What do you think?
Rate this book
Mac Faraday Mystery #4
Blast from the Past
In this fourth mystery on Deep Creek Lake; Mac Faraday finds himself up to his eyeballs in mobsters and federal agents.
After an attempted hit ends badly with two of his men dead, mobster Tommy Cruze arrives in Spencer, Maryland, to personally supervise the execution of the witness responsible for putting him behind bars—Archie Monday!
Mac Faraday believes he has his work cut out for him in protecting his lady love from one of the most dangerous leaders in organized crime; but when bodies start dropping in his lakeshore resort town, things may be hotter than even he can handle.
After an attempted hit ends badly with two of his men dead, mobster Tommy Cruze arrives in Spencer, Maryland, to personally supervise the execution of the witness responsible for putting him behind bars—Archie Monday!
Mac Faraday believes he has his work cut out for him in protecting his lady love from one of the most dangerous leaders in organized crime; but when bodies start dropping in his lakeshore resort town, things may be hotter than even he can handle.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 2, 2013
91 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Carr
52 books402 followersLauren 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!
Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr’s seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, 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.
Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr’s seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 25, 2013
Blast From the Past:
Lauren Carr
Gnarly is back in another great novel by author Lauren Carr. This time he’s going to really have to earn his keep by making sure that his favorite person besides Mac Faraday is kept save. But, before we can tell you why his services are needed and definitely necessary he suggested that I fill you in on some important facts. Before coming to live with Mac in Spencer Manor Archie, Mac’ girlfriend, saw something that would change her life, bring her to this small town where Mac lives and into the witness protection program because of something she witnessed 12 years ago. Murder is serious and when Kendra Douglas, AKA Archie Monday, witnessed a murder she stood up and testified against a leading mob boss named Tommy Cruze. But, there’s much more. Changing her identity, her total appearance and being relocated should have kept her safe but then our story would not have as many twists, turns and serious happenings. So, what happens when poor Gnarly is supposed to go for his dog grooming session with the most sought after groomer, Misty, well you guessed it two killers decide to take on Archie never expecting what most would say a truly surprising ending. With her special pink gun with its pearlized handle, Archie takes out the two killers but poor Gnarly never made his appointment with Misty.
With the entire Spencer Police Department on hand, plus a federal Marshall named Randi Finnegan what happens is right out of an episode of CSI or LA LAW. In the program for over 12 years, with David O’Callaghan the police chief and his assistant the only ones knowing why she was there, Archie became the personal assistant to murder/mystery writer Robin Spencer until she died. But, things are about to heat up as Mac learns the truth about her, another attempt on her life is made but you guessed it Gnarly, our favorite and definitely not to be trifled with German Shepherd saves more than must the day.
Randi Finnegan who is in charge of Archie wants to move her to another location but Archie stands strong and refuses. So, the only solution is to move an army of men and of course Randi into Spencer Manor to protect her. But, just who ratted out her whereabouts and what was the final fate of the snitch you guessed it. No one lives to talk about a mobster and lose ends often get tied up but not in a very pleasant way.
Mac owns a five star Inn called the Spencer Inn and with the help of the head of security, Hector and the local police he should have enough manpower to protect Archie. Stir crazy happens to the best of us when we feel cooped up. So, when Archie decides to go out for a walk flanked by Mac, David, several others and of course Gnarly, what happens is well you read it to find out.
Mac leaves for a while and wants to walk Gnarly finding himself at a place called the Dockside Café owned by a woman named Leah who has a daughter named Sari. But not everything is what it seems and this Café turns into a more than must a murder scene when Tommy Cruze our mobster, is murdered by who did it remains to be seen. Yet, everyone thinks and knows his prime target is Archie. With the snitch brutally murdered, the owner of the café is in the protection program too, just who is behind what happened to the killers and what about the paid assassin?
The plot thickens as some might say as Mac is now enlisted to help solve the murder of the owner of a B&B. With the husband claiming Mac as his alibi, Gnarly as a witness just how did this man’s wife wind up falling down a flight of stairs? Added in is the murder or poisoning of Tommy Cruze, the couple who was fighting or planted at the scene and just who the target really was as we learn more about the Café owner, her connection to the mob and the entire town as we begin to wonder if the entire town of Spencer is connected to the mob. The events become intertwined, poor Gnarly misses another appointment, and once again author Lauren Carr keeps everyone in suspense until the final curtain is lifted on the killer.
With Tommy Cruze dead, or poisoned, his lawyer not divulging anything, Mac’s half brother the police chief in an oil and vinegar relationship with Randi, the department keeping her safe just what is next? So, what about Mary Catherine Skeltner? Why would her husband kill the poor woman who was dying of cancer but at that moment in remission. Why does he claim it was an accident but at the same time has a weird grin on his face. Will Mac buy the story or will he prove he’s still a great detective and find the clues to convict this man? What about Tommy Cruze and the hit men killed? Could Mary Catherine’s death and his become intertwined? Are they related?
But, protection can go just so far and when things begin to gel for Mac in one way they come apart for Archie and Randi in another. Learning just who was behind the murder of Tommy Cruze and the real reason he was poisoned you won’t believe. Just who planted the poison creamers and who was the intended target? Why was Mary Catherine killed and how does this tie into another murder? Author Lauren Carr ties the past with the present but not only for Archie for others too.
As Randi and Archie become targets of a killer and Mac and David face off with another killer just who gets away, who finally wins, and who learns the true meaning of family, love, understanding and begins to have faith in himself. Author Lauren Carr once again brings to life Mac Faraday, Archie Monday and the entire cast of characters living in the town of Spencer. So, will Gnarly get her day at the spa? Will the killers be foiled? What happens at the end will definitely surprise the reader and of course endear you to my favorite German shepherd in the world Gnarly. Never allowing anyone to take center stage away from him I promised not to chastise him for his antics, like clogging up the toilet and making Mac drop his coffee. To learn what else he does and to find out just who wins, loses and who was really running the mob you have to read this for yourself.
Once again author Lauren Carr pens a novel that will keep you guessing until the very end and hopefully bring back Mac, Archie, David and maybe even Randi in her next novel. Okay Gnarly: Since you and Sari seem to bond over vanilla ice cream cones: We will give you FIVE VANILLA CONES WRAPPED IN GOLD FOIL.
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
Lauren Carr
Gnarly is back in another great novel by author Lauren Carr. This time he’s going to really have to earn his keep by making sure that his favorite person besides Mac Faraday is kept save. But, before we can tell you why his services are needed and definitely necessary he suggested that I fill you in on some important facts. Before coming to live with Mac in Spencer Manor Archie, Mac’ girlfriend, saw something that would change her life, bring her to this small town where Mac lives and into the witness protection program because of something she witnessed 12 years ago. Murder is serious and when Kendra Douglas, AKA Archie Monday, witnessed a murder she stood up and testified against a leading mob boss named Tommy Cruze. But, there’s much more. Changing her identity, her total appearance and being relocated should have kept her safe but then our story would not have as many twists, turns and serious happenings. So, what happens when poor Gnarly is supposed to go for his dog grooming session with the most sought after groomer, Misty, well you guessed it two killers decide to take on Archie never expecting what most would say a truly surprising ending. With her special pink gun with its pearlized handle, Archie takes out the two killers but poor Gnarly never made his appointment with Misty.
With the entire Spencer Police Department on hand, plus a federal Marshall named Randi Finnegan what happens is right out of an episode of CSI or LA LAW. In the program for over 12 years, with David O’Callaghan the police chief and his assistant the only ones knowing why she was there, Archie became the personal assistant to murder/mystery writer Robin Spencer until she died. But, things are about to heat up as Mac learns the truth about her, another attempt on her life is made but you guessed it Gnarly, our favorite and definitely not to be trifled with German Shepherd saves more than must the day.
Randi Finnegan who is in charge of Archie wants to move her to another location but Archie stands strong and refuses. So, the only solution is to move an army of men and of course Randi into Spencer Manor to protect her. But, just who ratted out her whereabouts and what was the final fate of the snitch you guessed it. No one lives to talk about a mobster and lose ends often get tied up but not in a very pleasant way.
Mac owns a five star Inn called the Spencer Inn and with the help of the head of security, Hector and the local police he should have enough manpower to protect Archie. Stir crazy happens to the best of us when we feel cooped up. So, when Archie decides to go out for a walk flanked by Mac, David, several others and of course Gnarly, what happens is well you read it to find out.
Mac leaves for a while and wants to walk Gnarly finding himself at a place called the Dockside Café owned by a woman named Leah who has a daughter named Sari. But not everything is what it seems and this Café turns into a more than must a murder scene when Tommy Cruze our mobster, is murdered by who did it remains to be seen. Yet, everyone thinks and knows his prime target is Archie. With the snitch brutally murdered, the owner of the café is in the protection program too, just who is behind what happened to the killers and what about the paid assassin?
The plot thickens as some might say as Mac is now enlisted to help solve the murder of the owner of a B&B. With the husband claiming Mac as his alibi, Gnarly as a witness just how did this man’s wife wind up falling down a flight of stairs? Added in is the murder or poisoning of Tommy Cruze, the couple who was fighting or planted at the scene and just who the target really was as we learn more about the Café owner, her connection to the mob and the entire town as we begin to wonder if the entire town of Spencer is connected to the mob. The events become intertwined, poor Gnarly misses another appointment, and once again author Lauren Carr keeps everyone in suspense until the final curtain is lifted on the killer.
With Tommy Cruze dead, or poisoned, his lawyer not divulging anything, Mac’s half brother the police chief in an oil and vinegar relationship with Randi, the department keeping her safe just what is next? So, what about Mary Catherine Skeltner? Why would her husband kill the poor woman who was dying of cancer but at that moment in remission. Why does he claim it was an accident but at the same time has a weird grin on his face. Will Mac buy the story or will he prove he’s still a great detective and find the clues to convict this man? What about Tommy Cruze and the hit men killed? Could Mary Catherine’s death and his become intertwined? Are they related?
But, protection can go just so far and when things begin to gel for Mac in one way they come apart for Archie and Randi in another. Learning just who was behind the murder of Tommy Cruze and the real reason he was poisoned you won’t believe. Just who planted the poison creamers and who was the intended target? Why was Mary Catherine killed and how does this tie into another murder? Author Lauren Carr ties the past with the present but not only for Archie for others too.
As Randi and Archie become targets of a killer and Mac and David face off with another killer just who gets away, who finally wins, and who learns the true meaning of family, love, understanding and begins to have faith in himself. Author Lauren Carr once again brings to life Mac Faraday, Archie Monday and the entire cast of characters living in the town of Spencer. So, will Gnarly get her day at the spa? Will the killers be foiled? What happens at the end will definitely surprise the reader and of course endear you to my favorite German shepherd in the world Gnarly. Never allowing anyone to take center stage away from him I promised not to chastise him for his antics, like clogging up the toilet and making Mac drop his coffee. To learn what else he does and to find out just who wins, loses and who was really running the mob you have to read this for yourself.
Once again author Lauren Carr pens a novel that will keep you guessing until the very end and hopefully bring back Mac, Archie, David and maybe even Randi in her next novel. Okay Gnarly: Since you and Sari seem to bond over vanilla ice cream cones: We will give you FIVE VANILLA CONES WRAPPED IN GOLD FOIL.
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
January 3, 2013
BLAST FORM THE PAST BY LAUREN CARR
5 STARS
This is a Mac Faraday Mystery
I like Lauren's mysteries. I can usually figure out a little piece but never all of it.
There lots of twists,turns,lots of dead bodies,lots of bad guys,lots of good guys and Gnarly too.
There are a lot of characters in this book, most of them are new ones. At the start she has a list of characters and a little about them. I always like that when thier are lots to keep straight.
Kendra Douglas witnesses a murder and testifies against a mob boss. She goes into the witness protection and twelve years later she has been found.
Her boyfriend has no idea she was part of the program untill she killed two killers with her pink gun.
Ramdi Finnegan Marshall who is in charge of protecting Archie wants to move her. No one agrees to be moved. Randi and David O'Callaghan Spencer's police chief fight. Archie does not want to change her name and move again. She does move into the mansion and shares Mac Faraday room.
Randi and David find the leak in the Marshall's office but she is already dead.
Mac gets some of the security guys from his 5 star hotel to help guard Archie with the local police.
Thier are a lot of people who end up walking Gnarly when Archie goes out to walk the dog.
Gnarly brings a lot of humor into the story, from flushing his stolen rubber duckie in the toliet. Too taking down the bad guys and making good friends with a shy little girl who only talks to him.
I think I would take the ice cream cone from Sari and get her a new one over sharing it with Gnarly each taking a lick at a time.
Thier end up being lots of different murder scenes and Spencer is a small police department. While David is working one scene and Bogie is at the manor with Archie. Mac gets a badge and David clothes to go work a different murder scene. He does not like the husband but he has a great witness for his alibi Mac.
They have to figure out who killed who at which murder scene. Which case is the Marshalls or FBIs and which ones are for the local police.
Lots of Drama,action,murder and humor. I did not want to put the book down till I had finshed it.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley.
01/11/2013 PUB. Acorn Book Services
5 STARS
This is a Mac Faraday Mystery
I like Lauren's mysteries. I can usually figure out a little piece but never all of it.
There lots of twists,turns,lots of dead bodies,lots of bad guys,lots of good guys and Gnarly too.
There are a lot of characters in this book, most of them are new ones. At the start she has a list of characters and a little about them. I always like that when thier are lots to keep straight.
Kendra Douglas witnesses a murder and testifies against a mob boss. She goes into the witness protection and twelve years later she has been found.
Her boyfriend has no idea she was part of the program untill she killed two killers with her pink gun.
Ramdi Finnegan Marshall who is in charge of protecting Archie wants to move her. No one agrees to be moved. Randi and David O'Callaghan Spencer's police chief fight. Archie does not want to change her name and move again. She does move into the mansion and shares Mac Faraday room.
Randi and David find the leak in the Marshall's office but she is already dead.
Mac gets some of the security guys from his 5 star hotel to help guard Archie with the local police.
Thier are a lot of people who end up walking Gnarly when Archie goes out to walk the dog.
Gnarly brings a lot of humor into the story, from flushing his stolen rubber duckie in the toliet. Too taking down the bad guys and making good friends with a shy little girl who only talks to him.
I think I would take the ice cream cone from Sari and get her a new one over sharing it with Gnarly each taking a lick at a time.
Thier end up being lots of different murder scenes and Spencer is a small police department. While David is working one scene and Bogie is at the manor with Archie. Mac gets a badge and David clothes to go work a different murder scene. He does not like the husband but he has a great witness for his alibi Mac.
They have to figure out who killed who at which murder scene. Which case is the Marshalls or FBIs and which ones are for the local police.
