The Sign of the Calico Quartz ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 

The Sign of the Calico Quartz audiobook by Jan Drexler, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

The Sign of the Calico Quartz

The Sweetbrier Inn Mysteries #1

By Jan Drexler

Narrated by Gillian Wiggin

After working all over the world, the Sweetbrier Inn in the Black Hills seems like the perfect change of pace to Emma Blackwood. The chance to get to know her Aunt Rose is a bonus. Everything seems perfect, even with the grumpy chef, that is until she finds a body in her room.

Emma is sure she can help Deputy Sheriff Cal find the killer. Cal is less sure, and everyone is a suspect, even Emma, until she's not. 

Solving a murder isn't as easy as Emma thought it would be. Especially when more murders occur. And there are several suspects in Emma's opinion. But who is most likely the murderer? Emma just needs to dig deeper with her new friend, Becky. She's sure together they can figure it out.

This is definitely a cozy mystery. There is a warm feeling throughout even though there are bodies to contend with. I love the interactions between Cal and Emma. And I absolutely adore Thatcher, everything is better when there are dogs involved.  

The narration by Gillian Wiggin is great. There are shifts in the reading when the dialogue switches between characters, making it easy to follow. The story is well paced and engaging. At just over seven and a quarter hours it is the perfect length of a commute or an all day listen. 

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

About the Book

Title: The Sign of the Calico Quartz
Series: The Sweetbrier Inn Mysteries
Author: Jan Drexler
Narrator: Gillian Wiggin
Publisher: Swift Wings Press
Audiobook Release Date: July 24, 2024
Genre: Cozy Mystery

Solving a murder is easy, right? All you need to do is follow the clues, and they will lead you to the culprit. 

 At least that’s what Emma Blackwood thought before she and her cat, Tim, came to the Black Hills to work in Aunt Rose’s Sweetbrier Inn. Before she found a dead body in her living room. Before the hunky Deputy Sheriff accused her of murdering the poor guy. And before the real killer put her name on their list of victims. 

For this fan of Agatha Christie and a plethora of television crime dramas, it’s an intriguing situation that demands her skills. Investigating might not be as simple as it looks in fictional mysteries, but Emma’s organized mind and OCD tendencies start making sense of the clues…until she finds a second body with no apparent connection to the first. 

Sifting through evidence is easier with the help of her new friend, Becky, who provides baked goods for the inn, and Aunt Rose is always willing to take time from writing her mysterious memoirs to give support and advice. Wil, the inn’s chef, moves things along with a barbed comment or two, and Tim the cat and Rose’s corgi, Thatcher, make themselves available for fuzz therapy and to point the way to another clue. 

The list of suspects grows as Emma learns more about the inn’s guests and their reasons for visiting the Black Hills. From the honeymoon couple to Mysterious Montgomery, to the famous reality show ghost hunter, to the gold seekers, no one is the person they appear to be. Even Rose’s good friend Clara is hiding secrets in her pink chenille bathrobe. 

But as Emma pursues the investigation, things start to get personal. Can she identify the murderer before disaster strikes?  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon (Audiobook)| Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More Books In This Series

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About the Author

Jan Drexler lives in the Black Hills of South Dakota with her husband, where she enjoys hiking and spending time with her family. She spins stories of History, Mystery, and Sweet Romance. Her works include several historical romance novels, including the award-winning Mattie’s Pledge, and The Sweetbrier Inn Mysteries cozy mystery series.

Connect with Jan by visiting jandrexler.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates. Those who sign up for her newsletter will receive a free e-book copy of The Sign of the Calico Quartz!

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Tour Giveaway

(1) One winner will receive a $15 Amazon gift card!

The full tour schedule is linked below. 

The giveaway begins at midnight October 8, 2024, 

and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 15, 2024. 

Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of the close of the giveaway and 

given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the prize. 

US only. 

Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

The giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

The Winged Tiara ~ Review

The Winged Tiara

By J'Nell Ciesielski

Esme Fox never meant to get married. Her mother warned her over the years that it was to be avoided; men couldn't be trusted. Yet she somehow finds herself married to a stranger and regretting it mere hours later. To save herself from the heartbreak she knows is coming, she slips away leaving her husband with only her wedding band as a remembrance of what might have been.

Jasper Truitt has never stopped looking for his wife. Four years have passed with no sign of Esme until the night he gets a lead on the highly sought-after Valkyrie tiara—a tiara both he and Esme are determined to procure for interested parties. But they are not alone in their pursuit, and some are willing to kill to get what they desire. 

The Winged Tiara takes place following the First World War. Those who survived are grateful for their lives, but there is also a shocking amount of excess and decadence. Esme and Jasper have both only wanted to find someplace where they belonged. Being a thief is a skill that has developed over the years. (Surprise, dear, you married someone with sticky fingers.) 

In this game of cat-and-mouse, Esme and Jasper are offered a chance to get to know one another and maybe a future together. At least Jasper has to try.

The Winged Tiara is an entertaining read and perfect for fans of Historical Fiction. There is plenty of witty dialogue as Esme and Jasper spar over their less-than-noble endeavors. Although published by Thomas Nelson, there are no moments that make one think that this book is Christian. This book is entertaining and well-written, with moments of hope, but faith is lacking, which, considering the world portrayed, is not surprising. This title would be an excellent choice for a book club selection. For those who enjoy audio on their commutes, the reading by Ann Marie Gideon is well presented.

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.

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Diamonds and danger dazzle in Ciesielski's latest enchanting romp through post-war Europe as estranged spouses and jewel thieves hunt an elusive Valkyrie tiara.

November 12, 1918. It was a match made in champagne-soaked heaven, but all too soon the bubbles dried up, and Esme Fox awakens the morning after celebrating the end of the Great War to find herself shockingly and accidentally married. She gathers her belongings and slips out before her new husband can stop her. After all, she knows it's best to leave before he does.

Four years later, Jasper Truitt, after having made a name for himself in the underground world of jewel thieves, is on the hunt for a valuable heirloom: a one-of-a-kind winged tiara--the last Valkyrie tiara ever created. So it's with great surprise that he discovers it at a charity event atop the head of a woman he's never forgotten. His long-lost wife . . . who happens to be pursuing the tiara for a vengeful opera diva desperate to obtain the jewel for herself.

The reunion is cut short when Esme vanishes--again--but their separation is temporary. With a hitman on their heels and a deadline looming, the pair find themselves in an epic game of cat and mouse across Europe following leads from the French Riviera to a shop of wonders in Venice, a fairy-tale castle in Bavaria, and a veritable circus thrown by a champagne heiress, all before a dramatic horseback flight through the French countryside.

In the end only one can win, and with both of their hearts on the line, the winner may well turn out to be the loser.

In her latest glamorous historical romance, J'nell Ciesielski spins a sparkling story filled with her signature snappy dialogue and vivid atmosphere that will keep you reading late into the night to see what happens next.

AUTHOR BIO

Bestselling author J’nell Ciesielski has a passion for heart-stopping adventure and sweeping love stories while weaving fresh takes into romances of times gone by. When not creating dashing heroes and daring heroines, she can be found dreaming of Scotland, indulging in chocolate of any kind, or watching old black and white movies. She is a member of the Tall Poppy Writers and lives in Virginia with her husband, daughter, and lazy beagle.

Be Still My Soul ~ Review

Be Still, My Soul

Mysteries of the West #1

By Faith Blum

Read by Brantley Brumley

Be Still, My Soul is an intriguing read. The story is told primarily from Carsten's viewpoint. As a young boy, Carsten was taught thievery by his father. Carsten was skilled at it until the night he was caught in the act. Since that day, Carsten has changed for the better. But after his father is caught and convicted, the townsfolk view Carsten with suspicion, and when a robbery occurs, Carsten is the one and only suspect. What's worse, the marshal seems to have no intention of finding the true criminal. 

Carsten is determined to clear his name, but accepting help isn't easy for Carsten, even when his friends offer it. When it becomes clear that more is going on than theft, Carsten and his friends soon find themselves in even more danger than they had ever expected and need help. But will the help they need arrive in time? Or will Carsten be convicted of a crime he didn't commit because of the crimes of his father? Trust is a two-way street and is a lesson that Carsten and his friends need to learn.

This book would, in my opinion, appeal to homeschoolers. The main characters are all young adults who are trying to figure life out but with a faith-based support system. I feel that Susan K. Marlow is the author whose work I would most closely compare the style and feel of this story to. Anyone familiar with her Circle C and Goldtown series should enjoy this first book in the Mysteries of the West series. 

I enjoyed this book in the audio edition, which was read by Brantley Brumley. The reading was well presented, though I played it 1.5 times the normal speed as I read faster than the playback speed. At less than 4 hours, this is a perfect road trip companion, especially for those "Are we there yet?" riders. 

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

Title: Be Still, My Soul
Series: Mysteries of the West #1
Author: Faith Blum
Publisher: Wild Blue Wonder Press
Release Date: November 20, 2023
Genre: Christian Western

"Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour." - Ephesians 4:28

When Carsten Whitford is arrested for a robbery he didn't commit, he struggles to clear his name that's already stained by his father's arrest from four years ago. Carsten is the sole supporter of his mother and he works the farm he has lived on his whole life.

The day after his arrest, Carsten's mentor gets him released until the trial. Carsten and his three friends work together to prove he didn’t rob the store since no one, especially the town marshal, seems interested in finding out who is truly guilty. The townspeople assume he is guilty because of his father’s past, including the girl Carsten wants to court.

Will Carsten and his friends find out who truly robbed the store or will they find something more sinister that could even lead to their own deaths? 

Love on Camera ~ Review

Love on Camera

The Wonder Boys #1

By Dana LeCheminant

Narrated By Mari Bee and Jon Brattin

Who doesn't love being read to? Yes, I know that some people prefer to read a book themselves, but if you are one of those who have fond memories of being read to, this audio edition of Love On Camera is a fun way to experience this book. The narration by Mari Bee and Jon Brattin is well-done and keeps the story moving so that one's attention is held throughout the reading. 

I have read Dana LeCheminant's historical fiction offerings in the past and have greatly enjoyed them. So her contemporary offerings were new to me. I have to say this was a fun and enjoyable read (or listen). The characters were engaging, and the story was unique. 

Ten dates over a couple months, ugh. But for the chance to get more exposure for her photography business, Madi agrees to this bet. But to get out of actually dating anyone, she enlists her older brother's best friends to play the role. They all just have to pretend to have just met, no problem. Right??

But working in ten fake dates around everyone's schedules is more than a little challenging. Fortunately, Oliver is usually available. Having sold his business, he has time to fill. And what better way to fill it than spending time with Madi, his best friend for years.

This is a cute read and one that is a great break from the daily stress of work. At just under 7-3/4 hours, it is an easy listen. I highly recommend it, and I can't wait until the rest of the series makes the transition to audio. But while I wait, I'm moving the eBook versions into my digital library TBR!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this digital audiobook with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Madi doesn’t have time to date. Oliver has all the time in the world.

When wedding photographer Madi is challenged to find herself ten dates in three months, she turns to her older brother’s three best friends to be her stand-ins. It helps her win the challenge without having to deal with the stress of dating. What could go wrong?

Since selling his company, Oliver hasn’t had much to do, and helping Madi has given his life meaning again. But when she asks him to pose as her boyfriend—more than just a date here and there—he suddenly finds himself questioning his feelings toward the girl he always saw as a little sister. Feelings that would get him murdered by his best friend.

No one sees the real Oliver the way Madi does, and Madi has never been as comfortable around anyone as she is with Oliver. With the fake part of their relationship feeling less and less fake, they both have to decide if they’re brave enough to take that first step toward something real. Is a chance at love worth risking a lifetime of friendship?

Chris Crossed Murder ~ Audiobook Review

 

Chris Crossed Murder

A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #4

By Lauren Carr

Narrated by Mike Alger

Chris Matheson is dead! Or is he? 

When a body is found with Chris's id, his family and friends fear the worst. Soon it is discovered that Chris isn't dead but he did have an unfortunate experience that rendered him unavailable.

When the misidentified body is connected with an old cold case that Chris was briefly called in on, a whole kettle of doggy kibble is over turned (with all the dogs its kibble not fish in this kettle).  Who died and how? And what's the link to Chris?

Soon the Geezer Squad, Helen, Riley, and Chris are looking for answers into the decades old murder of a college student. And Chris is trying to determine if he was the intended target because of his past undercover work? The upcoming Christmas holiday is about to prove very interesting.

Chris Crossed Murder is a complex and puzzling case as everyone attempts to find answers. But the danger comes close to home. And when tragedy strikes, Chris's newly blended family may not get a Christmas morning together. 

There are so many twists one has to wonder just who did what to whom. Overall this was a wonderful addition to the Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery series. In my opinion, I believe it may be the best one to date. And I will always enjoy the antics of Sterling, Choppers, and Thor.

Mike Alger's narration is again well presented, with each character having a distinct voice. The pacing is good, perfect for your weekday commute. I recommend this to readers, or listeners, who enjoy mysteries, cold cases, and animals (especially dogs) with personality. 

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

P.S. Be sure to check your voice mail, And avoid Peanuts!

Book Details:

Book Title:  Chris Crossed Murder (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #4) by Lauren Carr
Narrator: Mike Alger
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +), 10 hours, 13 minutes
Genre:  Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:   Mar 21, 2023
Content Rating:  PG-13 (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs!

"Carr is a master at creating unique, complex plots and colorful characters, both evident in her latest cold case mystery featuring  Chris Matheson and the geezer squad. The plot is twisted, the mystery unique and the ending a surprise. A must-read!" - Review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery, Book Four) by Marilyn R. Wilson, Author, Speaker, Book Reviewer

"Lauren Carr is among my favorite mystery writers. She knows how to write a fun tale while keeping readers engaged. ...I would give Chris Crossed Murder one hundred stars if I could. I believe readers who enjoy reading well-written and clean cozy mysteries will most definitely want to read it. I have no doubt they will enjoy it as much as I did. The fifth installment from A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery series is on my radar for when it releases." - Review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery, Book Four) by Amy Campbell, Locks Hooks and Books

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About the Book:
​It proves to be a Christmas to remember when the Matheson family receives the horrendous news that Chris Matheson’s body has been found in the woods near an international airport.

Everyone is stunned—especially Chris Matheson.

The mystery deepens when they discover the victim has Chris’s federal agent badge and appears to have been investigating one of his old cases.

The Geezer Squad’s latest case is not only a whodunit but who-got-dun. Is this a case of mistaken identity? Was Chris the intended victim? If not, then they must identify the murder victim to find his killer.
​
With Christmas days away, join the Chris Matheson and the Geezer Squad as they race to piece together the clues to their most puzzling case yet.

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ Audible 
B&N ~ BAM
BookBub
add to goodreads

Also Available for Review:

Book Details:

Book Title: ICE  (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #1) by Lauren Carr
Narrator: Mike Alger
Category:  Adult fiction,  9 hours, 54 minutes
Genre:  Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:  April 25, 2018
Available for review in: audiobook (audible download code), ebook (mobi, epub, PDF), 
Tour dates:  May 1 to May 26, 2023
Content Rating:  PG-13 (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs!

"Lauren spins an amazing web of lies, murder and love that will have you on the edge of your seat...I love the way Lauren spun this novel - I could not put the book down! I had to know what happened to Sandy and her unborn child and how this disappearance was tied into a string of other murders. I never saw the end coming but it was perfect and suited the novel. A definite must read novel!" 5-Star Review by Carla at Working Mommy Journal

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Book Description:
​When Sandy Lipton and her unborn child disappeared, the court of public opinion found young Chris Matheson guilty. Decades later, the retired FBI agent returns home to discover that the cloud of suspicion cast over him and his family has never lifted. 

With the help of a team of fellow retired law enforcement officers, each a specialist in their own field of investigation, Chris Matheson starts chipping away at the ice on this cold case to uncover what had happened to Sandy and her baby and the clues are getting hot!

​Buy the Book:
Amazon.com
Audible ~ BookBub
Add to Goodreads

Book Details:

Book Title: Winter Frost  (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #2) by Lauren Carr
Narrator:  Mike Alger
Category:  Adult fiction,  8 hours, 56 minutes
Genre:  Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:  Mar 22, 2019
Content Rating:  PG-13 (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs!

"Filled with twists and turns, Winter Frost reads perfectly well as a stand-alone, although it is part of a series. The author creates tension and suspense throughout by keeping the reader guessing; she keeps readers engaged with well fleshed out characters and a dash of humor. Sterling, the retired German Shepherd police dog turned card shark, is a new favorite. As the story flows, the truth unfolds, layer by layer, leading to a satisfying conclusion.

"Winter Frost was an entertaining, at times humorous read with suspense, some surprises, and even cute animals in the mix." Review of Winter Frost by The iRead Review

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Book Description:
​It all started with a chance encounter in the city with Blair, his late wife.

Chris Matheson and the Geezer Squad, working under the guise of a book club, dig into the events surrounding his late wife’s supposed death halfway around the globe. A state department employee shoots himself in the back three times. A CIA operative goes missing. A woman is targeted by an international assassin three years after being declared dead in a terrorist attack overseas. 

Nothing is as it seems. 

In his most personal cold case, Chris fights to uncover why the state department told him that Blair, the mother of his children, had been killed when she was alive. What had she uncovered that has made her a target? Who terrified her so much that she had gone into hiding and why are they now after him?

​Buy the Book:
Amazon.com 
Audible ~ BookBub
Add to Goodreads

Book Details:

Book Title:  The Last Thing She Said (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #3) by Lauren Carr
Narrator: Mike Alger
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +),  10 hours, 41 minutes
Genre:  Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:   Sep 16, 2019
Content Rating:  PG-13 (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs!

"Too many twists and turns to easily share about this book. Nevertheless, Carr has pulled off another "hit" that kept me reading in one setting until the clues were so well together that the villain fell into our laps...or Chris's, LOL Carr has put a lot into the book beyond the mysteries this time...Characters enjoyed chocotinis, visited book stores...and even blundered into getting engaged (the ring had been purchased 4 months ago)... But, for me, a special thank you for the political spoof at a time when politics at the national level is devastating, gave me a laugh and lightened the load of it all!" - Review by Glenda Bixler, Book Reader's Heaven

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About the Book:
​“I’m working on the greatest mystery ever,” was the last thing noted mystery novelist Mercedes Livingston said to seven-year-old Chris Matheson before walking out of Hill House Hotel never to be seen again.

For decades, the writer’s fate remained a puzzling mystery until an autographed novel and a letter put a grown-up Chris Matheson on the trail of a cunning killer. With the help of a team of fellow retired law enforcement officers, each a specialist in their own field of investigation, Chris puts a flame to this cold case to uncover what had really happened that night Mercedes Livingston walked out of Hill House Hotel. Watch out! The clues are getting hot!

Buy the Book:
Amazon.com 
Audible ~ BookBub
Add to Goodreads​

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​Meet the Narrator:

One of the most popular and recognizable faces on television sets in Nevada and California; Mike Alger is the Chief Meteorologist for KTVN-TV Channel 2 (CBS) in Reno, Nevada. The award-winning weatherman is a holder of the American Meteorological Society’s Certified Broadcast Meteorologist Seal of Approval. He is happily married with two children.

connect with the author: website ~ acx ~ facebook ~  twitter

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​Meet the Author:

​Selling over half a million books worldwide, 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—thirty 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 and iRead Book Tours, 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 ~ blog ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Twitter ~ pinterest

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Tour Schedule:

May 1 – Cover Lover Book Review – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway
May 3 – Casia's Corner – audiobook review of ICE/giveaway
May 4 – Casia's Corner – audiobook review of WINTER FROST/giveaway
May 8 – Liese's Blog – book series spotlight
May 9- Rajiv's Reviews – audiobook review of ICE
May 9 – Casia's Corner – audiobook review of THE LAST THING SHE SAID/giveaway
May 10- Rajiv's Reviews – audiobook review of WINTER FROST
May 10 –Casia's Corner – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway
​May 11 – Stephanie Jane – book series spotlight/giveaway
May 11 – Rajiv's Reviews – audiobook review of the LAST THING SHE SAID
May 12 – Rajiv's Reviews – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER
May 15 - Blooming with Books – audiobook review of ICE/giveaway
May 16 - Blooming with Books – audiobook review of WINTER FROST/giveaway
May 17 - Blooming with Books – audiobook review of THE LAST THING SHE SAID/giveaway
May 18 - Blooming with Books – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway
May 19 – @enjoyingbooksagain – audiobook review of ICE
May 22 –Diane’s Book Journal – book series spotlight
May 22 - – @enjoyingbooksagain – audiobook review of WINTER FROST
May 23 – @enjoyingbooksagain – audiobook review of THE LAST THING SHE SAID
May 23 – Locks, Hooks and Books – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway
May 24 - FUONLYKNEW - book series spotlight/giveaway
May 24 – @enjoyingbooksagain – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER
May 25 –fundinmental – book series spotlight/giveaway
May 25 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of ICE/giveaway
May 26 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of WINTER FROST/giveaway
May 27 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of THE LAST THING SHE SAID/giveaway
May 28 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of CHRS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway
TBD – Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

The Last Thing She Said ~ Audiobook Review

 

The Last Thing She Said

A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #3

By Lauren Carr

Narrated by Mike Alger

Nearly 40 years ago, mystery author Mercedes Livingston disappeared. Everyone assumed she and her husband, George were the victims of a kidnapping gone wrong.  But Harper's Ferry has been hiding the truth about this cold case, and now it is up to Chris Matheson and the Geezer Squad to clear their late friend in the decades-old case.

Can the Geezers determine what happened after all these years? They put their varied skills to use and call on those they know they are convinced they can discover the truth. But when Helen's ex shows up, they have to deal with him and all the baggage he's about to dump on Chris.

Anyone familiar with Lauren Carr's other series will enjoy a few brief scenes with Mac, Archie, Joshua, Gnarly, and the political scene brewing on Spencer Mountain. Oh, yeah, there are some interesting developments in regard to Gnarly's mayorship, and Chris's dog Sterling gets caught up in Gnarly's antics (in my opinion, the best story thread in the book and worth a few laughs).

Let's just say Gnarly was at his best in this one in one-upping his political opponent.

With plot twists and a whole cast of suspects, this one will keep the Geezers and the reader occupied with figuring out just what happened all those years ago. But to uncover the truth, they have to go back to the cold case upon which Mercedes Livingston's best-seller was based. And could the last words Mercedes Livingston spoke to Chris all those years ago be a clue? 

Get ready for some unexpected twists, betrayals, and political shenanigans in this newest addition to the mystery world created by Lauren Carr. 

I listened to the audio version of this book, and the reading by Mike Alger is excellent. This is a murder mystery, so the reader should expect some violence and, in general, misdeeds that don't paint some of the characters in a good light. 

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. 

** Some readers might find some scenes objectionable due to content

so if you want gentle reads this isn't one you will want to read. 

Book Details:

Book Title:  The Last Thing She Said (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #3) by Lauren Carr

Narrator: Mike Alger

Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +),  10 hours, 41 minutes

Genre:  Mystery

Publisher:  Acorn Book Services

Release date:   Sep 16, 2019

Content Rating:  PG-13 (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs!

"Too many twists and turns to easily share about this book. Nevertheless, Carr has pulled off another "hit" that kept me reading in one setting until the clues were so well together that the villain fell into our laps...or Chris's, LOL Carr has put a lot into the book beyond the mysteries this time...Characters enjoyed chocotinis, visited book stores...and even blundered into getting engaged (the ring had been purchased 4 months ago)... But, for me, a special thank you for the political spoof at a time when politics at the national level is devastating, gave me a laugh and lightened the load of it all!" - Review by Glenda Bixler, Book Reader's Heaven

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About the Book:

​“I’m working on the greatest mystery ever,” was the last thing noted mystery novelist Mercedes Livingston said to seven-year-old Chris Matheson before walking out of Hill House Hotel never to be seen again.

For decades, the writer’s fate remained a puzzling mystery until an autographed novel and a letter put a grown-up Chris Matheson on the trail of a cunning killer. With the help of a team of fellow retired law enforcement officers, each a specialist in their own field of investigation, Chris puts a flame to this cold case to uncover what had really happened that night Mercedes Livingston walked out of Hill House Hotel. Watch out! The clues are getting hot!

Buy the Book:
Amazon.com 
Audible ~ BookBub
Add to Goodreads​

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​Meet the Narrator:

One of the most popular and recognizable faces on television sets in Nevada and California; Mike Alger is the Chief Meteorologist for KTVN-TV Channel 2 (CBS) in Reno, Nevada. The award-winning weatherman is a holder of the American Meteorological Society’s Certified Broadcast Meteorologist Seal of Approval. He is happily married with two children.

connect with the author: website ~ acx ~ facebook ~  twitter

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​Meet the Author:

​Selling over half a million books worldwide, 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—thirty 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 and iRead Book Tours, 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 ~ blog ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Twitter ~ pinterest

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Tour Schedule:

May 1 – Cover Lover Book Review – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway
May 3 – Casia's Corner – audiobook review of ICE/giveaway
May 4 – Casia's Corner – audiobook review of WINTER FROST/giveaway
May 8 – Liese's Blog – book series spotlight
May 9- Rajiv's Reviews – audiobook review of ICE
May 9 – Casia's Corner – audiobook review of THE LAST THING SHE SAID/giveaway
May 10- Rajiv's Reviews – audiobook review of WINTER FROST
May 10 –Casia's Corner – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway
​May 11 – Stephanie Jane – book series spotlight/giveaway
May 11 – Rajiv's Reviews – audiobook review of the LAST THING SHE SAID
May 12 – Rajiv's Reviews – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER
May 15 - Blooming with Books – audiobook review of ICE/giveaway
May 16 - Blooming with Books – audiobook review of WINTER FROST/giveaway
May 17 - Blooming with Books – audiobook review of THE LAST THING SHE SAID/giveaway
May 18 - Blooming with Books – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway
May 19 – @enjoyingbooksagain – audiobook review of ICE
May 22 –Diane’s Book Journal – book series spotlight
May 22 - – @enjoyingbooksagain – audiobook review of WINTER FROST
May 23 – @enjoyingbooksagain – audiobook review of THE LAST THING SHE SAID
May 23 – Locks, Hooks and Books – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway
May 24 - FUONLYKNEW - book series spotlight/giveaway
May 24 – @enjoyingbooksagain – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER
May 25 –fundinmental – book series spotlight/giveaway
May 25 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of ICE/giveaway
May 26 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of WINTER FROST/giveaway
May 27 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of THE LAST THING SHE SAID/giveaway
May 28 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of CHRS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway
TBD – Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway

Enter the Giveaway: