Spring Thaw by Lauren Carr-I Read Tours-Review

About the book 

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.)

And I thought

This one was fun.  Not only do we get a new Chris Matheson 

story but we get a collection of short stories featuring the characters from Lauren Carr's series.

Along with the Chris Matheson novella we get a couple short stories from The Mac Faraday Series,  and a couple from the 

Lovers In Crime Series,  and a few that feature one of my favorite 

characters Gnarly (Mac's dog)  from The Mac Faraday Series. 

There is also an excerpt from the newest release from another 

great one The Throny Rose series that features Mac Faraday's daughter Jessica and her husband Murphy who's dad is the main character in the Lovers In Crime Series. 

For the Lauren Carr fan you'll love this one that features many of our favorite characters. 

If  your new to Lauren Carr this is a great one to get acquainted.

You won't be disappointed. 

It's hard for me to actually choose a favorite because I love them all.   There are great plots with twists and turns and actually every book (not these short stories) have more than one plot making the reading really enjoyable and keeping the reader on the edge of the seat.  The characters draw you in and keep you hooked especially for this reader the dogs.   The fun began with Gnarly and Mac Faraday and continues with the newest series featuring 

Chris Matheson and his dog Storm. 

Each book is written as a stand a lone.  But be prepared where ever you jump in you'll want to read more!  

Spring Thaw with the collection of short stories was just as good as any of the previous books.  

I enjoy each one and I can't wait to read the next one. 

I received a complimentary copy. 

My review will appear on retail sites and Good Reads. 

And others are saying 

“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

Buy the book 

Amazon
​Add to Goodreads

Visit the tour

My review is part of the I Read Book Tours review of 

Spring Thaw and Crimes Past to read more reviews and visit other blogs click here.