Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Paula Charles' Hammers and Homicide is an engaging cozy mystery with all the right elements to draw in fans of the genre—quirky characters, a small-town setting, and a murder that needs solving. The debut novel in the Carpenter's Corner Mystery series introduces Dawna Carpenter, a sixty-something widow who owns and runs a hardware store in the sleepy town of Pine Bluff, Oregon. When a dead body is discovered in her store's bathroom, Dawna, along with her daughter April, is thrust into an investigation that uncovers secrets and hidden motives in their seemingly quiet town.
Plot: ★★★★☆
The plot moves along at a steady pace, with a clear focus on the investigation that Dawna and April embark on after the shocking discovery of the murder. The setting of the small-town hardware store adds a cozy and familiar vibe, and the slow build-up of suspense keeps the reader engaged. The mystery itself is well-constructed, with clues that lead in several directions, making it a fun and satisfying puzzle to solve. The only downside is that some of the twists felt a bit predictable, but it didn’t detract from the overall enjoyment of the book.
Characters: ★★★★☆
Dawna is a delightful protagonist, a strong yet relatable character who is doing her best to navigate life as a widow and a business owner. Her daughter, April, provides a great balance to Dawna’s character, and their relationship is one of the highlights of the story. The supporting characters in Pine Bluff, from quirky town residents to a few potential suspects, add charm and depth to the narrative. While most of the characters are well-developed, I would have liked to see a bit more exploration of Dawna’s past, especially given her pivotal role in the story.
Writing Style: ★★★★☆
Paula Charles’ writing is smooth and easy to read, and she does a great job of bringing the town of Pine Bluff to life. The descriptions of the hardware store and the town’s small businesses give the book a sense of place, making it feel cozy and inviting. The dialogue flows naturally, and Charles does a good job of keeping the pacing tight while still developing the characters and relationships. The writing style is perfect for a cozy mystery—engaging without being too heavy-handed.
Romance: ★★★☆☆
While romance isn’t a major focus of the book, there are subtle hints of a developing relationship between Dawna and a potential love interest. However, the romance plays more of a background role in this first book, which I think was a smart move, allowing the mystery to take center stage. I would be curious to see how this element develops in future books of the series.
Suspense/Thrill: ★★★★☆
The suspense in Hammers and Homicide is just right for a cozy mystery. There’s a nice balance of tension without overwhelming the reader with high stakes. While it’s not a pulse-pounding thriller, the mystery is intriguing and the pace keeps the story moving forward. The reveal of the killer felt satisfying, though not overly dramatic, which is typical of the cozy mystery genre.
Overall: ★★★★☆
Hammers and Homicide is a promising start to the Carpenter's Corner Mystery series. With its charming setting, relatable characters, and an intriguing mystery, it’s a solid read for fans of cozy mysteries. While the plot could use a few more surprises and the romance could be expanded in future books, it’s a fun and engaging read that will leave you wanting more. If you're a fan of small-town mysteries with a heartwarming touch, this is a book you’ll enjoy.
Overall Rating: 4/5
A solid debut that offers a mix of charm, mystery, and a hint of romance. Hammers and Homicide will keep you entertained and eager to see what’s next for Dawna and her family in the quaint town of Pine Bluff.
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