Spring Thaw: A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery Novella and Other Mystery Short Stories

By: Lauren Carr

Narrated by: Mike Alger

Length: 6 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

In today’s hectic world, many whodunit fans don’t have time to get their mystery fix diving into a whole novel. Lauren Carr’s Spring Thaw is for these fans - but that doesn’t mean whodunit fans who do have time can’t dive in as well.

Spring Thaw features retired federal agent Chris Matheson from Lauren Carr’s newest best-selling cold case series. When his late father’s former friend is indicted for the seven-year old murder of a church bishop, Chris renews old broken friendships to thaw out the cold case.

Featuring Mac Faraday from Lauren Carr’s popular Mac Faraday Mysteries, an estate auction turns into a deadly affair after Gnarly's antics cause Mac to purchase a gem of a dress, which isn't his color in "Killing Bid".

"Beauty to Die For" features the Lovers in Crime characters Joshua Thornton and Cameron Gates in a race against the angel of death to clear the name of a dying woman's son, who was framed for murdering Miss Pennsylvania.

"Countdown to Murder" returns to the Lovers in Crime where Cameron and Joshua try to solve the murder of a young pregnant widow before it happens.

Mystery fans will discover that every dog has his day, especially if that dog is Gnarly. In Lucky Dog, Gnarly helps Mac Faraday to solve the murder of a wealthy society girl.

Dog-loving mystery fans will get a special treat when they listen to "The Gnarly Rehabilitation Program". In this Gnarly mystery short, Bert and Ernie learn the hard way that crime does not pay when they dognap Gnarly.

Gnarly, the rambunctious German shepherd, is also featured in Lauren Carr’s Christmas short, "A Gnarly Christmas". It is Christmas day, and Gnarly has been up to his old tricks again. Now he's in the doghouse - or rather the boathouse - after stealing the Christmas feast! Moments after Archie and Mac leave Spencer Manor, Gnarly hears a call for help from Rocky the Maltese down the street. Four assassins for hire have invaded the home of Rocky's elderly owners. While the home invaders wait for instructions from a mysterious caller, Gnarly must plot to stop them. Can Gnarly save Christmas with only the help of an eight-pound Maltese dressed in an elf suit?

©2018 Terri Lynn Zaleski (P)2018 Terri Lynn Zaleski

Great collection

My Thoughts:

Normally, I'm not really into short stories, because I am always left wanting more. More drama, more mystery, more everything. But these short stories were an absolute joy to listen to. The narrators did a fantastic job. I never had trouble keeping the characters straight during dialogue heavy scenes, nor did I feel the need to constantly speed up the playback.

The characters themselves were very well done, though not necessarily extraordinary. I don't think they are supposed to be, as the mystery is what is compelling each tale. The real stars for me were the dogs. Each story featured a different dog, and each dog had their own personality. If you are a dog lover, you know that no two dogs are alike. Each is unique with its own traits and quirks, just like humans. Often dogs will be written generically, with traits of loyalty, cuddling, and sometimes mischief. When a dog lover writes a dog, you can see the appreciation for the different types and instincts each dog has and just as much thought is put into their personality as any other character. I truly appreciated Lauren Carr's understanding and love of animals and the significant roles they play in our lives.

If you enjoy a good story with intrigue and plot twists, pick up this collection of stories. You will not be disappointed.