  Knowledge of the low-lying monopole strength in $\mathrm{^{12}C}$, the Hoyle
state in particular, is crucial for our understanding of both the
astrophysically important $3\alpha$ reaction and of $\alpha$-particle
clustering. The $\mathrm{^{12}C}(\alpha, \alpha^{\prime})\mathrm{^{12}C}$ and
$\mathrm{^{14}C}(p, t)\mathrm{^{12}C}$ reactions were employed to populate
states in $^{12}$C. A self-consistent, simultaneous analysis of the inclusive
spectra with lineshapes was performed, which accounted for distortion due to
nuclear dynamics and experimental effects. Clear evidence was found for excess
monopole strength at $E_{x} \sim 9$ MeV, particularly in the
$\mathrm{^{12}C}(\alpha, \alpha^{\prime})\mathrm{^{12}C}$ reaction at
$0^{\circ}$. This additional strength cannot be reproduced by the previously
established monopole states between $E_{x} = 7$ and 13 MeV. An additional
$0^{+}$ state at $E_{x} \sim 9$ MeV yielded a significantly improved fit of the
data and is the leading candidate for the predicted breathing-mode excitation
of the Hoyle state. Alternatively, the results may suggest that a more
sophisticated, physically motivated parameterization of the astrophysically
important monopole strengths in $\mathrm{^{12}C}$ is required.
