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Sleep Carter #1
The Audubon Park Murder
A beautiful college student is killed in Audubon Park - just a few feet away from St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans. There were no witnesses. The case is handed to newly minted detective, Elizabeth Silverman. It isn't long before Elizabeth realizes there are multiple people who had an incentive to murder the young woman. Elizabeth is in over her head on this one, but she has a secret weapon - legendary detective Donald "Sleepy" Carter. But, there is one catch, everyone at the New Orleans Police Department believes Sleepy Carter is dead - and that's exactly the way Elizabeth and Sleepy like it.
- GenresMystery ThrillerMystery
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2013
58 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 8, 2016
The Audubon Park Murder is Brian W. Smith's first mystery novel and the first installment of the Sleepy Carter Series. Donald "Sleepy" Carter is a veteran detective who seemingly dropped off of the face of the earth ten years prior. Sleepy was a legend in his own right, solving murder cases unsolvable by other detectives on the force. So skilled that he was able to train other departments and assist the FBI in unsolved cases. While his disappearance is a mystery, it isn't the main whodunnit in the novel.
This story centers around Lizzy Silverman, rookie detective whose parents were killed in a fiery crash years earlier. She has vowed to solved her parents cold case and become a top notch detective solving murders. Along the way she has to battle her chauvinistic, bigoted, self-servicing male counterparts - like her seasoned partner, Farrington. She finds an unlikely ally the long-vanished Sleepy, who suddenly appears on her back doorstep.
The ride they are about to take was suspenseful enough to keep me turning pages to see if I could solve the case before it was all laid out for me. I didn't, by the way. I have already downloaded the second book (A Murder in the Quarter's) and plan to read that soon.
I am a BWS fan, and while this book is grammatically more correct and has less developmental errors than some of his other novels I've read, I do think this series is going to take some time to get used to since I am accustomed to style of his other works.
This story centers around Lizzy Silverman, rookie detective whose parents were killed in a fiery crash years earlier. She has vowed to solved her parents cold case and become a top notch detective solving murders. Along the way she has to battle her chauvinistic, bigoted, self-servicing male counterparts - like her seasoned partner, Farrington. She finds an unlikely ally the long-vanished Sleepy, who suddenly appears on her back doorstep.
The ride they are about to take was suspenseful enough to keep me turning pages to see if I could solve the case before it was all laid out for me. I didn't, by the way. I have already downloaded the second book (A Murder in the Quarter's) and plan to read that soon.
I am a BWS fan, and while this book is grammatically more correct and has less developmental errors than some of his other novels I've read, I do think this series is going to take some time to get used to since I am accustomed to style of his other works.
June 1, 2016
Title: The Audubon Park Murder
Author: Brian W. Smith
Series: Sleepy Carter Mystery Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:
"The Audubon Park Murder" by Brian W. Smith
My Thoughts....
I must say I loved this thriller mystery by this author. I read the second novel first and now that I have read this first of the 'Sleepy Carter Series' it makes a lots of sense to what all had gone on earlier in the first novel. I found the read quite entertaining as well as one of those reads that will certainly keep your attention as one finds 'Sleepy Carter quite a unique and mysterious character. This was definitely one of those read that will keep you guessing till the very end. Now, that I have read the first two of these mystery reads I will be looking forward to the third series to see will will become of Sleepy Carter with his well kept secret, Lizzy Silverman and let's not forget that Farrington partner. Well done to the author!
Author: Brian W. Smith
Series: Sleepy Carter Mystery Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:
"The Audubon Park Murder" by Brian W. Smith
My Thoughts....
I must say I loved this thriller mystery by this author. I read the second novel first and now that I have read this first of the 'Sleepy Carter Series' it makes a lots of sense to what all had gone on earlier in the first novel. I found the read quite entertaining as well as one of those reads that will certainly keep your attention as one finds 'Sleepy Carter quite a unique and mysterious character. This was definitely one of those read that will keep you guessing till the very end. Now, that I have read the first two of these mystery reads I will be looking forward to the third series to see will will become of Sleepy Carter with his well kept secret, Lizzy Silverman and let's not forget that Farrington partner. Well done to the author!
August 10, 2022
As a hemorrhagic stroke surviver, it is hard for me to stay focused on completing a book or must task for that matter…I have many challenges newly brought onto me due to the other math of a few brain surgeries. The biggest being having a lot of my enjoyment changed, poor sight and low comprehension, spelling and grammar…With all that said I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I normally experience sickness when trying to read because it’s just too much and brings on headaches and queasiness from my letters floating about~with this book, I enjoyed reading it so much, I didn’t even have those episodes for some reason~ lol, I was probably too enriched in a great book to even notice! I brought the entire Sleepy Carter mystery set available to date, and can’t wait to start book 2!
