OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Studs, Tools and Fools" by Kathleen Hering.]

It was a classic case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Laura Howard, an interior designer living in Portland, Oregon, was just going about her business at the bank when an armed robber disrupted everyone’s day. It wasn’t her idea to clothesline the robber so that he would be apprehended by police. She didn’t plan to have to wash out her new suit jacket after yakking all over it at the sight of blood, so it wasn’t her fault that she wasn’t interviewed by police at the scene and consequently forgot a few details. Laura’s friends and the police officers would love to merely sigh and shake their heads at her antics and logic, but a string of creepy events are leading some people to think that maybe there are still a few loose ends left to tie down.

Studs, Tools, and Fools by Kathleen Hering is a humorous mystery sprinkled with interior decorating wisdom at the end of each chapter. The characters are quirky, the plot moves quickly, and the humor is infectious. Although this is the third book in the series about the Graham Construction business partners, it didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the book. While I was reading Studs, Tools, and Fools, I could tell that there have been previous adventures that contributed to the characters’ relationships, but there were neither overt spoilers nor missing information. The characters are so vivid and engaging that the book can really stand alone. There were a few moments where the plot seemed over-the-top, but this exaggeration contributed to rather than detracted from the humor and quirkiness.

My favorite moment of the book was when the gruffer of the two main police officers is interviewing a suspect. As the officer is conducting the interview, he accuses the suspect of being a “flower killer”. (I won’t tell you if the suspect admitted to that charge or denied it.) The officer immediately realizes how much he’s been influenced by the intrepid Laura Howard because “flower killer” is not a regular phrase in his law-enforcement vocabulary. This moment of transformation illustrates not only the humor infused even into the more serious moments, but it also speaks to the quality of character development as one character has a subtly-building influence on another.

Throughout the book, readers will find exemplary editing and a smooth, engaging writing style. Although there’s a little romance in these pages, it stays clean, so the book is suitable for all ages. It’s a quick read at less than 300 pages, and let’s be honest, once you start it, you probably won’t want to stop.

It should come as no surprise that I rate Studs, Tools, and Fools 4 out of 4 stars. Back when this book was Book of the Day, it was the picture of the cat on the front that drew me in. Having read the book, I can let other prospective readers know that Louise the (male) Cat is only one of the many vibrant, funny characters that Kathleen Hering will introduce. Take an afternoon or two and lose yourself in laughter with this one.

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Studs, Tools and Fools
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Like L_Therese's review? Post a comment saying so!

If its humorous then I'll definitely read it. Thanks for the review.
BTW as its a sequel, do I need to read the previous parts?
And how is the mysterious part of the book?

Wow! That sounds really interesting. I love the humor. I think it's also interesting that there are interior decorating tips at the end of the chapter. And who couldn't love a character like Louise the (male) cat! Thanks for the review. This one is going on my list!

Zero wrote:If its humorous then I'll definitely read it. Thanks for the review.
BTW as its a sequel, do I need to read the previous parts?
And how is the mysterious part of the book?

Although the book is not the first in the series, I found that it was still both enjoyable and understandable without reading any previous book. The mystery keeps things interesting, but it won't give anyone nightmares. Think of it on the level of a cozy mystery.

L_Therese wrote: Although the book is not the first in the series, I found that it was still both enjoyable and understandable without reading any previous book. The mystery keeps things interesting, but it won't give anyone nightmares. Think of it on the level of a cozy mystery.

Ohk! I get it. So it would be fun even if I didn't read the previous parts. And the mystery is of the level of Scooby Doo right? Thanks for answering!

It's very rare to read a mystery novel that's actually humorous. Usually they have such a serious tone to them. I like that this one is entertaining and quirky.

Great Review!

Very insightful review. I have a sister called flower in Spanish (Flor) so I take flower killing very serious.

This sounds like a really funny and well written story that I would enjoy. It's clear that you really enjoyed it. Great review!

Sounds like an interesting book to read. I will put it in my bookshelf. Thank you for the review.

Great, insightful review! I considered selecting this book for review a few months ago, and now I am sorry I didn't. It sounds a fun, light read.

i found it to be interesting in some parts ,it wasn't the kind of story that is a cliche and the readers automatically know whats going to happen every second it was like a magnet at some time making me refuse to put it down until i finish read a certain part . i like how the romance n law went together ,it was very nice .

Nice review! It is really full of mystery.

“The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion that stands at the cradle of true art and true science.”
― Albert Einstein, The World As I See It

at first was like okay no for this but later on realize that its a good n funny to read

Good read,creativity at its' best!

This book sounds fantastic! I love humorous mysteries. I think I'll have to read the first few in the series before I try out this one, though. Great review!