It's Murder, My Son

Inheritance always comes at a price. It's Murder, My Son tells the story of Mac Faraday, who is faced with a
major inheritance he never knew about. A retired cop, he takes his inheritance as a cue to look for the truth and finds more than enough suspicious events to put the retired cop on edge. An exciting mystery with plenty of intriguing and enigmatic characters, It's Murder, My Son is not a read that should be missed for mystery fans. Reviewer: Margaret Lane, Midwest Book Reviews

First Comes Fame & Fortune, Then Comes Murder

In It's Murder, My Son, Lauren Carr has provided a complex plot with a diversity of characters that blend so well with the mystery. Lauren's dialogue is brisk, her setting beautiful and the addition of Gnarly is very clever. As I did, readers will love this overly intelligent dog and his antics. It's Murder, My Son is a delightful read and I look forward to more of Carr's Mac Faraday mysteries. Reviewer: Connie Gregory, Connie's Reviews

A Top-Rate Whodunit, Plus An Entertaining Cast

It's Murder, My Son is an enjoyable amusing murder mystery starring a likable cast and a few avaricious nasties. The story line is lighthearted fun as Gnarly brings jocularity to the mix while every time Mac and Archie try to kiss they are interrupted. The whodunit is top rate, but the entertaining plot belongs to Mac and friends and family as he leads the inquiry into the death of the next door neighbor. Reviewer: Harriet Klausner
Amazon.com #1 Reviewer

A Murder Mystery Among The Wealthy

From the beginning moments of this exciting mystery, I felt a connection with each of the characters as they were introduced. Who doesn't dream of inheriting millions from someone-anyone? To discover an unknown birth mother who is famous and rich must be everyone's dream.

But even if you're one of those people who doesn't dream of riches, imagine yourself plunged right into the midst of a murder mystery, almost before you unpack your bags. If you're a former police detective, accustomed to solving murder mysteries, you might just believe you've landed in an exciting land of adventure-one that really gets your juices flowing.

As I rapidly turned the pages, I was constantly trying to figure out who did what, and also wondering about the motives. Uncovering the motives was a gradual revelation, which is how I like my mysteries to unfold. With a whole canvas of possible suspects to examine, I kept busy trying to figure things out until the very end.

A mystery story that focuses on mystery writers is an intriguing twist, which I enjoyed. What writer doesn't love reading about other writers? In the midst of all this mystery, a little romance tugs away at our main hero; in the end, he just might get the girl of his dreams.

So who among the residents of this very high-end community might have killed Katrina? And how did the killer access her home without triggering the alarms? What other residents are keeping very big secrets, especially secrets that could totally destroy their lives? And what role does a German shepherd named Gnarly play in the story, and how does he help bring evidence to light?

These and other questions intrigued me and kept me reading late into the night. I give It's Murder, My Son (Mac Faraday Mysteries) five stars...I'd award more if I could. Reviewer: Laurel-Rain Snow, Laurel-Rain Snow's Creative Moments

It's Murder, My Son-Gnarly Steals More Than Food

If you love dogs (and who doesn't?), you're going to love Gnarly. Just as handsome as, and certainly smarter than, some of the characters in It's Murder, My Son, this German shepherd steals most of the scenes while stealing a lot of the food.

Mac Faraday inherits Gnarly, as well as millions of dollars and a very spiffy manor, when Mac's mother, Robin, a woman he met only a couple of times, dies and leaves it all to him, her only son. With the manor came a lot of baggage, some wanted, and some...not so much. Among the wanted; Archie, Robin's very lovely and capable assistant; and David, a half-brother Mac never knew he had. Among the not-so-wanted; a dodgy police chief; a pair of nasty neighbors; and two authors, one devious and the other, eventually, dead.

Using the journal his mother left him as a reference and utilizing his past skills as a detective, Mac and his team of Archie, David and Gnarly, begin an intriguing and complex investigation into old accidents and new murders. The dialogue flows easily and the characters, both good and bad, are believable and well-written. Reviewer: Amanda Capper, The GenReView

It's Murder, My Son-Great New Series

Everybody by now knows that I thoroughly enjoy series, so it's no surprise that It's Murder, My Son gets a high recommendation from me! But first the storyline and characters have to have grabbed me! And they did!

Lauren Carr has won a new fan with her first book. It will be fun to see what Mac and Archie face in the next Mac Faraday Mystery and to once again hear Mac shout, "I'm going to kill you Gnarly!" Gnarly and I both know he doesn't mean it...Gnarly is just on the job... A Mystery Lover Must-Read in my opinion! Reviewer: Glenda Bixler
Book Reader's Heaven

Great New Addition to Mystery Genre

The story takes hold immediately and the reader quickly identifies with Mac. The plot is well done without being overplotted. There are just enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. The climatic confrontation with the killer is good and the wrap up leaves you laughing and feeling good. The writing style is easy and draws the reader in effortlessly. I am looking forward to the next installment! Reviewer: Ariel Heart
Mystery and My Musings Review

Carr is an exceptional writer, keeping the reader glued to the pages as her murder mystery unfolds. I was drawn into the story from the very first page as it jumps directly into the action with Katrina's murder. What I really enjoyed about this novel, aside from the thrill and suspense it created, is that Carr created every character with a purpose. There are no space filling characters within the novel at all; each person somehow connects back to the murder in some way and plays a vital role in figuring out the truth behind the many murders that ensue throughout the novel.

I really enjoyed the character of Mac Faraday. Faraday, having come into millions of dollars, is thrust into the midst of a rich life, yet he doesn't allow such extravagances to go to his head. He is an extremely likable character with a nose for detective work, refusing to give up, even when it seems the trail has run cold.

Even Gnarly, Faraday's inherited German shepherd, plays an important role within the story, which surprised me as I hadn't realized his importance within the novel prior to certain events that unfold within the story. Carr's ability to tightly knit together her characters and storyline, along with love, betrayal, mystery, and intrigue, is a testament to her sheer writing capabilities.

Carr not only kept my attention throughout the entire novel, but also kept me guessing the identity of the murderer known as "Pay Back." It seems that everyone is a suspect in this novel, and I must admit that, in the end, I was shocked to find out who the real murdered was. Carr's talent for creating mystery and suspense is evident within her writing and I am excited to begin the next novel in the series, Old Loves Die Hard, as I cannot wait to find out what happens to Mac Faraday next. Five stars. Reviewer: A Book Vacation, July 5, 2011

For as long as I can remember, I have always loved mystery books. When I was in junior high school, I read the Nancy Drew series. I just loved reading all the while trying to find out what happened. Mystery books have a way of keeping me glued to the pages, I just can't wait to get to the end.

In It's Murder, My Son, you will find mystery, murder, drama, and high society! I enjoyed the different characters and different personalities. There were definitely some wild people, but they made the story interesting. I found myself laughing at how some of the characters portrayed themselves, especially in public! I suppose people with money think they can treat people as they see fit. It's so very sad to see that some people are even capable of acting they way they do. Even though Mac Faraday comes into a huge windfall, he never loses sight of his values and character as a person.

Mac will learn who his friends and allies are. His first friend is Archie, who helps show him the ropes of his new house, and that of his family connections.

I could feel a connection right away with Mac because of his character. He reminds me of my husband in that he wants to do the right thing and figure things out. My husband would always stay true to himself and to his character because that's just who he is. Like Mac, he doesn't let others judge him with the things we have or don't have, or even what we wear. Money may buy material things, but does it buy family, love, and friends?
Reviewer: Stephanie F, Bee's Knees Reviews

Author Lauren Carr created a believable, likeable millionaire that stays true to who he really is in spite of the fact that he is filthy rich. Shoved into the life of Donald Trump, Bill Gates or even Warren Buffet, our retired detective does not become jaded or so engulfed in his new life style that he loses sight of what is really important and that is clearing David of the murders, finding out who is behind the petty thefts, and why the police chief wants to close these cases and keep them unsolved.

Delving further brings out more than Mac and David expect when a hit is put out on them by a powerful man and the end result is five gang members that are dead and more murders to solve. Who is Pay Back? Why did so many people really dislike Katrina Singleton and why does her husband show no remorse, sadness or empathy for her being murdered?

Characters that are individual and one dog that knows how to take down the bad guys and protect the good ones this novel keeps the reader in total suspense until you find out who Pay Back is and why this person committed the murders. But, this killer is far from over as more bodies are found and more murders are committed. One explosion takes out the Hardwicks and a murder made to look like suicide Travis Turner's assistant. Just who wants all their skeletons buried six feet deep? Did Katrina kill her first husband and make the rest up? What secrets and hidden pasts caused the police chief to disappear and the Mayor to go on the run? Who can Mac trust if anyone? Deep Creek Lake is anything but a serene and gated rich community. The closer you get the more dangerous it seems for its residents.

From dishonest politicians, mobsters, blackmailers, a poodle friend of Gnarly whose owners would like him put down, a jealous wife, a writer who plays sleuth and one man named Mac who will never gives up until he solved the murders. With one lovable named Gnarly creating havoc along the way this novel keeps you pinned down and in your seat, glued to the printed page until the dramatic surprise ending. As the mystery writer would put all the clues, evidence and forensics together and the pieces of the puzzle in place this one will never really come together. Why? Who murdered Betsy, Katrina, the Hardwicks and who took out the Mayor and the Police Chief as well as two cold case murders from the 90's? As Mac and David work together along with one smart German Shepherd and Archie you won't believe the end result as the twists, turns, rewrites, scripts and surprises are more intricate than a Perry Mason or Poirot Mystery. Watch out mystery writers: Lauren Carr is the new star on the horizon. What is next for Mac, Archie and David: You'll have to wait for my review of her next book. Reviewer: Fran Lewis

He Who Laughs First ...

Mac Faraday's life has extremes. Completely dejected by his divorce and facing bankruptcy, he felt that everything was against him. Another lawyer delivers the news that not only has he inherited a fortune, along with it comes an estate (Spencer Manor), and an exclusive Inn for him to run. Mac soon finds out that his real mother was a prolific writer of mysteries and had acquired millions from her books. Mac definitely gets the last laugh on his ex-wife. Last but not least of his inheritance comes a not so lovable dog called Gnarly. Gnarly who is presented as a stupid dog and unable to be controlled pays a pivotal role in finding out who dunnit and proves that he is an intelligent dog.

Soon after moving in Mac meets the woman who cared for his mother. Archie had done research for his mother's mysteries. Together they make a great crime detective team.

The novel begins with the disappearance of butter and bacon. Strange disappearances throughout the story keeps the reader wondering who and why is this being done. The true crime evolves around the murder of the beautiful Katrina Singleton. The "Payback Killer" is loose in this upscale community.

The book brings forth many relationships found in a small community. It is amazing to learn that all crimes were committed to cover up who owes who and to keep the many secrets of the community.

This book is a very easy read book. The humor takes away from the grisly murders and of course in the end the good guys win. You are left to wonder about Mac and Archie's relationship and must wait until the next book to discover what happens to these two.Reviewer: Ginny Klevin, Kelsey's Book Review

Fabulous Start for a New Series

It's Murder, My Son is the first in the new Mac Faraday Mystery series written by Lauren Carr, author of the bestselling Joshua Thornton mystery series. The author writes in an easy conversational manner that leads the reader to turn more pages than planned, which could lead to late nights and missed appointments - this book is that good! To say this novel is a page-turner is an understatement.

The premise of a homicide cop who has lost everything only to receive a large inheritance from his unknown birth mother is brilliant. This plotline allows the writer, and the reader, to enjoy Mac's missteps as a land baron while we watch how he adjusts to his new living arrangements.

The addition of the believable cast of characters surrounding Mac brings warmth to the otherwise cold, harsh reality of finding body parts and dealing with unscrupulous bad guys, and gals.

How Mac and his new companions come to resolve the murder as they are also getting to know one another will keep the reader wanting more. Luckily, there is more to come in this marvelous new series. Reviewer: Edie Dykeman, BelleOnline Mystery Book Editor