August 23, 2022
Enjoyed the story, will definitely read more of his books!
January 9, 2018
This book was so good for reading on a long Amtrak train ride. Brian W. Smith never ceases to amaze me. It was fast paste, mysterious, great plot and excellent story line. Got to love a who done it?
Young girl murdered in the middle of the night, was it passion and here comes Sleepy Carter. Former supercop turned homeless because of his demons he was notorious for snooping out a crime. When he teams up with his past it is a story to tell. Can't wait to read part 2. Go Brian... makes me want to curse and throw something.
Young girl murdered in the middle of the night, was it passion and here comes Sleepy Carter. Former supercop turned homeless because of his demons he was notorious for snooping out a crime. When he teams up with his past it is a story to tell. Can't wait to read part 2. Go Brian... makes me want to curse and throw something.
June 4, 2025
This was a quick fun read. Although, Lizzy was a bit annoying and easily impressed. Sleepy was my favorite character, I just wish there was a bit more depth to him. To be made out to be this precinct phenomenon, he was very surface level. This insights he provided to solve cases were very mid. Anyone who watched a few episodes of the first 48 hour could provide just as much insight as Sleepy did. It was a good story though and I loved how New Orleans centered it was. I’m going to pick up book 2 because I’m interested to see what’s going on with Sleepy. If no improvement in his character development I’ll more than likely end it there.
December 17, 2021
Loved this novel!
As usual Mr. Smith has penned a very engaging and enjoyable novel! I really enjoyed reading this story and look forward to the others in this series! Sleepy Carter has a secret that he's scared to share with Liz and its one that will crush her! He decides to he make her great instead thru helping solve the recent murder in the park as well as an old case that was never solved. Captain Hollis also knows Farrington is a snake but will let him hang himself eventually! Great read!
As usual Mr. Smith has penned a very engaging and enjoyable novel! I really enjoyed reading this story and look forward to the others in this series! Sleepy Carter has a secret that he's scared to share with Liz and its one that will crush her! He decides to he make her great instead thru helping solve the recent murder in the park as well as an old case that was never solved. Captain Hollis also knows Farrington is a snake but will let him hang himself eventually! Great read!
June 19, 2022
I love NOLA!! pre Katerina I wanted to live there
So give me a decent mystery set in New Prleans and I am as happy as can be
This series features a NOPD detective who is longing to solve the case of her parents deadly accident but first has to solve the murder of a law student who was strangled in Audubon Park
She is assisted in this by a homeless man who turns out to be NOPDs greatest Detective Sleepy
He promises her he will help her solve her parents Murder
There are three main suspects to the case which will be solved
So give me a decent mystery set in New Prleans and I am as happy as can be
This series features a NOPD detective who is longing to solve the case of her parents deadly accident but first has to solve the murder of a law student who was strangled in Audubon Park
She is assisted in this by a homeless man who turns out to be NOPDs greatest Detective Sleepy
He promises her he will help her solve her parents Murder
There are three main suspects to the case which will be solved
July 28, 2020
Great read! I really enjoyed this book! I was trying so hard to figure out who the murderer was that I completely missed it! (no spoiler here!) This book kept me thoroughly engaged and wanting to know what happens next. At times, I couldn't put it down, except when I absolutely had to! I have already downloaded book 2 in the Sleepy Carter series and I'm about to start on it. I need to find out what secret Sleepy is hiding, but I think I know what it is!
June 28, 2021
The Audubon Park Murder (A Sleepy Carter Mystery Book 1) (A Sleepy Carter Mystery)
Dang good story. I am hooked on the characters as well as the suspenseful storyline in this series. In order to become the department's first female Lieutenant, I know 🕵 Donald Carter aka Sleepy will help 🕵 Elizabeth "Lizzy" Silverman solve all her cases. Question is: can I figure them out before they do?
6/28/2021.
Dang good story. I am hooked on the characters as well as the suspenseful storyline in this series. In order to become the department's first female Lieutenant, I know 🕵 Donald Carter aka Sleepy will help 🕵 Elizabeth "Lizzy" Silverman solve all her cases. Question is: can I figure them out before they do?
6/28/2021.
July 16, 2020
Wow
This is my 1st time reading from this author. I am now a fan. I loved this mystery. You think you know whats going to happen and then BOOM you don't. Looking forward to reading the next Sleepy Carter mystery.
This is my 1st time reading from this author. I am now a fan. I loved this mystery. You think you know whats going to happen and then BOOM you don't. Looking forward to reading the next Sleepy Carter mystery.
