Shadow of Murder ~ Review with Giveaway

Shadow of Murder

A Mac Faraday Mystery #14

By Lauren Carr

Police Chief David O’Callaghan is out of town on paternity leave and in his absence, a murder and cold case are left to the capable hands of Mac Faraday, who is just back from a year abroad, and Deputy Police Chief Dusty O’Meara. 

True crime blogger, Erica Hart has returned to Deep Creek Lake to call her old family home her current home. But nothing goes as it should, starting with a near-death accident. This allows the "Cold Case Diva" to meet Dusty, soon the two are working together to get answers as bodies start to pile up. Can they get the answers they need before the killer makes them the newest cold case in Spenser, Maryland?

Shadow of Murder has multiple layers that need to be peeled back. There are several obvious suspects but it all seems a little too obvious. Unless it isn't. And with each new twist, it will take everyone working together to get the answers they need if they want to bring a killer to justice.

Now everything isn't all serious as Triston Faraday is remodeling his newly purchased home and let's just say his hired help is of the less than stellar variety - Anything For Beer. And anyone knows if your "hired" help works for beer it might be a little on the questionable side of good. And then there is an unfortunate case of "estate borrowing" that may leave you with a flushing to your face. 

Now I enjoyed this book in the audio format, which was narrated by Mike Alger. I found the narration to be well done, though I did play it back 1.4 times its normal playback speed. I listened to it at the pace I would have been reading it in print. At the default speed, this book comes in at approximately 17-1/2 hours of listening - perfect for a week of commuting, exercise, or chores. 

No Mac Faraday book would be complete without Gnarly, and Spenser's canine mayor is present though in a limited capacity but enough to bring his unique charm to the book. But there is a new character who is sure to be a new favorite - Teddy who is a well-feathered individual who I'd love to have in more books. 

This book has a bit of a difference from the other books in the series as there is a spiritual element throughout. Good vs Evil has taken up residence in Spenser and they have a fight for their lives on their hands in addition to their case.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion, all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

You can't move to the next chapter of your life, without tying up loose ends in the previous.
 
True crime blogger, Erica Hart starts a new chapter in her life with a bang when a dark shadow darts into the mountain road to send her SUV off a cliff and to the bottom of Deep Creek Lake. Spencer’s newest addition to the police force, Dusty O’Meara assumes it was a bear. Erica is not so sure.
 
Soon afterwards, contractors discover Konnor Langston’s body at the bottom of an abandoned swimming pool at the new summer home of Mac Faraday’s son.
 
With Police Chief David O’Callaghan away on paternity leave, Deputy Chief Dusty O’Meara must lead the investigation in his first murder case since moving to Spencer. Not only does Dusty have to work under the shadow of the legendary Mac Faraday, but he also has to match wits with Erica, who is determined to find justice for Konnor, her childhood friend.
 
Mac isn’t so difficult. Even Gnarly, the town’s canine mayor, is manageable if his authority is well-respected and he is kept entertained.
 
Erica Hart, Dusty finds, is more of a challenge. It wouldn’t be so difficult if she wasn’t so irresistible.

"Five Stars for Lauren Carr's 14th book of the Mac Faraday Murder Mysteries, Shadow of Murder! In this new release, she has recaptured the fun of cute "creatures" with the fast-moving, suspenseful, and captivating mystery, along with her usual touch of romance." - review by Lu Ann Worley, Rockin' Book Reviews

"This newest title in the author's Mac Faraday cozy murder mystery series offers Lauren Carr's most intricate plot to date - full of twists and turns guaranteed to keep readers up until the wee hours. While still full of the humor, fun critters and touch of romance that are her trademark, the author has also woven in a dark supernatural element that whispers through to the startling ending." - review by Marilyn R. Wilson, bestselling author, freelance writer, editor, and speaker at Olio by Marilyn.

Giveaway

Prizes: ​ $50 PayPal Gift Card courtesy of 

Lauren Carr, author of SHADOW OF MURDER

(ends July 1)

SHADOW OF MURDER (Mac Faraday Mysteries) Tour Giveaway

Book Details:

Book Title: Shadow of Murder by Lauren Carr
Series:  A Mac Faraday Mystery (Volume 14)
Category:  Adult fiction, 496 pages
Genre:  Murder Mystery / Police Procedural / Crime Fiction
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:  Mar 30, 2022
Content Rating: PG-13. Lauren Carr's mysteries are murder mysteries. Sometimes, the murder does happen on stage. There is no graphic violence or explicit sex. There is some very mild language (hell or damn, very few and far between) No F-Bombs!

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Buy the Book:   
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Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Thorny Rose, Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries, and Nikki Bryant Cozy Mysteries—over twenty-five titles across five fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor. 

The owner of Acorn Book Services, Lauren is also a publishing manager, consultant, and virtual book tour coordinator for independent authors. 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 two spoiled rotten German shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV. 

connect with the author: website  ~  facebook  ~  instagram ~ pinterest ~ bookbub ~ goodreads

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Tour Schedule can be found here