Lots of Drama,action,murder and humor. I did not want to put the book down till I had finshed it.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley.
01/11/2013 PUB. Acorn Book Services
January 22, 2013
In Blast from the Past by Lauren Carr, character Archie Monday's past connection to the mob is catching up to her in Spencer, Maryland, which is located on Deep Creek Lake. Her testimony helped convict Tommy Cruze, head of a major East Coast crime syndicate. She is a participant in the FBI’s Witness Protection Program. Now Tommy is out and he's after Archie - thus the title: Blast from the Past. Mac, Gnarly (Mac’s German shepherd), David O’Callaghan (Spencer police chief), and Randi Finnegan (U.S. Marshal) are all scrambling to protect Archie and figure out why the body count appears to be rising and who, exactly, is putting out the hit orders on all these people?
It is a fast paced, humorous mystery that will appeal to anyone who enjoys a light hearted mystery and dogs. I appreciated that Carr includes a complete cast of characters at the beginning of her novel. Carr's Mac Faraday Mysteries include: It's Murder, My Son; Old Loves Die Hard; and Shades of Murder. Blast from the Past is the fourth book in the Mac Faraday mystery series.
While I've mentioned the previous three books in the series, this was my first Mac Faraday mystery and I didn't have any problem following the action. If you like following a series from the beginning you might want to check out the first three books, though, because I'm sure there are things I missed because I didn't have the complete back story.
Blast from the Past is a well developed story full of intrigue that moves at a brisk pace. The characters are interesting, the villains varied, and the action is as quick as the humor. I have a feeling any of Lauren Carr's mysteries would be pleasurable distractions, as well as entertaining. (I got a big laugh out of the high-priced assassins named Hillerman and McCrumb.)
very highly recommended
Disclosure: My Kindle edition was courtesy of Acorn Book Services and Netgalley for review purposes.
http://shetreadssoftly.blogspot.com/
It is a fast paced, humorous mystery that will appeal to anyone who enjoys a light hearted mystery and dogs. I appreciated that Carr includes a complete cast of characters at the beginning of her novel. Carr's Mac Faraday Mysteries include: It's Murder, My Son; Old Loves Die Hard; and Shades of Murder. Blast from the Past is the fourth book in the Mac Faraday mystery series.
While I've mentioned the previous three books in the series, this was my first Mac Faraday mystery and I didn't have any problem following the action. If you like following a series from the beginning you might want to check out the first three books, though, because I'm sure there are things I missed because I didn't have the complete back story.
Blast from the Past is a well developed story full of intrigue that moves at a brisk pace. The characters are interesting, the villains varied, and the action is as quick as the humor. I have a feeling any of Lauren Carr's mysteries would be pleasurable distractions, as well as entertaining. (I got a big laugh out of the high-priced assassins named Hillerman and McCrumb.)
very highly recommended
Disclosure: My Kindle edition was courtesy of Acorn Book Services and Netgalley for review purposes.
http://shetreadssoftly.blogspot.com/
January 5, 2013
Whatta Blast!
This is my favorite of Lauren Carr’s Mac Faraday mysteries—hands down! Archie Monday has been keeping a secret from Mac, and when the mob shows up in Deep-Creek Lake to take her out, unsuccessfully, her past comes blasting back. In Mac’s loving embrace she realizes that she must confess: Archie is really Kendra Douglas, a witness to a mob hit ten years earlier, and has been hiding out at Spencer Inn ever since sheltered by the FBI’s Witness Protection Program.
Enter Randi Finnegan, a tough FBI agent who has been in charge of Archie since she went into the program. After the attempt on Archie’s life Randi wants to relocate Archie immediately, only Mac isn’t having it! And neither is David O’Callaghan, Mac’s half-brother and the police chief, who’s department rallies around Archie to keep her safe, but perhaps they should have been protecting the mobsters because they all fall victim to a tub of poisoned creamers in a small café—let the body count begin! Because not far away another poor soul is found dead—Mary Catherine Skeltner, a woman who runs a B&B and has been suffering from cancer has taken a tumble down the staircase. Totally accidental, her husband claims—but Faraday isn't buying into that old line, either.
Hey, these two murders can’t be related…can they? Remember folks, this is a Carr mystery, and this author weaves a twisted tale of murder and suspense that keeps the reader guessing and at the edge of their seat until Faraday and his ornery German Shephard, Gnarly, brings this mystery to an exciting climax.
Blast From the Past is filled with suspense and a touch of romance thrown for good measure—a masterpiece by Lauren Carr!
NOTE: I received this book from the author as an ARC, and I have not received any compensation for my comments. I give honest and dignified reviews.
This is my favorite of Lauren Carr’s Mac Faraday mysteries—hands down! Archie Monday has been keeping a secret from Mac, and when the mob shows up in Deep-Creek Lake to take her out, unsuccessfully, her past comes blasting back. In Mac’s loving embrace she realizes that she must confess: Archie is really Kendra Douglas, a witness to a mob hit ten years earlier, and has been hiding out at Spencer Inn ever since sheltered by the FBI’s Witness Protection Program.
Enter Randi Finnegan, a tough FBI agent who has been in charge of Archie since she went into the program. After the attempt on Archie’s life Randi wants to relocate Archie immediately, only Mac isn’t having it! And neither is David O’Callaghan, Mac’s half-brother and the police chief, who’s department rallies around Archie to keep her safe, but perhaps they should have been protecting the mobsters because they all fall victim to a tub of poisoned creamers in a small café—let the body count begin! Because not far away another poor soul is found dead—Mary Catherine Skeltner, a woman who runs a B&B and has been suffering from cancer has taken a tumble down the staircase. Totally accidental, her husband claims—but Faraday isn't buying into that old line, either.
Hey, these two murders can’t be related…can they? Remember folks, this is a Carr mystery, and this author weaves a twisted tale of murder and suspense that keeps the reader guessing and at the edge of their seat until Faraday and his ornery German Shephard, Gnarly, brings this mystery to an exciting climax.
Blast From the Past is filled with suspense and a touch of romance thrown for good measure—a masterpiece by Lauren Carr!
NOTE: I received this book from the author as an ARC, and I have not received any compensation for my comments. I give honest and dignified reviews.
March 2, 2013
In the beautiful setting of Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, "Blast from the Past: A Mac Faraday Mystery" revisits some of my favorite characters: Mac Faraday, Archie Monday, David O'Callaghan, and, of course, Gnarly, the beloved dog that acts as a helper to the police on many occasions.
The story opens at a time twelve years before, when a young woman named Kendra Douglas hears strange noises coming from the library stacks at the University of Maryland. Within minutes, as she leaves for the night, she witnesses a murder.
Flash forward to discover that Archie Monday is experiencing a "blast from the past," and she is revealed as Kendra Douglas, whose identity and appearance were changed when she was brought into the Witness Protection Program.
The mobster she witnessed murdering the victim has discovered her location. And all hell is breaking loose in the beautiful, wealthy Deep Creek Lake setting.
In the usual fashion that drives any great mystery, we meet numerous characters that figure into the plot in some way, and then there are the characters we are suspicious about, but cannot quite connect to the story until the very end. How does a murder in a Bed and Breakfast connect to any of the other murders in the area? Who is the mysterious bicyclist seen at the scene and then never seen again...until another night when murder and mayhem are happening? And what sneaky dealings is another participant in the Witness Protection Program up to, and how will Archie discover her secrets?
Great characters, fascinating and revealing dialogue, and the kind of pacing that always keeps me reading quickly led to a very satisfying story with a great conclusion. Of course I can't wait for the next mystery in this series! Five stars.
The story opens at a time twelve years before, when a young woman named Kendra Douglas hears strange noises coming from the library stacks at the University of Maryland. Within minutes, as she leaves for the night, she witnesses a murder.
Flash forward to discover that Archie Monday is experiencing a "blast from the past," and she is revealed as Kendra Douglas, whose identity and appearance were changed when she was brought into the Witness Protection Program.
The mobster she witnessed murdering the victim has discovered her location. And all hell is breaking loose in the beautiful, wealthy Deep Creek Lake setting.
In the usual fashion that drives any great mystery, we meet numerous characters that figure into the plot in some way, and then there are the characters we are suspicious about, but cannot quite connect to the story until the very end. How does a murder in a Bed and Breakfast connect to any of the other murders in the area? Who is the mysterious bicyclist seen at the scene and then never seen again...until another night when murder and mayhem are happening? And what sneaky dealings is another participant in the Witness Protection Program up to, and how will Archie discover her secrets?
Great characters, fascinating and revealing dialogue, and the kind of pacing that always keeps me reading quickly led to a very satisfying story with a great conclusion. Of course I can't wait for the next mystery in this series! Five stars.
March 12, 2013
Well, Lauren Carr has done it again, but I think she out did herself this time. This was my favorite Mac Faraday novel yet. As always there were so many twists and turns in this novel that I felt I was on one of the roads in Deep Creek Lake. Filled with the same great characters, plus some new ones, this book really hit me in my heart. Of course, Gnarly always steals the show, but in this book he ends up with a “best friend”. This story gives you a glimpse of what it’s like to be in the Federal Witness Protection Program. When Mac finds out that Archie is in the program, he of course, has to go on the case to solve the murders. He and David end up having to solve more than one.
Like I said, this was my favorite Mac Faraday novel yet. Great job Lauren, please keep up the good work.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my hones review.
Like I said, this was my favorite Mac Faraday novel yet. Great job Lauren, please keep up the good work.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my hones review.
July 12, 2017
Archie is on the way to take Gnarly for his grooming appointment when a Deep Creek Lake police are and two officers stop her. Thankfully she knows everyone on the force and manages to kill the men. They were a hit team from mobster Tommy Cruz. Archie has a bit of a past and it seems Tommy is out to put her in a grave. But then Tommy and a group of his men end up dead at a local café. A short distance away at a local bed and breakfast the owner’s wife initially looks like she fell down the stairs but in reality has been killed.
Mac has his hands full when he learns about Archie’s past. Then when Tommy ends up dead he thinks things are taken care of, the truth of the matter is that there are so much more happening in this story. There is a mobster’s ex-wife and her little girl that are been in the witness protection program. Then there is the death of the Mary Catherine Skeltner. Her husband seems to be the killer yet Mac is his alibi.
This is a great mystery and kept me on my toes keeping all the facts in order. But I managed to stay step for step with Mac. I will admit that there was one thing that did get to be a touch annoying in this story. I was really sick and tired of hearing about Gnarly getting in to see Missy. There was such a fit thrown about this that I had to stop the book for a while because I was irritated.
Having said that this is another great Mac Faraday mystery. I really enjoyed learning more about Archie and love how everything wrapped up. I have already ready Murder at Astaire Castle (which got my started on this series) so I can’t wait to get my hands on The Lady Who Cried Myurder.
I received Blast from the Past from iRead Book Tours for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
Mac has his hands full when he learns about Archie’s past. Then when Tommy ends up dead he thinks things are taken care of, the truth of the matter is that there are so much more happening in this story. There is a mobster’s ex-wife and her little girl that are been in the witness protection program. Then there is the death of the Mary Catherine Skeltner. Her husband seems to be the killer yet Mac is his alibi.
This is a great mystery and kept me on my toes keeping all the facts in order. But I managed to stay step for step with Mac. I will admit that there was one thing that did get to be a touch annoying in this story. I was really sick and tired of hearing about Gnarly getting in to see Missy. There was such a fit thrown about this that I had to stop the book for a while because I was irritated.
Having said that this is another great Mac Faraday mystery. I really enjoyed learning more about Archie and love how everything wrapped up. I have already ready Murder at Astaire Castle (which got my started on this series) so I can’t wait to get my hands on The Lady Who Cried Myurder.
I received Blast from the Past from iRead Book Tours for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
May 29, 2017
First I would like to say that I am super happy that I got a chance to read some of Lauren Carr's books. I had no idea what I had been missing. Gnarly is probably the best character and I loved being in their works even for just a little while.
Archie and Mac get even closer in this book and it has a very pleasant ending. Archie has some in pleasant connections to the mob and has been hiding under a different identity this whole time! Archie really kicks some butt in this book, which I just assumed in the last that she was a high maintenance woman. This is a great book and I loved the mystery.
Archie and Mac get even closer in this book and it has a very pleasant ending. Archie has some in pleasant connections to the mob and has been hiding under a different identity this whole time! Archie really kicks some butt in this book, which I just assumed in the last that she was a high maintenance woman. This is a great book and I loved the mystery.
January 9, 2013
To see my full review:
http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...
Mac Faraday is back in this fast-paced mystery novel by Lauren Carr! Once again, trouble seems to have found its way to Deep Creek Lake, this time, following Archie Monday’s past involvement with the mob, which landed her in the witness protection program many years ago. Now, I have to say, I’ve always thought Archie’s name was a bit weird, but I chalked it up to author creativity. Authors can give their characters strange names if they want to. But, now, knowing what I do about Archie and her name change in the witness protection program, well, I have to wonder if Carr had this planned all along… Ingenious, really. They say that while an author begins a novel, they’re already two books ahead in their mind, and I think that might just be true of Carr. For the past few books in the Mac Faraday series, I really did think her true name was Archie Monday. Really, I’m floored, and I think this is so awesome!
Thus, as you can probably already tell, the fact that this novel focuses on Archie’s past life really intrigued me, and I loved every minute of it. Archie is a great character, and I’ve always highly enjoyed her. In past Mac Faraday novels, we’ve learned about her work with Faraday’s mother, her knack for research, and her ability to help uncover mysteries, as well as her refusal to back away from a fight. She’s a strong female character, making this novel a fun read as she takes care of herself, but still leans on Faraday and the police force for help, giving readers the full spectrum of intrigue as Faraday, Gnarly, and the rest of the gang I’ve come to love help solve the murder mysteries within this novel. With mobsters, Gnarly’s doggish antics, the mysterious deaths, undercover hit men, and extreme craziness all around, and this novel takes on a voice of its own, making it an extremely amazing read.
Carr is a very gifted novelist. Her mystery novels, both the Mac Faraday and Lovers in Crime Series, are phenomenal. Her ability to keep the reader guessing, as well as her plotlines that flow so effortlessly as they work up to the big reveal, always make her novels a fun endeavor, and I look forward to even more of her work as this year unfolds. Blast From the Past is a fantastic novel, and if you haven’t read any of Carr’s work, I highly suggest you give this novel a read. Though part of a series, Carr’s novels do not need to be read in any particular order; they are stand-alones that feature the same great characters and supply the reader with all the background knowledge they need in order to keep up with the fantastic storytelling, and they are truly with the read.
http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...
