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Book Details:
Book Title: Spring Thaw by Lauren Carr
Category: Adult fiction, 237 pages
Genre: Murder Mystery, Short Stories
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: August 12, 2018
Tour dates: Nov 12 to Dec 14, 2018
Content Rating: PG (mild violence and sexual suggestion)
MY REVIEW
I was curious to see how Lauren Carr would do with a short story, she does so well with full length novels. It was no surprise that I loved them…ALL. Long or short, she can spin a tale that keeps you spellbound.
Spring Thaw, the novella gets us started. Chris would be chaperoning his daughter on a class trip to Hershey Park. I’m guessing they’ll find more than chocolate. His faithful companion, Sterling, went most everywhere with him. He is a retired police dog who had been injured in the line of duty. Sterling’s undercover getup had me cracking up. Fabulous critter with huge personality.
The collection features many of the characters from her series, from human to critter. Kept me laughing and pondering, trying to cypher the ending as I read. Standing in line? Waiting in the doctor’s office, any time you have a few minutes, you can read one of these shorts.
I especially loved A Gnarly Christmas. Talk about an exceptional character, Gnarly steals the show. Ends on such a sweet note, perfect for the holiday season.
I loved them all. Lighter than her novels, but still plenty of villains and danger to go with the smiles and laughter.
4 Stars
Book Description:
In today’s hectic world, many whodunit fans don’t have time to get their mystery fix diving into a whole novel. Lauren Carr’s SPRING THAW AND OTHER MYSTERY SHORT STORIES is for these fans—but that doesn’t mean whodunit fans who do have time can’t dive in as well.
A novella, Spring Thaw features retired federal agent Chris Matheson from Lauren Carr’s newest bestselling cold case series. When his late father’s former friend is indicted for the seven year old murder of a church bishop, Chris renews old broken friendships to thaw out the cold case.
Featuring Mac Faraday from Lauren Carr’s popular Mac Faraday Mysteries, an estate auction turns into a deadly affair after Gnarly’s antics cause Mac to purchase a gem of a dress, which isn’t his color in Killing Bid. (Previously published in Lauren Carr’s BEAUTY TO DIE FOR.)
Beauty to Die For features the Lovers in Crime, Joshua Thornton and Cameron Gates in a race against the Angel of Death to clear the name of a dying woman’s son, who was framed for murdering Miss Pennsylvania. (Previously published in BEAUTY TO DIE FOR.)
Countdown to Murder returns to the Lovers in Crime where Cameron and Joshua try to solve the murder of a young pregnant widow before it happens. (Previously published in BEAUTY TO DIE FOR.)
Mystery fans will see that every dog has his day, especially if that dog is Gnarly. In Lucky Dog, Gnarly helps Mac Faraday to solve the murder of a wealthy society girl. (Previously published in BEAUTY TO DIE FOR.)
Dog Loving Mystery Fans will get a special treat when they read The Gnarly Rehabilitation Program. In this Gnarly Mystery Short, Bert and Ernie learn the hard way that crime does not pay when they dog nap Gnarly. (Previously published as a bonus feature with A WEDDING AND A KILLING.)
Gnarly, the rambunctious German shepherd, is also features in Lauren Carr’s Christmas short, A Gnarly Christmas. It is Christmas day and Gnarly has been up to his old tricks again. Now he’s in the dog house–or rather the boathouse–after stealing the Christmas feast! Moments after Archie and Mac leave Spencer Manor, Gnarly hears a call for help from Rocky, the Maltese down the street. Four assassins for hire have invaded the home of Rocky’s elderly owners. While the home invaders wait for instructions from a mysterious caller, Gnarly must plot to stop them. Can Gnarly save Christmas with only the help of an 8-pound Maltese dressed in an elf suit? (Previously published as a single short story by the same name.)
“Lauren Carr is a master storyteller who combines the humor of Janet Evanovich and the investigative skills of Patricia Cornwell. She is always at the top of my reading list.”
– Sherry Fundin, Fundinmental
“Lauren Carr could give Agatha Christie a run for her money!”
– Charlene Mabie-Gamble, Literary R&R
“Lauren Carr’s books are never boring, that’s for sure. They entertain, give us a good mystery to dig into, keep the reader guessing, give us a few good laughs and make us eager for the next book. Warning: Lauren Carr’s series are addictive, so be ready to read more than just one book!”
– Laura Fabiani, Library of Clean Reads
“She is an amazing author that draws you into the story, makes you fall in love with the characters (they feel like family!) and keeps you guessing right to the very end.”
– Working Mommy Journal
“Lauren Carr does a good job of moving the quirky storyline along nicely with an abundance of witty dialogue. And you have no idea who the good guys are and who the bad guys are until the end.”
– Every Free Chance Book Reviews
To read reviews, please visit Lauren Carr’s page on iRead Book Tours.
Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose Mysteries—over twenty titles across three fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!
Now, Lauren has added one more hit series to her list with the Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries. Set in the quaint West Virginia town of Harpers Ferry, Ice introduces Chris Matheson, a retired FBI agent, who joins forces with other law enforcement retirees to heat up those cold cases that keep them up at night.
Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr’s seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor.
Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She lives with her husband, and three dogs on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.
Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram
- Three Days To Forever
- Kill And Run
- Cancelled Vows
- Candidate For Murder
- Killer In The Band
- A Fine Year For Murder
- Twofer Murder
- Ice
- Murder by Perfection
- Crimes Past
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Nice review! All of the stories sound good. I am a dog lover, but I think Beauty to Die For sounds the most intriguing.
I like that you found one that stands out to you.
These were such fun. Can’t get enough of her stories and characters:)
That’s for sure.
I seriously need to try this author. So glad you enjoyed this and thanks for the giveaway!
I love her, so I do recommend her to anyone that likes mysteries. I think you would enjoy her.
Not a fan of short stories but then I’m always open to new authors and i haven’t read any of this author’s work.
This would be the perfect way to be introduced to her multiple series. If you are a fan of mysteries, I think you will want her on your lsit.
OMG…i didn’t make the connection between this mystery series, author and Crimes Past. I am enjoying this series as well and have this on my Kindle. I am so glad you connected the dots for me.
Glad to be of help. 🙂 We read so many books, it’s hard to keep the series, authors…straight.