Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Mystery Review Spotlight: Shadows of the Missing by Lauren Carr

I love mysteries and the Geezer Squad is one my of favorite mystery solving teams. Today, I am featuring the latest book in Lauren Carr's Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery series! Learn about Shadows of the Missing, read my thoughts on the book and check out the other books of the series!


 

Book Title SHADOWS OF THE MISSING (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #5) by Lauren Carr
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +), 434 pages
Genre:  Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:   May 5, 2026
Content Rating:  PG-13 (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs!

"Are you into murder mysteries? Then look at Lauren Carr's books if you want a cold case to unpack and enjoy. Then her latest series, "Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery," is an excellent series to get your fix or bite into." - 5-Star Review by Nightime Reading Center

"The Geezer Squad. They might not be in their prime physically anymore, but their combined intellect and skills at deduction are phenomenal." - 5-Star Review by FUONLYKNEW

"Lauren Carr's Geezer Squad has brought sexy back to mature men and women, whose kickass attitude and smarts sizzle as they melt the clues to those cold cases!"
 - Laura Fabiani, Library of Clean Reads


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Should you purchase an item via our links--we may receive slight compensation from an
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about the book


In the shadows of the missing, the truth lies buried.

Helen Clarke-Matheson believed she had escaped the shadows of her past, building a new life with Chris. But the past has a way of resurfacing, and when her sister arrives with a DNA test, Helen’s world is once again turned upside down. Her sister shattered the family history Helen believed to be true. Her young father hadn’t abandoned his family, and her delusional mother didn’t wander away from her children.
Chris Matheson and the Geezer Squad, a quirky team of retired seasoned sleuths working under the guise of a book club, are drawn into a deeply personal investigation. They must wade through decades of buried secrets and conflicting accounts to uncover the truth behind the parents’ disappearances. As they peel back the layers of deception to unravel long-forgotten clues, they confront the lingering specter of murder and long-hidden crimes. Can they piece together the fragments of the past to bring closure to Helen and her siblings, or will the truth remain buried forever?
 
my review

 

Shadows of the Missing offers an engaging, well-developed mystery. This novel pulled me in immediately. There is a mix of suspense and humor, strong characters, and a mystery that unfolds at just the right speed. Lauren Carr does a great job layering clues throughout the story so the investigation feels engaging without becoming overly complicated. Twists and turns always add something to the storyline and are presented so that they seem reasonable and not too coincidental or contrivedEvery chapter seemed to reveal something new, and the mystery developed in a way that kept me guessing while still feeling believable and well-developed.

 

Expect characters to love. One of the biggest strengths of this series continues to be the characters, especially Chris Matheson. He has the kind of personality that makes him easy to root for, and his interactions with those around him add a lot of charm and humor to the story. The dialogue feels natural, and the relationships between the characters add depth without taking attention away from the mystery itself. Lauren Carr's writing style makes these characters feel familiar and real, which is part of why returning to this series is always so enjoyable for me. I love the humor in the dialogue--and always look forward to any animal antics in her books.

 

Would I recommend Shadows of the Missing? I would absolutely recommend Shadows of the Missing (as well as the entire series) to readers who enjoy mysteries with engaging characters, smart investigation work, and a touch of humor woven into the suspense. Fans of the previous books in the series will definitely want to pick this one up to catch up with the characters' lives. While I think reading the books in order is best for this series because the characters' relationships and past adventures add so much to the pages--it also works well for anyone looking for a stand alone mystery that’s entertaining, fast-moving, and easy to get invested in. Lauren Carr continues to deliver the kind of storytelling that keeps me coming back for more, and this was another thoroughly enjoyable read.

 

buy the book

Amazon
BookBub
add to goodreads

check out the other books of the series



Book Title CHRIS MATHESON COLD CASE MYSTERIES BOX SET (Book 1 thru 4) by Lauren Carr
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +), 434 pages
Genre:  Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:   Oct 5, 2025
Content Rating:  PG-13 (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs

about the set

Dive into the thrilling Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries
 with this exclusive box set, featuring the first four books in Lauren Carr’s bestselling series! Join retired FBI agent Chris Matheson and his quirky “Geezer Squad” as they unravel chilling cold cases, blending razor-sharp suspense, laugh-out-loud humor, and small-town charm. Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries, detective thrillers, and gripping whodunits, this collection delivers over 1,000 pages of heart-pounding investigations.
 
What’s Inside:
  • ICE: Chris Matheson’s first case pulls him into a web of betrayal and murder tied to a decades-old disappearance.
  • Winter Frost: A chance encounter with his late wife, alive—years after the State Department declared her dead in a terrorist attack—shatters Chris’s world.
  • The Last Thing She Said: A cryptic dying message sparks a race against time to catch a killer hiding in plain sight.
  • Chris Crossed Murder: When a body clutching Chris Matheson’s federal agent badge is found dead in the snowy woods near an international airport, the Geezer Squad’s Christmas turns into a chilling whodunit. 
 
