Shades of Murder: Lauren Carr

The name is Gnarly. I am a really great German Shepherd who lives in a mansion. Not bad for a dog.  The guy who lives here is a millionaire several times over but I have the run of the place and usually do my own thing. I was dishonorably discharged from the United States Army but that really has no bearing on this story but I thought you might want to know before hear it from someone else. Living with Mac Faraday is definitely great because you never know what’s going to happen, who is going to wind up dead and what help he is going to need from me to solve the murder. It all started in 2006 on a beautiful day before I was born and came to live here. Several police officers were called to scene of two different deaths. One was said to be a murder and the other an accident. The accident victim, Charlie Smith was not who he appeared to be. When the real Charlie Smith learned of the accident did not seem to care about the demise of the man in the accident. Turns out, Mr. Smith was a thief who enjoyed stealing the identities and of course funds of the victim whose identity he stole. The second death was a murder. Ilsya Ramsey was a noted artist and was about to have a showing at the Louvre in France. Completing her self-portrait the day before the murder she was excited about the showing but never shared her work before completing it.

Spencer Police Office David O’Callaghan is hot, smart and definitely the one officer you want handling any investigation. You should see the girls ogling him. On his way to Robin Spencer’s Labor Day celebration he gets called to a murder scene of a well-known artist. Ilysa Ramsey had just started taking the art world as the author states by storm when she is found murdered. Neal Hathaway might be rich and have power but all the money in the world could not revive or bring back his wife. Someone bludgeoned her to death.  But, there is much more that I have to relate to you because we cannot forget Charlie Smith. Could these deaths be related?

Let me flash ahead to the present time where I can tell you first hand what is going on in Deep Creek Lake. I am Gnarly and as I said I have the run of the mansion. As two deliverymen find their way to my home, my curiosity got the better of me and I made sure to blindside them before they could deliver their package. Mac, our millionaire, has a flare for getting involved in mysteries and solving them.

Archie Monday was Robin Spencer’s assistant and lives in the guest cottage at Spencer Manor. A package, as I said, is about to be delivered to Mac that would once again envelop him into a murder investigation. But, having a serious mind of my own, I high jacked the deliverymen, disobeyed all of Mac’s commands, and definitely got everyone’s attention. What was in the box delivered that nobody but Mac and Archie were curious about? Let’s not forget me: Gnarly.

Let’s bring the past into the present and tie some events together right now. In this package is a letter addressed to Mac’s late mother, which explains its contents. Within this box was a painting by Ilysa Ramsey. The painting in question had been stolen and her murder is still unsolved. The value of the painting- priceless. Was Mac thrilled? That still remains to be seen because this book definitely has many different Shades Of Murder.

Deputy Police Chief Art Bogart was one of the officers, along with our Police Chief David O’Callaghan, who investigated this murder. Just in case you did not read the other books by Lauren Carr and have no idea just who this great guy is, Mac Faraday inherited millions of dollars, the estate, his mother who was a famous mystery writer’s journal and one hot half-brother named David. Hope you got it all.

The Ilysa Ramsay painting is a self-portrait adding to its value. Within the painting were family members, friends and associates. The one person not in the picture was her husband. As Bogart identifies each person in the painting to Mac, they formulate in their minds which one or ones might be suspects. Since Ilysa was just starting to become part of the art world and her husband was a big patron of the arts, completing this painting before the showing was paramount to her. The showing was at the Louvre in France. As the events are recounted, they state that she had a disagreement with her manager who has since disappeared.

Let’s add another player and hot guy to the plot, who many of you might know from Lauren Carr’s earlier novels. Hancock, County, West Virginia prosecuting attorney, Joshua Thornton is visiting SCI Green Maximum Prison to see serial rapist and murderer Oliver Cartwright. Asked to see him by Reverend Brody, Cartwright wants his name cleared for a murder he claims he never committed.

Cartwright was convicted of killing and raping seven women. But, he claims only six. Jane Doe, or Victim Number Four, was not his and he wants Joshua to investigate the murder and find her killer. Joshua promises to help only for Jane Doe’s family. Searching for the names of the lead investigators led him to Pennsylvania and a chilly welcome from the officers at the police station. As the discussion continues with the officers, the reader and, of course, me, wonder if they ever really looked past Cartwright for the murder. The end result is not what you would expect and what follows adds not only humor to the plot, but explains why I said this guy was not only a great prosecutor, but hot too. A phone call from Detective Cameron Gates would change everything as they decide to meet in an unusual way and manner. But, let’s not forget her friend Irving. As Gates reveals the information from her informant known as the Ghost, more information about Jane Doe comes to light. But, Joshua notices something that everyone overlooked. Could this be a copycat murder? Where did this victim come from and was that the reason no one identified her? But, Gates had more than just the case in mind after meeting Joshua.

