I’ve been waiting 3 years for a new release from Lauren Carr. And here it is!
Book Title: SHADOWS OF THE MISSING (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #5) by Lauren Carr
Category: Adult Fiction, 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!
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
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.
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:
Reviewed by Laura Fabiani
I’ve been waiting 3 years for a new release from Lauren Carr. So I was super excited for the latest instalment, the fifth book in the Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery series and I was not disappointed. This book touches on themes of the meaning of family, fidelity, deep loss and friendship. Although these may be heavy themes, there is much humour and slapstick comedy. A cozy murder mystery thriller, one could say.
At the beginning there were some scenes that seemed somewhat disjointed, like I dropped into a scene and info was missing. But then suddenly the writing flowed and it was signature Carr storytelling. And I was hooked! There’s a lot going on and I was paying close attention to try to figure things out. I was continuously wondering how certain scenes and events were related because I know that Carr drops clues everywhere, and nothing seems related until finally we see everything is.
I loved the Hartman clan and of course the Geezer Squad! And the scenes with Chris’ beloved German Shepherd Sterling were heartwarming.
The ending was touching and it was perfect, tying it all together. There is some reference to past events that are covered in the previous books, but this book can be read as a stand-alone, without the necessity of having read the other 4 books. However, if you like twisty mysteries, here are the previous books and my reviews. You won't be bored with a Lauren Carr mystery book in your hands, that's for sure.
The ending was touching and it was perfect, tying it all together. There is some reference to past events that are covered in the previous books, but this book can be read as a stand-alone, without the necessity of having read the other 4 books. However, if you like twisty mysteries, here are the previous books and my reviews. You won't be bored with a Lauren Carr mystery book in your hands, that's for sure.
Winter Frost: Book 2
The Last Thing She Said: Book 3
Chris Crossed Murder : Book 4
Disclosure: Thanks to the author for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.
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.
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.
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