Her new Thorny Rose series steps up several levels into an exciting category all its own. It's thriller, cold case, mystery suspense, and police procedural, all rolled into one exciting novel.
Merry Citarella, Mystery Suspense Reviews
THE THORNY ROSE ORIGINS: JESSICA AND MURPHY'S EARLY CASES: A
Four pulse-pounding mysteries. One unstoppable couple. The origin of the Thorny Rose.
Jessica Faraday and Murphy Thornton are brilliant, bold, and deadly together — the ultimate power couple in the world of crime-solving. But every legend has an origin story.
In this thrilling 4-book collection, follow Jessica and Murphy through their first explosive cases as newlyweds:
- A ruthless death squad with ties to international terrorists strikes Deep Creek Lake
- A deadly military conspiracy targeting soldiers’ wives
- A buried massacre memory at a Virginia winery that threatens their marriage
- A high-stakes political campaign turned murderous
These early adventures test their new marriage, their skills, and their limits in ways they never expected.
Packed with shocking twists, sizzling romance, sharp humor, and heart-stopping suspense, Thorny Rose Origins is where one of mystery fiction’s most beloved investigative teams takes root.
Perfect for fans of fast-paced romantic thrillers who love strong couples solving crimes together.
THE THORNY ROSE MYSTERIES
%20(2).jpg/:/rs=w:400,cg:true,m)
KILL AND RUN (A Thorny Rose Mystery - Book 1)
"The fast-paced story, numerous twists and turns, and well-developed characters bring an allure to a some times harsh topic. A structured plot keeps the story moving forward and readers turning pages. The best part of the story is the completely surprising ending. This book is a must read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery that also utilizes numerous family members throughout the series, keeping the stories fresh, and the ability to get to know the characters much deeper than most novels." - review by Edie Monroe Dykeman, Bellaonline
"The plot was original, fresh and fast paced in spite of the "traditional elements" employed which can normally be found in any other thriller of this genre. The USP of this story would be its unpredictability. When you think you have it all guessed up, the plot would change its course keeping you hooked. There were a lot of suspense twists and turns that kept the momentum up. Needless to say, the writing was simply perfect. One thing that writer needs to be lauded for is the humor she inculcated in the book. Minus those humorous parts, the book would have been one serious read." - review by Book and Ink
Five women slaughtered. One deadly connection. And the clock is running out.
Five women with nothing in common are found brutally murdered in a quiet Washington, DC townhome. What brought these strangers together on the night they died?
For Lieutenant Murphy Thornton, USN, this is his first major murder case. He’s convinced the key to solving it lies in the hidden thread that linked the victims. But as he digs deeper, the case takes a shocking personal turn.
One of the dead women is tied to his stepmother — Homicide Detective Cameron Gates — and a cold-case hit-and-run from over a decade ago that claimed her first husband’s life.
Now, newlyweds Murphy Thornton and Jessica Faraday team up with the legendary Lovers in Crime to unravel a dangerous web of lies, cover-ups, and political secrets. In the high-stakes world of Washington, DC, one wrong move could make them the killer’s next targets.
In the explosive first installment of the Thorny Rose Mysteries, can Murphy and Jessica stop a cunning murderer before the body count rises again?
A FINE YEAR FOR MURDER (A Thorny Rose Mystery - Book 2)
"Lauren Carr has become a master at spinning yarns that are simply not easy to predict," says Warren Lewis, while giving 5-Stars to A Fine Year for Murder.
"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
"Murder, corruption, embezzlement, family drama, fraud, and ghosts. How much more can you pack into one story? ... I found myself alternately laughing and hanging on the edge of my seat." - review by Michelle deGuzman of For Life After
"This is a pull-at-your-heart-strings kind of story that is full of intrigue, twists, compassion, and mystery. Just like the first book, I could not put this down! I am impatiently waiting for the third!" - review by Elisha German of Rainy Day Reviews
A fine year for wine. A deadly year for secrets.
After ten months of newlywed bliss, Jessica Faraday and Murphy Thornton believe they’ve finally found their perfect life together—until the nightmares begin.
In the dead of night, Jessica lashes out at the man she loves, haunted by a violent memory she can’t explain. When fiery investigative journalist Dallas Walker brings them a cold case—the brutal Pine Bridge Massacre—everything clicks into place. Jessica may have witnessed the slaughter of an entire family while visiting relatives at a nearby Virginia winery… and then buried the horror deep in her subconscious.
Determined to uncover the truth and deliver justice, Jessica, Murphy, and the spunky, no-nonsense Texan Dallas return to the scene of the crime. But as they dig into the past, old secrets and new dangers surface. What should be a healing family reunion quickly turns prickly—and potentially deadly.
Will confronting Jessica’s buried trauma bring closure to a shattered community… or will it destroy the Thorny Rose couple forever?
MURDER BY PERFECTION (A Thorny Rose Mystery - Book 3)
"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
"If you enjoy grown-up mysteries (that are still PG in content) with fun and engaging characters and a storyline that twists and turns just enough to keep you glued to the pages--I cannot recommend this novel (and the series) enough," - review by Book Corner News and Reviews
"Murder by Perfection is a mystery novel that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters are well-developed with interesting backstories that slowly come to light to help add to the suspense. Carr has written a captivating mystery that will make you smile and laugh all while trying to solve the mystery at hand. Murder by Perfection is a remarkable read that is perfect for anyone who loves a good mystery." - 5-Star Review by Truly Trendy
Beauty hides the deadliest secrets.
Frustrated with their demanding careers, Murphy Thornton and Jessica Faraday try to reconnect with a weekly date night. What begins as a romantic couples’ gourmet cooking class at the elegant Stepford Kitchen Studio quickly turns deadly.
When the studio’s owner—Chef Natalie Stepford, the very picture of feminine perfection—is murdered, and Murphy vanishes without a trace, Jessica is thrust into a nightmare. As the Thorny Rose detectives dig deeper, they uncover a world of ruthless ambition, jealous rivals, and shocking secrets behind Natalie’s flawless facade.
In a deadly race against time, Jessica must peel back the layers of perfection to find her husband and catch a killer who will stop at nothing to protect their dark truth.
Packed with clever twists, humor, romance, and heart-pounding suspense, *Murder by Perfection* is the next addictive installment in the beloved Thorny Rose series.
Perfect for readers who love strong heroines, protective heroes, and fast-paced romantic thrillers.
THE NUTCRACKER CONSPIRACY (A Thorny Rose Mystery - Book 4)
"Wow - this is one INCREDIBLE novel that I could not put down. It had me on the edge of my seat and I can honestly say that I never saw the end coming. It was full of suspense, action but also humour (done in a way that only Lauren can accomplish)." - 5-Star Review of The Nutcracker Conspiracy by Working Mommy Journal
"Grab your snacks. Put the cat/dog out. Send hubby somewhere to entertain himself. And Beware! don't start at bedtime! Get ready for a page-turning ride that will have you on the edge of your seat! Lauren Carr does it again - giving us a fast paced thrilling ride that will knock your socks off. Or maybe knock you right out of your stiletto's! " - 5-Star Review of The Nutcracker Conspiracy at My Reading Journey
"Once again, just when I think that I've figured something out, Carr throws a curveball and I'm left amazed that she can keep me guessing until the end! There are so many twists and turns my head was spinning at one point." - Review of The Nutcracker Conspiracy by Laura Fabiani, Library of Clean Reads
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”
.png/:/cr=t:27.27%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:45.45%25/rs=w:600,h:273,cg:true)
Get Your Exclusive Invitation to Mystery – Free!
Join Lauren Carr’s Mystery Club for this members-only novella: a luxury weekend at the Spencer Inn turns into a cold case crossover with Mac Faraday, Chris Matheson & the Geezer Squad, Joshua Thornton, and more!
Twists, humor, and four-legged mischief await – but only for club members.
Enter your email for instant access!