Shades of Murder

A Mac Faraday Mystery

By: Lauren Carr

Narrated by: Mike Alger

Length: 5 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's Summary

Question: what do you get the man with everything?

Answer: when that man is the heir of the late mystery writer Robin Spencer, retired homicide detective Mac Faraday, you get him a cold case to solve.

In Shades of Murder, Mac Faraday is once again the heir to an unbelievable fortune. This time the benefactor is a collector of stolen art. But this isn't just any stolen work of art - it's a masterpiece with a murder attached to it.

Ilysa Ramsay was in the midst of taking the art world by storm with her artistic genius. Hours after unveiling her latest masterpiece, she is found dead in her Deep Creek Lake studio, and her painting is nowhere to be found.

Almost a decade later, the long lost Ilysa Ramsay masterpiece has found its way into Mac Faraday's hands and he can't resist the urge to delve into the case.

A world away, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, former JAG lawyer Joshua Thornton agrees to do a favor for the last person he would ever expect - a convicted serial killer.

The favor: solve the one murder wrongly attributed to him.

Joshua finds an unexpected ally in Cameron Gates, a spunky detective who has reason to believe the young woman known to the media only as Jane Doe, victim number four, was the victim of a copycat. Together, Joshua and Cameron set out to light a flame under the cold case only to find that someone behind the scenes wants the case to remain cold, and is willing to kill to keep it that way.

Little do these detectives know that the paths of their respective cases are on a collision course when they follow the clues to bring them together in a showdown with a killer who's got a talent for murder!

©2012 Terri Lynn Zaleski (P)2017 Terri Lynn Zaleski

Loved it

When it comes to mystery books I have to say that those written by Lauren Carr have become my favorites. I was super excited to get the chance to revisit this series and start at the beginning where I could really get to know the characters. I absolutely loved following Mac Faraday on his newest case that came about from the long-lost Ilysa Ramsay masterpiece finding its way into his hands. Additionally, I have to say that Mike Alger did a wonderful job with the narration.

Engaging and entertaining

Like I said before, this series just gets better as it goes on. Shades of Murder was entertaining and engaging; it didn't take long to get into at all, and once I was fully invested, it was hard to stop listening.

I haven't read Carr's Joshua Thornton Mystery series yet, but after meeting him in this book, I'll definitely check it out as well. He's just as enjoyable as Mac is, so this book was just really fun to read!

I received a gifted copy of this book via iRead Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.

What a Way to Go

Are you a murder mystery fan? Do you enjoy mystery altogether? You may fall in love with Lauren Carr. Her books will get you hooked. You and start any of her series by reading any one of her books. But you can read her books from the beginning. You can read any of her books as stand-alone as well.

I got hooked on her book by reading a mystery book of hers. Now I have read quite a few of them. The book I just finished is “Shades of Murder” in the form of an audiobook, book three of her Mac Faraday series. I have read almost all of her books in all of her series. They do get interlocked. Some readers may introduce you to new characters and a new series of books.

We started with the prologue of the story and murder in the preamble. We stand introduced to David and his parents, who are on vacation when we open this book. David stands called out to a crime scene. We want to know who killed Ilysa Ramsey.

We get introduced to Mac and his german shepherd in chapter one. When he receives a mysterious package sent to him, Archy wants to know. It seems like it was a painting that had stood stolen. We are wondering whether she painted her death.

Then we are introduced to Joshua Thornton and Cameron Gates. They seem to be working on a murder mystery of their own that when cold. Who is this Jane Doe?; Who kills her? Who happens to be Neil Hackaway’s wife?

What will happen when Cameron Gates and Joshua Thornton find out that there is another Ilysa Ramsey murder in Deep Creek Lake? Who out to kill who. Why does the FBI get involved? There seem to be more murders cases and lots of questions.

These cases seem to collide, and what will ever happen. Will the group work together and figure out the killer? Is there more than one killer? There may be a plan for each of the suspects years later. You will have to read or listen to find out how it all fits together.

Great writer

Lauren Carr is an amazing writer! Mac Faraday series has me on the edge of my seat. This one I was constantly thinking of who could have done the murder. But my favorite character has not changed!! Still love the dog

Great Story!

Mac Faraday, Gnarly, and Joshua are some of my favorite characters. I so enjoyed meeting some new ones with this book too. I love how Lauren Carr weaves multiple stories into one. I never imagined how the painting from the story beginning would relate to the cold case Joshua was intrigued with. Gnarly's antic's with the delivery men and toll road had me laughing. This book has mystery, romance, humor, and scene stealing pets. Gnarly is an incredibly talented German Shepherd, while Cameron's skunk/dog like cat steals some scenes.I loved the imagery in this book. Mike Alger did a great performance with this book. He adds the right emotions to the story.

Another Killer Mystery from Lauren Carr

Any additional comments?

Ilysa Ramsay was taking the art world by storm when she is suddenly killed and her last painting disappears. Ten years later, Mac Faraday receives a package from a questionable collector that had a soft spot for his mother Robin Chase. The package is the missing Ilysa Ramsay painting and before he knows what’s happening people are trying to buy it from him and breaking into his house.

At the same time Joshua Thornton is a military lawyer and detective. He is on vacation with no kids in the house and gets a call from Cameron Gates, a serial killer. He was blamed for one victim that was never identified and it has bothered him since he didn’t kill her. He asks Joshua to look into Jane Doe. Joshua meets up with the detective that worked the case and together they find themselves in Deep Creek Lake.

Mac has his hands full when a missing painting shows up on this door steps. Mac has a bunch of rich people that act that way and are more worried about money than family values. I loved Gnarly and the toll bridge, too funny.

But then you get introduced to Joshua Thornton. I read the first two Thorny Rose mysteries and really enjoyed his son and Mac’s daughter. He did a great job in Shades of Murder and I can’t wait to read his mystery series.

This was another great Mac Faraday mystery. I loved the twists and the real reason the painting disappeared. Once again I didn’t really know who the killer was and was caught off guard by the reveal. I love these mysteries and recommend them to everyone.

I received Shades of Murder from iRead Book Tours for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.

2 cold cases - how are they alike?

Note: Even though this is Book 3 in the series, it works just fine as a stand alone.

Mac Faraday, a retired cop and the unexpected inheritor of a famed mystery writer’s fortune, decides to delve into a cold case file when a long-lost painting comes into his possession. With the help of his girlfriend Archie, his dog Gnarly, and his half-brother cop David, they may be able to untangle this cold case. Meanwhile in Pennsylvania, lawyer Joshua Thornton has agreed to look into yet a different cold case, one that nearly everyone assumes was committed by a serial killer who has been behind bars for years. Detective Cameron believes him and offer her aid along with a bit of mutual affection.

I really enjoyed this addition to the Faraday/Thornton murder mystery series. It was great seeing how Joshua’s and Cameron’s relationship got started. Cameron’s cat Irving was also a lot of fun and Joshua’s initial response to this ‘detective’ cat was amusing. Honestly, I love how forward Cameron is about everything. She makes no excuses or apologies for her cat and she gets her job done even if it means pissing off management. It’s great that she was the first to show real interest in starting a relationship.

I’ve read several Lauren Carr mysteries by now and I was guessing that the two cold cases were probably related somehow but the link between the two was not immediately obvious and for a good chunk of the tale, I thought that perhaps this book would be the odd ball. No worries! It’s not and I enjoyed how the author tied the two together.

In this particular book, Mac reveals that he’d like a little more out of his relationship with Archie and he doesn’t understand why she doesn’t sleep over, or why he’s not invited to sleep over at her place. After all, they have a fully affectionate relationship otherwise. The answer at the end of the book was amusing and I’m glad these two worked it out.

The murder mysteries themselves were very interesting. Initially, I was more interested in Joshua’s since it involved a serial killer, who is in prison, making a heartfelt plea to the lawyer to look into this particular Jane Doe, swearing he had nothing to do with her. That definitely piqued my interest. Faraday’s mystery took me a little longer to get interested in simply because it looked like so much was known about it all those years ago. However, it turns out that it’s not that simple. There’s plenty there for Mac and Archie to piece together.

I received a free copy of this book via iRead Book Tours.

The Narration: Mike Alger was a good fit for this tale. I liked his voice for Cameron quite a bit as he managed to sound like a mature yet playful woman who knows her mind. I also liked his voice for Mac, sounding decisive. He was great with the humor as well. I did feel his accent for Greta could have used some polishing.

Shades of Murder

I chose to listen to this audiobook after receiving a free copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

I have read several books in the Mac Faraday series and they all stand alone and they’re all good mysteries. Shades of Murder is full of mystery with a little humor on the side. It is the third book in the series. I’m enjoying the books even more as I read the series in order.

I like Lauren Carr’s writing style because it’s easy to follow and she doesn’t get bogged down with lengthy descriptions. The narrator, Mike Alger, is easy to listen to. He has good timing and a pleasant voice.

The characters become more developed and complex as the series continues. Gnarly, Mac’s dog, is definitely my favorite character even if he is a thief! Joshua Thornton and Cameron Gates, who have their own series, begin their relationship in this book. That’s another series I enjoy!

I have read and listened to several of Lauren Carr’s books. I’ve decided that for some reason, I like listening to the Mac Faraday books more than reading them. I did miss the cast of characters that is usually in the written or electronic books this time though. There was a time or two that I couldn’t remember who a character was and I had to listen for a bit to figure it out.

I definitely recommend Shades of Murder especially if you enjoy a good murder mystery.

Incredible

Where does Shades of Murder rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Definitely the Top 5

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

It will keep you guessing until the very end.

What does Mike Alger bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He is the reason more readers will turn to audio books for their leisure.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Gnarly!

Any additional comments?

This is the third book in the series and I received this book in exchange for an honest review. This book was very easy to follow along, I didn't even notice that this was a series until I finished the book. I received the audio version of the book, I loved the voices and personality the narrator throws in the mix. Narrators like this one, gets more readers interested in audio books. My daughter hates reading and on our commute to school, she loved hearing about Gnarly and the trouble he was up to.

I loved this book and was disappointed when it ended, (spoiler) I was pleasantly surprised that it had a series! I just knew there was more to these characters. I loved the cheesy lines from the senior officer! Mack and David, I believe there is more to their story and I really can't wait to find more out about them.

Alright, I guess I will get to the story, that's why you're reading my review right?

There are two murders in two different towns, is it possible for the same person to die twice? Something don't seem right to the officers/detectives and it is a strange coincidence that two cold cases are opened at the same time. You will love this book for it comedic quirks and suspenseful story line and you will be hooked! Don't let this book slip through your fingers!





Book Blurb:
Question: What do you get the man with everything?

Answer: When that man is the heir of the late mystery writer Robin Spencer, retired homicide detective Mac Faraday, you get him cold case to solve.

In Shades of Murder, Mac Faraday is once again the heir to an unbelievable fortune. This time the benefactor is a stolen art collector. But this isn’t just any stolen work-of-art—it’s a masterpiece with a murder attached to it.

Ilysa Ramsay was in the midst of taking the art world by storm with her artistic genius. Hours after unveiling her latest masterpiece—she is found dead in her Deep Creek Lake studio—and her painting is nowhere to be found.

Almost a decade later, the long lost Ilysa Ramsay masterpiece has found its way into Mac Faraday’s hands and he can’t resist the urge to delve into the case.

A world away, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; former JAG lawyer Joshua Thornton agrees to do a favor for the last person he would ever expect to do a favor—a convicted serial killer.

The Favor: Solve the one murder wrongly attributed to him.

Joshua finds an unexpected ally in Cameron Gates, a spunky detective who has reason to believe the young woman known to the media only as Jane Doe, Victim Number Four, was the victim of a copycat. Together, Joshua and Cameron set out to light a flame under the cold case only to find that someone behind the scenes wants the case to remain cold, and is willing to kill to keep it that way.

Little do these detectives know that the paths of their respective cases are on a collision course when they follow the clues to bring them together in a showdown with a killer who’s got a talent for murder!

Another awesome book by Lauren

Shades of Murder is book 3 in Lauren Carr's Mac Faraday Series. Each book in the series can be read as a stand alone. I am a huge fan of Lauren and have read or listened to several of her books. She is amazing. I love the characters n her book especially Gnarley. Gnarley is a huge German Shepherd and brings lots of humor to the series. This is one of my favorite books so far. All of hr books come with puzzles but this one wasn't a 500 piece puzzle it was a 1000 piece one. I really love playing detective along wit Mac while reading her books.

This book features the regular cast of characters as well as a few new ones. In this book a surprise package arrives at Mac's door. It is a the painting by a woman who's murder 7 years ago was never solved. The note with the painting says that it was to go to Robin, Mac's real mother or if she had passed away to her heir. The arrival of the painting has Mac reopening the cold case.

Meanwhile in Pittsburgh PA, a convicted murderer has contacted former JAG Lawyer Joshua Thornton to look into the only case he was not convicted of 8 years ago. There was one woman that was never proven he killed mainly because he dd not kill her. Joshua finds Cameron Gates who had worked on the case. Even though the powers that be does not want the case reopened Joshua and Cameron se out to solve the case.

Now comes the twists and turns. How can one woman be killed twice and so far apart in time and mileage. Joshua and Cameron follow their clues which brings them to Mac and his case. Now they need to work together to put the pieces of the puzzle together and solve the murders.

This is also not the first book I have listened to by Mike Alger. I really like listening to him. He does a great job with his voices. His energy in the story is a great. He grabs you with the feeling he puts into his reading.