It's Murder, My Son (Review)

5 stars

I am so happy to have discovered this series. I know there are a few volumes already out for this one, but I like to follow the chronological publishing order. I was hesitant because maybe the first volume wouldn't be as good as the experience of older volumes, but that is not something to worry about with this author.

We can see clearly how well-structured and well-thought-out this first volume was. It's complex. The author masters each thriller/mystery classic element refreshing for example the take on the red herring as I have never seen before. She juggles four murders, and the puzzle becomes hard to put together, but the cast, constant plot twists, or addition of a new clue make it so dynamic that we can't put it down.

Without spoilers, here are the highlights that make this author one of my top picks from now on in this genre.

This is my first contact with this author's work so this review will be longer than the ones I will do for the next volumes.

I love a "first volume", this is when we meet the cast for the first time. This first impression was delightful. The main character inherits a fortune, is a recently divorced ex-cop who suffered injustices in his line of work, and changes his life forever when he settles in his new mansion as a rich guy with murder as a hobby. The humor is elegant, good taste and so are the romantic scenes.

He also inherits a German shepherd (Gnarly) who has not only a dishonored discharge from the army, but he keeps adding insult to injury in a very hilarious way. The author balances very well different layers of emotion, information revealed, clues, daily life, a large cast, humor, and forensic scenes. This is a book series that could be translated into a TV series without any problem and could be a success.

I do get a bit confused sometimes around the time we are supposed to be confused because it's when the veils start to fall and our convictions are shaken, four dead is a lot to put together, but I blame my confusion on being easy to fool and my naivete personally.

I love the main character because he is just like his mom's prediction (when she wrote her Mickey = rich detective and dog solving murders and helping people) in fact, he even looks like him.

The character is thrown into a new environment (we never get lost and we learn about the change in life). His thoughts and reaction to rich people's lives are closer to ours (unless you are a millionaire), so he pulls us closer, and we relate to his experience and humor. We get details from his daily routine...to hiring a new housekeeper without feeling like filers. All things connect, even the smallest reaction from the dog has its reason.

Very cinematic, fun interactions. Made me laugh out loud a few times at the right moment. Made my heart break for one of the victims.

Gnarly is absolutely a glue to all it brings excitement, humor, reveals clues, tests patience, and fortifies the cast's character. He starts by bringing the head of a dead person, and this is the start of a complex puzzle right to the end.

The author gives us space to figure things out and offers us an explanation well done without being patronizing. At this point, we are part of the cast, we are, like he says, having a trivial conversation over a very good dinner.

His mom is a very prominent character and a vehicle for information. She has passed away before the book starts, but she puts all in motion. Her books, her legacy, and her personality still spill over the entire book. Writing murder is not a safe business sometimes leads to knowing more than the common investigators.

There are more layers I am not mentioning here in depth, how he became a lost cop, how he gains new family, who the other cast members are.

See you in book 2.

Get book here.

Get audio here.

Official Website here.

Discover the Mystery of Lauren Carr

 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 two spoiled rotten German shepherds.

Book reviewers and readers rave about Lauren’s seamless genre-crossing into mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor.

As owner of Acorn Book Services and iRead Book Tours, Lauren helps fellow authors navigate publishing. She’s a frequent speaker at schools, conventions, and youth groups.

Follow her adventures (and the dogs!) on Instagram @TheMysteryLadie and join the Mystery Club newsletter for exclusive stories!