December 16, 2021
A murder mystery of suspense
I really enjoyed this murder suspense. It took me two days to read it because I couldn’t put it down! Great rest!!! Now to Book 2 to see what happened!
I really enjoyed this murder suspense. It took me two days to read it because I couldn’t put it down! Great rest!!! Now to Book 2 to see what happened!
June 14, 2023
Pretty good mystery
The beginning started off pretty slow. However, the secret Sleepy Carter is holding makes the pace of the text pick up. He has a very brilliant mind. He is such a likable character. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
The beginning started off pretty slow. However, the secret Sleepy Carter is holding makes the pace of the text pick up. He has a very brilliant mind. He is such a likable character. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
August 5, 2024
I starting reading this series last year with book three. You do not need to read the books in order to understand what's happening. Like I've said before, BWS always have a plot twist for his books. I love this series.
October 22, 2017
I am a fan of this author. Although this was his first murder mystery it was just as good as the rest of his books.
April 10, 2020
Enjoyed .Good read ...Can’t wait to see what Sleepy and Lizzy are up to next!
June 19, 2020
This book was AWESOME it9 was page turner I LOVE SLEEPY CARTER!!!!!
October 7, 2013
I would recommend this book to others, especially those suspenseful, mystery solving, who-done it type readers. If I am to understand correctly, this is Brian Smith’s first attempt in this type genre right? Well, I think he hit a home run with this one. Donald Sleepy Carter is such a complex character. Guilt stricken, heavy hearted, self-hating, intellectual, most-observant, mystery solving genius is who he really is. And then there is Lizzy; a rookie with the heart of a lion, the desire to be just as good if not better than her male counter parts and to gain the recognition that she so rightfully deserves, but more so to solve the one most important case that has haunted her for so long. Together Sleepy and Lizzy takes you on a most auspicious thrill ride. I was hooked from the very beginning from the way the author described New Orleans and Audobon Park. Page 3. “But New Orleanians who frequent the area know the spirits that shuffle along the fringes of Audobon Park at night have a way of incentivizing pedestrians to cross the street and joggers to speed up as they pass” I was in deep as soon as I finished that sentence because I knew some stuff was about to happen. . I cannot wait to see what will come next for Mr. Donald Sleepy Carter”. Kudos Mr. Smith, way to enter into a new genre. I am sure the mystery-thriller world readers will welcome you with open arms after this read.
November 16, 2017
Hats off to the author for throwing his hat in the murder mystery ring. The key to a great detective series is having an observant detective. In true Walter Mosley fashion, Smith describes each scene in this novel very clearly. If you concentrate on the descriptions by the author, you would see each as Sleepy Carter saw them. I love the new character, the relationship he has with Detective Lizzy Silverman and look forward to watching them grow together. The author displays his writing skill at character building to keep you interested in not only the solution to the case at hand, but also wanting more from the next book in the series...
November 16, 2017
How refreshing to have another black author in the mystery genre with a main character that is exciting. Not since Walter Mosley's Easy Rawlins have I enjoyed a sleuth character that I identified with.
Donald "Sleepy Carter" is resurrected from his disappearance many years ago. His disappearance is attributed to a deep dark secret from his past. Being a mentor to a new detective is going to be exciting.
November 16, 2017
How refreshing to have another black author in the mystery genre with a main character that is exciting. Not since Walter Mosley's Easy Rawlins have I enjoyed a sleuth character that I identified with.
Donald "Sleepy Carter" is resurrected from his disappearance many years ago. His disappearance is attributed to a deep dark secret from his past. Being a mentor to a new detective is going to be exciting.
March 5, 2014
Elizabeth "Lizzy" Silverman is a detective for the NOPD. As the only female detective in the office and a rookie she has to fight to prove that she can be just as good or better than the men. Her partner often makes it hard for her. The Audubon Park murder is her opportunity to prove just what she is made of. The only problem is that she is stuck and doesn't know where to take the case. Donald "Sleepy" Carter sees his chance of righting his past wrongs by helping her solve her cases. What is his real reason for helping? Will he regret coming out of hiding to help her?
Brian W. Smith really knows how to tell a story. This book just reminds me why I call him one of my favorite authors. I don't read many mystery novels, but this book right here changed my view. I will be anticipating the next installment in this series. Keep up the good work!
Brian W. Smith really knows how to tell a story. This book just reminds me why I call him one of my favorite authors. I don't read many mystery novels, but this book right here changed my view. I will be anticipating the next installment in this series. Keep up the good work!
August 30, 2016
A great, fast paced, murder mystery set in New Orleans. Lizzy Silverman is the new detective and gets razzed by the other officers at the police department. Her partner, Farrington, tries to show her how to be tough with all the possible suspects that could have murdered Cindy Stanson in the park. Lizzy gets a little help from Sleepy Carter, who used to work at who knows how to stay focused and watch people. All the investigators details are explained and as a reader I was listening to Sleepy and trying to solve the mystery before Lizzy. She figured it out before I did. I downloaded this book for free from Amazon after finding out about it on Bookbasset.com
March 16, 2014
Lizzie Silverman is a rookie detective with the New Orleans police department! She is teamed up with an obnoxious partner, Louis Farrington who is one of the seasoned officers..
Another murder has taken place at the Audubon Park, Silverman and Farrington are assigned to the case. The clues and suspects along with her partner are giving Lizzie a run for her money. By hook or crook she is determined to solve the crime with a little guidance from the well known Donald Sleepy Carter, but will that be enough to bring the offender to justice?
This story was great! Plenty of mystery, secrets and intrigue, I just loved it. I will be reading the next installment, kudos Brian:)
Another murder has taken place at the Audubon Park, Silverman and Farrington are assigned to the case. The clues and suspects along with her partner are giving Lizzie a run for her money. By hook or crook she is determined to solve the crime with a little guidance from the well known Donald Sleepy Carter, but will that be enough to bring the offender to justice?
This story was great! Plenty of mystery, secrets and intrigue, I just loved it. I will be reading the next installment, kudos Brian:)
November 9, 2014
A beautiful college student is killed in Audubon Park . There are no witnesses. The case is handed to detective, Elizabeth Silverman. Elizabeth is in over her head, but she has someone she can turn to for help but no one can know.
I am not a mystery lover, but I did like this book.
This book was really good. I liked the way the characters were written .
I am not a mystery lover, but I did like this book.
This book was really good. I liked the way the characters were written .
September 5, 2015
I enjoyed the book. This is one of the few murder mystery books that I have read. My first was by Walter Mosley. I like how the story was effortlessly told and it was very fast paced. I like how the maim character was a woman. I will be reading the next book. I need to see how it plays out. This is a must read.
December 9, 2015
Better than I expected
This book was recommended to me by an author I follow and I think it happened to be free as well. You never know how a book will actually turn out, but this book was great! I'm just beginning to get into mysteries and I couldn't put this book down. I can't wait to read more Sleepy Carter mysteries in the future!
This book was recommended to me by an author I follow and I think it happened to be free as well. You never know how a book will actually turn out, but this book was great! I'm just beginning to get into mysteries and I couldn't put this book down. I can't wait to read more Sleepy Carter mysteries in the future!
January 15, 2016
The Audubon Park Murder
First time reader of this author and I am officially hooked. Had me on the edge then took me for a loop and left me with my jaw hanging open. Sleepy Carter is definitely a mysterious character and the author leaves you gasping for more. Looking forward to reading more from this author
First time reader of this author and I am officially hooked. Had me on the edge then took me for a loop and left me with my jaw hanging open. Sleepy Carter is definitely a mysterious character and the author leaves you gasping for more. Looking forward to reading more from this author
November 23, 2016
Great read
I enjoyed reading this book. I actually read A Murder In The Quarters, the second book in this series, first, so I was already familiar with Sleepy and Lizzy. I love a good ol whodunit and although I'm usually good at predicting who the killer is, even I was shocked this time. Can't wait to read more from this author, who's become one of my favorite male authors
I enjoyed reading this book. I actually read A Murder In The Quarters, the second book in this series, first, so I was already familiar with Sleepy and Lizzy. I love a good ol whodunit and although I'm usually good at predicting who the killer is, even I was shocked this time. Can't wait to read more from this author, who's become one of my favorite male authors
November 23, 2016
Love a good mystery
For this to be his first venture into the mystery genre I think Brian nails it. I loved it from the first sentence/paragraph. Sleepy Carter has a lot to be revealed so looking forward to the journey he's embarking with Lizzie, the rookie cop he has taken under his wing while he remains assumed dead.
For this to be his first venture into the mystery genre I think Brian nails it. I loved it from the first sentence/paragraph. Sleepy Carter has a lot to be revealed so looking forward to the journey he's embarking with Lizzie, the rookie cop he has taken under his wing while he remains assumed dead.
May 15, 2016
Good Read
I enjoyed this murder mystery. Sleepy is a genius . I can't wait to find out the story behind Lizzys parents murder and why Farrington is being called a snake. Time for book 2!
I enjoyed this murder mystery. Sleepy is a genius . I can't wait to find out the story behind Lizzys parents murder and why Farrington is being called a snake. Time for book 2!
May 8, 2016
Perfect police detective novel based in New Orleans. The action starts early and keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time. I didn't want to put it down...so I didn't. Must read for those that love murder mysteries.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews