I published this news on Poisoned Pen’s blog, but when the publicity department for Berkley Prime Crime contacted me, I realized I never put it on my blog. And, it should be here because I’m so pleased for Kate Carlisle. Here’s the press release that was sent out.

I am thrilled to announce the release of the Hallmark Channel’s exciting new mystery franchise based off of Berkley author Kate Carlisle’sFixer Upper Mystery series! On January 15th the Hallmark Channel will air the first of the movie series, Framed for Murder, starring singer-songwriter, Jewel as the lead. Based off of the second book in Carlisle’s Fixer Upper Mystery series, THIS OLD HOMICIDE (Berkley Trade Mass Market Original; January 27, 2015; $7.99), the movie will follow the story of contractor and part-time sleuth Shannon Hughs (Jewel) as she stumbles across clues in her renovations that help her to get to the bottom of the suspicious death of a neighbor.
This past November Berkley also released the latest Fixer Upper Mystery, DECK THE HALLWAYS (Berkley Mass Market Original; November 1, 2016; $7.99), and has acquired the world English rights for two more books in the series.

SINGER-SONGWRITER AND AUTHOR JEWEL STARS IN
“FRAMED FOR MURDER: A FIXER-UPPER MYSTERY”
A NEW MYSTERY FRANCHISE ON HALLMARK MOVIES & MYSTERIES
           
“Framed for Murder: A Fixer-Upper Mystery”
Premieres Sunday, January 15, on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
Jewel Performs Original Song
STUDIO CITY, CA – December 16, 2016 – Singer-songwriter and author Jewel stars in “Framed for Murder: A Fixer-Upper Mystery,” a new mystery franchise on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries network.  The “Fixer Upper Mysteries” movies are based upon New York Times bestselling author Kate Carlisle’s novels.  In the small resort town of Lighthouse Cove, everyone knows that the best man for the job is a woman.  And that woman is Shannon Hughes (Jewel), owner of Hughes Restoration and an expert in Victorian home restoration.  Through her work, she stumbles across clues hidden in the old homes, uncovering past secrets and becoming an unlikely sleuth to crack unsolved mysteries.
In “Framed for Murder: A Fixer-Upper Mystery,” the premiere movie in the franchise, Shannon Hughes, gets a partner in crime-solving when her new client offers to help hammer out the details of her friend and neighbor’s untimely death.  The new original movie stars Jewel (“Ride with the Devil,” “Ring of Fire”) and Colin Ferguson (“Eureka”), and premieres Sunday, January 15, (9 p.m. ET/PT) on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. 
When home renovator extraordinaire Shannon Hughes (Jewel) suspects foul play in the death of her good friend and neighbor, yet is rebuffed by the police who have declared it “accidental,” she sets out to build a case for murder, with the help of her new client, famous
crime reporter and author Macintyre “Mac” Sullivan (Ferguson).  Together, they set out to deconstruct what Shannon believes to be a homicide, and nail the perpetrator, but not before further lives are endangered, lifelong friends are suspected, and a bejeweled necklace valued at $10 million is discovered.                                                                                                    

“Framed for Murder: A Fixer-Upper Mystery” is a Muse Entertainment Production. Joel S. Rice, Jewel, Michael Prupas, Allen Lewis, Jeff Holland and Stan Spry are the executive producers. Harvey Kahn is the producer. Mark Jean directs from a script by Peter Hume and Teena Booth, based on the Fixer-Upper Mystery series of books by Kate Carlisle.

ABOUT HALLMARK MOVIES & MYSTERIES
With sister cable television network Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries is the second 24-hour linear channel under the Crown Media Family Networks umbrella. Distributed in both (HD) and standard definition (SD) in 68 million homes across the United States, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries is one of the fastest growing networks in cable and a leading destination for quality, family friendly entertainment. Launched in 2008 as Hallmark Movie Channel, the network was re-branded in fall of 2014, transitioning into Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. True to its name, the channel brings the lighter side of the suspense and mystery genres into focus with rich, dramatic, and thought-provoking storytelling. The network’s programming lineup features a unique mix of new, original movies, presentations from the acclaimed Hallmark Hall of Fame library, and such time-honored acquired series as “Murder, She Wrote,” “Matlock,” “Hart to Hart” and “Diagnosis Murder.” The channel is also home to the annual, eight-week holiday programming event “Most Wonderful Movies of Christmas,” which helps viewers celebrate the season with new, original movies and beloved holiday classics, including “A Christmas Carol,” “Holiday Affair,” “Babes in Toyland,” and “Christmas in Connecticut.”