Let’s get back to our millionaire and the painting. Staring into the face of Ilysa, Mac gets a strange feeling that she is crying out to him to find the killer. Mac, David and Bogart pay a visit to the Hathaway’s and their meeting is quite telling. Meeting the different family members, you begin to wonder whether they even cared about poor Ilysa. When Mac tells Neal and his son Scott that they are going to reopen the case and investigate, Neal’s primary concern is the painting that Mac has in his possession and not the murder. It takes Neal a while to register why they are there. We meet Rachel, who is Scott’s wife, and the housekeeper Greta.

When the fingerprints come back from the forensic lab what they find out will definitely astound the reader as author Lauren Carr once again supplies a twist so devilish and cunning you won’t see it coming. Would you believe that the murder that took place in 2004 was the second murder of the same person? How can that be? Well, some facts cannot be revealed and only if the author allows me to bark out the evidence (and she won’t) will I divulge the answer to that question and many more. Besides I was able to get the police officer’s submarine sandwich away from him just by being cunning and staring at him. But, what follows is even more mindboggling as an another murder similar to Ilysa’s occurs, her manager is found dead and the pieces of the canvas will definitely paint a whole new picture when the portrait of this killer is finally done. Just what was behind the murders and what was Ilysa really doing besides painting? How was one police detective involved and why?

What happens next to Mac really is quite startling as his boat goes up in flames. I protect everyone and the house and get the thief, too, but will I be praised for my efforts? Only trying to do my job. Thank goodness Archie is on my side or they might send poor me to the pound or worse!  Deceit, lies, betrayals, cover-ups and much more before all is said and done. Wait until you see how this plays out and who killed Ilysa and who lives to see another day. Don’t worry, I will be back again as soon as this amazing author decides to create another plot for me and, of course, Mac. Maybe he and Joshua will team up for good or maybe they will be smart enough to deputize me once and for all. This is Gnarly until next time.

 FIVE SUBMARINE SANDWICHES FOR MY PAL GNARLY 

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winds of redemption

Winds of Redemption

Harvey Goodman

Clint Smith is dead. He played his final hand and lost. Five stud poker was his game and three bullets were his hope of taking the pot away from the other players. But, Lucius Hammond was clever, elusive and definitely not exactly what he appeared to be. Entering the bar, ordering a bottle of whiskey and deciding to share it with one woman who came on to him was the perfect set up to gain her trust. Invited to drink with her and then and invitation to a high stakes poker game allowed him access to his mark. Lucius Hammond was a hired killer. Clint his victim never knew that he argument that would ensue during the game and his accusations that he was cheating would be the last words he ever said. Pretending to be a novice at the game our killer made sure to lose a few hands before taking control of the game. When accused of cheating he denied it of course and what happens next you can figure out for yourself as Lucius Hammond claimed he drew in self-defense. Before anyone could figure out the chain of events he was gone.

Sammy Winds just bought a great ranch from the Taylor brothers and is getting ready to return home with his new herd. At the same time a group of men approach a young Indian Squaw about the whereabouts of Clint Smith. What happens next leaves several dead including the Indian woman. The men are part of a posse run by the same man who hired Lucius to kill Clint. Boothe Haney is the man who keeps order and makes sure the rules of the gang are followed. Anyone crossing him or defying the gang would pay dearly. An ex-priest and several orphans lived with the Indian woman but would have to hide from these men. Approached by this gang of men realizing they were in danger the five children and the padre hide.

Sammy Winds encounters a white man and a Chinaman on his land. Questioning him about his ownership of the property alerts him to possible danger. Explaining to these men that prospecting on his land was not going to happen was just one message he hoped they got. But, there is much more as the author reveals the man behind the corrupt organization who has set his sights on the best land in the area and will stop at nothing to get it. New Mexico, Territory has not attained statehood yet and this one man, named Lambmorton wants it all. A discussion with Mr. Han, the Chinaman yielded information this man wanted and might explain why Clint Smith was now dead. As Han explained the value of the land and the fact that Sammy Wind’s property might be replete in gold, silver, emerald, garnet and other resources, Mr. Han explained the problems that would be involved. Rupert Crowder would file the abandoned homestead claim in court for the late Clint Smith’s property. When Rupert Crowder offered Smith a generous sum for his land and he refused our friend Lucius handled it.

From the best selling award-winning novel Along the Fortune Trail comes the next chapter in the life of Sammy Winds. As Sammy is returning home with his supplies and thinking of his future wife, Jenny, he recounts and replays in his mind the encounter with Mr. Han and a man referred to as Stanley. Author Harvey Goodman takes the reader inside the home of the man behind the corruption, his mind and his thoughts as he leads us through the dangerous missions, encounters and Sammy’s fight to keep what he worked so hard to get. So, saddle up your favorite horse, make sure that you hang on tight to those reins and ride along with Sammy and his crew. Even though this is a western the author brings to light many issues involving corruption, murder for hire and creates his own form of mystery and suspense keeping the reader pinned to the saddle until the bumpy ride is over and you are once again on solid terrain.

But, the ride home would prove even more interesting as he meets Padre Thomas and five amazing young orphans. But, would he tell them about the men and would this all link together as they came to stay at his ranch. Explaining how they came to stay in the shed owned by Clint Smith and their encounter with the men who shot the woman and several that worked for Smith the pieces of the broken trail are beginning to fit together as Sammy offers the Padre and the family one hundred acres of land on his property for his family.

Rupert Crowder is not done yet and he approaches Sammy Winds about his land and the answer he gets is definitely not what his employer wanted to hear. But, before all is said and done many lives would be lost and the dangers of the west apparent. Loyalty, trust, understanding and families unite to save so many. When danger ensues 12 year old Rory saves the Padre and is able to warn the others. Jing Lu and Camille are taken prisoner along with Jenny but when Sammy receives a note from the Sheriff and learns that he was being set up what happens next you just won’t believe. The laws were different back then and the right to protect yourself of utmost importance. As Sammy goes after the men who kidnapped his wife, killed some of his workers and tried to take his land.

Welcome back Margaret and Blaine as they visit with Sammy and he learns of Claire’s death and the birth of her son Robert. Just how will Sammy help her keep her land and what will happen between them you will have to read for yourself.

Five really smart kids and one young Rory who you just have to love with spunk, tenacity and the drive to save those he loves author Harvey Goodman takes the reader inside the minds of these killers as they go after Sammy, his family and his friends. An ending that will teach any outlaw that you don’t mess with Winds and a surprise twist that will endear you to one of the villains, Winds of Redemption is more than just a book about one man, his land and his life. It is about fighting for what is yours, standing up for what you believe the loyalty of his family the Taylors and the trust of the woman he loves. Will they survive and will he get there in time to save Jenny and the two girls? What happens when the Padre is shot? Will they get Boothe, Crowder and the person behind the murders? You just won’t believe who was running the show and the explosive ending that will let you know That Winds of Redemption is one book you want to read and hopefully the author will bring them all back for more. Along the Fortunes Trail was one of my picks for 2010. It just might be one of my picks for 2012. Redemption:” The action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil.” Find out what that means when you read this outstanding novel. Hope you enjoyed the ride.

This book gets: five gold nuggets

Fran Lewis: reviewer

         

The Exiled Element: A Beck Novel: My review

The Exiled Element: A Beck Novel: My review

The Exiled Element: A Beck Novel: My review

The Exiled Element: A Beck Novel: My review

A Bonnie Moss Adventure

Warning! A Bonnie Moss Journalistic Adventure!

Author: Anna Shaw

The outer shell of an egg is quite fragile. Place it in your hands and hold it too tightly and it will crack and fall apart. Take a piece of blown glass and gently place it on a glass table. What would happen if the table accidentally tips? What will happen to the beautifully crafted piece of glass? Bonnie Moss and so many others are about to find out just how fragile life can be, the dangers that can cause their lives to fall apart or break at the hand of crooked politicians, contractors and nature.

Bonnie Moss is a news reporter attending the Torrance County Fair. Observant, smart and definitely hardworking she becomes embroiled in some dangerous situations while covering the fair and photographing the events. While speaking with the officer in charge of Dixie’s Animal Control, they observe a dangerous tiger, which is part of one of the exhibits off his leash and able to roam freely. Approaching the trainer and asking him to please take all safety precautions, they are surprised at his unorthodox response or lack of concern for spectators. But, there is much more. Arkansas where this story takes place has been riddled with small yet dangerous earthquakes and tremors that ignite at any time. Hoping that these quakes will distract the locals and those in charge of building codes one politician has enlisted the aid of a corrupt contractor to build a shopping mall using downgraded materials because they are less expensive. Safety does not come into play just profit.

Martin Anders an on air newscaster for one of the local radio groups is working the fair along with Bonnie. While they are discussing the fair and the quakes something happens that distracts them both. As tremors come closer and the rides and exhibits need to be closed down one albino tiger runs lose and what happens next could not only injure many but kill on little girl if no one gets to her first. One judge gave permission for this tiger to be allowed to stay off his leash. What happens you won’t believe as many lives are endangered before the solution comes to pass.

Nathaniel Holmes is rich, greedy and coldblooded. He is behind the development of the Dixie Sunshine Mall. At the age of 32 he has risen to the top of the business world. Working in an investment brokerage firm he hoped to become a full partner. But, not everything turns out the way you want it. What his partners found out cost him more than just his job. The words embezzler and crook are only two of the words that define his character. But, life dealt him a different hand and he was lucky. When his father passed away he left him millions enabling him to open his own investment counseling business and because no one was able to prove what he had done before he was able to return to Dixie unscathed.

Bonnie Moss was not only a news reporter and photographer but she did investigative reports, created special design sections for the paper dealing with events and festivals. Entering the newsroom her editor motions for her to come into her cubicle to discuss the gravity of the quakes. As the author whose research is extensive shares with the reader information concerning these quakes, where Bonnie got her information for her upcoming articles and just how these quakes come about. Reading the prologue you will learn even more and just when and how these quakes affected the area and state where this novel takes place.

Why doesn’t Dixie have a disaster plan and when will Judge Marge Wilson decide to create one? With phone calls about the quakes and the fact that the United States Geological Survey maintained that most of the quakes were over New Madrid, something had to be done in case it got worse and a plan had to be in place.

Something happens at the site of the new mall while at the same time Bonnie is meeting with the Dixie Chamber of Commerce to discuss funding and the quakes. As another reporter is called to the site of the mall we learn about the structural damage, those injured and the possible cause attributed to the quakes. But, is that the real reason and when Holmes shows up and discusses it with the site engineer why does the engineer go with his assessment?

Lies, deceits, corruption not only in the government but in the business world too. Many different players will benefit from the mall but what happens when the specs and the work are under par and the end result just might mean lives?  How desperate is one businessman to cut corners at the expense of an entire community?

Suspicions rise and the three close friends begin putting the pieces of the puzzle together. Holmes was hoping that everyone’s focus would be on the quakes and not on the mall project hoping to funnel money from the project into his own bank account. But, can they prove it and what will the end result be for the people of Dixie?

A council meeting is quite revealing as the quakes and the ramifications of them are being swept under the rug in order to highlight the opening of the mall. But, strange events are happening all over including at the Animal Shelter as well as the structural damage at the mall that has yet to be brought to light and will be fixed after the opening. But, events that follow will leave the reader wondering why so many want to ignore the danger of the quakes and are more concerned about the opening of the mall. The lakes are becoming filled with dead fish and one man is found dead. Suspicions rise but will anyone really look deeply into the cause of these unusual events? There are many truths that will come out as one young wife finally learns what kind of business her husband is really into and one young woman would have to ward off a stalker. With the information Marty and Bonnie have gathered about the quakes and their meetings with CERI and other agencies why does the Mayor want to cover it up? The end result just remains to be seen as the big quake might hit but will anyone take heed to the warnings before it is too late?

The end result and what happens you will have to read for yourself. The starling events will definitely make you think twice about the gravity of quakes and what happens when corners are cut and the public needs to have a more watchful eye. Interesting book and definitely researched quite well. If you look up the CERI you will learn see as I did today the startling results as earthquakes are reported daily in so many places in the world. Bonnie, Marty and Ephraim work hard to get the word out but will they succeed and will they survive the big one? Let’s hope they work together to solve more mysteries. Some outer shells can never be repaired.  Bonnie is really an interesting character and the newspaper staff is quite good. But, you have to love Ephraim and Marty. Find out why when you read this book.

Fran Lewis: reviewer