As I sit here, sipping my coffee and reflecting on the book I’ve just finished, I can’t help but feel a mix of satisfaction and excitement. “A High-End Finish” by Kate Carlisle wasn’t a book I had initially planned to read, but sometimes the best discoveries come from unexpected places.
It all started when my best friend, Sarah, insisted I needed a break from my usual heavy non-fiction reads. “Try something light and fun,” she said, handing me this book. “It’s a cozy mystery. You’ll love it!” I was skeptical at first – mysteries aren’t typically my go-to genre – but I decided to give it a shot. After all, what did I have to lose?
From the moment I cracked open the book, I was transported to the charming seaside town of Lighthouse Cove in Northern California. The protagonist, Shannon Hammer, immediately caught my attention. As a woman who’s always been fascinated by home renovation shows (despite my complete lack of DIY skills), I found Shannon’s character refreshingly relatable. Here was a woman running her own contracting business in a male-dominated field – talk about girl power!
The story kicks off with Shannon on a blind date gone wrong, which I found both hilarious and cringe-worthy. I mean, who hasn’t had a disastrous date at some point? But when her date turns up dead in a house she’s renovating, things take a serious turn. I was hooked. The blend of home renovation details with a murder mystery was unexpectedly engaging, and I found myself staying up way too late, telling myself “just one more chapter.”
One of the strongest aspects of the book, in my opinion, is the cast of characters. Carlisle has a knack for creating vivid, multi-dimensional personalities that feel like real people you might meet in a small town. I particularly enjoyed Shannon’s interactions with her friends and family. The dialogue is witty and natural, often making me chuckle out loud. There’s a scene where Shannon and her sister are discussing the murder over breakfast, and their banter is so spot-on it reminded me of conversations with my own sister.
However, I will say that the pacing in the first few chapters was a bit slow for my taste. It took me a while to get fully invested in the story, and there were moments when I considered putting the book down. But I’m glad I persevered because once the mystery picked up steam, it became hard to put down.
One aspect that really stood out to me was Carlisle’s attention to detail when it comes to home renovation. As someone who can barely hang a picture straight, I found the descriptions of Shannon’s work fascinating. There’s a passage where she’s explaining the intricacies of restoring an old Victorian staircase that had me googling woodworking techniques – who knew I could get so interested in bannister styles?
The writing style is clean and easy to follow, which I appreciated. Carlisle doesn’t try to impress with flowery prose or complex sentence structures. Instead, her straightforward approach allows the story and characters to shine. It’s like having a conversation with a friend who happens to be a great storyteller.
What I didn’t expect was how this book would make me reflect on my own life. Shannon’s determination to prove her innocence and her resilience in the face of adversity resonated with me. It made me think about times in my own life when I’ve faced challenges and had to rely on my own strength and the support of loved ones to overcome them.
There’s a moment in the book where Shannon is feeling overwhelmed by the situation, and she takes a walk along the beach to clear her head. The description of the calming effect of the ocean and the way it helps her refocus her thoughts struck a chord with me. It reminded me of the importance of taking time for self-reflection and finding peace in nature, something I often forget in my busy day-to-day life.
Would I recommend “A High-End Finish” to others? Absolutely! It’s the perfect escape read for when you need a break from reality. If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries, strong female leads, or just enjoy a good story set in a charming small town, this book is for you. Even if you’re like me and don’t typically gravitate towards this genre, I’d say give it a chance. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy it.
That being said, if you’re looking for a gritty, hard-boiled detective story or a complex psychological thriller, this might not be your cup of tea. “A High-End Finish” is light-hearted and fun, with just enough mystery to keep you guessing without keeping you up at night.
As I close the book and set it on my nightstand, I find myself smiling. Not only did I enjoy a delightful story, but I also learned a bit about home renovation, discovered a new appreciation for the cozy mystery genre, and even gained some personal insights along the way. Who knew a book about a contractor-turned-amateur-sleuth could be so impactful?
I’m already looking forward to picking up the next book in the series. And who knows? Maybe I’ll even try my hand at a little DIY project. After all, if Shannon Hammer can solve murders and restore Victorian homes, surely I can manage to repaint my bedroom without causing a disaster. Right?