Why You’ll Love It:
  • Compelling Characters: From Chris’s sharp detective mind to the Geezer Squad’s eccentric antics, every page brims with personality.
  • Twist-Filled Plots: Expect jaw-dropping surprises and clever red herrings that keep you guessing until the end.
  • Kindle Unlimited Ready: Binge-read this addictive series with your KU subscription or own it forever!
 
With over 500,000 books sold across her series, Lauren Carr crafts mysteries that hook you from the first clue to the final reveal. Ideal for readers of The Thursday Murder Club and fans craving witty, fast-paced crime fiction. Grab this Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries Box Set today and start sleuthing!

about the set
Amazon.com ~ Audible 
​add to goodreads
 


Book Title: ICE  (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #1) by Lauren Carr
Category:  Adult fiction,  364 pages
Genre:  Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:  February 26, 2018
Content Rating:  PG-13 (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs!

"Lauren spins an amazing web of lies, murder and love that will have you on the edge of your seat...I love the way Lauren spun this novel - I could not put the book down! I had to know what happened to Sandy and her unborn child and how this disappearance was tied into a string of other murders. I never saw the end coming but it was perfect and suited the novel. A definite must read novel!" 5-Star Review by Carla at Working Mommy Journal

about the book
When Sandy Lipton and her unborn child disappeared, the court of public opinion found young Chris Matheson guilty. Decades later, the retired FBI agent returns home to discover that the cloud of suspicion cast over him and his family has never lifted. 

With the help of a team of fellow retired law enforcement officers, each a specialist in their own field of investigation, Chris Matheson starts chipping away at the ice on this cold case to uncover what had happened to Sandy and her baby and the clues are getting hot!
 
buy the book
 
 


Book Title: Winter Frost  (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #2) by Lauren Carr
Category:  Adult fiction,  332 pages
Genre:  Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:  January 22, 2019
Content Rating:  PG-13 (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs!

"Filled with twists and turns, Winter Frost reads perfectly well as a stand-alone, although it is part of a series. The author creates tension and suspense throughout by keeping the reader guessing; she keeps readers engaged with well fleshed out characters and a dash of humor. Sterling, the retired German Shepherd police dog turned card shark, is a new favorite. As the story flows, the truth unfolds, layer by layer, leading to a satisfying conclusion.

"Winter Frost was an entertaining, at times humorous read with suspense, some surprises, and even cute animals in the mix." Review of Winter Frost by The iRead Review
 
about the book
It all started with a chance encounter in the city with Blair, his late wife.

Chris Matheson and the Geezer Squad, working under the guise of a book club, dig into the events surrounding his late wife’s supposed death halfway around the globe. A state department employee shoots himself in the back three times. A CIA operative goes missing. A woman is targeted by an international assassin three years after being declared dead in a terrorist attack overseas. 

Nothing is as it seems. 

In his most personal cold case, Chris fights to uncover why the state department told him that Blair, the mother of his children, had been killed when she was alive. What had she uncovered that has made her a target? Who terrified her so much that she had gone into hiding and why are they now after him?
 

Book Title The Last Thing She Said (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #3) by Lauren Carr
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +),  386 pages
Genre:  Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:   July 22, 2019
Content Rating:  PG-13 (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs!

"Too many twists and turns to easily share about this book. Nevertheless, Carr has pulled off another "hit" that kept me reading in one setting until the clues were so well together that the villain fell into our laps...or Chris's, LOL Carr has put a lot into the book beyond the mysteries this time...Characters enjoyed chocotinis, visited book stores...and even blundered into getting engaged (the ring had been purchased 4 months ago)... But, for me, a special thank you for the political spoof at a time when politics at the national level is devastating, gave me a laugh and lightened the load of it all!" - Review by Glenda Bixler, Book Reader's Heaven
about the book
“I’m working on the greatest mystery ever,” was the last thing noted mystery novelist Mercedes Livingston said to seven-year-old Chris Matheson before walking out of Hill House Hotel never to be seen again.

For decades, the writer’s fate remained a puzzling mystery until an autographed novel and a letter put a grown-up Chris Matheson on the trail of a cunning killer. With the help of a team of fellow retired law enforcement officers, each a specialist in their own field of investigation, Chris puts a flame to this cold case to uncover what had really happened that night Mercedes Livingston walked out of Hill House Hotel. Watch out! The clues are getting hot!
 

Book Title Chris Crossed Murder (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #4) by Lauren Carr
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +) 
Genre:  Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:   Feb 22, 2023
Content Rating:  PG-13 (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs!

"Carr is a master at creating unique, complex plots and colorful characters, both evident in her latest cold case mystery featuring  Chris Matheson and the geezer squad. The plot is twisted, the mystery unique and the ending a surprise. A must-read!" - Review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery, Book Four) by Marilyn R. Wilson, Author, Speaker, Book Reviewer

"Lauren Carr is among my favorite mystery writers. She knows how to write a fun tale while keeping readers engaged. ...I would give Chris Crossed Murder one hundred stars if I could. I believe readers who enjoy reading well-written and clean cozy mysteries will most definitely want to read it. I have no doubt they will enjoy it as much as I did. The fifth installment from A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery series is on my radar for when it releases." - Review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery, Book Four) by Amy Campbell, Locks Hooks and Books
about the book
It proves to be a Christmas to remember when the Matheson family receives the horrendous news that Chris Matheson’s body has been found in the woods near an international airport.

Everyone is stunned—especially Chris Matheson.

The mystery deepens when they discover the victim has Chris’s federal agent badge and appears to have been investigating one of his old cases.

The Geezer Squad’s latest case is not only a whodunit but who-got-dun. Is this a case of mistaken identity? Was Chris the intended victim? If not, then they must identify the murder victim to find his killer.

With Christmas days away, join the Chris Matheson and the Geezer Squad as they race to piece together the clues to their most puzzling case yet.

buy the book
 
 
meet the author


​Lauren Carr is the author of over thirty acclaimed mystery novels, with more than half a million copies sold worldwide. Her fast-paced series—the Mac Faraday Mysteries, Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries, and more—blend twists, suspense, humor, and unforgettable characters (including clever German shepherds!).
 
It's Murder, My Son organically hit #1 in Mystery on Amazon, and her books consistently rank in the Top 20 Police Procedurals in the US and international markets.
 
A popular speaker and publishing consultant, Lauren lives on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV, with her husband and three spoiled rotten German shepherds.


connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ X/twitter ~ pinterest ~ goodreads





Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Thriller Audiobook Review: Devious Web by Shelley Grandy

Today, I have a thriller in our audiobook review spotlight! Take a few minutes and learn about Devious Web and author Shelley Grandy, read my thoughts on the audiobook & be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post!


 

Book Title:  Devious Web - A Novel by Shelley Grandy
Category: Adult Fiction, 272 pages
Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Thriller
Publisher: SparkPress
Publication Date: October 2024
Content Rating: PG -13 rating for: There are no f-words but there is some violence (attempted murder) and some non-explicit references to sex, alcohol and recreational drugs.

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Should you purchase an item via our links--we may receive slight compensation from an
affiliate partner.  


about the book

Gone Girl's twists, The Social Network's scheming, and Agatha Christie's sleuthing come together in this suspenseful novel, a bingeworthy mystery set in Toronto that spans corporate intrigue, murder, and marital mismatch. Who would want to harm a well-liked CEO at the top of his game, and why? In the summer of 2021, Canadian tech entrepreneur Tom Oliver is considering selling his company to a Silicon Valley buyer when he becomes the target of an unknown perpetrator. As his friend and homicide detective Jason Liu investigates a web of secrets and deceit, Tom's inner circle of family and colleagues comes under scrutiny.

Devious Web brings you into the world of business, US politics, social media, and family drama. If you were enthralled watching Suits and Succession, you'll enjoy the high suspense, fast pace, and unexpected plot twists of this compelling novel. 
 
my review

Devious Web  was a really entertaining listen for me because it mixed corporate drama, family tension, and murder mystery in a way that engaed and really kept the story moving. The tech-company setting gave it a slightly different feel from a lot of thrillers I’ve picked up lately, and I liked how everyone seemed to be hiding something and it wasn't easy to know who to trust. The characters definitely kept me curious, although there were a few moments where I wanted a little more emotional depth from some of the supporting characters. Even so, the constant tension and shifting loyalties made it easy to stay invested in what was happening and where the story was headed.

 

The audiobook version was very easy to settle into. The narrator kept the pacing consistent and the suspense building smoothly. The dialogue sounded natural, and the narration helped separate the different personalities enough that it never became confusing--but, not so much that it seemed overly acted. There were a couple of spots where the pacing slowed slightly during the more business-focused details, but overall the audiobook moved really well and kept me engaged to hear “just one more chapter.” The production quality itself was clean and well-done, which always makes a big difference for me with longer listens.

 

Would I recommend Devious Web? I’d recommend this novel to thriller-fan listeners who enjoy well-paced thrillers filled with secrets, suspect characters, and plenty of twists woven into the storyline. It’s an engaging listen that combines murder mystery, business and drama without becoming too heavy or convoluted. Overall, this was a really enjoyable thriller that kept me engaged all the way through.

buy the book
Amazon ~ Amazon.ca ~ Audible
B&N Indigo ~ BAM 
Bookshop ~ Walmart
add to goodreads

meet the author 

Shelley Grandy is a Canadian communications professional whose type-A personality and honors journalism degree from Ottawa’s Carleton University fueled a career that started in newspapers and progressed to twenty-five years at high-tech
company Nortel. 

She subsequently founded Grandy Public Relations Inc. and has supported tech sector clients in Ontario and Quebec for the past sixteen years. 

After writing countless press releases and technical articles for trade media, Devious
Web
 is Shelley’s debut fiction novel.

When not writing, Shelley enjoys intriguing Netflix-style productions and is known to frequently reference scenes from Grace and Frankie

You can also find her at the boarding stable with her horse, Briosa. Shelley lives in Trenton, Ontario, Canada, with husband of thirty-plus years Roy, husky dog Luka, and cat Otto, within spoiling distance of her beautiful granddaughters, Emilia and Olivia Oulds.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ linkedin ~ goodreads

enter the giveaway
DEVIOUS WEB



Monday, May 18, 2026

Book Review Spotlight: Under a Whistling Sky - A Girl's Journey Through a War-Torn Childhood by Milica Vidić Vogt

I always love finding a new memoir to share with our readers! Today, I am featuring Under a Whistling Sky by Milica Vidić Vogt! Learn a little about the book and author, read my thoughts on the book & be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.


 

​Book Title:  Under a Whistling Sky: A Girl's Journey Through a War-Torn Childhood by Milica Vidić Vogt
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction (18+),  218 pages
Genre: Memoir
Publisher: Dream Publishing House
Release date:  November 2025
Content RatingPG: no bad language, but it is about a child living through a war zone.​

 

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Should you purchase an item via our links--we may receive slight compensation from an
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about the book


At just seven years old, Milica dreamed only of carefree days—picking wild violets in the fields, laughing with friends, and basking in the warmth of her small village in Dalmatia, Yugoslavia. She could never have imagined what lay ahead: the scream of grenades, the shattering of glass, and the terror of fleeing home under fire. Her childhood was torn apart by war, and in its place came bomb shelters, refugee camps, and a relentless fight for survival.

With unflinching honesty, Milica offers a child’s-eye view of displacement, loss, and the unbreakable bonds of family, revealing the human cost of war and the enduring light that carried her forward.

Now living in St. Louis, Missouri, with her husband, Justin, their son, Allen, and their puppy, Zoey, Milica Vogt is a scientist turned storyteller. For nearly two decades, she worked in the corporate world, but the voices of her past have never faded. Under a Whistling Sky is a tribute to the past, a witness to survival, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope and quiet courage endure.​
 my review

 

Expect to connect with this memoir from beginning to end.  Under the Whistling Sky: A War-Torn Childhood is built with sincere and approachable writing. The author tells this story in a way that feels direct and personal without trying too hard to be dramatic. The pacing moved smoothly, and each chapter pulled me further into the memories and experiences being shared. This memoir carries a strong emotional presence, but it also feels grounded and genuine, which made it very easy to stay connected to the story from beginning to end.

 

Expect an emotional journey through the author's life story. Vogt shares her painful experiences and life stories with openness and courage. This courageous honesty allows the reader to fully understand the depth of the emotional weight behind each moment. I found myself caring deeply about the family relationships, the hardships, and the resilience shown throughout the book. Even when the subject matter was difficult, there was still warmth, hope, and humanity woven into the story.

 

Would I Recommend Under a Whistling Sky - A Girl's Journey Through a War-Torn Childhood by Milica Vidić Vogt?I would absolutely recommend this memoir to readers who enjoy personal stories filled with honesty, resilience, and emotional depth. This is a book that leaves a lasting impression because it feels so authentic and heartfelt. I especially think memoir readers will appreciate how personal and reflective the storytelling is without ever feeling overwhelming or unorganized. For me, this was an easy five-star read and one I will be recommending to other memoir lovers.

 

meet the author
 
A native of Croatia, Milica “Vidic” Vogt was twelve years old when she fled the country in 1995 during “Operation Storm,” also known as the ethnic cleansing of Serbs in Croatia.

After living in a refugee camp for a few years in Serbia, she immigrated to the United States for the best chance of safety, freedom, and prosperity. A scientist by training, after almost twenty years in corporate America, she decided to dedicate her time and energy in writing her memoir and sharing her story of struggle, hope, and survival with intentions to help and inspire others going through similar life circumstances so they can claim their strength to overcome what may seem impossible at the moment.

Connect with the Author: website ~ goodreads



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