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Mac Faraday Mystery #5
The Murders at Astaire Castle
Never tell Mac Faraday not to do something.
Spencer’s police chief, David O’Callaghan, learns this lesson the hard way when he orders Mac Faraday to stay away from the south end of Spencer’s mountaintop—even though he owns the property. It doesn’t take long for Mac to find out what lies on the other side of the stone wall and locked gate, on which hangs a sign warning visitors to Keep Out!
Topping the list of the ten most haunted places in America, Astaire Castle is associated with two suicides, three mysterious disappearances, and four murders since it was built almost a century ago—and Mac Faraday owns it!
In spite of David’s warning, Mac can’t resist unlocking the gate to see the castle that supposedly hasn’t seen a living soul since his late mother had ordered it closed up after the double homicide and disappearance of Damian Wagner, a world-famous master of horror novels.
What starts out as a quick tour of a dusty old castle turns into another Mac Faraday adventure when Astaire Castle becomes the scene of even more murders. Mac is going to need to put all of his investigative talents to work to sort out this case that involves the strangest characters he has run into yet—including a wolf man. No, we’re not talking about Gnarly.
Spencer’s police chief, David O’Callaghan, learns this lesson the hard way when he orders Mac Faraday to stay away from the south end of Spencer’s mountaintop—even though he owns the property. It doesn’t take long for Mac to find out what lies on the other side of the stone wall and locked gate, on which hangs a sign warning visitors to Keep Out!
Topping the list of the ten most haunted places in America, Astaire Castle is associated with two suicides, three mysterious disappearances, and four murders since it was built almost a century ago—and Mac Faraday owns it!
In spite of David’s warning, Mac can’t resist unlocking the gate to see the castle that supposedly hasn’t seen a living soul since his late mother had ordered it closed up after the double homicide and disappearance of Damian Wagner, a world-famous master of horror novels.
What starts out as a quick tour of a dusty old castle turns into another Mac Faraday adventure when Astaire Castle becomes the scene of even more murders. Mac is going to need to put all of his investigative talents to work to sort out this case that involves the strangest characters he has run into yet—including a wolf man. No, we’re not talking about Gnarly.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2013
101 people are currently reading
221 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
August 28, 2013
Back in Deep Creek, Maryland, we reconnect with Mac Faraday and his brother, Police Chief David O'Callaghan, for a new adventure. Mac's birth mother, Robin Spencer, was a bestselling mystery author who left him her wealth upon her death. He had never known her in life, but had loved her books. David and Mac shared a father and connected in adulthood.
Our story begins in the prologue, when we are introduced to a housekeeper, Rafaela, who is working for an author named Damian Wagner in a mysterious castle. But her day goes from bad to worse when she stumbles upon burned bodies in a fire pit.
Fast forward to the present time. David and Mac are searching for a missing elderly woman with Alzheimer's when they find themselves on a trail that David orders Mac not to pursue. But ordering Mac to do or not do something is like guaranteeing that he will pursue whatever it is.
Of course Mac does some research and realizes that he owns a crumbling old castle, Astaire Castle, that is listed in his holdings as a guest cottage. But the castle has a lot of issues, like a number of murders that took place there....and some missing people. Also...possibly a Wolf Man.
Another story I could not put down, "The Murders at Astaire Castle: A Mac Faraday Mystery" was a rollicking adventure that revealed more with each page, while also tossing out new puzzle pieces, red herrings, and lots of comedy and romance.
What will Mac and David discover along the way to solving a number of mysteries? Danger lurks around every corner, and there will be shootings galore, a poisoning, and more. Could there also be shapeshifters? And when the "Wolf Man" appears, the mystery behind his appearance and history will be a blast from the past.
Archie and Gnarly also romp through the pages, making the reader laugh and smile, and long for more fun with them. Archie is Mac's ladylove, and Gnarly is a German Shepherd with loads of quirks and mischief that endear him to almost everyone. I thoroughly enjoy the setting, too, and by this time in the series, I feel as though I've taken up residence here, along with the characters. There are a lot of characters, but the author graciously provides a list of their names at the beginning.
Even after the mysteries in this tale appear to be tied up with a neat bow, the author springs more surprises on us at the end...like what happened to Damian Wagner's missing last manuscript? As the author takes the reader into Robin Spencer's library, her descriptions of the beautiful space make me green with envy. Who wouldn't want to curl up there? A story filled with mysteries, romance, and gorgeous settings. Five stars.
Our story begins in the prologue, when we are introduced to a housekeeper, Rafaela, who is working for an author named Damian Wagner in a mysterious castle. But her day goes from bad to worse when she stumbles upon burned bodies in a fire pit.
Fast forward to the present time. David and Mac are searching for a missing elderly woman with Alzheimer's when they find themselves on a trail that David orders Mac not to pursue. But ordering Mac to do or not do something is like guaranteeing that he will pursue whatever it is.
Of course Mac does some research and realizes that he owns a crumbling old castle, Astaire Castle, that is listed in his holdings as a guest cottage. But the castle has a lot of issues, like a number of murders that took place there....and some missing people. Also...possibly a Wolf Man.
Another story I could not put down, "The Murders at Astaire Castle: A Mac Faraday Mystery" was a rollicking adventure that revealed more with each page, while also tossing out new puzzle pieces, red herrings, and lots of comedy and romance.
What will Mac and David discover along the way to solving a number of mysteries? Danger lurks around every corner, and there will be shootings galore, a poisoning, and more. Could there also be shapeshifters? And when the "Wolf Man" appears, the mystery behind his appearance and history will be a blast from the past.
Archie and Gnarly also romp through the pages, making the reader laugh and smile, and long for more fun with them. Archie is Mac's ladylove, and Gnarly is a German Shepherd with loads of quirks and mischief that endear him to almost everyone. I thoroughly enjoy the setting, too, and by this time in the series, I feel as though I've taken up residence here, along with the characters. There are a lot of characters, but the author graciously provides a list of their names at the beginning.
Even after the mysteries in this tale appear to be tied up with a neat bow, the author springs more surprises on us at the end...like what happened to Damian Wagner's missing last manuscript? As the author takes the reader into Robin Spencer's library, her descriptions of the beautiful space make me green with envy. Who wouldn't want to curl up there? A story filled with mysteries, romance, and gorgeous settings. Five stars.
