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Thorny Rose Mysteries #2
A Fine Year for Murder
After ten months of marital bliss, Jessica Faraday and Murphy Thornton are still discovering and adjusting to their life together. Settled in their new home, everything appears to be perfect … except in the middle of the night when, in the darkest shadows of her subconscious, a deep secret from Jessica’s past creeps to the surface to make her strike out at Murphy.
When investigative journalist Dallas Walker tells the couple about her latest case, known as the Pine Bridge Massacre, they realize Jessica may have witnessed the murder of a family while visiting family at the winery near-by, and suppressed the memory.
Determined to uncover the truth and find justice for the murder victims, Jessica and Murphy return to the scene of the crime with Dallas Walker, a spunky bull-headed Texan. Can this family reunion bring closure for a community touched by tragedy or will this prickly get-together bring an end to the Thorny Rose couple?
When investigative journalist Dallas Walker tells the couple about her latest case, known as the Pine Bridge Massacre, they realize Jessica may have witnessed the murder of a family while visiting family at the winery near-by, and suppressed the memory.
Determined to uncover the truth and find justice for the murder victims, Jessica and Murphy return to the scene of the crime with Dallas Walker, a spunky bull-headed Texan. Can this family reunion bring closure for a community touched by tragedy or will this prickly get-together bring an end to the Thorny Rose couple?
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2017
175 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Carr
53 books401 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 52 reviews
March 16, 2017
A Fine Year For Murder by Lauren Carr is part of an ongoing mystery series that has many recurring characters, both human and animal, that I have grown to love.
These Thorny Rose mysteries stand alone, but you won’t want to miss any of them.
Jessica kicks, punches and scratches her new husband during her nightmares.
She is haunted…until Dallas Walker, an investigative journalist, helps her discover what has been causing her nightmares and refuses to allow her rest until she has the answers.
Nigel is a virtual butler. I love how Lauren Carr keeps her characters and their lives up to date, allowing them to grow and develop along with the world around them.
Newman is a lazy basset hound that likes to eat in the recliner while binge watching TV. LOL But he is not the only critter that has a special and humorous relationship with his human counterparts.
Mysteries, murder, danger, and memories that threatens their lives keeps the action and suspense at a high level and even when the answers are found, it left me wanting more.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of A Fine Year For Murder by Lauren Carr.
To see more visit fundinmental
These Thorny Rose mysteries stand alone, but you won’t want to miss any of them.
Jessica kicks, punches and scratches her new husband during her nightmares.
She is haunted…until Dallas Walker, an investigative journalist, helps her discover what has been causing her nightmares and refuses to allow her rest until she has the answers.
Nigel is a virtual butler. I love how Lauren Carr keeps her characters and their lives up to date, allowing them to grow and develop along with the world around them.
Newman is a lazy basset hound that likes to eat in the recliner while binge watching TV. LOL But he is not the only critter that has a special and humorous relationship with his human counterparts.
Mysteries, murder, danger, and memories that threatens their lives keeps the action and suspense at a high level and even when the answers are found, it left me wanting more.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of A Fine Year For Murder by Lauren Carr.
To see more visit fundinmental
July 9, 2017
This is the second book in this series. I am happy to revisit with Jessica and Murphy. Kill and Run was the first book I read from this author. I enjoyed that book a lot. This time, I listened to the audio version of this book. Which brought a different experience to this book. A very good one. Narrator, C. J. McAllister really brought life to all of the characters as well as the story. Listening to Mr. McAllister read this book kept my interest. There are times where I have listened to books only to find it becoming background noise. This was not the case. After just listening to one book from Mr. McAllister, it is easy to see why he was honored with the title "Audible Approved Producer." I enjoyed listening to this book so much that I plan to check out other audio books narrated by Ms. McAllister.
Back to the story. Murphy is the bomb. He brought the comedic relief to this story. I could not get enough of him. Yet, the way he interacted with Jessica and helping her with the case and her nightmares, showed just how much love he has for her. Jessica is no wallflower. She will not stop until she has solved the case. Not to be missed; Dallas added a nice layer of dynamics to Jessica and Murphy. Got to love a strong willed Texan. This story had some intriguing characters. They sure kept the story entertaining. I have to say that this series is my favorite thus far from author, Lauren Carr.
Back to the story. Murphy is the bomb. He brought the comedic relief to this story. I could not get enough of him. Yet, the way he interacted with Jessica and helping her with the case and her nightmares, showed just how much love he has for her. Jessica is no wallflower. She will not stop until she has solved the case. Not to be missed; Dallas added a nice layer of dynamics to Jessica and Murphy. Got to love a strong willed Texan. This story had some intriguing characters. They sure kept the story entertaining. I have to say that this series is my favorite thus far from author, Lauren Carr.
June 28, 2018
In A Fine Year for Murder by Lauren Carr, Jessica Faraday and her husband of 10 months, Murphy Thornton, have dinner with friends and Jessica’s father, Mac. Investigative reporter Dallas Walker tells them all about her latest case, known as the Pine Bridge Massacre, where 15 years earlier, an entire family was bludgeoned to death, including 16-year-old Ava, who first was reported as missing before people discovered her body. Jessica builds up more and more tension as the discussion grows until she announces that she knew Ava and then leaves the room.
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
April 5, 2017
Jessica Faraday and Murphy Thornton are back. Ever since being married, Jessica suffers from nightmares and has a habit of beating up Murphy. She feels bad but doesn’t know what triggers them. Then Dallas Walker decides she wants to investigate the Pine Bridge Massacre and we learn that Jessica where there the night of the murder. Jessica knew the victim and it seems knows more about the murder than she thought. It seems this is what is triggering her night terrors.
So, Murphy, Jessica, and Dallas plan on going back to Pine Bridge and find themselves neck deep in trouble. From Jessica’s odd cousin that wants Murphy out of the picture to the owner of a civil war mansion and a prima ballerina, all three of them will find themselves in a tangled mystery that has some ghosts to help them solve the mystery.
This is another great mystery that will find you meeting up with Mac Faraday as he wants to protect his little girl. But Murphy has Jessica’s back as she returns to her rich family that looks down their noses at her. I loved the setting and how no matter who you think the killer is you will be wrong. There are plenty of red herrings throughout the story and a great reveal at the end.
But the part I loved was how Jessica can take care of herself. Besides beating up Murphy in her sleep, she gets trapped in an elevator and I love how she puts her attacker in his place. I help teach self-defense and will definitely be adding that move. But I will say one thing kept irritating me throughout the book. What in the heck is a tactical knife? It’s a fixed blade. I’m sorry but this continued to irritate the heck out of me. I also got the pleasure of reviewing this as an audiobook. CJ McAllister does a wonderful job narrating this series.
Beyond that, this is another great mystery from Lauren Carr. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
I received A Fine Year for Murder from iRead Book Tours for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
So, Murphy, Jessica, and Dallas plan on going back to Pine Bridge and find themselves neck deep in trouble. From Jessica’s odd cousin that wants Murphy out of the picture to the owner of a civil war mansion and a prima ballerina, all three of them will find themselves in a tangled mystery that has some ghosts to help them solve the mystery.
This is another great mystery that will find you meeting up with Mac Faraday as he wants to protect his little girl. But Murphy has Jessica’s back as she returns to her rich family that looks down their noses at her. I loved the setting and how no matter who you think the killer is you will be wrong. There are plenty of red herrings throughout the story and a great reveal at the end.
