Shadows of the Missing

 "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." — Laura Fabiani, Library of Clean Reads

"Lauren Carr does it again. Pulling out all the stops for a hidden secret family disappearance. How the siblings react and what happened years later. This book brought tears to my eyes a few times. I loved the plot. The plots, twists, and turns were always a surprise, keeping you guessing to the end. Once you read one, you're more likely to be hooked and want to read more." — Lindsay Hickey, Nighttime Reading Center

Shadows of the Missing is a strong addition to the Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries, particularly for readers who enjoy character-driven stories with meaningful emotional depth.
While the series has always balanced mystery with personality, this installment leans further into the human side of the story—and that shift adds a layer of complexity that makes it stand out.
For longtime readers, this offers a more personal look at the characters and the kinds of cases that shape them. For those new to the series, it still works as a compelling entry point, especially if you enjoy mysteries where the relationships and history behind the case matter just as much as the outcome.
Overall, this is a thoughtful, well-paced mystery that delivers both intrigue and emotional payoff—making it one of the more memorable entries in the series. — Gina Rae Mitchell, reviewer at Gina Rae Mitchell

"It seems it has been forever since I have had a Lauren Carr book in my hands. I was so excited to find out she was releasing a new addition to her A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery series called Shadows of the Missing. I jumped at the opportunity to read it and was not disappointed. Once again, I was able to go on a fun and entertaining adventure. It was great to catch up with Chris, Helen, and the Geezer Squad. This time, the squad is on a mission to help Helen solve the mystery of her parents' past. I was constantly left wondering who did it and how it would end. I loved how the author throws in humor when you least expect it and makes me laugh out loud at times. Just perfect comedic timing woven in the mystery as the clues are uncovered. I loved every single page.

Shadows of the Missing is no doubt a five-out-of-five-star read. I highly recommend it for mystery and suspense lovers. I cannot wait for another release by Lauren Carr soon, and I hope there will be more to come from her A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery series. This one is most definitely not to be missed." — Amy Campbell, Locks, Hooks, and Books

"I absolutely loved this story. It was such an interesting thriller story. This story was such a great book for me to read, an amazing palate cleanser after all the fantasy I've read! This book really showed me why I love a mystery thriller book.
The tension, the who did it, and the why did this happen, really had me going. I absolutely loved the flow of the story. The clues, and how the two sisters tried to figure out the disappearance of both their parents rather than relying on what was told to them when they were young.
This was such a great read. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a read that has you on the edge of your seat." — Reading with Loe

"I think Shadows of the Missing might be the best in the series. ... Lauren Carr keeps the reader interested with multiple plots that actually all weave together into one main plot." — Sherry Legan, New Journey Back