October 8, 2013
Lauren Carr will have to work very hard to top the body count in the fifth book in the Mac Faraday series set in Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, "The Murders at Astaire Castle" (Acorn Book Services, available at Amazon.com, CreateSpace, Barnes and Noble and other online book sources and book stores; 284 pages, $12.99, also available as an eBook).
To catch readers up on what's happening with Mac, Archie, David, Gnarly and all the other characters in Maryland's westernmost county I'm including the link to my review of the fourth Faraday mystery "Blast from the Past": http://www.huntingtonnews.net/55939
Carr, one of the most entertaining writers I've encountered, could have titled the book "Mac Faraday Meets the Wolf Man" because the latest mystery centers on a haunted castle at the top of Spencer Mountain, a property the former DC police officer turned multimillionaire didn't even know about.
Mac, the love child of the bestselling mystery writer Robin Spencer, learns about the castle when he goes in search of an elderly woman who wandered away from the luxury resort Mac inherited from the writer. He accompanies his half-brother David O'Callaghan (they have the same father, former Spencer police chief Patrick O' Callaghan; fortunately Carr provides a front-of-the book cast of characters in this and all her novels-- something every writer should do.)
Police Chief David O' Callaghan should know better than to tell his older brother not to do something like warning him away from the locked up castle, after the wandering elderly guest is found not far from Spencer Manor.
It doesn’t take long for Mac to find out what lies on the other side of the stone wall and locked gate, on which hangs a sign warning visitors to Keep Out!
Topping the list of the ten most haunted places in America, Astaire Castle is associated with two suicides, three mysterious disappearances, and four murders since it was built almost a century ago—and Mac Faraday owns it, along with all the other property bordering Maryland's largest lake, Deep Creek Lake. (Like all the other lakes in Maryland and adjacent West Virginia, it's really a reservoir impoundment, not a natural lake).
In spite of David’s warning, Mac can’t resist unlocking the gate to see the castle that supposedly hasn’t seen a living soul since his late mother had ordered it closed up after the double homicide and disappearance of Damian Wagner, a world-famous master of horror novels.
Gnarly, the independent beyond belief German Shepherd, continues to provide comic relief in "The Murders at Astaire Castle" and he has a new companion in Molly, a white German Shepherd who's the exact opposite of Gnarly. Well behaved Molly is the service dog of Chelsea Adams, who has arrived in Spencer after her long-lost brother Riley Adams is discovered. More than this I won't reveal, because the novel is one long spoiler. Carr's trademark insufferable rich people who annoy the hell out of Mac Faraday are part of the tapestry of the novel.
“Halloween has always been a fun time,” author Lauren Carr explains in a note at the beginning of her fifth Mac Faraday mystery. “It’s the time to break out and be someone else. As a child, I would pretend to be one of the Bobbsey Twins searching for clues to lead me to a secret treasure. If I was lucky, it was made up of chocolate. As a teenager, I was Nancy Drew. Always, when October rolled around, I craved mysteries with something extra added—something beyond the normal—something supernatural. As an author, I couldn’t resist taking this one Mac Faraday Mystery on a scary Halloween adventure.”
Summing up: "The Murders at Astaire Castle" is a page-turner that resounds with Halloween season chills and thrills, along with plot twists as jagged as the shoreline of Deep Creek Lake.
July 23, 2013
Cozy Mystery Sleuth turns darn-right scary!
Castles, murders, and werewolves—My my! What is that Lauren Carr up to now? She’s morphed from her cozy mystery mold into a scary mystery that takes Mac Faraday a haunting situation and Carr’s readers are gonna like!
Turns out the infamous Astaire Castle that is hidden in overgrown brush on the other side of Spencer Mountain is owned by Mac, only the grand estate is cursed—everyone who stays at the castle ends up dead—including a famous author who took up residence at the castle desperately looking for inspiration to pull him out of his writer’s block, only to end up like the rest—dead, and his manuscript missing.
Ha! Mac is buying it! There’s got to be a logical explanation for the deaths, and even though police Chief, David O’Gallaghan warns Mac to steer clear of the castle, Mac is determined to chase the ghosts until he finds the killer! Only problem is that someone else has taken up residence at the castle, someone that O’Gallaghan believed to be dead: his old friend Riley Adams. The fact that Riley is still alive isn’t the only revelation that the police chief is faced with, it seems that Riley has turned into…wait for it… a Werewolf! Mac isn’t scoffing so loudly now, and neither is Gnarly.
Is Riley Adams, the werewolf, responsible for the killings or is there something more sinister going on at Astaire Castle? Mac is more determined than ever to find out, as David O’Gallaghan is forced to face more ghosts from his past: Riley’s sister Chelsea—a woman David scorned years ago. They summon Chelsea to town to see her brother, and David’s passions for the lovely woman gurgle inside him once more, but how can he make up for past mistakes? Does Chelsea feel those old attractions, too? Hmmm, Archie Monday, Mac’s love, is bound and determined to make sure of it!
Yep, Lauren Carr has gone from cozy to creepy in her newest Mac Faraday mystery, MURDER AT ASTAIRE CASTLE, and she’s taking the romance up a notch as well. This is a little different format than we are used to seeing from the mystery writer, and that’s a good thing! I love to see authors experiment with their creativity—write outside the box—and throw caution to the wind. Lauren Carr has done just that with this novel and I have only one message for her: 5 STARS!!!!!
I received this book from the author and was not compensated for a positive review.
Castles, murders, and werewolves—My my! What is that Lauren Carr up to now? She’s morphed from her cozy mystery mold into a scary mystery that takes Mac Faraday a haunting situation and Carr’s readers are gonna like!
Turns out the infamous Astaire Castle that is hidden in overgrown brush on the other side of Spencer Mountain is owned by Mac, only the grand estate is cursed—everyone who stays at the castle ends up dead—including a famous author who took up residence at the castle desperately looking for inspiration to pull him out of his writer’s block, only to end up like the rest—dead, and his manuscript missing.
Ha! Mac is buying it! There’s got to be a logical explanation for the deaths, and even though police Chief, David O’Gallaghan warns Mac to steer clear of the castle, Mac is determined to chase the ghosts until he finds the killer! Only problem is that someone else has taken up residence at the castle, someone that O’Gallaghan believed to be dead: his old friend Riley Adams. The fact that Riley is still alive isn’t the only revelation that the police chief is faced with, it seems that Riley has turned into…wait for it… a Werewolf! Mac isn’t scoffing so loudly now, and neither is Gnarly.
Is Riley Adams, the werewolf, responsible for the killings or is there something more sinister going on at Astaire Castle? Mac is more determined than ever to find out, as David O’Gallaghan is forced to face more ghosts from his past: Riley’s sister Chelsea—a woman David scorned years ago. They summon Chelsea to town to see her brother, and David’s passions for the lovely woman gurgle inside him once more, but how can he make up for past mistakes? Does Chelsea feel those old attractions, too? Hmmm, Archie Monday, Mac’s love, is bound and determined to make sure of it!
Yep, Lauren Carr has gone from cozy to creepy in her newest Mac Faraday mystery, MURDER AT ASTAIRE CASTLE, and she’s taking the romance up a notch as well. This is a little different format than we are used to seeing from the mystery writer, and that’s a good thing! I love to see authors experiment with their creativity—write outside the box—and throw caution to the wind. Lauren Carr has done just that with this novel and I have only one message for her: 5 STARS!!!!!
I received this book from the author and was not compensated for a positive review.
July 23, 2013
4 STARS
Last night I was wanting something to read a short story so I would not be tempted to stay up reading, when my kindle showed me there was a new Mac Faraday Mystery out. So of course I downloaded it and got it free on Amazon lending prime. So I stayed up late reading.
The Murders at Astaire Castle is good. Did not want to stop reading. It is a little bit different from the other books in the series. The characters show a little bit different side. At least David and Gnarly do.
The plot has some surprising twists in it. Mac finds out that he owns a haunted castle. David and Jeff don't want to talk about it. David even threatens Mac that he will shoot him. Hector is willing to spill all the murders and missing people to Mac and Archie. Of course they want to check it out for themselves.
Hector and Mac are going up there. David talked Mac out of letting Archie go with them. David ends up going with them to check out the castle.
David had a party their with college age friends and his one friend disappeared. It was Halloween and Riley Adams disappeared wearing a werewolf costume.
Years later there were two more murders and a missing author and the witness claimed to see a wolfman running away into the woods. After that Robyn had the castle boarded up. Archie did not even know of its existence.
Mac does not believe in haunted houses or ghosts. He finds answers to some of the mysteries. Mac and Archie are still a couple living together. Mac net worth has kept increasing, but he can't help not getting involved in solving murders.
David still has a troubled love life. His most recent one left to join FBI. But old high school girlfriend he hurt is back in town bring old emotions with her. He does not like going to the castle and if he dies there he is blaming Mac.
Gnarly gets scared, finds a new love in Molly. Everyone likes Molly and compares her good behavior against Gnarly's bad habits. I like Gnarly would not like to own him though.
I liked the Murders at Astaire Castle and I would have been tempted to see it but I don't think I would go inside it with only a couple of flashlights. Can't wait for the next book of Lauren's to come out.
Publisher: Acorn Book Services (July 18, 2013) 249 pages ASIN: B00E1IVPB0
Last night I was wanting something to read a short story so I would not be tempted to stay up reading, when my kindle showed me there was a new Mac Faraday Mystery out. So of course I downloaded it and got it free on Amazon lending prime. So I stayed up late reading.
The Murders at Astaire Castle is good. Did not want to stop reading. It is a little bit different from the other books in the series. The characters show a little bit different side. At least David and Gnarly do.
The plot has some surprising twists in it. Mac finds out that he owns a haunted castle. David and Jeff don't want to talk about it. David even threatens Mac that he will shoot him. Hector is willing to spill all the murders and missing people to Mac and Archie. Of course they want to check it out for themselves.
Hector and Mac are going up there. David talked Mac out of letting Archie go with them. David ends up going with them to check out the castle.
David had a party their with college age friends and his one friend disappeared. It was Halloween and Riley Adams disappeared wearing a werewolf costume.
Years later there were two more murders and a missing author and the witness claimed to see a wolfman running away into the woods. After that Robyn had the castle boarded up. Archie did not even know of its existence.
Mac does not believe in haunted houses or ghosts. He finds answers to some of the mysteries. Mac and Archie are still a couple living together. Mac net worth has kept increasing, but he can't help not getting involved in solving murders.
David still has a troubled love life. His most recent one left to join FBI. But old high school girlfriend he hurt is back in town bring old emotions with her. He does not like going to the castle and if he dies there he is blaming Mac.
Gnarly gets scared, finds a new love in Molly. Everyone likes Molly and compares her good behavior against Gnarly's bad habits. I like Gnarly would not like to own him though.
I liked the Murders at Astaire Castle and I would have been tempted to see it but I don't think I would go inside it with only a couple of flashlights. Can't wait for the next book of Lauren's to come out.
Publisher: Acorn Book Services (July 18, 2013) 249 pages ASIN: B00E1IVPB0
July 22, 2013
Fans of the Mac Faraday Mysteries may notice a slight difference in The Murders at Astaire Castle. While this mystery does contain some supernatural elements, I would not classify it as a paranormal.
Halloween has always been a fun time. It is the time to break out and be someone else. As a child, I would pretend to be one of the Bobbsey Twins searching for clues to lead me to a secret treasure. If I was lucky, it was made up of chocolate. As a teenager, I was Nancy Drew. Always, when October rolled around, I craved mysteries with something extra added-something beyond the normal-something supernatural.
As an author, I couldn't resist taking this one Mac Faraday Mystery on a scary Halloween adventure. I hope you enjoy this ride as much as I enjoyed writing it.
For you, my dear readers, The Murders at Astaire Castle is my Halloween trick or treat goodie to you! Enjoy!
Happy Reading!
Lauren Carr
Author of Mac Faraday Mysteries
Halloween has always been a fun time. It is the time to break out and be someone else. As a child, I would pretend to be one of the Bobbsey Twins searching for clues to lead me to a secret treasure. If I was lucky, it was made up of chocolate. As a teenager, I was Nancy Drew. Always, when October rolled around, I craved mysteries with something extra added-something beyond the normal-something supernatural.
As an author, I couldn't resist taking this one Mac Faraday Mystery on a scary Halloween adventure. I hope you enjoy this ride as much as I enjoyed writing it.
For you, my dear readers, The Murders at Astaire Castle is my Halloween trick or treat goodie to you! Enjoy!
Happy Reading!
Lauren Carr
Author of Mac Faraday Mysteries
August 20, 2013
THE MURDERS AT ASTAIRE CASTLE
Author: Lauren Carr
Gnarly, Mac and David are in hot pursuit culprits behind the murders at the Astaire Castle. Learning about this castle, never realizing that he owns it, Mac Faraday once again becomes embroiled in more than one murder, suicide and strange disappearances. One housekeeper approaches this huge and magnificent castle with one goal in mind: to clean it. Entering the dark and cold halls she never expects to encounter something that would shake not only her to the core but others too. When Mac learns more about the disappearances, the murders and the ghost sightings he is determined, much to his half-brother’s chagrin, to investigate on his own. Discussions get heated, his security detail in tact and he ventures there with his trusty sidekick Gnarly, David, Hector and hopes to uncover the secrets behind the castle’s walls.
But, first never forget who our primary detective really is! You guessed it everyone’s favorite German shepherd, Gnarly who finds a lost woman who has Alzheimer’s when no one else can. Following this incident we learn more about the Spencer Inn, meet the chef whose sense of humor and cooking might frighten even Mac and find out more about the deaths of so many within the closed and cold walls of Astaire Castle.
Entering the Castle you can feel the chill, dank air and the use of their flashlights can illuminate just so much. What they find is quite unexpected but will clarify just what happened to one best selling Horror Author and possibly the murders of the two people that owned the castle before Mac did. Who killed Damien Wagner and his daughter? What about his editor Raymond Hollister who inherited it all? Billions can be made and if his final novel is found his wealth will far surpass his own expectations.
Enter Stan Gould who wants to buy the castle for his new trophy wife. What happens between him and Mac is priceless as they square off; exchange harsh words and the end result are verbal threats on both sides. But, Gould is powerful and does not take lightly to being told NO! Just what is does remains to be seen and will it hurt the Spencer Inn?
Riley Adams is the man suspected of the murders even though he spent years living as if he was a werewolf or as he is called “The Wolfman.” But, the police chief has secrets he would not like revealed as Riley’s sister Chelsea makes her way into town and the encounter although awkward, humorous and uncomfortable reveals another side of David’s life that most did not know.
Hoping to avoid seeing her he winds up taking her to see Riley in the hospital leaving Mac alone in his car dealing with Gnarly who is determined to raid a dumpster in order to find his next snack. Gnarly adds a touch of balance or humor to the tension within many of the scenes and he even gets his shot at a romance too. Riley Adams is a good friend of David O’Callaghan the police chief who will do anything to find out what caused him to become so ill. Nathan and Gisselle Hindman leaped to their deaths when their financial status took a nosedive. There are many players within this intricate plot as we learn more about Riley’s sister, her accident and her history.
Author Lauren Carr has set the stage once again for all of the characters involved to search for clues to find out who is really behind the murders, whether this castle has ghosts and if they can find the original housekeeper to learn more. The Murders at Astaire Castle will keep you awake at night, wondering what really lurks behind those walls and possibly wanting a tour.
When David and Chelsea decide to resume an old friendship and challenge each other to a race, what happens alerts readers that someone is out to make sure that David never finds out who is behind the murders, what Raymond Hollister was about to share and a poor innocent victim caught in the crossfire. With David hanging on for his life, the prime suspect poisoned and another left dead in the parking garage, it’s a wonder that anyone would want to check into this inn without a food taster and bodyguard.
As the truth behind the murders is revealed you won’t believe the deceptions, lies and deceits that come to light. Just who wanted David out of the way and why you won’t believe. Who created an illusion that set off so many murders that no one saw what was happening right in front of them until well you’ll see what I mean when you hear Mac interrogate the killer. One sick person claiming to be insane and a supernatural being that seems to have taken control over the events and the law into its own hands. What really happened to Riley will never really be found out, as sometimes things need to remain the way they are and the end result will rise up and disappear into thin air.
As Gnarly and his girlfriend Molly, alert the humans that someone evil is in the air, they forge an alliance that just might help to save lives. When David and Riley meet something clicks and the end result creates a link to Stan Gould, Raymond Hollister, Lacey, Genie, Damian Wagner’s daughter and you won’t believe whom else.
An interrogation that will give you the chills and an ending that will asks one question: Do you believe in ghosts and the supernatural? Money, greed, power, wealth and control are just some of the reasons why so many were killed and so many hoped to gain what others had. The Murders in the Astaire Castle: Who winds up dead? Who was really burned? Who is left? Would you like a tour or would you rather pass?
This is Mac Faraday at his best and Archie Monday at her most creative. Will he buy her the ring and make a honest woman of her or will he continue to stall? Just what is in store for our detective, editor and research assistant will not be revealed until “ The Lady Who Cried Murder, comes out next year.
Once again author Lauren Carr puts Mac in the line of fire using his investigative skills as a detective, his astute awareness and his ability to assess the evidence along with David, Bogie and one smart officer named Fletcher to bring down a serial killer. Just how he does it you won’t believe but I bet after you read this book and the rest in the series you might want to check into the Spencer Inn, enjoy the pools, spas, restaurants and meet Mac in person.
Gnarly once again proves that canines are smarter than humans. He is quicker that Mac when necessary and that no one should leave a refrigerator unlocked when Gnarly is on the prowl and is hungry. To make sure that he never starves let’s give this book: FIVE GOLDEN POWER BARS FOR THE AUTHOR AND FIVE GOLDEN CHICKEN WINGS FOR GNARLY.
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
October 13, 2013
To see my full review:
http://wp.me/p1jhaj-3Y8
This is Lauren Carr’s first plunge into the world of the paranormal, and I must say, it’s absolutely thrilling! There is never a dull day in the life of retired investigator Mac Faraday, and finding out he owns a haunted castle piques his interest, regardless of what his friends tell him about leaving it well alone. And, with the investigation into the abandoned castle comes the appearance of a wolf man and the murder of two prominent celebrities, further stirring up the lore surrounding the disappearance of a horror author that once lived in the towers so long ago, creating many different avenues of adventure for both readers and characters alike. I love how seamlessly Carr is able to tie nearly everything together in the end, save the supernatural entities she evokes in this thriller, and as a paranormal and mystery lover, this novel is the perfect mix, providing enough evidence to explain away multiple happenings while leaving enough room for speculation for those a little more into the supernatural.
Carr’s intense characters, Mac Faraday, David O’Callghan, Archie Monday, and Gnarly, take readers on another amazing crime scene adventure you won’t soon forget, just in time for Halloween. If you haven’t read any of the Mad Faraday mysteries and you’re looking for a novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then I highly suggest you start with this one as each Mac Faraday novel stands alone. And, once you start, you’ll want to read them all.
http://wp.me/p1jhaj-3Y8
This is Lauren Carr’s first plunge into the world of the paranormal, and I must say, it’s absolutely thrilling! There is never a dull day in the life of retired investigator Mac Faraday, and finding out he owns a haunted castle piques his interest, regardless of what his friends tell him about leaving it well alone. And, with the investigation into the abandoned castle comes the appearance of a wolf man and the murder of two prominent celebrities, further stirring up the lore surrounding the disappearance of a horror author that once lived in the towers so long ago, creating many different avenues of adventure for both readers and characters alike. I love how seamlessly Carr is able to tie nearly everything together in the end, save the supernatural entities she evokes in this thriller, and as a paranormal and mystery lover, this novel is the perfect mix, providing enough evidence to explain away multiple happenings while leaving enough room for speculation for those a little more into the supernatural.
Carr’s intense characters, Mac Faraday, David O’Callghan, Archie Monday, and Gnarly, take readers on another amazing crime scene adventure you won’t soon forget, just in time for Halloween. If you haven’t read any of the Mad Faraday mysteries and you’re looking for a novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then I highly suggest you start with this one as each Mac Faraday novel stands alone. And, once you start, you’ll want to read them all.
September 9, 2016
Review: The Murders at Astaire Castle by Lauren Carr So far we have got introduced to Mac and Archie and David. We also meet up with Gnarly. It all starts with an old woman disappears from Spencer Inn. Mac wants to know what on the south side of Spencer Mountain.
[spoiler]
So Mac asked Hector to tour the old castle. David comes by following Mac and Hector. Mac gets out of the jeep and asked what David is doing. Now David commits to being with Mac and tries to protect Mac even though if he does not know if he will be able to.
[/spoiler]
We finally get somewhere with a Wolf man and crime scene at the castle.There at least four murders and some disappearances. It is closed down and locked up by Robin Spencer after the disappearance of Damian Wagner.The author got me intrigued with what it happens at the beginning, but she really does with the wolf man. I could not wait to see what would happen. Who is Wolf man? She put a bit of a supernatural in this book and it a good book for the month of October. I come away with the fact that I wish to know more about this wolf man and whatever happens to him.
We meet several new strange characters. We meet someone named Mr. Ghoul? How can this get any better with even more murders.
[spoiler]
So Mac asked Hector to tour the old castle. David comes by following Mac and Hector. Mac gets out of the jeep and asked what David is doing. Now David commits to being with Mac and tries to protect Mac even though if he does not know if he will be able to.
[/spoiler]
We finally get somewhere with a Wolf man and crime scene at the castle.There at least four murders and some disappearances. It is closed down and locked up by Robin Spencer after the disappearance of Damian Wagner.The author got me intrigued with what it happens at the beginning, but she really does with the wolf man. I could not wait to see what would happen. Who is Wolf man? She put a bit of a supernatural in this book and it a good book for the month of October. I come away with the fact that I wish to know more about this wolf man and whatever happens to him.
We meet several new strange characters. We meet someone named Mr. Ghoul? How can this get any better with even more murders.
July 7, 2016
Ridiculous, extremely poorly written load of tosh. Terrible dialogue and some cringeworthy nonsense:
1. Using palatable instead of palpable (as in the tension was palatable - I kid you not)
2. Unnecessary explanation about the concept of the "Stepford Wife" - once again I kid you not.
3. Stating that Europe is a generic country. Seriously. The author actually wrote that. Dear author, some general knowledge may be of use to you.
4. A so called billionaire who marries a supposed lingerie model who isn't actually. As if. The sophisticated billionaire would definitely know who the supermodels of the world are and/or have any prospective bride thoroughly vetted prior to walking down the aisle before putting hundreds of millions of dollars at stake.
Do not waste your time as I stupidly did on this codswallop of a book slash series.
1. Using palatable instead of palpable (as in the tension was palatable - I kid you not)
2. Unnecessary explanation about the concept of the "Stepford Wife" - once again I kid you not.
3. Stating that Europe is a generic country. Seriously. The author actually wrote that. Dear author, some general knowledge may be of use to you.
4. A so called billionaire who marries a supposed lingerie model who isn't actually. As if. The sophisticated billionaire would definitely know who the supermodels of the world are and/or have any prospective bride thoroughly vetted prior to walking down the aisle before putting hundreds of millions of dollars at stake.
Do not waste your time as I stupidly did on this codswallop of a book slash series.
August 3, 2013
REVISITING "SPENCER MOUTAIN" AND IT'S RESIDENTS (old & new ones), WAS LIKE GOING TO VISIT SOME OLD VERY DEAR FRIENDS. I LOVE THIS SERIES, I'VE READ AND ENJOYED THEM ALL, THEY ARE GREAT. MAC & HIS CREW DID NOT DISSAPOINT, THE MURDERS KEPT ON COMING ALONG WITH A LITTLE SUPER NATURAL STUFF OH THE CRAZY, WEIRD CHARACTERS WE MEET IN THIS BOOK REALLY COO-COO-LA-DEE. THE END CAME MUCH TO SOON, I COULD READ THIS SERIES ONE AFTER THE OTHER (to bad I did already). MS CARR HAS DONE IT ONCE AGAIN WOW! THAT COVER IS EVEN CREEPY ESPECIALLY AFTER YOU START READING. I WENT BACK AND LOOKED AT IT AND IT SO FITS INTO THIS STORY, ALL YA NEED IS SOME SCARY ORGAN MUSIC TO GO WITH IT. I WISH I HAD SAVED TO READ AROUND HALLOWEEN BUT NO WAY COULD I HAVE WAITED THAT LONG.
September 6, 2013
I haven't read any of the author's other books, but I intend to now.
This is an exciting storyline with "good guys" and not so good guys interacting. There is even a "good guy" dog. And he's great fun; quite a handful.
There is romance, lies, greed, multiple murders (and attempts), and important elements going back over 10 years.
It is engaging and never dull.
And then there is an unexpected touch of the supernatural. A light touch (no vampires with dripping teeth), but important.
I look forward to catching up on the rest of the series.
I won this book in a blog contest. Lucky me
This is an exciting storyline with "good guys" and not so good guys interacting. There is even a "good guy" dog. And he's great fun; quite a handful.
There is romance, lies, greed, multiple murders (and attempts), and important elements going back over 10 years.
It is engaging and never dull.
And then there is an unexpected touch of the supernatural. A light touch (no vampires with dripping teeth), but important.
I look forward to catching up on the rest of the series.
I won this book in a blog contest. Lucky me
January 1, 2014
Last book of 2013, and it was a fun one! Yes, a book with an ever increasing body count was fun. Strong characters and a plot that was never dull made this a book I just couldn't put down. often found myself laughing out loud over the antics of the Gnarly, the ever faithful German Shepard companion of Mac, the retired homicide detective main character of the book. (His thievery hit close to home!)I've already lined up the others in this series for my Kindle, hoping they're all just as entertaining.
October 30, 2018
This book started off strong by setting a spooky tone. Then it changed to your average mystery plot. By the end, though, the Halloween spooky theme was back and even better than the beginning. I wish more of the book had that spooky element, but all in all it was a good read with excellent parts.
Second time around after reading the previous books -
How could my first review have described any part of this book as "your average mystery plot?" Brilliant! Loved it.
Second time around after reading the previous books -
How could my first review have described any part of this book as "your average mystery plot?" Brilliant! Loved it.
December 29, 2013
This was an enjoyable book to read; the familiar characters were all there and some new ones were added - some likeable and some definitely not. Plenty of action, some twists, some spookiness. I rated it 4.5 stars.
December 29, 2013
Loved It!!
June 10, 2022
I loved this book. I am not normally a big fan of supermarkets -definitely on Mac's side here that it needs to have a human explanation but I loved this book, which for the record has both. The author once again weaves a compelling story line that takes the reader on a wild ride, were just about anything can and does happen and most of it can be explained. I love the characters and if the mystery wasn't so good they would be the reason I keep coming back to the series. But luckily the author knows how to write a complicated plot with lot of twists, that is easy to follow along. Win win because put the great characters together with the interesting mystery and you will be hooked on the series. I am off to start the next book.
When his step brother David orders Mac to stay away from a property he has inherited from his mother. Mac is dying to see it, especially when he learns it's a real to God castle. David just hopes he doesn't actually die. The castle has a very checkered past with murders, suicides and disappearances and his mother locked it up after the last double homicide and has refused to let anybody enter it again. Now it's Mac and after learning about the castle he wants to see it for himself, with his trusted dog Gnarly, his police chief brother and head of security for his inn Mac opens the door and sets of a whole load of deaths. Can the wolf ghost or a werewolf be responsible? Or can a more human killer be responsible? In order to find out Mac with have to solve the last murders and the disappearance of a famous author. At the same time David has his hands full with memories the castle provokes, he first girlfriends brother disappeared from the castle, never to have been seen again and with her back in town things get complicated. Gnarly also finds this case tough when he finds a girlfriend that rejects him and a tougher opponent then him. Will the team survive the opening up of the castle or will the curse strike again.
I liked the narrator. We even got some great accents with this narrator making it a pleasure to listen to.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
When his step brother David orders Mac to stay away from a property he has inherited from his mother. Mac is dying to see it, especially when he learns it's a real to God castle. David just hopes he doesn't actually die. The castle has a very checkered past with murders, suicides and disappearances and his mother locked it up after the last double homicide and has refused to let anybody enter it again. Now it's Mac and after learning about the castle he wants to see it for himself, with his trusted dog Gnarly, his police chief brother and head of security for his inn Mac opens the door and sets of a whole load of deaths. Can the wolf ghost or a werewolf be responsible? Or can a more human killer be responsible? In order to find out Mac with have to solve the last murders and the disappearance of a famous author. At the same time David has his hands full with memories the castle provokes, he first girlfriends brother disappeared from the castle, never to have been seen again and with her back in town things get complicated. Gnarly also finds this case tough when he finds a girlfriend that rejects him and a tougher opponent then him. Will the team survive the opening up of the castle or will the curse strike again.
I liked the narrator. We even got some great accents with this narrator making it a pleasure to listen to.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
May 18, 2017
This refers to the audio version of this book.
This is the fifth book in the Mac Faraday Mystery Series, and the second book I listened to. Like ‚Old Loves Die Hard‚, this can be read as a stand-alone novel. All the characters and their connections are properly introduced, and although it is clear that we’ve moved on in time, I never felt I missed something.
In this book, the focus is more on David and his past, than it is on Mac Faraday. And David has an interesting past, a good deal of which is connected to the haunted Astaire Castle, a property belonging to Mac Faraday and of which the latter had been ignorant until now.
Strange things used to go on at the castle, and the moment Mac Faraday gets involved, the series of murders starts afresh.
It is all very mysterious, and once again, the ending is perplexing (good job that I’m not a private investigator). There’s even some paranormal activity, but it is believable, considering the whole circumstances.
I really like the characters of Mac Faraday, Archie, David, and the rest, but I absolutely love Gnarly.
He’s such a great dog, and all his antics grant some comic relief. I laughed out loud on occasions, I really pictured Gnarly doing what he did. In my eyes, he is readily the best character in this series.
Last week, I said I’d love to explore the area at Deep Creek Lake, but I’d give that castle a wide berth (fortunately, it is fictional).
Dan Lawson did a wonderful job at narrating the story. I have to say that I enjoyed this narration more than the one I wrote about last week. The characters were very distinctive, especially Hector, the Australian. I’ll certainly listen to other books by Dan Lawson, his take on the novel convinced throughout — as did the story. It drew me in right from the start and is a true page turner.
My thanks go to Laura Fabiani from iread booktours who provided me with a free copy of this great audio book.
This is the fifth book in the Mac Faraday Mystery Series, and the second book I listened to. Like ‚Old Loves Die Hard‚, this can be read as a stand-alone novel. All the characters and their connections are properly introduced, and although it is clear that we’ve moved on in time, I never felt I missed something.
In this book, the focus is more on David and his past, than it is on Mac Faraday. And David has an interesting past, a good deal of which is connected to the haunted Astaire Castle, a property belonging to Mac Faraday and of which the latter had been ignorant until now.
Strange things used to go on at the castle, and the moment Mac Faraday gets involved, the series of murders starts afresh.
It is all very mysterious, and once again, the ending is perplexing (good job that I’m not a private investigator). There’s even some paranormal activity, but it is believable, considering the whole circumstances.
I really like the characters of Mac Faraday, Archie, David, and the rest, but I absolutely love Gnarly.
He’s such a great dog, and all his antics grant some comic relief. I laughed out loud on occasions, I really pictured Gnarly doing what he did. In my eyes, he is readily the best character in this series.
Last week, I said I’d love to explore the area at Deep Creek Lake, but I’d give that castle a wide berth (fortunately, it is fictional).
Dan Lawson did a wonderful job at narrating the story. I have to say that I enjoyed this narration more than the one I wrote about last week. The characters were very distinctive, especially Hector, the Australian. I’ll certainly listen to other books by Dan Lawson, his take on the novel convinced throughout — as did the story. It drew me in right from the start and is a true page turner.
My thanks go to Laura Fabiani from iread booktours who provided me with a free copy of this great audio book.
May 11, 2017
Listening to the audiobook of THE MURDERS AT ASTAIRE CASTLE was an entertaining treat.
The narrator for this audiobook is Dan Lawson. His voice is perfect for the Mac Faraday books. He is able to modulate his voice so that there is never a doubt which character is speaking. I am impressed with his enunciation and was able to understand every word he said.
The story itself is a well written mystery that spans several decades. I have not read, or listened to the second, third or fourth book in this series and yet I never felt like I was missing pieces of the story. This audiobook would even work well as a stand-alone thriller.
The only issue I had with THE MURDERS AT ASTAIRE CASTLE was that when the story was nearing its completion, DNA was sent for analysis and seemed to be returned almost immediately. This is a fantasy. In reality, obtaining DNA results can take anywhere from a few days to several months before the results are returned to the investigating officers. It is exceedingly rare for small town police offices to have their own lab and most biological samplesď would have to be outsourced. I understand that the DNA results were important to the plot which is why the author chose to speed up the results, but it did stand out to me as inaccurate and unbelievable.
Despite the minor hiccup I just mentioned, I enjoyed listening to this audiobook. There are so many different threads to this story and yet Lauren Carr was able to weave them all together to create a tapestry that readers will not soon forget.
My favorite character in this book is the "Wolf-Man.
I rate MURDER AT ASTAIRE CASTLE as 4 out of 5 Stars. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
The narrator for this audiobook is Dan Lawson. His voice is perfect for the Mac Faraday books. He is able to modulate his voice so that there is never a doubt which character is speaking. I am impressed with his enunciation and was able to understand every word he said.
The story itself is a well written mystery that spans several decades. I have not read, or listened to the second, third or fourth book in this series and yet I never felt like I was missing pieces of the story. This audiobook would even work well as a stand-alone thriller.
The only issue I had with THE MURDERS AT ASTAIRE CASTLE was that when the story was nearing its completion, DNA was sent for analysis and seemed to be returned almost immediately. This is a fantasy. In reality, obtaining DNA results can take anywhere from a few days to several months before the results are returned to the investigating officers. It is exceedingly rare for small town police offices to have their own lab and most biological samplesď would have to be outsourced. I understand that the DNA results were important to the plot which is why the author chose to speed up the results, but it did stand out to me as inaccurate and unbelievable.
Despite the minor hiccup I just mentioned, I enjoyed listening to this audiobook. There are so many different threads to this story and yet Lauren Carr was able to weave them all together to create a tapestry that readers will not soon forget.
My favorite character in this book is the "Wolf-Man.
I rate MURDER AT ASTAIRE CASTLE as 4 out of 5 Stars. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
October 19, 2019
They just keep getting better!
Which is kind of a strange statement since this is book 5 in the series.
I have really enjoyed meeting Lauren Carr and Mac Faraday and of course Gnarly.
The first introduction I had to read this series was with the most recent title Candidate For Murder #12. It was 5 stars!
The Murders At Astaire Castle is just as good as all the others that I've read. In some ways I kind of liked it better. But maybe that is because I've really come to enjoy these characters.
Lauren Carr has a way of weaving a story and the characters together that keeps the reader interested and wanting to be a part of the story.
Each book does have a lot of characters. But it is very easy to keep track.
Lauren does have a 'caution' at the beginning of this book letting
the reader know ..."There is some supernatural elements, I would not classify it as paranormal."
The story takes place around Halloween. This is a murder
mystery and there is quite a long list of people that have lost their lives at The Castle. The story takes place over a few years.
And gives the reader a 'back story' into David's (Mac's brother) history.
As is the normal for this series although its a murder mystery it is not graphic. There are twists and turns and I was kept on the edge of my seat.
Of course Gnarly is a huge part of the story. Everyone loves
Gnarly even though he is a bit of a pest sometimes. He is the
ever present protector of his people!
I loved this 4th installment in the series! Another 5 stars!
I received a complimentary copy.
Which is kind of a strange statement since this is book 5 in the series.
I have really enjoyed meeting Lauren Carr and Mac Faraday and of course Gnarly.
The first introduction I had to read this series was with the most recent title Candidate For Murder #12. It was 5 stars!
The Murders At Astaire Castle is just as good as all the others that I've read. In some ways I kind of liked it better. But maybe that is because I've really come to enjoy these characters.
Lauren Carr has a way of weaving a story and the characters together that keeps the reader interested and wanting to be a part of the story.
Each book does have a lot of characters. But it is very easy to keep track.
Lauren does have a 'caution' at the beginning of this book letting
the reader know ..."There is some supernatural elements, I would not classify it as paranormal."
The story takes place around Halloween. This is a murder
mystery and there is quite a long list of people that have lost their lives at The Castle. The story takes place over a few years.
And gives the reader a 'back story' into David's (Mac's brother) history.
As is the normal for this series although its a murder mystery it is not graphic. There are twists and turns and I was kept on the edge of my seat.
Of course Gnarly is a huge part of the story. Everyone loves
Gnarly even though he is a bit of a pest sometimes. He is the
ever present protector of his people!
I loved this 4th installment in the series! Another 5 stars!
I received a complimentary copy.
March 21, 2022
The Murders at Astaire Castle is the fifth installment from Lauren Carr’s Mac Faraday Mystery series. I have read other books from this series and have enjoyed single one of them. This one is no different. It is always entertaining to catch up with Mac Faraday and see what else and him and his hilarious canine sidekick, Gnarly. This time around, there are ghosts, castles, werewolves and legends surrounding the tale. I could never predict what was going to happen next. There were so many twists and turns that made me feel like my head was spinning. There was nothing I did not love about this book, so much suspense, mystery, adventure and action. I had to keep on reading until I was able to find out how it would all end. I could not put it down. Just as there was some tension in a few scenes, I would end up with a giggle or two at what was happening. Such a thrilling ride to take for a few hours. Loved it!
I am giving The Murders at Astaire Castle a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean and fun mysteries. As always, I look forward to reading more from Lauren Carr and delightful Mac Faraday Mystery series.
I received a digital copy of The Murders at Astaire Castle from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I am giving The Murders at Astaire Castle a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean and fun mysteries. As always, I look forward to reading more from Lauren Carr and delightful Mac Faraday Mystery series.
I received a digital copy of The Murders at Astaire Castle from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
July 2, 2023
This is the 5th Mac Faraday book from Lauren Carr.
This book is unlike any of the other books I have read from Carr. This book deals with the paranormal. We have a werewolf, or wolf man, involved. Carr might have felt like she was stepping out there but she handled the dark side just fine.
Mac discovers that he also inherited a castle on the other side of Spencer Mountain that he knew nothing about. Turns out the castle has an unsavory history of murder and suicide. When Mac and crew go to explore the castle they discover a petrified body of a famous author who many believed had killed his daughter and editor a decade ago and then had disappeared. Mac, and his man-whore half-brother David O'Callaghan, investigate what actually happened at the castle.
Turns out David has his own history at the castle. He was at a party there years ago. He left his friend Riley Adams there and Riley never returned. David also bedded down the author's daughter who ended up killed.
Lots of characters and a complex story with twists and turns. Typical Carr book with a little spooky conclusion. All of the regulars make appearances. Enjoyable read.
This book is unlike any of the other books I have read from Carr. This book deals with the paranormal. We have a werewolf, or wolf man, involved. Carr might have felt like she was stepping out there but she handled the dark side just fine.
Mac discovers that he also inherited a castle on the other side of Spencer Mountain that he knew nothing about. Turns out the castle has an unsavory history of murder and suicide. When Mac and crew go to explore the castle they discover a petrified body of a famous author who many believed had killed his daughter and editor a decade ago and then had disappeared. Mac, and his man-whore half-brother David O'Callaghan, investigate what actually happened at the castle.
Turns out David has his own history at the castle. He was at a party there years ago. He left his friend Riley Adams there and Riley never returned. David also bedded down the author's daughter who ended up killed.
Lots of characters and a complex story with twists and turns. Typical Carr book with a little spooky conclusion. All of the regulars make appearances. Enjoyable read.
May 17, 2017
I would have to say that The Murders at Astaire Castle ranks among the top five audio books I have listened to so far. The narrator Dan Lawson did an amazing job pulling me into Lauren Carr's mystery. My favorite character would have to be Gnarly. Gnarly is a canine character who brings a lot of laughs into this book and the Mac Faraday Mystery series. I love the fact that he is realistically written and yet still very personable. My favorite scene in the Murders at Astaire Castle would have to be the first time the characters become aware of the wolf man. I liked the addition of a supernatural element to the mystery.For me the most moving part was when all of the pieces of the puzzle started to come together in my head as I started to solve the mystery for myself. I really loved the moment of suspense between coming up with my own theory and finding out what really happened.
October 14, 2016
I've been a big fan of Lauren Carr's mystery books right from the first book I had the privilege to review. Of her many offerings, the Mac Faraday series is probably my favourite. Each book has just the right mix of humour (often courtesy of a large, intelligent dog named Gnarly) , mystery, romance and murder that keeps me turning the pages into the wee hours. The downside of this is I usually consume them in a only a day or two and then have to wait patiently for the next to be released.
The Murders At Astaire Castle offers a new element - a haunted castle. While out looking for an older woman who became lost when she walked away from Spencer Inn, he discovers no one wants him to explore a wild part of his estate. It's only after asking several people that he finds out there is an abandoned, haunted castle hidden there that was the site of several murders, suicides and a strange disappearance by a teenage boy.
Not to be scared away, Mac schedules a visit and ends up locked in a tower with two others. A secret passage offers a way of escape, but also the beginning of the plot for this new story created in honour of Halloween. In the passage they discover a skeleton with an axe embedded in its head. It is Damian Wagner, a world-famous master of horror novels, who had lived there for a time and been blamed for several of the murders. So who HAD committed those grisly murders?
What follows is a wild ride that involves a wolf man, a billionaire driven to purchase the castle, a missing former maid and of course - MURDER!
The Murders At Astaire Castle offers a new element - a haunted castle. While out looking for an older woman who became lost when she walked away from Spencer Inn, he discovers no one wants him to explore a wild part of his estate. It's only after asking several people that he finds out there is an abandoned, haunted castle hidden there that was the site of several murders, suicides and a strange disappearance by a teenage boy.
Not to be scared away, Mac schedules a visit and ends up locked in a tower with two others. A secret passage offers a way of escape, but also the beginning of the plot for this new story created in honour of Halloween. In the passage they discover a skeleton with an axe embedded in its head. It is Damian Wagner, a world-famous master of horror novels, who had lived there for a time and been blamed for several of the murders. So who HAD committed those grisly murders?
What follows is a wild ride that involves a wolf man, a billionaire driven to purchase the castle, a missing former maid and of course - MURDER!
October 9, 2022
Too lighthearted and farcical. I prefer serious murder mysteries. There have been a handful of good ones in this series but the light tone that turns them into a romp has made me go very slowly with the series, waiting only for when I'm in the mood. Even then, something like this installment isn't my cup of tea.
January 3, 2018
Mac is surprised to find he owns a castle just on the other side of the mountain. A haunted castle, or cursed. Linked to at least three deaths and several disappearances. Not even three hundred million dollars can make life easy for this retired detective.
April 6, 2021
This was a lot of fun. It had a black widow, a wolf man, a lost love and Gnarly found a love interest. As always there were multiple murders, suspects and red herrings but with just a touch of paranormal.
March 3, 2023
Enjoyable story. A few too many proofreading errors for an accomplished author. For example: "In the moment of silence between them, the electricity was palatable." (p. 122 Kindle) PALPABLE!!!
But I like the characters and the plot was interesting, if convoluted.
But I like the characters and the plot was interesting, if convoluted.
May 17, 2017
Full review to be posted for book tour... but I AM VERY obsessed with this series.
September 13, 2017
Love this series!
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