But the part I loved was how Jessica can take care of herself. Besides beating up Murphy in her sleep, she gets trapped in an elevator and I love how she puts her attacker in his place. I help teach self-defense and will definitely be adding that move. But I will say one thing kept irritating me throughout the book. What in the heck is a tactical knife? It’s a fixed blade. I’m sorry but this continued to irritate the heck out of me. I also got the pleasure of reviewing this as an audiobook. CJ McAllister does a wonderful job narrating this series.
Beyond that, this is another great mystery from Lauren Carr. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
I received A Fine Year for Murder from iRead Book Tours for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
March 29, 2017
I have now read a few of author Lauren Carr’s books, but I was especially excited to see that she had written a second novel in her Thorny Rose Mystery series. Why? Because the first book in the series was my first introduction to author Ms. Carr and immediately I liked newlyweds Murphy and Jessica. A Fine Year for Murder puts the focus back on my favorite newlywed couple and throws some pretty huge road blocks in the way of their happily ever after. Jessica is experiencing nightmares and night terrors that are set off when she is exposed to a certain triggers. I like that Murphy, as a good husband, is learning to deal with these nighttime situations as part of the adjustment to being a newlywed. However, he begins to notice a pattern that raises some questions that something may be buried deep in Jessica’s subconscious and that they need to get to the bottom of it.
Now Jessica’s father is a great help in all of this and suggests that it has something do with when Jessica was 10 years old and staying with some distant relatives for the summer. There was a murder incident that occurred that Jessica may have been witness to. So taking some vacation time, Murphy and Jessica decide to go pay a visit to these obscure relatives and try to get to the bottom of what happened, with the help of Dallas, a relatively new family friend.
Once again Ms. Carr has given us a mystery that is chock full of crazy and shady people that all seem to have some murkiness in their pasts. And at times the mystery is complicated by the local police and even more developments that seem to have nothing to do with the current case. I felt that the suspense was ratcheted up more by the problems that were occurring in Murphy and Jessica’s perfect marriage that I was really concerned how everything would play out.
Ms. Carr has always been a master in adding fun loving pets in her suspense’s, this time we got to meet Nigel, Murphy’s and Jessica’s virtual butler. He was a fun added element to the story and I hope he continues to make an appearance in their future stories.
On a side note, this story contains some mature themes, some bad language, and intimacies (though not graphic) between a husband and wife. The bad guys, well they were really bad and so they did some pretty evil things that I would definitely consider this an adult read.
I received a copy of this book for free. I was not required to post a positive review and all opinions and views expressed are my own.
Now Jessica’s father is a great help in all of this and suggests that it has something do with when Jessica was 10 years old and staying with some distant relatives for the summer. There was a murder incident that occurred that Jessica may have been witness to. So taking some vacation time, Murphy and Jessica decide to go pay a visit to these obscure relatives and try to get to the bottom of what happened, with the help of Dallas, a relatively new family friend.
Once again Ms. Carr has given us a mystery that is chock full of crazy and shady people that all seem to have some murkiness in their pasts. And at times the mystery is complicated by the local police and even more developments that seem to have nothing to do with the current case. I felt that the suspense was ratcheted up more by the problems that were occurring in Murphy and Jessica’s perfect marriage that I was really concerned how everything would play out.
Ms. Carr has always been a master in adding fun loving pets in her suspense’s, this time we got to meet Nigel, Murphy’s and Jessica’s virtual butler. He was a fun added element to the story and I hope he continues to make an appearance in their future stories.
On a side note, this story contains some mature themes, some bad language, and intimacies (though not graphic) between a husband and wife. The bad guys, well they were really bad and so they did some pretty evil things that I would definitely consider this an adult read.
I received a copy of this book for free. I was not required to post a positive review and all opinions and views expressed are my own.
March 15, 2017
Lauren Carr has brought you another thriller of a story. A Fine Year for Murder is a doozy of a mystery and gut wrenching. No has any ideas that Jessica as seen a family be murdered. When Dallas Walker start talking about a case that see is investing the case called Pine Creek Massacre.
I loved the story and the way it was laid out. Jessica is dealing with nightmares, and things get more intense when something happens to young girls. What is triggering her nightmares? It a book you can not put down once you start to read it. All of Lauren Carr books are like that. She makes you want more and leaves to read her next book.
I loved the story and the way it was laid out. Jessica is dealing with nightmares, and things get more intense when something happens to young girls. What is triggering her nightmares? It a book you can not put down once you start to read it. All of Lauren Carr books are like that. She makes you want more and leaves to read her next book.
March 24, 2017
The coincidence that bring everyone into the investigation seems a little forced. Jessica and Murphy attend a family dinner where investigative journalist Dallas Walker is describing a cold case she is investigating that is known as the Pine Bridge Massacre, when Jessica realizes that she witnessed the death of the young girl but has been suppressing the details causing her violent nightmares. What are the chances, really, first that Jessica was a witness to the massacre, and that a family member's girlfriend happens to be investigating it? But let's just ignore that and get on with the rest of the book.
I thought the mystery was well done. I liked how Carr blended the "real" clues with Jessica's memory. The family at the winery, Jessica's adoptive family as she's quick to point out, is beyond dysfunctional. Actually, there are a few very nice people, but the other side is just nuts - dangerous, sneaky, immoral. Beyond the original crime that Jessica remembers, we've got kidnapping, embezzlement, and more murders. It's a pretty convoluted mystery, in a good way. The twists keep coming.
I did make a note as I was listening. "Fade to black sex scenes that felt out-of-place." There were too many "my life was just in danger, but I survived, now take me" moments for my taste. And yes I know Dallas, Jessica, and Murphy are gorgeous, I don't need told again. Actually I think that's my problem with the book in general. We are told things we don't need to be told, little details that would be understood, and other pieces of info are repeated over and over.
Overall, it's a good book, just not one I loved.
I thought the mystery was well done. I liked how Carr blended the "real" clues with Jessica's memory. The family at the winery, Jessica's adoptive family as she's quick to point out, is beyond dysfunctional. Actually, there are a few very nice people, but the other side is just nuts - dangerous, sneaky, immoral. Beyond the original crime that Jessica remembers, we've got kidnapping, embezzlement, and more murders. It's a pretty convoluted mystery, in a good way. The twists keep coming.
I did make a note as I was listening. "Fade to black sex scenes that felt out-of-place." There were too many "my life was just in danger, but I survived, now take me" moments for my taste. And yes I know Dallas, Jessica, and Murphy are gorgeous, I don't need told again. Actually I think that's my problem with the book in general. We are told things we don't need to be told, little details that would be understood, and other pieces of info are repeated over and over.
Overall, it's a good book, just not one I loved.
March 17, 2017
This is another engaging and fast moving mystery with strong characters and good twists.
Jessica Faraday, daughter of a retired homicide detective, is recently married to Murphy Thornton, son of a former JAG lawyer, and a naval officer himself with some series skills and hidden assignments. Jessica is having nightmares that have been persistent since a childhood trauma and are causing her to strike Murphy while they are sleeping.
Jessica and Murphy attend a family bar-b-que where investigative journalist Dallas Walker is describing a cold case she is investigating that is known as the Pine Bridge Massacre – a brutal killing of a family. Suddenly Jessica realizes that she witnessed the death of the young girl but has been suppressing the details.
Murphy and Jessica decide to take a second honeymoon at Pine Bridge to investigate the old murder. Dallas, a lanky, gorgeous red-headed Texan, will come in as a rich journalist to the fancy plantation resort on the other end to town.
Murphy gets to meet Jessica’s cousins, the nice ones and the decidedly not nice ones. The newlywed’s appearance in town immediately stirs up trouble especially when their dog digs out a half-buried skull near the old crime scene. Secrets begin to unravel and there are some very unhappy, and dangerous murderers who want the Thornton’s out of town – one way or another.
This story moves along well as Ms. Carr weaves through the details of another mystery full of corruption and murder. It is fun to follow Jessica and Murphy as they uncover clues and speculate on the facts and motives. Murphy’s training gets him into a bit of trouble. I enjoyed the inclusion of the pets and a new ‘family’ character, a computer assistant named Nigel. The author includes some surprises and twists then neatly wraps up the loose ends.
This is the second mystery in the series and I enjoyed both. (See review of Kill and Run.) They are easy to follow with likeable characters whose interaction adds to the engaging storylines. I recommend this to readers who like a fast paced, light in tone (but not light in danger) mystery.
Audio Notes: C.J. McAllister does a nice job with the narration. The voices are given appropriate accents and tones and the pacing is handled to keep the characters distinct and the story moving. I enjoyed the listening experience which made this move more quickly for me.
I received this title through iReads Book Tours. My rating 4.25.
Jessica Faraday, daughter of a retired homicide detective, is recently married to Murphy Thornton, son of a former JAG lawyer, and a naval officer himself with some series skills and hidden assignments. Jessica is having nightmares that have been persistent since a childhood trauma and are causing her to strike Murphy while they are sleeping.
Jessica and Murphy attend a family bar-b-que where investigative journalist Dallas Walker is describing a cold case she is investigating that is known as the Pine Bridge Massacre – a brutal killing of a family. Suddenly Jessica realizes that she witnessed the death of the young girl but has been suppressing the details.
Murphy and Jessica decide to take a second honeymoon at Pine Bridge to investigate the old murder. Dallas, a lanky, gorgeous red-headed Texan, will come in as a rich journalist to the fancy plantation resort on the other end to town.
Murphy gets to meet Jessica’s cousins, the nice ones and the decidedly not nice ones. The newlywed’s appearance in town immediately stirs up trouble especially when their dog digs out a half-buried skull near the old crime scene. Secrets begin to unravel and there are some very unhappy, and dangerous murderers who want the Thornton’s out of town – one way or another.
This story moves along well as Ms. Carr weaves through the details of another mystery full of corruption and murder. It is fun to follow Jessica and Murphy as they uncover clues and speculate on the facts and motives. Murphy’s training gets him into a bit of trouble. I enjoyed the inclusion of the pets and a new ‘family’ character, a computer assistant named Nigel. The author includes some surprises and twists then neatly wraps up the loose ends.
This is the second mystery in the series and I enjoyed both. (See review of Kill and Run.) They are easy to follow with likeable characters whose interaction adds to the engaging storylines. I recommend this to readers who like a fast paced, light in tone (but not light in danger) mystery.
Audio Notes: C.J. McAllister does a nice job with the narration. The voices are given appropriate accents and tones and the pacing is handled to keep the characters distinct and the story moving. I enjoyed the listening experience which made this move more quickly for me.
I received this title through iReads Book Tours. My rating 4.25.
January 28, 2020
Have I mentioned how much I love Lauren Carr’s mysteries?? If I haven’t, let me say it again; I love Lauren Carr’s mysteries!
A Fine Year for Murder starts out with a bone chilling opening that sucks you in immediately.
I love that all the cast of characters are all linked in one way or another so that you never feel far from the other characters from previous books. While this story is more of a Murphy and Jessica story, we do get to catch up with Mac, Archie, Tristan and Nigel from previous stories.
I love a good “who done it” mystery and Lauren always provides a cast of shady characters that leaves you guessing until the very end and A Fine Year for Murder was no different.
We had a wide array of shady characters spanning 15 years to sift through to find the real killers and no matter how many Lauren Carr books I read; I still can never guess the real killer before the book reveals itself. (I have read quite a few Lauren Carr books and that statement is still true!)
While I had suspicions, I still didn’t figure it all out before Murphy and Jessica. Not to mention; one unsolved murder turns into several unsolved murders, which left me in a constant puzzled state of who could be linked to all of them, the motive, and how in the world it had been covered up for so long!
Lauren Carr is fast becoming one of my favorite mystery writers. Her stories are easily stand alone reads (but made much more fun when you read more than one!) that really pull you in; throw you in the middle of the case; and leave you guessing right along with the main characters.
A Fine Year for Murder starts out with a bone chilling opening that sucks you in immediately.
I love that all the cast of characters are all linked in one way or another so that you never feel far from the other characters from previous books. While this story is more of a Murphy and Jessica story, we do get to catch up with Mac, Archie, Tristan and Nigel from previous stories.
I love a good “who done it” mystery and Lauren always provides a cast of shady characters that leaves you guessing until the very end and A Fine Year for Murder was no different.
We had a wide array of shady characters spanning 15 years to sift through to find the real killers and no matter how many Lauren Carr books I read; I still can never guess the real killer before the book reveals itself. (I have read quite a few Lauren Carr books and that statement is still true!)
While I had suspicions, I still didn’t figure it all out before Murphy and Jessica. Not to mention; one unsolved murder turns into several unsolved murders, which left me in a constant puzzled state of who could be linked to all of them, the motive, and how in the world it had been covered up for so long!
Lauren Carr is fast becoming one of my favorite mystery writers. Her stories are easily stand alone reads (but made much more fun when you read more than one!) that really pull you in; throw you in the middle of the case; and leave you guessing right along with the main characters.
April 7, 2017
Audible Review:
A cozy mystery at its BEST! This book has strong characters with strong voices, which was blended perfectly with the quick plot and developing story. I felt like I was never really certain which way the story was going to go...which was awesome! I feel like listening to the book really allowed me to be part of the action, being there along side the characters. I have never read/listened to Carr before and I am certainly going to be diving into more of these wonderful character driven books.
A cozy mystery at its BEST! This book has strong characters with strong voices, which was blended perfectly with the quick plot and developing story. I felt like I was never really certain which way the story was going to go...which was awesome! I feel like listening to the book really allowed me to be part of the action, being there along side the characters. I have never read/listened to Carr before and I am certainly going to be diving into more of these wonderful character driven books.
April 4, 2022
A Fi n e Year For Murder
Talk about "it's complicated"! An entire family murdered. The original investigation botched. Finally, when the long dead body of the main suspect is found with bullet wounds in the head the investigation is reopened. Murder is plotted, embezzlement, attempted murders...repressed memories. Evil under the sun indeed. Re-read in march, 2017. A fine tale of wickedness, triple crosses, multiple murders, greed...evil. Read yet again in april 2022 and still held my interest.
Talk about "it's complicated"! An entire family murdered. The original investigation botched. Finally, when the long dead body of the main suspect is found with bullet wounds in the head the investigation is reopened. Murder is plotted, embezzlement, attempted murders...repressed memories. Evil under the sun indeed. Re-read in march, 2017. A fine tale of wickedness, triple crosses, multiple murders, greed...evil. Read yet again in april 2022 and still held my interest.
May 4, 2017
FIRST IMPRESSION:
I have read many books of Lauren Carr, and am familiar with her writing style and characters. When this book came as a review copy, I picked it up immediately because I am a fan of the writing and the series. The summary was promising, hinting at something more than the normal mysteries I was used to. I have noticed a different angle to all of Lauren's stories thus far, and this one seemed to have a deeper plot element too. The convergence of two different plot angles by a common person / thread seemed an exciting thing to look forward to. The cover lacked any features that would attract me, and I mention it in passing because I have previous experience with the author's writing and a cover would not be a deciding factor.
REVIEW:
The story captured my attention immediately. There is no other word for it. I had read some of Carr's previous works and loved them, and this is not an exception. Lauren Carr begins with the story of a marriage being disrupted by a strange behaviour. Jessica Faraday has demons in her subconscious that force her to behave abnormally when she rests her active mind at night. After a few instances of bearing through the random hits, Murphy wants to get to the bottom of it. Along comes the news of a baffling mystery that may answer their persisting questions about what troubles Jessica so much.
Both the story and the backstory are gripping. They are clearly written to engage the readers into the story and they do it perfectly. The book unravels quickly, getting directly into the plot without much of a description. On one side we see Jessica with a serious problem she cannot define or identify and the problem that might make her marriage sour. The helplessness and the subconscious hurt is captured well. On the other side we see a random case that might answer more than one persisting question, though not evident at first. Jessica as a character gained my respect in this book because of the way she was portrayed. More than the troubles she is in, how she faced them made me like her more.
The characterisation is the book's major plus. The emotions and the writing have been portrayed well too, and it is with some amount of regret that I finished this wonderful book. I wanted more of it, and that goes to say how gripping the plot and the execution were. There is nothing to say about the writing that I have not said already - Lauren Carr's writing is visual without being descriptive, witty without resorting to crude elements, and incredibly enjoyable in the humour angle even if the main picture is a thriller. Her characters stand in the readers' mind long after the book is finished and this I think is the success of the book and the writer.
Overall, the book is a page turner. Be it in dealing with how emotional trauma at a early age can affect someone even after they have grown up, and how sometimes not everything is what it seems, Lauren Carr merges amazing plot elements and weaves them into a story so fine that I barely put it down or read another book in parallel. Definitely a book to reckon.
WHAT I LIKED:
The story and the setting were both my favorites. I have no major complaints.
The book is a page turner from start to finish. There was never a dull moment.
I loved the characterisation and the identification of the root causes of seemingly superficial troubles.
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER:
The humor element (which is a trademark of the author) takes away the seriousness in some situations.
The cover could have been slightly better.
VERDICT:
Completely loved it! Yet another good one from Carr.
RATING: 4.5/5
I have read many books of Lauren Carr, and am familiar with her writing style and characters. When this book came as a review copy, I picked it up immediately because I am a fan of the writing and the series. The summary was promising, hinting at something more than the normal mysteries I was used to. I have noticed a different angle to all of Lauren's stories thus far, and this one seemed to have a deeper plot element too. The convergence of two different plot angles by a common person / thread seemed an exciting thing to look forward to. The cover lacked any features that would attract me, and I mention it in passing because I have previous experience with the author's writing and a cover would not be a deciding factor.
REVIEW:
The story captured my attention immediately. There is no other word for it. I had read some of Carr's previous works and loved them, and this is not an exception. Lauren Carr begins with the story of a marriage being disrupted by a strange behaviour. Jessica Faraday has demons in her subconscious that force her to behave abnormally when she rests her active mind at night. After a few instances of bearing through the random hits, Murphy wants to get to the bottom of it. Along comes the news of a baffling mystery that may answer their persisting questions about what troubles Jessica so much.
Both the story and the backstory are gripping. They are clearly written to engage the readers into the story and they do it perfectly. The book unravels quickly, getting directly into the plot without much of a description. On one side we see Jessica with a serious problem she cannot define or identify and the problem that might make her marriage sour. The helplessness and the subconscious hurt is captured well. On the other side we see a random case that might answer more than one persisting question, though not evident at first. Jessica as a character gained my respect in this book because of the way she was portrayed. More than the troubles she is in, how she faced them made me like her more.
The characterisation is the book's major plus. The emotions and the writing have been portrayed well too, and it is with some amount of regret that I finished this wonderful book. I wanted more of it, and that goes to say how gripping the plot and the execution were. There is nothing to say about the writing that I have not said already - Lauren Carr's writing is visual without being descriptive, witty without resorting to crude elements, and incredibly enjoyable in the humour angle even if the main picture is a thriller. Her characters stand in the readers' mind long after the book is finished and this I think is the success of the book and the writer.
Overall, the book is a page turner. Be it in dealing with how emotional trauma at a early age can affect someone even after they have grown up, and how sometimes not everything is what it seems, Lauren Carr merges amazing plot elements and weaves them into a story so fine that I barely put it down or read another book in parallel. Definitely a book to reckon.
WHAT I LIKED:
The story and the setting were both my favorites. I have no major complaints.
The book is a page turner from start to finish. There was never a dull moment.
I loved the characterisation and the identification of the root causes of seemingly superficial troubles.
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER:
The humor element (which is a trademark of the author) takes away the seriousness in some situations.
The cover could have been slightly better.
VERDICT:
Completely loved it! Yet another good one from Carr.
RATING: 4.5/5
May 14, 2020
4.5 stars
Nightmares or even normal dreams can tell a lot about a person, especially if they seem to be repetitive as in Jessica’s case. The fact that she strikes out at Murphy meant more to him than her at first but I was glad that he didn’t just dismiss what was happening. When they learn from investigative journalist Dallas Walker what might be the root of Jessica’s night terrors, finding out if she really did witness the murders becomes paramount and off they go with the unusual Dallas to do some after-the-fact sleuthing.
Jessica and Murphy visit her ultra-wealthy father, Mac Faraday, and it was a real pleasure to me to spend time with Mac and other family members and friends along with assorted pets that steal the show every time they step on the page. I hesitate to choose favorites because each one is wonderful but I do lean towards tv-obsessed couch potato Newman, Murphy’s Basset hound mix, and Mac’s German shepherd, Gnarly, at least this time. Added to the lighter side of things is the introduction of Nigel, Jessica’s and Murphy’s virtual butler, who is developing an attitude.
The extended Faraday-Thornton family has connections to the Riva family that owns the winery where the killing occurred and that’s why the young Jessica was there to see the teenaged Ava be so brutally murdered. The fact that she repressed the memories all these years isn’t at all surprising; the question is can she remember enough to help Sheriff Tim Taylor clear his friend’s name since it’s now clear to him, from a new discovery, that Curt Browning didn’t kill his sister, father and grandmother. To make things more difficult, there is a plethora of possible perpetrators and motives to muck it up, not to mention more unsolved crimes.
Jessica is no frail damsel in distress and she’s unafraid, if leery, to learn the truth about that frightening night. With a set of great characters by her side –or not– she will confront her demons and get to the facts. The reader who is not so familiar yet with these people will learn a lot about them in A Fine Year for Murder. Adding to that pleasure and a fascinating story, C.J. McAllister does a fine job with the narration and helps the listener distinguish between the players with little difficulty. I do want to mention that, although this is a pretty “clean” read, there are some very bad people and violent scenes that make this what I would call a traditional mystery, not a cozy unless you want to label it as cozy noir.
Next up, Murder by Perfection, and I can barely wait to get started 😉
Nightmares or even normal dreams can tell a lot about a person, especially if they seem to be repetitive as in Jessica’s case. The fact that she strikes out at Murphy meant more to him than her at first but I was glad that he didn’t just dismiss what was happening. When they learn from investigative journalist Dallas Walker what might be the root of Jessica’s night terrors, finding out if she really did witness the murders becomes paramount and off they go with the unusual Dallas to do some after-the-fact sleuthing.
Jessica and Murphy visit her ultra-wealthy father, Mac Faraday, and it was a real pleasure to me to spend time with Mac and other family members and friends along with assorted pets that steal the show every time they step on the page. I hesitate to choose favorites because each one is wonderful but I do lean towards tv-obsessed couch potato Newman, Murphy’s Basset hound mix, and Mac’s German shepherd, Gnarly, at least this time. Added to the lighter side of things is the introduction of Nigel, Jessica’s and Murphy’s virtual butler, who is developing an attitude.
The extended Faraday-Thornton family has connections to the Riva family that owns the winery where the killing occurred and that’s why the young Jessica was there to see the teenaged Ava be so brutally murdered. The fact that she repressed the memories all these years isn’t at all surprising; the question is can she remember enough to help Sheriff Tim Taylor clear his friend’s name since it’s now clear to him, from a new discovery, that Curt Browning didn’t kill his sister, father and grandmother. To make things more difficult, there is a plethora of possible perpetrators and motives to muck it up, not to mention more unsolved crimes.
Jessica is no frail damsel in distress and she’s unafraid, if leery, to learn the truth about that frightening night. With a set of great characters by her side –or not– she will confront her demons and get to the facts. The reader who is not so familiar yet with these people will learn a lot about them in A Fine Year for Murder. Adding to that pleasure and a fascinating story, C.J. McAllister does a fine job with the narration and helps the listener distinguish between the players with little difficulty. I do want to mention that, although this is a pretty “clean” read, there are some very bad people and violent scenes that make this what I would call a traditional mystery, not a cozy unless you want to label it as cozy noir.
Next up, Murder by Perfection, and I can barely wait to get started 😉
July 24, 2017
( Format : Audiobook )
"Idle hands, the Devil's playground."
Recently married bliss of Jessica and Murphy Thornton is sometimes disturbed by her nightmares, so intense that she physically attacks her husband. Realising that the cause might like in her having witnessed a fifteen years old massacre of a family when on holiday as a child of ten, Jessica, Murphy, dog, and a journalist reporter, possibly soon to become another member of the wealthy extended family, decide to return to the small town where it all happened, Pine ridge in Virginia. The murders - grandmother, father and a teenage girl named Ava - had never been solved, the prime suspect, the son, alibied by a girlfriend, having himself disappeared shortly afterwards.
And slowly Jessica's memory of that time returns ...
This is a superbly written book, which might initially seem to be a simple horror thriller but emerges to be far more than that. Nothing 'simple' here. The characterisations of the main protagonist, including a couple of dogs, is cleverly insinuated. Conversation is realistic, sometimes trivial and away from the plot itself, just like real life. There is a large cast, both in the small town but also in the family left behind, including the lazy, fat Bassett hound, Newman, and the house security, housekeeper cum research assistant AI Nigel and his inventor, brother Tristan. The whole is a convoluted mystery thriller and very amusing as situations develope, extend and unravel. Not just one mystery here - there are several and each laps against the next. This really is a plot of many parts which keeps the reader guessing, gasping and, often, giggling. Not quite the usual horror thriller but never over the top comedy, either. Great combination.
Narrator C.J.McAllister adds to the fun with a great reading, pace perfect to the story and with good individual and easily recognisable voicings of the characters. His conversations are natural, the people living, real. I especially enjoyed his performance as Nigel.
Altogether, a different and very enjoyable book and I will definitely be looking out for others written by Lauren Carr or narrated by C.J.McAllister. Recommended especially to all who don't mind losing the plot sometimes. My thanks to the rights holder of A Fine Year for Murder, who generously and freely gifted me a copy without any expectations of return, via Audiobook Boom. It surprised me and I loved it.
"Idle hands, the Devil's playground."
Recently married bliss of Jessica and Murphy Thornton is sometimes disturbed by her nightmares, so intense that she physically attacks her husband. Realising that the cause might like in her having witnessed a fifteen years old massacre of a family when on holiday as a child of ten, Jessica, Murphy, dog, and a journalist reporter, possibly soon to become another member of the wealthy extended family, decide to return to the small town where it all happened, Pine ridge in Virginia. The murders - grandmother, father and a teenage girl named Ava - had never been solved, the prime suspect, the son, alibied by a girlfriend, having himself disappeared shortly afterwards.
And slowly Jessica's memory of that time returns ...
This is a superbly written book, which might initially seem to be a simple horror thriller but emerges to be far more than that. Nothing 'simple' here. The characterisations of the main protagonist, including a couple of dogs, is cleverly insinuated. Conversation is realistic, sometimes trivial and away from the plot itself, just like real life. There is a large cast, both in the small town but also in the family left behind, including the lazy, fat Bassett hound, Newman, and the house security, housekeeper cum research assistant AI Nigel and his inventor, brother Tristan. The whole is a convoluted mystery thriller and very amusing as situations develope, extend and unravel. Not just one mystery here - there are several and each laps against the next. This really is a plot of many parts which keeps the reader guessing, gasping and, often, giggling. Not quite the usual horror thriller but never over the top comedy, either. Great combination.
Narrator C.J.McAllister adds to the fun with a great reading, pace perfect to the story and with good individual and easily recognisable voicings of the characters. His conversations are natural, the people living, real. I especially enjoyed his performance as Nigel.
Altogether, a different and very enjoyable book and I will definitely be looking out for others written by Lauren Carr or narrated by C.J.McAllister. Recommended especially to all who don't mind losing the plot sometimes. My thanks to the rights holder of A Fine Year for Murder, who generously and freely gifted me a copy without any expectations of return, via Audiobook Boom. It surprised me and I loved it.
June 1, 2022
Not only is the character a manipulator but the author is also a master manipulator of the plot, keeping the listener hooked with all the twist and turns the story takes and I just loved it. This is book two in the series and although you don't need to listen or read the books in order, I would recommend that what ever order you listen to them in that you just listen to them, they are that good. This book focuses more on Jessica's family history but that doesn't mean the author skimps on the action or humour. This book doesn't contain as many of the extended family as the first book (characters from some of the authors others series, which are worth a listen also) but with so much going on and Jessica and Murphy's character development they weren't really missed. The characters that did make it were wonderful and had me laughing out loud, such as the couch potato dog, the computer butler and the Texan journalist. The mystery was interesting and took a lot of different directions that I was kept guessing what what was going to happen next throughout the whole book. This author has definitely jumped up to if not the top then very close to my favourite author list.
Jessica perfect life is distributed by nightmares that have her lashing out and hitting her husband while she is sleeping. Did she witness something during her childhood that she is unconsciously trying to remember? Dallas investigative reporter new story has the three of them returning to her childhood memories and her father's adopted family home. A family was brutally wiped out one summer evening and as Jessica memories come back to her, she realises her ten year old self was a witness along with her cousins. The more she learns the more she wonders did she ever really knew the people she called family. With Murphy and Dallas by her side can they uncover the hidden secret of what really happened that night?
I liked the narrator and thought he really help to bring the characters to life in my mind, I especially liked the void he used to voice the computer butler.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Jessica perfect life is distributed by nightmares that have her lashing out and hitting her husband while she is sleeping. Did she witness something during her childhood that she is unconsciously trying to remember? Dallas investigative reporter new story has the three of them returning to her childhood memories and her father's adopted family home. A family was brutally wiped out one summer evening and as Jessica memories come back to her, she realises her ten year old self was a witness along with her cousins. The more she learns the more she wonders did she ever really knew the people she called family. With Murphy and Dallas by her side can they uncover the hidden secret of what really happened that night?
I liked the narrator and thought he really help to bring the characters to life in my mind, I especially liked the void he used to voice the computer butler.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
May 20, 2020
A Fine Year for Murder
A Thorny Rose Mystery #2
By Lauren Carr
Read by C.J. McAllister
Jessica Faraday is perfectly happy with her marriage except for her nightmares. Unfortunately for her husband Murphy Thornton, Jessica's nightmares cause her to lash out as if in a fight for her life.
During a visit with her father, Jessica and Murphy discover the root of Jessica's nightmares. She was a witness to a brutal murder fifteen years before. At ten-years-old Jessica somehow blocked all memory of what she observed and only in sleep did she have any recollection.
To get to the truth and save her marriage Jessica, Murphy, and Dallas Walker must travel to Pine Bridge and uncover what has been hidden for years. They just have to deal with Jessica's somewhat wacky family (not by blood though) first.
As they work through the few facts they have they find themselves facing danger. Will they survive their search for the truth or will they become another casualty to Pine Bridge?
A Fine Year for Murder is the second book in the Thorny Rose Mystery series and it is as intense as the first book Kill and Run. This is not a cozy mystery or a gentle read and is most definitely in the PG category for violence and suggestive scenes. But if your taste in books runs towards mystery, suspense, and murder you will devour this book! There are suspects aplenty and motives abound it is just a question of who most wanted the Browning's dead. The narration is well presented by C.J. McAllister. There is no drag and it progresses at a good pace for the 10+hour reading, good for a long commute or just eye-resting listening enjoyment.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
A Thorny Rose Mystery #2
By Lauren Carr
Read by C.J. McAllister
Jessica Faraday is perfectly happy with her marriage except for her nightmares. Unfortunately for her husband Murphy Thornton, Jessica's nightmares cause her to lash out as if in a fight for her life.
During a visit with her father, Jessica and Murphy discover the root of Jessica's nightmares. She was a witness to a brutal murder fifteen years before. At ten-years-old Jessica somehow blocked all memory of what she observed and only in sleep did she have any recollection.
To get to the truth and save her marriage Jessica, Murphy, and Dallas Walker must travel to Pine Bridge and uncover what has been hidden for years. They just have to deal with Jessica's somewhat wacky family (not by blood though) first.
As they work through the few facts they have they find themselves facing danger. Will they survive their search for the truth or will they become another casualty to Pine Bridge?
A Fine Year for Murder is the second book in the Thorny Rose Mystery series and it is as intense as the first book Kill and Run. This is not a cozy mystery or a gentle read and is most definitely in the PG category for violence and suggestive scenes. But if your taste in books runs towards mystery, suspense, and murder you will devour this book! There are suspects aplenty and motives abound it is just a question of who most wanted the Browning's dead. The narration is well presented by C.J. McAllister. There is no drag and it progresses at a good pace for the 10+hour reading, good for a long commute or just eye-resting listening enjoyment.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
March 1, 2017
It’s hard for me to resist the promise of a good mystery, and this one contains many appealing elements: community secrets, family dysfunctions, a pretty East Coast setting, with an interesting potpourri of characters — all part of a most atypical blended family — as the detective team. Another big plus to me is that this mystery is relatively clean.
As mysteries go, this one seemed a bit slow in taking off — in part because it took so long to introduce the large cast of characters. Though I’ve not read many of her previous books, it appears this series joins together the characters from the author’s other series as well. Which is fun — just a little tricky to keep organized at first. But I eventually got it all sorted, and the plot is appropriately twisty. The main thing to take the story to a higher level would be adding greater depth to the characters. They all felt very familiar, though they’re likable enough (when meant to be).
I have enjoyed other Lauren Carr mysteries as audiobooks, and while I experienced this one as a reader and not a listener, I kept hearing a narrator’s voice in my head. Somehow, it feels like Carr’s books are meant to be listened to, so you may want to try this one in audio form.
Altogether, A Fine Year for Murder makes a fine choice for mystery lovers and wine lovers alike.
Thanks to iRead Book Tours for providing me this book free of charge. All opinions are mine.
As mysteries go, this one seemed a bit slow in taking off — in part because it took so long to introduce the large cast of characters. Though I’ve not read many of her previous books, it appears this series joins together the characters from the author’s other series as well. Which is fun — just a little tricky to keep organized at first. But I eventually got it all sorted, and the plot is appropriately twisty. The main thing to take the story to a higher level would be adding greater depth to the characters. They all felt very familiar, though they’re likable enough (when meant to be).
I have enjoyed other Lauren Carr mysteries as audiobooks, and while I experienced this one as a reader and not a listener, I kept hearing a narrator’s voice in my head. Somehow, it feels like Carr’s books are meant to be listened to, so you may want to try this one in audio form.
Altogether, A Fine Year for Murder makes a fine choice for mystery lovers and wine lovers alike.
Thanks to iRead Book Tours for providing me this book free of charge. All opinions are mine.
February 13, 2020
A Fine Year for Murder continues Lauren Carr’s Thorny Rose Mysteries. Readers are caught up with the married couple, Jessica Faraday and Murphy Thornton. All is great between the two, except at night when Jessica’s past haunts her and start lashing out. When she hears about the Pine Bridge Massacre from journalist Dallas Walker, she realizes that she may have witnessed it when it happened. She and Murphy team up with Dallas to start their own investigation to see if they are able to solve the crime. Will Jessica be able to help solve the mystery and get rid of her nightmares?
A Fine Year for Murder is a great entertainment from start to finish. I enjoy Miss Carr’s humor in her books. I love how she makes the pets as supporting characters. The antics of the dogs makes me laugh out loud every single time. I found the mystery and suspense great. I would have never predicted how it all ended. Murphy and Jessica make a perfect team. I found this to be a quick read that I had read in one day. It was hard for me to put down, so I continued to read it until I finished the whole book.
A Fine Year for Murder will be getting four and a half stars from me. I highly recommend the read for readers who enjoy an unpredictable and light mystery. I am ready to read the third book from the Thorny Rose Mysteries series, Murder by Perfection.
I received the book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
A Fine Year for Murder is a great entertainment from start to finish. I enjoy Miss Carr’s humor in her books. I love how she makes the pets as supporting characters. The antics of the dogs makes me laugh out loud every single time. I found the mystery and suspense great. I would have never predicted how it all ended. Murphy and Jessica make a perfect team. I found this to be a quick read that I had read in one day. It was hard for me to put down, so I continued to read it until I finished the whole book.
A Fine Year for Murder will be getting four and a half stars from me. I highly recommend the read for readers who enjoy an unpredictable and light mystery. I am ready to read the third book from the Thorny Rose Mysteries series, Murder by Perfection.
I received the book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
March 18, 2017
I enjoyed the first book in this series and I’ve been following Lauren’s Mac Faraday series too. It’s fun to have the character’s cross back in forth in both of them.
This story focuses on Jessica Faraday and Murphy Thornton, recently married and getting used to life together.
Jessica is having a recurring nightmare, like a night terror, and they decide the only way to rid her of them is to revisit the scene from whence they come, a horrible crime from her youth. Several people were brutally murdered in Pine Bridge and she had spent the summer there at her relative’s inn.
Jessica and Murphy, along with their dog, Spencer/Candi, arrive at the inn and start to sniff out clues. The deeper they dig, the more dangerous it becomes as bullets fly from in and from all directions.
Boy, this is one tangled up bunch of shenanigans. There’s lots going on and plenty of suspects. I really didn’t know who was guilty of what until right near the end. That’s always a good thing for me.
And, as usual, Lauren drips beloved characters from past stories into this one, just like I’d hope. Bumping into them is always fun, as they stay in my mind from earlier adventures.
I also enjoy the non human characters, of which there are many. Lots of critters romp through all Lauren’s books. One in particular I was hoping to meet again. Monica. She made an appearance. Did she ever.
And I met a new character that quickly became another favorite. Nigel. He’s not a breathing entity. He’s Jessica’s and Murphy’s virtual butler, designed by her brother, Tristan. Nigel comes in very handy with his ability to go anywhere on the internet, plucking out info no one else can. Fun occurs when he starts to become a bit big for his britches.
Another fun, convoluted mystery from a talented author. I’ll always be waiting for the next one.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
This story focuses on Jessica Faraday and Murphy Thornton, recently married and getting used to life together.
Jessica is having a recurring nightmare, like a night terror, and they decide the only way to rid her of them is to revisit the scene from whence they come, a horrible crime from her youth. Several people were brutally murdered in Pine Bridge and she had spent the summer there at her relative’s inn.
Jessica and Murphy, along with their dog, Spencer/Candi, arrive at the inn and start to sniff out clues. The deeper they dig, the more dangerous it becomes as bullets fly from in and from all directions.
Boy, this is one tangled up bunch of shenanigans. There’s lots going on and plenty of suspects. I really didn’t know who was guilty of what until right near the end. That’s always a good thing for me.
And, as usual, Lauren drips beloved characters from past stories into this one, just like I’d hope. Bumping into them is always fun, as they stay in my mind from earlier adventures.
I also enjoy the non human characters, of which there are many. Lots of critters romp through all Lauren’s books. One in particular I was hoping to meet again. Monica. She made an appearance. Did she ever.
And I met a new character that quickly became another favorite. Nigel. He’s not a breathing entity. He’s Jessica’s and Murphy’s virtual butler, designed by her brother, Tristan. Nigel comes in very handy with his ability to go anywhere on the internet, plucking out info no one else can. Fun occurs when he starts to become a bit big for his britches.
Another fun, convoluted mystery from a talented author. I’ll always be waiting for the next one.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
July 4, 2017
This is another audiobook that is a hit! Lauren Carr’s mysteries are perfect to listen to. I couldn’t wait to get into my car to listen to more!
The narrator did such a great job. Most of the time, the narrator is the biggest turnoff for me. There have books in the past that have received stellar reviews, and I thought it was just okay, due to the narration. C.J. McAllister did a superb job.
In this book, Jessica’s past is explored. She has been having night terrors, and has decided to get to the bottom of them once and for all. She remembers bits and pieces of a murder that occurred when she was just a child. Murphy and her take a little vacation back to the scene of the crime, and discover secrets the little town of Pine Bridge never wanted discovered.
I love reading about Jessica and Murphy, and enjoyed learning more about them. Their chemistry is strong, and I found myself laughing at their interactions.
I loved this book and was sad when it ended. I only hope the author continues the Thorny Rose series so I can read more about Jessica and Murphy.
The narrator did such a great job. Most of the time, the narrator is the biggest turnoff for me. There have books in the past that have received stellar reviews, and I thought it was just okay, due to the narration. C.J. McAllister did a superb job.
In this book, Jessica’s past is explored. She has been having night terrors, and has decided to get to the bottom of them once and for all. She remembers bits and pieces of a murder that occurred when she was just a child. Murphy and her take a little vacation back to the scene of the crime, and discover secrets the little town of Pine Bridge never wanted discovered.
I love reading about Jessica and Murphy, and enjoyed learning more about them. Their chemistry is strong, and I found myself laughing at their interactions.
I loved this book and was sad when it ended. I only hope the author continues the Thorny Rose series so I can read more about Jessica and Murphy.
March 26, 2017
The second book in this exciting new series introduced me to several new characters from Lauren Carr's limitless imagination. Even my spouse was chuckling over a smart house with attitude.
Ever since she gave her new husband a black eye, sleeping with Jessica Faraday Thornton has been an adventure for Murphy Thornton. While looking forward to a mini vacation, the newly wed couple find themselves drawn into a mystery with unexpected ties to Jessica's past. Could this have marital benefits as well?
Combining family secrets, a ghost story and unexpected meetings, as well as trying to preserve national secret connections, life for these blended families will never be dull. Even being financially well off doesn't guarantee a relaxing vacation. I don't see the complications ending soon for this new series.
I listened to the audiobook version and as the story progresses, my admiration for narrator C.J. McAllister continued to grow.
Ever since she gave her new husband a black eye, sleeping with Jessica Faraday Thornton has been an adventure for Murphy Thornton. While looking forward to a mini vacation, the newly wed couple find themselves drawn into a mystery with unexpected ties to Jessica's past. Could this have marital benefits as well?
Combining family secrets, a ghost story and unexpected meetings, as well as trying to preserve national secret connections, life for these blended families will never be dull. Even being financially well off doesn't guarantee a relaxing vacation. I don't see the complications ending soon for this new series.
I listened to the audiobook version and as the story progresses, my admiration for narrator C.J. McAllister continued to grow.
October 6, 2022
This is book two from the Thorny Rose Mystery series.
In this book Jessica Farraday (daughter of Mac Faraday) and her husband Murphy Thornton head for Southern Virginia to investigate the murders that took place 15 years ago. Jessica was there and repressed her memory of the night when her cousin Ava Browning, her father James Browning, and her grandmother Patricia Browning were murdered. Jessica has nightmares about the event and attacks Murphy in her sleep.
Jessica and Murphy get help from an investigative reporter, Dallas Walker, who is the girlfriend of David O'Callaghan, the Spencer police chief and half-brother of Mac Farraday. Yes, the connections are somewhat complicated, as is the mystery that is investigated, but Carr has a Cast of Characters index in the front of the book which helps to keep everyone straight.
Lots of twists and turns which I enjoy. A very complex plot but a fun read. Find the time to read it in big chunks though.
In this book Jessica Farraday (daughter of Mac Faraday) and her husband Murphy Thornton head for Southern Virginia to investigate the murders that took place 15 years ago. Jessica was there and repressed her memory of the night when her cousin Ava Browning, her father James Browning, and her grandmother Patricia Browning were murdered. Jessica has nightmares about the event and attacks Murphy in her sleep.
Jessica and Murphy get help from an investigative reporter, Dallas Walker, who is the girlfriend of David O'Callaghan, the Spencer police chief and half-brother of Mac Farraday. Yes, the connections are somewhat complicated, as is the mystery that is investigated, but Carr has a Cast of Characters index in the front of the book which helps to keep everyone straight.
Lots of twists and turns which I enjoy. A very complex plot but a fun read. Find the time to read it in big chunks though.
March 23, 2017
FTC: I received a free copy of this book from iRead Book Tours in exchange for my honest review. I received no other compensation and the opinions expressed in this review are one hundred percent true and my own.
A Fine Year for Murder by Lauren Carr was an okay book. I don’t think I have ever mentioned in any of the reviews that I have written about Lauren Carr’s books but I love that she puts a list of characters at the start of the book so that if you haven’t read other books by her you will still know how each of the characters are related. I also loved that in this book I got to see a little bit of Gnarly because he is my favorite character in every one of the books that he shows up in. This wasn’t my favorite book that she has written, but it wasn’t so bad that it would make me not want to read the next book that she writes. If you love mystery books that aren’t over graphic and that are pretty fast paced than I would recommend any of her books to you.
A Fine Year for Murder by Lauren Carr was an okay book. I don’t think I have ever mentioned in any of the reviews that I have written about Lauren Carr’s books but I love that she puts a list of characters at the start of the book so that if you haven’t read other books by her you will still know how each of the characters are related. I also loved that in this book I got to see a little bit of Gnarly because he is my favorite character in every one of the books that he shows up in. This wasn’t my favorite book that she has written, but it wasn’t so bad that it would make me not want to read the next book that she writes. If you love mystery books that aren’t over graphic and that are pretty fast paced than I would recommend any of her books to you.
March 25, 2017
I had the honor of being able to read and review the first book in this series, Kill and Run .
This developing series can be read as a stand a lone, but I would suggest reading it as a series.
Poor Jessica is having nightmares that her husband is suffering from along side her...until an investigative journalist (Dallas Walker) helps her discover the root of the nightmares and doesn't stop helping her or letting her stop until all questions are answered.
This is a pull-at-your-heart-strings kind of story that is full of intrigue, twists, compassion, and mystery. Just like the first book, I could not put this down! I am impatiently waiting for the third!
For my full review, go to:
http://bookjunkiemom.blogspot.com/201...
This developing series can be read as a stand a lone, but I would suggest reading it as a series.
Poor Jessica is having nightmares that her husband is suffering from along side her...until an investigative journalist (Dallas Walker) helps her discover the root of the nightmares and doesn't stop helping her or letting her stop until all questions are answered.
This is a pull-at-your-heart-strings kind of story that is full of intrigue, twists, compassion, and mystery. Just like the first book, I could not put this down! I am impatiently waiting for the third!
For my full review, go to:
http://bookjunkiemom.blogspot.com/201...
February 23, 2017
Definitely a murderous tale
Just a great novel. It nicely fits into all the others even though this is really number two of the series, Thorny Rose. One feels like these characters are friends and the more we read about them the more we know and like them.
There are murders and murders and more murders and who did what for what reason will be answered. Jessica decides she really does not like her dad's adoptive family, you will find out why after reading this family murder mystery.
Just a great novel. It nicely fits into all the others even though this is really number two of the series, Thorny Rose. One feels like these characters are friends and the more we read about them the more we know and like them.
There are murders and murders and more murders and who did what for what reason will be answered. Jessica decides she really does not like her dad's adoptive family, you will find out why after reading this family murder mystery.
March 13, 2017
It's always a great day when I receive a new title from one of my fav authors - Lauren Carr. That is followed by a sigh when I curl up, consume it in one day and then have to wait patiently for her next book to come out. A Fine Year for Murder ws no exception.
Carr has several mystery series she adds to regularly. This title is the second offering in A Thorny Rose Mystery - a spin off from her wildly popular Mac Faraday series - following the lives and adventures of Jessica Faraday (Mac Faraday's daughter) and her husband Murphy Thornton.
This storyline offers a truly unique premise that took me by surprise. While set in current times, the plot is inspired by an event buried in Jessica's past - one she doesn't even remember. We get hints here and there. A small girl running in fear. Another murdered. How do these memories fit into current times?
As investigative journalist talks about an old case she is looking into called the Pine Bridge Massacre during a dinner party, it stirs up old memories. Jessica was in the area at the time of the murder and called her dad to bring her home the morning after. Mac suddenly realizes that the story Jessica gave him at the time didn't add up with the facts.
Hit with the realization that her memories of that time are off, and struggling with increasingly dark nightmares, Jessica and her husband Murphy head back to the scene of the crime. It's time to figure out what really happened that day. Slowly her memories reappear, but it's not without danger for them both.
Will Jessica finally remember what really happened that day? Will those memories help bring a cold blooded killer to justice? Only time will tell.
Carr has several mystery series she adds to regularly. This title is the second offering in A Thorny Rose Mystery - a spin off from her wildly popular Mac Faraday series - following the lives and adventures of Jessica Faraday (Mac Faraday's daughter) and her husband Murphy Thornton.
This storyline offers a truly unique premise that took me by surprise. While set in current times, the plot is inspired by an event buried in Jessica's past - one she doesn't even remember. We get hints here and there. A small girl running in fear. Another murdered. How do these memories fit into current times?
As investigative journalist talks about an old case she is looking into called the Pine Bridge Massacre during a dinner party, it stirs up old memories. Jessica was in the area at the time of the murder and called her dad to bring her home the morning after. Mac suddenly realizes that the story Jessica gave him at the time didn't add up with the facts.
Hit with the realization that her memories of that time are off, and struggling with increasingly dark nightmares, Jessica and her husband Murphy head back to the scene of the crime. It's time to figure out what really happened that day. Slowly her memories reappear, but it's not without danger for them both.
Will Jessica finally remember what really happened that day? Will those memories help bring a cold blooded killer to justice? Only time will tell.
December 27, 2022
this is some vacation!
Jessica’s nightmares have become dangerous…to the point of her attacking Murphy in her sleep. The pair decide to investigate the brutal slaying of a family whom 10yo Jess and pseudo cousins were visiting. The investigation of the 15yo murders turns up more than imagined.
Jessica’s nightmares have become dangerous…to the point of her attacking Murphy in her sleep. The pair decide to investigate the brutal slaying of a family whom 10yo Jess and pseudo cousins were visiting. The investigation of the 15yo murders turns up more than imagined.
February 5, 2017
A Fine Year for Murder
This is another great Lauren Carr mystery. I have read every one of her books and they are the best. She is the best mystery writer . I highly recommend anyone of her books. They are the best.
This is another great Lauren Carr mystery. I have read every one of her books and they are the best. She is the best mystery writer . I highly recommend anyone of her books. They are the best.
May 4, 2017
3.5/5.0
“A Fine Year for Murder” is a twisting turning story full of suspense, lies, love and murder.
Read full review in the 2017 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
“A Fine Year for Murder” is a twisting turning story full of suspense, lies, love and murder.
Read full review in the 2017 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
June 10, 2017
Loved it!
This is a great series with memorable characters and very involved plots! It is always great to visit the characters, but this one deals with the younger generation and they see life a bit differently. This is a really enjoyable read! Lauren Carr: write faster!!
This is a great series with memorable characters and very involved plots! It is always great to visit the characters, but this one deals with the younger generation and they see life a bit differently. This is a really enjoyable read! Lauren Carr: write faster!!
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