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About the Book
Three years ago, the nation gasped in horror when the President of The United States barely escaped an assassination attempt that left two dead—the vice president’s wife and the attempted assassin. Even after numerous investigations proved otherwise, conspiracy theorists argue that the assassin was acting on orders from the CIA, FBI, and every federal agency within a hundred miles of the capital.
Aspiring Author Dean Conway is the last person Lieutenant Commander Murphy Thornton wants to spend his Saturday afternoon when they end up at the same wedding reception table. While their wives tend to bridesmaid duties, Murphy is trapped listening to Dean’s latest work-in-project—completing the manuscript of an investigative journalist who’d disappeared months earlier.
“She was number twelve,” Dean says.
“Twelve?” Murphy asks.
“Twelve witnesses connected to or investigating The Nutcracker shooting have died either in an accident or suicide.”
Two days later, Dean dies suddenly―but not before sending a text message to Murphy:
“13”
My Review
Lauren Carr offers readers mysteries and characters to love. As with most of the author's novels, readers are faced with multiple murders and mysterious events--and a number of mini-plots and side stories that keep the story moving well and add to the twists and turns. The author has a knack for giving every character (canine, feline and human) a distinct personality that series readers come to love and expect with each novel. The Nutcracker Conspiracy builds on the relationships and characters from the author's current series as well others--and pulls readers into that mystery-solving "family" of connected characters. With humor and sarcasm--fun characters and a well-developed storyline--this is another entertaining, engaging mystery.
Stand-Alone--but, better as a series. As I have said before, while the novels of The Thorny Rose Mystery series are stand-alone--there really are a lot of characters to organize and a lot of history circling them. While you can certainly read this novel alone--I really think it is best to read the complete series and build an understanding of the characters and their relationships to see more of the humor and depth in some of the scenes.
Would I recommend The Nutcracker Conspiracy by Lauren Carr? I love these mysteries. They are not overly complex or difficult to read. They are fun to read. So--if you are a fan of cozy mysteries--but, like something a little less cute and a little more grownup--with a few more twists and turns--this series is quick to read and enjoyable. I love the characters and I love their stories. This book was a little more predictable earlier on than some from the series--but it is still a fun mystery with great characters that I will continue to follow through more of the author's novels as I am sure that we haven't seen the last of any of them! I would certainly recommend this novel along with the other books of this series (as well as Carr's other novels).
"The plot was well thought out and there were no loose ends at the end. The story was fast-paced to keep my attention easily. The book is a treat to a reader who loves a mix of genres in their reads. It has the right amount of romance, mystery, action and thrill to keep me satisfied from the start to the end." - Reviewer: The Travelogue of a Book Addict
Check out these other great Thorny Rose Mysteries:
"Lauren Carr's books are never boring, that's for sure. They entertain, give us a good mystery to dig into, keep the reader guessing, give us a few good laughs, and make us eager for the next book. Warning: Lauren Carr's series are addictive, so be ready to read more than just one book!" Review by Laura Fabiani, Library of Clean Reads
About the Book
Beware: Perfection has a dark side!
Frustrated with their busy schedules, Murphy Thornton and Jessica Faraday attempt to find togetherness by scheduling a weekly date night. The last thing Jessica Faraday expected for her date night was to take a the couple’s gourmet cooking course at the Stepford Kitchen Studio, owned by Chef Natalie Stepford―the model of perfection in looks, home, and business.
When Natalie ends up dead and Murphy goes missing, the Thorny Rose detectives must peel back the layers of Natalie Stepford’s life to discover that the pursuit of perfection can be deadly.
Join us for this tour from Jan 20 to Feb 28!
"Lauren Carr is a master of the light murder mystery. Each contains a strong couple as the central characters. Both the male and female roles are great role models - smart, loyal, talented and always interested in the truth. And as the author is a huge dog lover, there are always several incredible pets, each with their own unique personality. No matter how serious the threat they are facing, the author manages to work in a little humor to keep the tale from getting too dark.
