family that’s so devoted to the holidays they serve a seven-course dinner every night from Thanksgiving through Christmas. Last year’s festivities featured a train that transported guests around the breathtaking Cliffside property. This year, Shannon and her crew have been commissioned to build a Victorian-style carnival midway with games and prizes galore.

Everyone in town loves the hotel’s spirit, except the Garrisons’ children and their spouses, who are hum-bugged by the money being wasted on holiday cheer while their inheritance goes up the chimney. Things turn nasty when a mischief-maker close to the family is found dead. It’s up to Shannon and Mac to catch a sinister Scrooge before all of Lighthouse Cove receives coal for Christmas.

My Thoughts

I always enjoy Kate Carlise’s cozy mysteries, and The Knife Before Christmas was no exception.  We get to visit Lighthouse Cove at Christmas where Shannon Hammer and her crew are creating a Victorian carnival midway on the grounds of the Cliffs Hotel. I loved the descriptions of the hotel and the midway (I wish it was in my town). The carousel was a great addition. The story is easy to read with great characters. Shannon and Mac make a great couple. I enjoy the interactions between them.  I like Shannon’s relationship with her crew.  I find it funny that the guys do not like to borrow her pink tools.  

I appreciated that the whodunit did not take place at the beginning of the story.  We get to learn about the carnival and spend time there, enjoy the local Christmas festivities, and catch-up characters.  I had an idea who would die and who would do the deed, but I did not know why.  I enjoyed following Shannon as she asked questions and searched for clues. There is a twist or two along the way as well as with some strategically placed clues for an armchair detective like me.  I like that Shannon and Mac work together to solve mysteries by playing their Scooby Doo game.  I was sorry when my visit to Lighthouse Cove came to an end.  I hope I get to return soon.  The Knife Before Christmas is a festive story with a regal hotel, a clever carnival, a delightful dinner with friends, an adorable carousel, Scooby Doo for two, and a cheery Christmas.  

The Knife Before Christmas is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other A Fixer-Upper Mysteries here.  Kate Carlisle also writes the delightful A Bibliophile Mysteries. If you follow Kate Carlisle on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return tomorrow to share my thoughts on A New Lease on Death by Olivia Blacke. It is the debut of the Supernatural Mysteries.  I wanted to remind you, that you still have a few days to enter the contest for an Amazon gift card (which will allow you to buy a book on your wish list).  Click here to go to the post for more information.  I hope that you have a joyful day!  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions book expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.