Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Fixer Upper Mystery #8
Publication Date: 12/1/20
Number of Pages: 304

OOOOOO – Picture this setting – a dark and foreboding former state insane asylum. The complex includes seven large Victorian style buildings and those buildings have all been acquired by a developer who has plans to turn the complex into an upscale ‘destination’ with upscale shops and a luxury hotel. The complex was originally built in Victorian times by Dr. Jones who firmly believed that a beautiful idyllic setting, pleasant surroundings, outside activities, etc. were all beneficial to his patients and he built the complex with those ideals in mind. The asylum was later privatized and was renamed ‘Gables’.

Shannon Hammer’s best friend Jane Hennessey has acquired the lease to building seven in order to create a small luxury hotel and Shannon’s company has been chosen to do the renovations. It is the biggest undertaking of Shannon’s career and she is looking forward to helping her friend create the hotel of her dreams. Jane’s mother was a patient at the Gables, and Jane wants to create the hotel as a warm, loving place in her mother’s memory.

Things begin to go wrong from the beginning – at the ribbon cutting ceremony that allows the lessees to begin their construction projects. When protestors arrive and the developer is slimed, things begin to go from bad to worse. All of the attention seems to be centered around building seven and Shannon is injured more than once and each of those ‘accidents’ could have cost her life. What is going on? Who could wish this project to go wrong? Who are those protestors who seem to have come out of nowhere?

As we read along, we learn more of the history behind the later years of the hospital and the patients who lived there. Can Shannon and Mac help the police chief, Eric, solve the case – even when there is a murder – or two?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the mystery. We saw a more emotional Shannon this time around. I’m not sure I enjoyed a tearful Shannon, nor am I sure I understood the reasons behind it, but that was a minor part of the story. I loved the growth and changes in the romantic relationships between Shannon and Mac, Chloe and Eric, and Jane and Niall.

You can totally read this as a standalone book even though it is part of a series. I hope you will give it a read and enjoy it as much as I did.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.