Murder by Perfection is book 3 in Carr's Thorny Rose Mystery Series. The main characters - Murphy and Jessica - fell in love at first sight and married quickly. This 3rd story sees them struggling to try to find balance in their daily lives as well as enough free time to spend together. After a quarrel one evening, Murphy takes off on his motorcycle to calm down - and disappears! He has been kidnapped. Why - no one knows for sure. Friends, family and the government come together to search for answers. Can he be found in time?
Murder by Perfection is a wonderful read and a perfect to escape from the challenges of a busy day. Danger, intrigue, humor, and love all take their turn in this tale which will keep you reading into the wee hours." Review by Marilyn R. Wilson, Olio by Marilyn
About the Book
Five women with seemingly nothing in common are found brutally murdered in a townhome outside Washington, DC. Among the many questions surrounding the massacre is what had brought these apparent strangers together only to be killed.
Taking on his first official murder case, Lieutenant Murphy Thornton, USN, believes that if he can uncover the thread connecting the victims, then he can find their murderer.
The case takes an unexpected turn when Murphy discovers that one of the victims has a connection to his stepmother, Homicide Detective Cameron Gates. One wintry night, over a dozen years before, her first husband, a Pennsylvania State trooper, had been run down while working a night shift on the turnpike.
In this first installment of the Thorny Rose Mysteries, the Lovers in Crime join newlyweds Murphy Thornton and Jessica Faraday to shift through a web of lies and cover-ups. Together, can the detectives of the Thorny Rose uncover the truth without falling victim to a cunning killer?
Buy the Book
Amazon ~ Audible
Add to Goodreads
Amazon ~ Audible
Add to Goodreads
"Lauren Carr has yet gone it again with another great mystery. I am so loving this series and can't wait for more. I know have to read more of Lauren's books. She is a very talented writer." Review by Stacey Schneller of Books, Dreams, Life.
"Mysteries, murder, danger, and memories that threatens their lives keeps the action and suspense at a high level and even when the answers are found, it left me wanting more." - Review by Sherry Fundin of Fundinmental
After ten months of marital bliss, Jessica Faraday and Murphy Thornton are still discovering and adjusting to their life together. Settled in their new home, everything appears to be perfect … except in the middle of the night when, in the darkest shadows of her subconscious, a deep secret from Jessica’s past creeps to the surface to make her strike out at Murphy.
When investigative journalist Dallas Walker tells the couple about her latest case, known as the Pine Bridge Massacre, they realize Jessica may have witnessed the murder of a family while visiting family at the winery near-by, and suppressed the memory.
Determined to uncover the truth and find justice for the murder victims, Jessica and Murphy return to the scene of the crime with Dallas Walker, a spunky bull-headed Texan. Can this family reunion bring closure for a community touched by tragedy or will this prickly get-together bring an end to the Thorny Rose couple?
Meet the Author Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Chris Matheson Cold Case, and Thorny Rose Mysteries—over twenty-five titles across three fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!
Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr’s seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor.
A popular speaker, Lauren is also the owner of Acorn Book Service, the umbrella under which falls iRead Book Tours. She lives with her husband and two spoiled rotten German Shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.
Connect with the author:
Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram
Follow the Book Tour
Jan 20 – Library of Clean Reads – book review of The Nutcracker Conspiracy / author interview / giveaway
Jan 20 - Working Mommy Journal – book review of The Nutcracker Conspiracy / giveaway
Jan 20 - StoreyBook Reviews – book spotlight of The Nutcracker Conspiracy / author interview / giveaway
Jan 20 - #redhead.with.book – book spotlight of The Nutcracker Conspiracy / giveaway
Jan 20 - redpillows - book spotlight / guest post
Jan 21 - My Reading Journeys – book review of The Nutcracker Conspiracy / author interview / giveaway
Jan 21 - Rockin' Book Reviews – series spotlight / giveaway
Jan 22 - Jypsylynn – book review of The Nutcracker Conspiracy
Jan 22 - eBook Addicts – series spotlight / giveaway
Jan 23 - Olio by Marilyn – book review of The Nutcracker Conspiracy / giveaway
Jan 23 – Leels Loves Books – book review of A Fine Year for Murder
Jan 24 - Bookmark and fork - book spotlight of The Nutcracker Conspiracy / guest post / giveaway
Jan 27 - Christa Reads and Writes – book review of Murder by Perfection
Jan 28 - Bound 4 Escape – book review of The Nutcracker Conspiracy / giveaway
Jan 29 - 411 on Books, Authors, and Publishing News – book spotlight of The Nutcracker Conspiracy / guest post / giveaway
Jan 30 - Library of Clean Reads – series spotlight / giveaway
Jan 30 - Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of Kill and Run / giveaway
Jan 30 - 411 on Books, Authors, and Publishing News – series spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Jan 31 - fundinmental – series spotlight / giveaway
Jan 31 - redpillows - series spotlight
Feb 3 - b for bookreview – book spotlight of The Nutcracker Conspiracy
Feb 3 - Cassidy's Bookshelves – book review of the Nutcracker Conspiracy / giveaway
Feb 4 - Christa Reads and Writes – book review of the Nutcracker Conspiracy
Feb 4 - Blooming with Books - book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 5 - Leels Loves Books – book review of Murder by Perfection
Feb 5 - Celticlady's Reviews – series spotlight / giveaway
Feb 6 - Dab of Darkness Book Reviews – book spotlight of The Nutcracker Conspiracy / author interview / giveaway
Feb 7 - Rockin' Book Reviews – book review of The Nutcracker Conspiracy / guest post / giveaway
Feb 7 - Book Corner News and Reviews – book review of Murder by Perfection
Feb 10 - Book Corner News and Reviews – book review of The Nutcracker Conspiracy
Feb 11 - Laura`s Interests – book review of The Nutcracker Conspiracy / guest post / giveaway
Feb 11 - eBook Addicts - book spotlight of The Nutcracker Conspiracy / giveaway
Feb 12 – FUONLYKNEW – book review of The Nutcracker Conspiracy / giveaway
Feb 12 - Leels Loves Books – book review of The Nutcracker Conspiracy
Feb 13 - Casia's Corner – book review of Kill and Run
Feb 13 - I'm All About Books – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Feb 14 - Pause for Tales – book review of The Nutcracker Conspiracy
Feb 17 - Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of A Fine Year for Murder / giveaway
Feb 18 - Bookmark and fork - series spotlight / giveaway
Feb 19 - JBronder Book Reviews – book review of The Nutcracker Conspiracy / guest post / giveaway
Feb 19 - Literary Flits – book spotlight of The Nutcracker Conspiracy / giveaway
Feb 20 - Svetlana's reads and views – book review of The Nutcracker Conspiracy
Feb 21 - Divas With A Purpose – book review of The Nutcracker Conspiracy / guest post
Feb 24 - Laura`s Interests – series spotlight / giveaway
Feb 24 - My Devotional Thoughts – series spotlight
Feb 25 - Peaceful Pastime – book review of The Nutcracker Conspiracy / giveaway
Feb 25 - Svetlana's reads and views – series spotlight
Feb 26 - Mystery Suspense Reviews – book spotlight of the Nutcracker Conspiracy / author interview
Feb 26 - Celticlady's Reviews – book review of The Nutcracker Conspiracy / guest post / giveaway
Feb 26 - Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of The Nutcracker Conspiracy / guest post / giveaway
Feb 26 –fundinmental – book review of The Nutcracker Conspiracy / giveaway
Feb 27 - My Devotional Thoughts – book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 27 - Read and Review - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Feb 28 - Nighttime Reading Center – book review of The Nutcracker Conspiracy / giveaway
Feb 28 - Casia's Corner – book review of The Nutcracker Conspiracy
Feb 28 - Adventurous Jessy – book review of the Nutcracker Conspiracy / giveaway
Enter the Giveaway
Thank you so much for the wonderful review of The Nutcracker Conspiracy. I am so glad that you are enjoying this series. I am certain your followers will enjoy it as well. Here's wishing each of them luck in the giveaway.
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