Mac Faraday is back in this fast-paced mystery novel by Lauren Carr! Once again, trouble seems to have found its way to Deep Creek Lake, this time, following Archie Monday’s past involvement with the mob, which landed her in the witness protection program many years ago. Now, I have to say, I’ve always thought Archie’s name was a bit weird, but I chalked it up to author creativity. Authors can give their characters strange names if they want to. But, now, knowing what I do about Archie and her name change in the witness protection program, well, I have to wonder if Carr had this planned all along… Ingenious, really. They say that while an author begins a novel, they’re already two books ahead in their mind, and I think that might just be true of Carr. For the past few books in the Mac Faraday series, I really did think her true name was Archie Monday. Really, I’m floored, and I think this is so awesome!
Thus, as you can probably already tell, the fact that this novel focuses on Archie’s past life really intrigued me, and I loved every minute of it. Archie is a great character, and I’ve always highly enjoyed her. In past Mac Faraday novels, we’ve learned about her work with Faraday’s mother, her knack for research, and her ability to help uncover mysteries, as well as her refusal to back away from a fight. She’s a strong female character, making this novel a fun read as she takes care of herself, but still leans on Faraday and the police force for help, giving readers the full spectrum of intrigue as Faraday, Gnarly, and the rest of the gang I’ve come to love help solve the murder mysteries within this novel. With mobsters, Gnarly’s doggish antics, the mysterious deaths, undercover hit men, and extreme craziness all around, and this novel takes on a voice of its own, making it an extremely amazing read.
Carr is a very gifted novelist. Her mystery novels, both the Mac Faraday and Lovers in Crime Series, are phenomenal. Her ability to keep the reader guessing, as well as her plotlines that flow so effortlessly as they work up to the big reveal, always make her novels a fun endeavor, and I look forward to even more of her work as this year unfolds. Blast From the Past is a fantastic novel, and if you haven’t read any of Carr’s work, I highly suggest you give this novel a read. Though part of a series, Carr’s novels do not need to be read in any particular order; they are stand-alones that feature the same great characters and supply the reader with all the background knowledge they need in order to keep up with the fantastic storytelling, and they are truly with the read.
January 9, 2013
This is fourth Mac Faraday book from Lauren Carr and an exciting one, too. They can be read as stand alones, but I think they should be read in order. And this book will certainly be an eye opener.
One note for Mac regarding Gnarly, his Shepherd, get over it. LOL When you find the right groomer you stay with them.
Archie is driving Gnarly to the groomers for his super dog grooming when he notices a police car following her. Having lived in the area for some time she is aware of police procedures and it's staff, and is on high alert. She reaches for her hidden "pink" pistol shoots the mobsters posing as the police. Spencer Manor, the home that Max Faraday has inherited from his mother, along with her millions and a five star inn, goes on high alert.
On a hunch Randi, the U.S. Marshall handling Archie's witness protection program and David. Spencer's police chief, check out the secretary of the Marshall office and get involved in a shootout and find the secretary brutally murdered. Then the owner of a B&B is found dead at the bottom of her steps. What with a small police force, Mac is asked to investigate this suspicious death. Then a shoot out at a local coffee shop has really gotten things in a state of major confusion.
It's bad enough to try and investigate all the murders, but to add to the mess, what ones are related and how and who has jurisdiction over what and trying to avoid stepping on any ones toes?
Everyone is still talking to each other and the only not happy is the murderer. A well plotted out story with interesting characters to keep the reader turning the pages.
There's even a little romance and humor, too. Let me not forget another hero, Gnarly. It's always fun to read about Gnarly and being owned by a Westie, I think Carr has done a very good job of portraying Gnarly habits.
Looking forward to the next book, for sure.
One note for Mac regarding Gnarly, his Shepherd, get over it. LOL When you find the right groomer you stay with them.
Archie is driving Gnarly to the groomers for his super dog grooming when he notices a police car following her. Having lived in the area for some time she is aware of police procedures and it's staff, and is on high alert. She reaches for her hidden "pink" pistol shoots the mobsters posing as the police. Spencer Manor, the home that Max Faraday has inherited from his mother, along with her millions and a five star inn, goes on high alert.
On a hunch Randi, the U.S. Marshall handling Archie's witness protection program and David. Spencer's police chief, check out the secretary of the Marshall office and get involved in a shootout and find the secretary brutally murdered. Then the owner of a B&B is found dead at the bottom of her steps. What with a small police force, Mac is asked to investigate this suspicious death. Then a shoot out at a local coffee shop has really gotten things in a state of major confusion.
It's bad enough to try and investigate all the murders, but to add to the mess, what ones are related and how and who has jurisdiction over what and trying to avoid stepping on any ones toes?
Everyone is still talking to each other and the only not happy is the murderer. A well plotted out story with interesting characters to keep the reader turning the pages.
There's even a little romance and humor, too. Let me not forget another hero, Gnarly. It's always fun to read about Gnarly and being owned by a Westie, I think Carr has done a very good job of portraying Gnarly habits.
Looking forward to the next book, for sure.
March 27, 2013
Everyone has a past, even Robin Spencer's former assistant, Archie Monday. When Archie's past comes calling in the form of a newly released mobster, it takes the combined efforts of Mac, David, the Feds, and of course Gnarly to sort things out.
Yes! A new Mac Faraday mystery! Although this one is really focused on Archie, a trip to Deep Creek Lake is always good. The relationship between Mac and Archie continues to grow, and Archie's story is told for the first time, including how she came to work for Robin. David and Mac work together again protecting Archie and solving a murder with the help of an attractive federal marshal.
While all of the repeat characters are still interesting, Gnarly is the star this time. We find out he's more than just a pretty (canine) face, even though he does want that appointment at the doggy spa. He earns his keep in this novel, and we see the working side of Gnarly. His shining moments are with a little girl named Sari who refuses to talk to people.
Of the new characters, Sari is the most sympathetic. Her communication with Gnarly is touching. The least sympathetic is her mother, Leah. She is genuinely unlikeable, and at the end of the story, we understand why.
The story moves along at a fast pace and kept me hooked until the end. Once again, Ms. Carr has written an entertaining mystery with her appealing characters. I look forward to yet another trip to Deep Creek Lake with Mac, Archie, and Gnarly.
5 stars
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Yes! A new Mac Faraday mystery! Although this one is really focused on Archie, a trip to Deep Creek Lake is always good. The relationship between Mac and Archie continues to grow, and Archie's story is told for the first time, including how she came to work for Robin. David and Mac work together again protecting Archie and solving a murder with the help of an attractive federal marshal.
While all of the repeat characters are still interesting, Gnarly is the star this time. We find out he's more than just a pretty (canine) face, even though he does want that appointment at the doggy spa. He earns his keep in this novel, and we see the working side of Gnarly. His shining moments are with a little girl named Sari who refuses to talk to people.
Of the new characters, Sari is the most sympathetic. Her communication with Gnarly is touching. The least sympathetic is her mother, Leah. She is genuinely unlikeable, and at the end of the story, we understand why.
The story moves along at a fast pace and kept me hooked until the end. Once again, Ms. Carr has written an entertaining mystery with her appealing characters. I look forward to yet another trip to Deep Creek Lake with Mac, Archie, and Gnarly.
5 stars
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
March 3, 2013
Blast from the Past
Written by Lauren Carr
Reviewed by R. Murry
Within a few chapters of this snappy moving mystery, there are more dead bodies than the town of Spencer, Maryland, has body bags to fill.
The plots are many but the solutions are simple if you are one Mac Faraday. His epiphanies, woven into this multilevel crime wave of a small resort town, will keep you awake for this good read. Even his dog Gnarly gets into the act by being his dominating lovable self.
Ms. Carr’s main character is in the middle of a Blast from the Past of others: the woman he is love with, the owner of a local restaurant, and two couples he never met before.
What crimes have they committed in the past? None, but all the action comes from their past, because they came in contact with the wrong people at one time – the ones with the broken noses - the mob.
Mac’s and his half-brother’s investigative abilities out shines that of the U.S. Marshals and the FBI. Mac’s half-brother is the local chief of police and Mac is helping him solve what seems to be a mess of a situation – dead bodies with few clues to follow.
Lauren’s presentation of these situations keeps the reader’s attention. The clues are there. I had to read some areas twice, but they are there. And it was fun trying to keep ahead of Mac, Gnarly, and all the other crime fighters trying to solve these mysteries.
I can see why @TheMysteryLadie has a good following. I’m putting her next book on my BTR list. You should too after reading this one.
Written by Lauren Carr
Reviewed by R. Murry
Within a few chapters of this snappy moving mystery, there are more dead bodies than the town of Spencer, Maryland, has body bags to fill.
The plots are many but the solutions are simple if you are one Mac Faraday. His epiphanies, woven into this multilevel crime wave of a small resort town, will keep you awake for this good read. Even his dog Gnarly gets into the act by being his dominating lovable self.
Ms. Carr’s main character is in the middle of a Blast from the Past of others: the woman he is love with, the owner of a local restaurant, and two couples he never met before.
What crimes have they committed in the past? None, but all the action comes from their past, because they came in contact with the wrong people at one time – the ones with the broken noses - the mob.
Mac’s and his half-brother’s investigative abilities out shines that of the U.S. Marshals and the FBI. Mac’s half-brother is the local chief of police and Mac is helping him solve what seems to be a mess of a situation – dead bodies with few clues to follow.
Lauren’s presentation of these situations keeps the reader’s attention. The clues are there. I had to read some areas twice, but they are there. And it was fun trying to keep ahead of Mac, Gnarly, and all the other crime fighters trying to solve these mysteries.
I can see why @TheMysteryLadie has a good following. I’m putting her next book on my BTR list. You should too after reading this one.
June 1, 2013
Mac Faraday returns with the usual trouble just around the corner. Lauren Carr takes this new mystery into the past life of Archie Monday, formally known as Kendra Douglas, who witnessed a mob murder when she was young and has been in witness protection since. Now the mob has found her and they aren’t going to leave her alive for a second time. Eventually there are three murders to solve and the trouble comes trying to link the common thread or are they unrelated. Never fear though, Mac and his half-brother, David O’Callaghan, are on the job along with Archie and Gnarly, the German Shepard. Archie doesn’t want to relocate so she ends up just moving in with Mac (they were eventually going to do that anyway). David is already living in the mansion and when Marshall Randi Finnegan ends up there also to help protect Archie sparks fly between them. Even though there is many different plot lines running around I didn’t feel like it was confusing, just had me constantly wondering who did it.
The thing with Carr’s mysteries is she always injects some good humor. I have grown to absolutely love Gnarly. He is a stand out character and should have his own book. Another great aspect of her mysteries is that fact that you will always be kept guessing. You have all the clues but there are a few wrenches thrown in that keep you from tying them together until Carr is ready for you to. I recommend any of the Mac Faraday novels for all mystery lovers.
(I received this book from the author at no charge and in no way influenced my review)
The thing with Carr’s mysteries is she always injects some good humor. I have grown to absolutely love Gnarly. He is a stand out character and should have his own book. Another great aspect of her mysteries is that fact that you will always be kept guessing. You have all the clues but there are a few wrenches thrown in that keep you from tying them together until Carr is ready for you to. I recommend any of the Mac Faraday novels for all mystery lovers.
(I received this book from the author at no charge and in no way influenced my review)
March 13, 2013
Mac Faraday may be a multi-millionaire but that doesn’t mean he’s forgotten his background in law enforcement. The big city ex-cop in him can’t help but come out when things go wrong in his adopted town—and they’re going wrong in spades this time. Not only is a mobster in town to “take care” of Archie; bodies are dropping like flies and they may not all be because of Tommy Cruze. Fact is, there seems to be a plethora of unpleasant folks in town and it’s a good thing the local police chief, David, has no problem accepting help from his half-brother. It’s also a good thing that Mac’s money can buy extra protection for Archie but she may not need it so much considering how deft she is with her pink handgun.
The wonderful Gnarly has his own duties this time, not only taking down bad guys in his very effective canine fashion. He also takes on the task of making a little girl feel safe and loved, not such an easy thing to do when Sari has been more traumatized than most of us will ever experience.
Reading a mystery by Lauren Carr is always a treat and Blast from the Past is certainly no exception. Are there some flaws? Of course there are but these are easily overshadowed by a breakneck pace, one death after another, a superabundance of government agents, a little romance here and there and a good deal of Gnarly time. I can never get too much of his pooch and his human buddies.
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, March 2013.
The wonderful Gnarly has his own duties this time, not only taking down bad guys in his very effective canine fashion. He also takes on the task of making a little girl feel safe and loved, not such an easy thing to do when Sari has been more traumatized than most of us will ever experience.
Reading a mystery by Lauren Carr is always a treat and Blast from the Past is certainly no exception. Are there some flaws? Of course there are but these are easily overshadowed by a breakneck pace, one death after another, a superabundance of government agents, a little romance here and there and a good deal of Gnarly time. I can never get too much of his pooch and his human buddies.
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, March 2013.
March 15, 2013
This was my first foray into Lauren Carr’s series featuring Mac Faraday, Archie Monday and the other characters of the resort town of Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, but this looks like it is a series worth going back to read from the beginning.
A Blast from the Past begins with a young graduate student witnessing a murder in the library parking lot, before jumping to the present with mobsters and hit men littering the small town with an amazing number of dead bodies. The Faraday mansion becomes FBI headquarters as their witness protection detail is called in to keep the mob away from their targets. Chief of police, David O’Callaghan, is forced to pull in Mac, his half-brother and former homicide detective to work yet another (non-mobster?) related homicide in town.
Carr writes a fast paces story with engaging characters and lots of dead bodies. Blast from the Past keeps the reader turning page after page to keep up with who is behind all the hits and how all the intertwining stories are connected. The intriguing plot lines with interesting main characters makes me want to go back to the beginning of the series to see how the story really began.
A Blast from the Past begins with a young graduate student witnessing a murder in the library parking lot, before jumping to the present with mobsters and hit men littering the small town with an amazing number of dead bodies. The Faraday mansion becomes FBI headquarters as their witness protection detail is called in to keep the mob away from their targets. Chief of police, David O’Callaghan, is forced to pull in Mac, his half-brother and former homicide detective to work yet another (non-mobster?) related homicide in town.
Carr writes a fast paces story with engaging characters and lots of dead bodies. Blast from the Past keeps the reader turning page after page to keep up with who is behind all the hits and how all the intertwining stories are connected. The intriguing plot lines with interesting main characters makes me want to go back to the beginning of the series to see how the story really began.
May 22, 2013
By: Lauren Carr
Published By: Acorn Services
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Book Blog For: GMTA
Review
"A Blast From the Past" by Lauren Carr is another series of this authors good Mac Faraday Mystery novel that focused on Archie this time. Ms. Carr is a excellent writer and definitely has the magic that she has the ability to keep us guessing until the very end. She is always able to give us the 'greatest character development and story line.' How this author is able to balance three murders with all the combined suspects can really keep your attention in this Mafia read. Do expect to see lots of mystery, dead bodies, organized crime, and some of the most unusual suspects in this fast moving story. There will also be some humor.
If you are looking for a good mystery that will keep you hooked until the end, you have come to the right place for "A Blast From the Past" would be recommended to you.
March 24, 2013
SORRY I HAVE READ ALL 4 BOOKS. I HOPE LAUREN CARR WILL WRITE MORE IN THIS SERIES. I LOVED AND EJOYED ALL OF THEM, THEY READ LIKE YOUR WATCHING A MOVIE.KEEPS YOU GUESSING WHO DID WHAT, CHARACTERS ARE TOTALLY CHARMING AND AS USUAL THE PETS STILL THE SHOW. GNARLY IS THE MOST LOVABLE DOG ON THE PLANET. I LOVED THE ENDING OF ALL THE BOOKS BUT THIS ONE WAS MY ALL TIME FAVORITE. I'M ABOUT TO START A GNARLY CHRISTMAS CAN' WAIT. WOOF!
October 2, 2014
I love this series. I think it is one of the best I have read. Each book has very different things happening all at once and then comes together in the end. I love the relationship of Mac and Archie. Gnarly is still my favorite character and the most interesting. In this book it was interesting to see the dynamics of Mac with his ex and her family. Great storyline and lots of "what?" "no way!". Now on to book #5!
May 20, 2013
Blast from the Past was a great read. I love her work! She has everything set right, and it makes me want to go out and read the rest of the series! The story flowed fairly fast, and was really good. She had about 3 (maybe 4) different stories going all connected to the main one. It got pretty intense, and I loved the end result. I give this book 5 out of 5 book-a-saur paws.
April 1, 2013
What a neat shock! I don't usually like to read books that involve the Mafia, but this one was focused enough on the characters and did not detail the typical horrors of organized crime. Complex intrigue and a little more romance. I hope this is not the last we see of Mac, Archie, David, and Gnarly. If it is, the series went out with a bang.
April 6, 2013
"Blast from the Past" is indeed a blast. Carr continues to please with fast pacing and a convoluted dual plot. The bodies pile up, good guys sometimes aren't, and all is well in the end. What more could you ask?
June 30, 2017
Note: Even though this is Book 4 in the series, it works just fine as a stand alone.
Set in Spencer, Maryland in the Deep Creek Lake gated community, retired DC cop Mac Faraday is about to be hip deep in organized crime and federal protection agents. Tommy Cruze is out of prison after several years and his search has finally turned up the witness that put him behind bars. He’s come to Spencer to hunt her down.
This was a great addition to the series. We finally have something more to Archie Monday than her efficient nature and love of pink. She witnessed a serious crime many years back and had to testify and then go into federal protective custody. That meant saying goodbye to her entire past and becoming the personal assistant to Robin Spencer, a renowned mystery writer and Mac’s true birth mother (who gave him up for adoption). Now all that has to come out and Mac’s both a little hurt that Archie hadn’t told him before and also feeling very protective of her, as two of Cruze’s men have already made an attempt on her life. Lucky for Archie, she took the time to become a proficient shot.
Things get even more convoluted when a poisoning occurs at a dockside cafe where a woman and her daughter, who also happen to be in federal protective custody, work. Leah and her young daughter Sari move into the big Spencer Manor for protection while all this gets sorted out.
Randi Finnegan was a fun addition to the story. Mac’s half-brother David O’Callaghan has caught the eye of the federal agent but Randi isn’t sure he’s interested at all. She’s prickly and not a beauty and she knows it. So she focuses on the job and she’s good at it. I liked the potential of something blooming between these two.
There’s potentially another murder at a B&B. Initially, it looks like a very sick woman stumbled and fell down the stairs, but Mac and David look deeper. Yet another death occurs outside of a restaurant in town and the police have to consider if this one is linked to Tommy Cruze and his second in command. Indeed, it seems Spencer is full of killers this season!
Mac, Archie, and David have their hands full untangling this one! I really enjoyed watching them dig down to the roots of these cases and figure out which were related and which weren’t. Meanwhile, Gnarly was keeping the little girl Sari company. This was so sweet and so cute that it was almost too much. Like a sweet lemonade, sometimes the sugar can just be too much. Luckily, those scenes were sprinkled throughout the story so it wasn’t a turn off.
I received a free copy of this book via iRead Book Tours.
The Narration: Dan Lawson rocked this book. There have been a few narrators for this series and Lawson is my favorite so far. He has a really good range of voices, his female voices are believable, he does the little kid Sari really well, and he even has believable accents (both foreign and regional). I was impressed with his performance on this book.
Set in Spencer, Maryland in the Deep Creek Lake gated community, retired DC cop Mac Faraday is about to be hip deep in organized crime and federal protection agents. Tommy Cruze is out of prison after several years and his search has finally turned up the witness that put him behind bars. He’s come to Spencer to hunt her down.
This was a great addition to the series. We finally have something more to Archie Monday than her efficient nature and love of pink. She witnessed a serious crime many years back and had to testify and then go into federal protective custody. That meant saying goodbye to her entire past and becoming the personal assistant to Robin Spencer, a renowned mystery writer and Mac’s true birth mother (who gave him up for adoption). Now all that has to come out and Mac’s both a little hurt that Archie hadn’t told him before and also feeling very protective of her, as two of Cruze’s men have already made an attempt on her life. Lucky for Archie, she took the time to become a proficient shot.
Things get even more convoluted when a poisoning occurs at a dockside cafe where a woman and her daughter, who also happen to be in federal protective custody, work. Leah and her young daughter Sari move into the big Spencer Manor for protection while all this gets sorted out.
Randi Finnegan was a fun addition to the story. Mac’s half-brother David O’Callaghan has caught the eye of the federal agent but Randi isn’t sure he’s interested at all. She’s prickly and not a beauty and she knows it. So she focuses on the job and she’s good at it. I liked the potential of something blooming between these two.
There’s potentially another murder at a B&B. Initially, it looks like a very sick woman stumbled and fell down the stairs, but Mac and David look deeper. Yet another death occurs outside of a restaurant in town and the police have to consider if this one is linked to Tommy Cruze and his second in command. Indeed, it seems Spencer is full of killers this season!
Mac, Archie, and David have their hands full untangling this one! I really enjoyed watching them dig down to the roots of these cases and figure out which were related and which weren’t. Meanwhile, Gnarly was keeping the little girl Sari company. This was so sweet and so cute that it was almost too much. Like a sweet lemonade, sometimes the sugar can just be too much. Luckily, those scenes were sprinkled throughout the story so it wasn’t a turn off.
I received a free copy of this book via iRead Book Tours.
The Narration: Dan Lawson rocked this book. There have been a few narrators for this series and Lawson is my favorite so far. He has a really good range of voices, his female voices are believable, he does the little kid Sari really well, and he even has believable accents (both foreign and regional). I was impressed with his performance on this book.
June 8, 2022
Oh boy!!! I loved this book. I think maybe this is my favourite book yet. Did I say that about the last book? maybe because I have loved every book so far and they just get better and better. This book has it all mystery, action, drama, romance and humour. This is book four in the series and although you don't need to have read the books in order or have visited Lakeshore before I think it does help because you get to know the characters a lot better by doing so. In this book we learn a lot more about Archie who has been in the series from the start and in this book her character really shines, girl power! I like the rest of the characters which is what keeps me returning to Lakeshore and like normal Gnary the alsatian steals the show. The mystery was really good and I love how the author always surprises you with the twist and turns that go into her stories and how each clue is there for the reader or listener to find. I can't wait to start the next book.
When a police car is stolen, Archie Monday is on high alert because she has been keeping a big secret from her lover ex cop Mac Faraday. When things go wrong and people start coming after her, she has to reveal the truth that could get them both killed. Her secret brings hit man gunning for her, US Marshals trying to take over, bodies dropping like flies and a young girl and her mother in hiding. Can Archie, Mac and Gnarly keep everybody safe and stop the mastermind behind the Mob?
I liked the narrator. Another fine performance by a talented narrator and to be honest I didn't notice he wasn't the same one as the previous book.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
When a police car is stolen, Archie Monday is on high alert because she has been keeping a big secret from her lover ex cop Mac Faraday. When things go wrong and people start coming after her, she has to reveal the truth that could get them both killed. Her secret brings hit man gunning for her, US Marshals trying to take over, bodies dropping like flies and a young girl and her mother in hiding. Can Archie, Mac and Gnarly keep everybody safe and stop the mastermind behind the Mob?
I liked the narrator. Another fine performance by a talented narrator and to be honest I didn't notice he wasn't the same one as the previous book.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
May 19, 2022
I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from iRead Book Tours. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
I have read quite a few of Lauren Carr’s books and Mac Faraday is the first character of hers that I read about. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to read all of the books in order, so now I’m catching up. This is the fourth book in the series.
Talk about intrigue and murder! It seems that Deep Creek Lake has become a hotbed of murders. And Archie is one person on the hit list. Luckily, she’s smart and capable and is able to defend herself. But what about next time? And why is she on a hit list? She has some explaining to do.
There are quite a few characters as is usual for Lauren Carr’s books. She always has a list of characters at the front of the book in case it’s needed, which is nice. Gnarly remains my favorite character especially since he’s capable of making a little girl feel safe and loved. He always makes things interesting!
I definitely recommend Blast from the Past. It’s my favorite Lauren Carr book so far! If you like mystery and intrigue, it’s one you don’t want to miss. Along with the murder mysteries there is a touch of romance and humor. It’s a stand-alone, but of course you’d get more out of it if you read the previous books in the series.
I have read quite a few of Lauren Carr’s books and Mac Faraday is the first character of hers that I read about. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to read all of the books in order, so now I’m catching up. This is the fourth book in the series.
Talk about intrigue and murder! It seems that Deep Creek Lake has become a hotbed of murders. And Archie is one person on the hit list. Luckily, she’s smart and capable and is able to defend herself. But what about next time? And why is she on a hit list? She has some explaining to do.
There are quite a few characters as is usual for Lauren Carr’s books. She always has a list of characters at the front of the book in case it’s needed, which is nice. Gnarly remains my favorite character especially since he’s capable of making a little girl feel safe and loved. He always makes things interesting!
I definitely recommend Blast from the Past. It’s my favorite Lauren Carr book so far! If you like mystery and intrigue, it’s one you don’t want to miss. Along with the murder mysteries there is a touch of romance and humor. It’s a stand-alone, but of course you’d get more out of it if you read the previous books in the series.
June 26, 2023
This is the 4th book from Lauren Carr's Mac Faraday series.
As with all of Lauren Carr's mysteries, there are a lot of characters and the story is pretty complex. I recommend reading it in a few settings so you can keep the facts straight.
I am not a big fan of mafia books because the author often uses the mafia to cover for everything. The mafia is secretive and no one really knows what is going on because the mafia is involved. Not really done with this story.
Archie Monday, Mac Faraday's girlfriend, witnessed a mafia murder take place many years ago. She testified at the murder trial of Tommy Cruze, who was found guilty and sent to prison. Kendra Douglas, NKA Archie Monday, went into Federal protection changing her name to Archie Monday and moving to the other side of the country. Mac didn't even know about this until assassins, hired by Tommy Cruze, try to kill Archie. Archie takes matters into her own hands and kills the assassins. This won't stop Tommy Cruze from getting revenge against Archie/Kendra.
Lots more killings and the plot is complicated. Carr leads you through the story which has twists and turns, which I enjoy. This is really a stand-alone story but I do recommend reading the earlier books so you get a background on Mac and Archie.
As with all of Lauren Carr's mysteries, there are a lot of characters and the story is pretty complex. I recommend reading it in a few settings so you can keep the facts straight.
I am not a big fan of mafia books because the author often uses the mafia to cover for everything. The mafia is secretive and no one really knows what is going on because the mafia is involved. Not really done with this story.
Archie Monday, Mac Faraday's girlfriend, witnessed a mafia murder take place many years ago. She testified at the murder trial of Tommy Cruze, who was found guilty and sent to prison. Kendra Douglas, NKA Archie Monday, went into Federal protection changing her name to Archie Monday and moving to the other side of the country. Mac didn't even know about this until assassins, hired by Tommy Cruze, try to kill Archie. Archie takes matters into her own hands and kills the assassins. This won't stop Tommy Cruze from getting revenge against Archie/Kendra.
Lots more killings and the plot is complicated. Carr leads you through the story which has twists and turns, which I enjoy. This is really a stand-alone story but I do recommend reading the earlier books so you get a background on Mac and Archie.
May 15, 2017
I have not listened/read that many audio book as of yet, however Blast from the Past would have to be one of my favorite ones so far. I felt like Dan Lawson did a great job bringing the characters to life with his voice.
For me the most memorable moment in the Blast from the Past was when Mac got a call from David to tell him that one of the police cars had been stolen. This was a memorable moment for me because I felt the same confusion and shock as Mac at being told that a police car had been stolen. It was also the beginning of the fast paced plot.
I personally felt like the Blast from the Past as well as the rest of the Mac Faraday Mystery books would all make for a great movie. A great tag line for the blast from the past would be Gnarly and Crew vs mobsters!
March 23, 2018
Wonderful read!
Love this series and all the characters. Once again, Gnarly, the dog steals the show. This one is full of action and adventure as Mac learns his girlfriend, Archie, is actually part of the Witness Protection Program. When the mobster she helped put in prison is released and comes after her, Mac and the Sheriff, who is also Mac's half brother, are determined to protect her. Although the Feds want to relocate her, Archie refuses to leave Mac and the life they have together.
Another winner by Lauren Carr. Its on to the next installment.
Love this series and all the characters. Once again, Gnarly, the dog steals the show. This one is full of action and adventure as Mac learns his girlfriend, Archie, is actually part of the Witness Protection Program. When the mobster she helped put in prison is released and comes after her, Mac and the Sheriff, who is also Mac's half brother, are determined to protect her. Although the Feds want to relocate her, Archie refuses to leave Mac and the life they have together.
Another winner by Lauren Carr. Its on to the next installment.
April 29, 2018
Smart and intricately woven. As usual, Gnarly is the highlight of the book. These books should be read in order. I started with book 5 and then eventually read 1-4. This is book 4. Now I am going to do something I rarely do - I am going to reread book 5 so I can gain a fuller appreciation for the running storyline. Great series.
May 10, 2017
I was introduced to this series because of a blog tour and I was assigned book number 5... so I have been binge reading this AMAZING SERIES... if you have Kindle Unlimited YOU MUST read these!!! full reviews to be posted on The Cubicle Escapee.
April 6, 2021
Another great whodunit with Mac Faraday. It turns out Archie has been in witness protection the last 10 years. The mob boss is out and knows where she lives. Once again there are multiple murders, suspects, red herrings and Gnarly escapades. Great fun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews