Books for Books

Thursday, June 9, 2022

SHADOW OF MURDER

Book Details:

Book Title: Shadow of Murder by Lauren Carr
Series: A Mac Faraday Mystery (Volume 14)
Category: Adult fiction, 496 pages
Genre: Murder Mystery / Police Procedural / Crime Fiction
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: Mar 30, 2022
Format available for review: ebook (mobi, epub, PDF), audiobook (audible download code after May 1)
Tour dates: March 28 to June 24, 2022
Content Rating: PG-13. Lauren Carr's mysteries are murder mysteries. Sometimes, the murder does happen on-stage. There is no graphic violence or explicit sex.There is some very mild language (hell or damn, very few and far between) No F-Bombs!

"Five Stars for Lauren Carr's 14th book of the Mac Faraday Murder Mysteries, Shadow of Murder! In this new release, she has recaptured the fun of cute "creatures" with the fast-moving, suspenseful, and captivating mystery, along with her usual touch of romance." - review by Lu Ann Worley, Rockin' Book Reviews

"This newest title in the author's Mac Faraday cozy murder mystery series offers Lauren Carr's most intricate plot to date - full of twists and turns guaranteed to keep readers up until the wee hours. While still full of the humor, fun critters and touch of romance that are her trademark, the author has also woven in a dark supernatural element that whispers through to the startling ending." - review by Marilyn R. Wilson, bestselling author, freelance writer, editor, and speaker at Olio by Marilyn.

Book Description:

You can't move to the next chapter of your life, without tying up loose ends in the previous.

True crime blogger, Erica Hart starts a new chapter in her life with a bang when a dark shadow darts into the mountain road to send her SUV off a cliff and to the bottom of Deep Creek Lake. Spencer’s newest addition to the police force, Dusty O’Meara assumes it was a bear. Erica is not so sure.

Soon afterwards, contractors discover Konnor Langston’s body at the bottom of an abandoned swimming pool at the new summer home of Mac Faraday’s son.

With Police Chief David O’Callaghan away on paternity leave, Deputy Chief Dusty O’Meara must lead the investigation in his first murder case since moving to Spencer. Not only does Dusty have to work under the shadow of the legendary Mac Faraday, but he also has to match wits with Erica, who is determined to find justice for Konnor, her childhood friend.

Mac isn’t so difficult. Even Gnarly, the town’s canine mayor, is manageable if his authority is well-respected and he is kept entertained.

Erica Hart, Dusty finds, is more of a challenge. It wouldn’t be so difficult if she wasn’t so irresistible.

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon
Audible
add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Thorny Rose, Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries, and Nikki Bryant Cozy Mysteries—over twenty-five titles across five fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor.

The owner of Acorn Book Services, Lauren is also a publishing manager, consultant, and virtual book tour coordinator for independent authors.

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 two spoiled rotten German shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

connect with the author: webs ite ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ pinterest ~ bookbub ~ goodreads

My Review

Shadow of Murder (A Mac Faraday Mystery Book 14) by Lauren Carr was amazing! I can not believe that this series already has 14 books in it and that I have read them all! While it is truly hard to pick a favorite I have to say that this one is probably my favorite (so far). I liked seeing Deputy Chief Dusty O’Meara as the lead of the murder, especially since it was his first one to solve. I really liked the way he interacted with the different characters like Mac and Gnarly as well as the addition of blogger Erica Hart.

Sunday, June 5, 2022

CRIMES PAST

With her usual panache, Lauren Carr blends the grittiness of murder(s) with a good deal of humor, the latter revolving largely around Gnarly and David's Belgian shepherd, Storm, who would much rather be couch potato-ing than anything involving exertion." - review by Lelia Taylor, Buried Under Books

Lauren Carr is one of the best authors I know who is able to combine humor and drama in one captivating and easy-listen story. Yes, you can listen to this one, narrated by Mike Alger. Mr. Alger has read several of Mac's series, so he has the voices down, along with the variations and the tone." - review by Merry Citarella, Mystery Suspense Reviews

CLICK BOOK COVER TO LEARN MORE

Book Details:

Book Title: Crimes Past by Lauren Carr
Series: A Mac Faraday Mystery (Volume 13)
Category: Adult fiction (18+), 245 pages
Genre: Murder Mystery
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: October 16, 2018
Format available for review: Audible download, ebook (mobi, epub, PDF)
Tour dates: March 28 to June 24, 2022
Content Rating: PG-13 - Lauren Carr's mysteries are murder mysteries. Sometimes, the murder does happen on-stage. There is no graphic violence or explicit sex.There is some very mild language (hell or damn, very few and far between) No F-Bombs!

Buy the Book:
Audible ~ Amazon
B&N ~ BookBub
Add to Goodreads

My Review

Crimes Past (A Mac Faraday Mystery Book 13) by Lauren Carr was a great audio book. I recently took a car trip and I listened to this audiobook during the entire drive! The narration was top notch and the story was even better than the last one in the series! I really liked that the cold case Mac dived into for this one came from the family of one of his former homicide squad members. It was cool getting to read about Mac's former squadmates and I love the dynamics that came with it!

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Kingdomless (The Evamore Series Book 1) by Michelle Garyfalakis

Book Details:

Book Title:  Kingdomless (The Evamore Series Book 1) by Michelle Garyfalakis
Category:  YA Fiction (Ages 13-17), 422 pages
Genre:  YA Fantasy Romance
Publisher: Self-Published
Release date: January 2022
Formats Available for Review: print - softback (internationally), e-book (MOBI for Kindle, PDF), audiobook (audible download)
Tour dates: May 16 to June 3, 2022
Content Rating: PG-13 +M: There is a scene where our main character is held at knife point and her attacker grabs her breasts without consent. The word 'nipple' is used in this situation. This is the reason for the added "M" in the rating.

Book Description:

The remnants of the United Kingdom of Garth, once ruled by the legendary Dynasty of Evamores are in the throes of conflict. Ten years ago, King Wren of the West discovered Raelle washed up on the shores of the Balour Sea, with no memory of the first nine years of her life. She was brought back to the castle and dutifully cared for and cherished by the king and his three older sons. On her nineteenth birthday, the Western Kingdom's adoptive princess is secretly sent away by her stepmother to marry King Veras as a token of peace between the kingdoms. But, the Northern King has other plans.

As Raelle's amnesia melts away with the help of a northern storyteller, she discovers more about the Kingdom of Garth, magic, the lovetie connection of the Evamores, and her role in the grand scheme of things. She is confused, angry, and curiously comfortable in the North.

A dark shadow overcasts all of the kingdoms, and the threatening influence of the fallen god Kellar seems to spread among the people, inciting disorder and violence. While the fate of the kingdoms may rest on Raelle's shoulders, she can't help but feel kingdomless. Betrayal is everywhere, from her own adoptive family to her newfound friends. Fearless, observant, witty, and determined, she is town between her attraction to King Veras' good nature and the unexplained pull to the Tracker Calak. The challenge that she faces is not simple. As the old gods, laws and magic awaken, so does her own sense of self. There is a choice to be made, step into the role expected of her, or dive into the unknown and make her own destiny.

This YA fantasy novel asks the readers important coming of age questions, captures the attention with witty dialogue, relatable characters, and a world that is reawakening its forgotten magic. The readers will be entranced and hungry for more (and perhaps a piece of chocolate cake).

BUY THE BOOK
Amazon

Meet the Author:

MICHELLE GARYFALAKIS was born and raised throughout Ontario, Canada. She currently lives just outside of Hamilton, Ontario with her husband, four kids and Snowy (their friendly Samoyed-Border Collie). When she isn't obsessively typing out new stories on her computer, you can find her drinking coffee with a friend, snacking on some guacamole or binge watching Outlander (again). Michelle loves finding creative ways to communicate with people, and her passion for storytelling is the newest addition to that list.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ twitter ~ bookbub ~ goodreads

Tuesday, May 31, 2022

CANDIDATE FOR MURDER

"OMG! Carr is over the top and giving us an easy "10" with her latest, Candidate for Murder!...Don't just sit there thinking that this might be the book to try for Lauren Carr! I'm telling you right now it's a must-read for daring, adventure, crime-busting, high-level government criminal elimination." - reviewer by Glenda Bixler, Book Readers Heaven

"OMG!!! The best Mac Faraday...yet. Lauren Carr is a master storyteller who combines the humor of Janet Evanovich and the investigative skills of Patricia Cornwell. She is always at the top of my reading list." - review by Sherry Fundin, Fundinmental, As Eye See It

CLICK BOOK COVER TO LEARN MORE

Book Details:

Book Title: Candidate for Murder by Lauren Carr
Series: A Mac Faraday Mystery (Volume 12)
Category: Adult fiction (18+), 410 pages
Genre: Murder Mystery
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: June 16, 2016
Format available for review: Audible download, ebook (mobi, epub, PDF)
Tour dates: March 28 to June 24, 2022
Content Rating: PG-13 - Lauren Carr's mysteries are murder mysteries. Sometimes, the murder does happen on-stage. There is no graphic violence or explicit sex.There is some very mild language (hell or damn, very few and far between) No F-Bombs!

Buy the Book:
Audible ~ Amazon
B&N ~ BookBub
Add to Goodreads

My Review

Candidate for Murder by Lauren Carr was a great audiobook and it was C.J. McAllister's narration that had the book come alive for me as I listened to it! I really liked the fact that Gnarly ended up being nominated to run for mayor of Spencer! I loved the way the book really put the spotlight on Gnarly and I liked learning more about his past.

Thursday, May 26, 2022

CANCELLED VOWS

"The story moves at a rapid pace and has a bit of everything - romance, humor, and suspense with several other murders after the body is discovered. A few surprises along with the tension both at home and in New York. Carr does an excellent job of developing her characters and providing backstory while maintaining a quick pace. Well worth the sleep I gave up to get to the end." - review by Christa Nardi, Christa Reads and Writes.

"'Cancelled Vows is loaded with twists and turns and red herrings that will leave you guessing all the while you are flipping pages to find out what happens next. Take the phone off the hook and make yourself a big bowl of popcorn because once you get started you will not want to put this book down until you actually finish. This is a great murder mystery that is going to keep you guessing. I look forward to the next adventure." - review by Vic's Media Room.

CLICK ON BOOK COVER TO LEARN MORE

Book Details:

Book Title: Cancelled Vows by Lauren Carr
Series: A Mac Faraday Mystery (Volume 11)
Category: Adult fiction (18+), 320 pages
Genre: Murder Mystery
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: January 28, 2016
Format available for review: Audible download, ebook (mobi, epub, PDF)
Tour dates: March 28 to June 24, 2022
Content Rating: PG-13 - Lauren Carr's mysteries are murder mysteries. Sometimes, the murder does happen on-stage. There is no graphic violence or explicit sex.There is some very mild language (hell or damn, very few and far between) No F-Bombs!

Buy the Book:
Audible ~ Amazon
B&N ~ BookBub
Add to Goodreads

My Review

I enjoyed reading this novel. Unlike other murder mysteries, it was not filled with nudity, sexual content, bad language, or gore. This novel is a murder mystery that children getting into murder mysteries can enjoy. I personally would recommend this book to those 12 and older simply because of the length of the book and the complicated plot. However, this book would be suitable for mature younger children if an adult was reading it to them. I enjoyed the added aspect of a k-9 dog to the murder mystery. I liked the author's writing style and felt that she did an amazing job spinning a tale of murder without adult concepts.

Sunday, May 22, 2022

OPEN SEASON FOR MURDER

"There's lots of drama, crimes, murder, and laughter that surrounds the Diablo Ball. As usual, Gnarly is in the middle of everything. Hated to have to keep putting this down. I loved reading Open Season for Murder." - review by Rhonda Laney, readalot

"Mac Faraday does it again! I loved every minute!" - 5-star review by Texanne

CLICK ON BOOK COVER TO LEARN MORE

Book Details:

Book Title: Open Season for Murder by Lauren Carr
Series: A Mac Faraday Mystery (Volume 10)
Category: Adult fiction (18+), 318 pages
Genre: Murder Mystery
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: June 1, 2015
Format available for review: Audible download, ebook (mobi, epub, PDF)
Tour dates: March 28 to June 24, 2022
Content Rating: PG-13 - Lauren Carr's mysteries are murder mysteries. Sometimes, the murder does happen on-stage. There is no graphic violence or explicit sex.There is some very mild language (hell or damn, very few and far between) No F-Bombs!

Buy the Book:
Audible ~ Amazon
B&N ~ BookBub
Add to Goodreads

My Review

Open Season for Murder by Lauren Carr was a great addition to eh series!! James C. Lewis did a simply phenomenal job with the narration especially as he went between the different characters' voices. I really liked the way a cold case was used and how someone invited a bunch of people connected to the case to the Diablo Ball. It made me keep listening to find out who invited them, if the victim was actually dead, and how Mac would solve the case!

Friday, May 20, 2022

WHAT MAKES ME..ME by Anne Baldwin

Book Details:

Book Title: What Makes Me...Me by Anne Baldwin
Category: Children's Fictions (ages 3-7), 34 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publisher: Anne Baldwin
Release date: June 2021
Formats Available for Review: print - softback (USA only), e-book PDF
Tour dates: May 2 to May 20, 2022
Content Rating: G -Suitable for everyone.

Book Description:

What Makes Me...Me is a story about harnessing your super powered brain. We are all special and unique and our differences are what make us all special. What Makes Me...Me was written especially for those kids with neurological differences, their families, and their friends.

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon ~ indiebound
add to goodreads

Meet the Author:

Anne Baldwin is a wife, mom, and fierce advocate for neurodiverse kids. Anne wrote her first book What Makes Me...Me after her son Levi was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome. Passionate about stopping the stigma around Tourette-Syndrome, Anne hopes that her books about embracing your differences as what makes you unique will help kids with Tourette Syndrome, ADHD, and other neurological disorders to feel included and accepted by everyone. Anne lives in metro-Detroit with her husband Nick, their sons Levi and Gus, 3 cats, a dog, and a leopard gecko.

connect with the author: website ~ instagram

My Review

WHAT MAKES ME..ME by Anne Baldwin is a great kids' book that helps kids to understand that being different is okay. This would be a great classroom reading book for classes that have students with ADHD, ADD, autism, or other such conditions. It does a good job of helping kids to understand while also keeping them interested!