A Crafty Plan. A Healing Sojourn. A Deadly Twister.
Royal Dutton, close friend and stylist for Charles and Angelica Carrows, has a broken heart and he’s falling to bits. Disturbed by Royal’s escalating depression and dangerous choices, the London-based Carrows family decide to distract Royal with a vacation to an English castle on the dazzling eastern shores of Yorkshire, Britain.
Well-intentioned, they plan a murder mystery using the villagers near the castle as characters who will each play a role in convincing the unsuspecting Royal that there is a murder to be solved for a real-life person.
It should have been fun.
But there are unforeseen consequences. The small town of Boswell Crag and its eccentric villagers will never be the same. And someone . . . will not survive.
Annabelle Lewis, a pseudonym for the author, lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Regrettably? Perhaps. She still believes she’s a Texan even though the math no longer supports that. Nor her birthplace. Nor her residence. No offense, Minnesota. You’ve got your good points too, but only about six months of the year.
In her youth, Annabelle was a complete failure. Ask anyone who knew her. Any of her teachers and family would tell you this. High school graduation was a sad day for all when Annabelle walked proudly off the high school stage, her thoughts consumed with boys, beer, and after-parties, and later into the arms of her parents. Her father’s laughter and singular remark? “I didn’t think you’d make it. Get a job at the post office, they have a good retirement plan.”
A high bar and words to live by, but Annabelle wanted more. She needed to flunk out of college too. But damn, she sure did have a good time. Trivial arrest records not-withstanding, it was a growth period for our girl. And if you look closely, you’ll see a bit of what was to come when she majored in criminal justice. Her lifelong aspiration was to become a judge. Hmm.
For better or worse, Annabelle didn’t graduate from college but did find gainful employment and a fulfilling career. This path ended when she became a mom. Married to her wonderful George, who to this day can hardly remember an actual proposal, Annabelle finally became a mother. She didn’t have a clue how hard she would need to work to keep those self-imposed requirements of Downey-fresh, iron-pressed sheets, home-baked meals, and mom-of-the-year awards arriving. She composed a small self-affirmation song and made her children sing it to her for money. She was a very good mom.
After clearing the largest hurdles of motherhood and regrettably, begrudgingly, and not-without-tears, launching her children onto the world, she looked around and realized she had a lot to say. Picking up a laptop, she got to work.
Annabelle spends her days continuing to tackle the challenges of motherhood, for both her humans and canines. She also writes. And reads. And cleans. And cooks. And bakes. And cleans again. She also supports her husband, George, in an administrative capacity for their small business. She’s in charge of payroll and cuts George’s checks. This leads to no marital acrimony.
In the beginning, with the blank page staring at her and possibly in a hostile mood after being literally mauled by a dog and by the world in general, she had an idea. What if she could wield a force of good upon unsuspecting evil-doers? What if she had the resources to get the job done without dealing with committee and anyone else’s whiney-ass opinions?
It was gold. It took off. Annabelle sat down and began to write and couldn’t stop. To date, having written over a million words in the Carrows Family Chronicles and her second series on the Boston Clairvoyants, several items have become quite clear. Annabelle had a lot to say. Annabelle really enjoys writing. And although she hates all things technology, she begrudgingly pounds her head on her desk daily as obstacles are thrown in her path. Almost a hero.
Since entering her world of make-believe, she has rebelled against all intrusion of real-world responsibilities. Her house is a mess, but she tries. Her family is fed, but more often than not, on takeout. She vows to shower every day, but no, it’s a vow she’ll never keep. Her friends are neglected, but not in her heart. Read her mordacious blog!
Read her books! Follow her on social platforms! Sign up for her newsletter! These are all good things. What are you waiting for? Jump into bed with Annabelle. She’s having a swell time. You should join her.
Annabelle Lewis has done it again. Another lively, fun read full of colorful characters (especially the Carrows, the wealthy do-gooders who right the wrongs in their own backyard.) This book is the Carrows’ second foray into solving a murder, the first being ‘Road Trip.’ Here, the Carrows plan a fake murder mystery for their heart-broken and despondent friend Royal in a remote village where they can rent the local castle. Amidst much archaic pageantry, the locals (all of them quirky, entertaining characters) are hired to act the part of witnesses, giving Royal the chance to play sleuth to what he believes is a real murder. But the village has real secrets and simmering jealousies, and the game-mystery blows up into a real murder the Carrows have to solve out of guilt over setting things in motion and empathy for the survivors. This is a clever and original concept that adds to the fun. Is Lewis bending toward mystery writing? (Of course, the other Carrows’ novels are mysteries of a sort too, just not murder-mysteries.) Her marvelous fantasy (I have to call it fantasy when two characters can 'see' the past/future) ‘Boston Clairvoyants’ series seems to say yes. Disclosure: I was given an early draft, ARC of this novel.
First things first. I have this thing where I have no compunctions about jumping into a series anywhere. I was a bit worried about it with this book as it’s the tenth in the series. I’m thrilled to say I had no issues about it being so far along. I was immediately captivated by the characters and the plot. Everything flowed so easily.
About the plot. A fake murder mystery event at a castle. How fun. I once did one of these on a ferry boat cruise. Highly recommend you do it if you have the chance. Of course, someone ends up dead, for real. And let the sleuthing begin. It’s not an easy solve. I always love that. And I really enjoyed the characters frustrations and fears as they tried to figure out the who and why while also making sure they aren’t a target for the killer.
This was a straight through read for me and I finished it in a couple of hours. If this book is any indication of the author’s other ones, I can’t wait to read more.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
I enjoyed reading this book by Ms. Annabelle Lewis. It is entertaining from the first page until the last chapter. It is hard to put it down and you want to devour reading your book in one setting. This book is full of adventure, thrills, and fun out loud to read. I adore Royal Dutton and her two American friends and their generosity in helping and healing his broken heart. The games are fun at the beginning until there is murder.
Being greedy is not a good thing and an illicit relationship will never last. It was fun until it was no longer. I love how the puzzles are being solved. Being attentive helps a lot too. I wish I read other books from this series before reading the last book. Definitely, I recommend this book who love to explore mystery and suspense. Definitely, 5 stars read for me.
Just finished A Carrows Murder by Annabelle Lewis and thoroughly enjoyed read this book there were so many twist and turns in it. It was so nice to read that some friend will go to all kind links to help a friend who is down after a breakup. Charles andhis wife Angelica who are billionaire don't mind helping out their friend Royal and getting him back on track with life. They are able to rental a castle and have a murder mystery that most of the people in town get to help to make seem so real for their friend giving him clues as the days go by. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery book.
I don't read murder mysteries, write book reviews, and I had never heard of Annabelle Lewis.
But then I read A Carrows Murder. The book is addictive. I couldn't put the damn thing down before I found out how this incredible story ended. And I still hang out mentally with several of the compelling characters.
I still don't do book reviews. This isn't a review, it's a warning. Read A Carrows Murder at your own risk. And Annabelle, shame on you for writing this addictive story. But please write another.
I received an advance review book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Annabelle Lewis and iRead Book Tours. I'm excited to be a part of this tour!
A Carrows Murder is the tenth in the Carrows Family Chronicles series and does not disappoint, it is a captivating mystery novel that took me on a thrilling journey through the dark undercurrents of a seemingly peaceful small town. The story centers around the murder of a wealthy and influential figure, plunging the close-knit community into chaos and suspicion.
I have done it again folks and jumped into the middle of a series. Good news! Despite this book being part of a series, the novel provides a complete and satisfying story on its own. The plot is self-contained, with all major threads resolved by the end, making it possible to love this book without having read prior books in the series.
Detective Carrow, the novel’s sharp and determined protagonist, is tasked with untangling the complex web of relationships and secrets that surround the victim. Lewis masterfully builds tension as Carrow navigates the town’s intricate social dynamics, uncovering hidden motives and long-standing grudges that kept me guessing until the very end.
The strength of the novel lies in its well-developed characters and the rich atmosphere of the setting. The town itself feels like a character, with its quaint façade masking the darker realities of its residents. Lewis’ attention to detail brings the town to life, creating a vivid backdrop for the unfolding drama.
Carrow’s personal journey is another highlight of the book. Her struggle to balance her professional duties with personal challenges adds depth to her character and makes her relatable to a variety of readers. The plot is expertly paced, with a mix of suspenseful moments and quieter, introspective scenes that allow me to connect with the characters on a deeper level.
Overall, "A Carrow’s Murder" is a compelling read for fans of mystery and suspense. Annabelle Lewis delivers a story that is both gripping and emotionally resonant, making it a standout in the genre.
A Carrows Murder is a riveting mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final twist.
A Carrows Murder is a riveting mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final twist.
In A Carrows Murder, Annabelle Lewis delivers a masterful blend of humor, suspense, and heartache. Royal Dutton, the trusted stylist and close confidant of Charles and Angelica Carrows, is spiraling into a dark place. His friends, the ever-concerned Carrows, concoct a crafty plan to lift his spirits—a vacation at a picturesque English castle on the stunning eastern shores of Yorkshire. But this isn’t just any getaway; they’ve arranged an elaborate murder mystery involving the quirky villagers of Boswell Crag.
What starts as a well-intentioned diversion quickly spirals out of control. The fabricated mystery turns chillingly real as unforeseen consequences unravel, leaving both Royal and the village of Boswell Crag changed forever. In a town filled with eccentric characters, the line between play-acting and reality blurs, leading to a deadly twist no one saw coming.
Lewis skillfully balances a fast-paced, twisty plot with moments of levity and deep emotional resonance. The Carrows’ attempt to heal their friend’s broken heart leads to an unpredictable and gripping tale that keeps readers hooked from the first page to the last. With its rich characters and unexpected turns, A Carrows Murder stands as a delightful and thrilling addition to the series—a must-read for both fans and newcomers alike.
This is a mystery book involving a family named the Carrows. They are a well to do family who solve mysteries. I had not previously read the other book in the series entitled Road Trip. You can read this book as a stand alone book though in case you haven’t read the previous book as well. The Carrows are planning a fake murder mystery for their friend who has had something happen to them and they are not the same as they were in the past. They are trying to be gentle with their friend and help him through a tough time. So the Carrows rent out a big castle for this endeavor. The local people of the town where the Castle is, are hired by the Carrows and their friend must solve the mystery of the ‘death’. But then a real life murder happens and the Carrows must help solve the murder! I loved the authors writing style of this book. She really takes the reader on quite the journey of trying to figure out who the murder is and the mystery is the real figuring out part of the book. This is not a mystery that is handed to the reader and I loved that! You really to have read the book closely and see who did it, but then be prepared because the author will take you in a completely unexpected direction. I highly recommend to mystery readers!
Annabelle Lewis has knocked it out of the park with *A Carrows Murder*, the tenth book in the Carrows Family Chronicles. This story takes us on a wild ride to a gorgeous English castle on the Yorkshire coast, where Royal Dutton, the Carrows' close friend and stylist, is nursing a broken heart. The Carrows family, always up for some fun, decides to lift Royal's spirits with a staged murder mystery. But, as you can probably guess, things don’t go exactly as planned! The quirky villagers of Boswell Crag get roped into the scheme, turning what was supposed to be a fun distraction into something far more intense. Annabelle Lewis masterfully blends a mix of eccentric characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and unexpected twists that keep you flipping the pages. The castle setting is described so vividly, you’ll feel like you’re there, exploring its mysterious halls and beautiful grounds. Without giving too much away, let’s just say this isn’t your typical game of Clue. If you love mysteries filled with humor, heart, and a hint of danger, *A Carrows Murder* is the perfect read. Lewis keeps the suspense high and the emotions real. This one’s a page-turner! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fans of the Carrows Family Chronicles are in for a special treat with Annabelle Lewis’s newest addition to the series. A Carrows Murder is quite distinct from its predecessors in that the protagonist is not Charles Carrows, but rather his wife, Angelica Carrows.
A good friend of Angelica, Royal Dutton, becomes despondent when he is deserted by his lover. Angelica is determined to get Royal out of the dumps. She transports him to a castle she rents in rural England and masterminds a murder mystery game to draw Royal out of his shell. She cajols prominent townspeople to play roles in the mystery, which centers on a fictional victim, Gillian Hemmingway. Royal is the only person who thinks the murder was for real. Nonetheless, he is unable to shake his despondency until he meets Earl of Boswell, Jamie North, and discovers that they share a mutual attraction for each other. This cheers Royal, and he gets into the spirit of the game Angelica conspired.
At this point, the whole plan goes haywire. It’s impossible to say more without giving away spoilers. But suffice it to say, this caper is a great addition to the series. Fans get to see a new side of Angelica. Other popular members of the Carrows family and entourage show up. Some new characters emerge. Lots of witty repartee. And twists galore.
Hats off to Annabelle Lewis for giving us this delightful romp.
Oh what a fun read! Read easily in one sitting - what a great, creative plot! I loved all the characters - I'm sad it ended. Definitely going to check out the rest of this series! Royal and his boyfriend of several years breakup - Louie already engaged, posting couple pics on social media. Royal becomes a little unhinged - and the Carrows devise a plan for his recovery. Renting a castle and getting the bulk of townspeople on board, a murder mystery is devised. Royal cannot fight his interest - and the town eagerly feeds him more. Until a real murder happens. This is my first book by this author - also the first book I have read in this series. Lewis does a great job providing backstory without dragging the plot. I had a great grasp of relationships, connections.
Who doesn't like an old-fashioned murder mystery? Annabelle Lewis' latest novel, "A Carrows Murder (The Carrows Family Chronicles, #10) certainly did not disappoint. This novel is full of colorful characters, a unique plot, and a beautiful setting. In their latest adventure, we find the Carrows once again surrounded by intrigue. Charles and Angelica's dear friend and stylist, Royal Dutton, has found himself unceremoniously dumped by his partner of several years. His life seems to be falling apart, and his actions are cause for alarm. Charles and Angelica decide to intervene, and that's where this wonderful murder mystery comes together and takes off! If you're looking for a fun read, I would definitely recommend this one!
A fun read with lively, colourful characters who have mysterious ways about solving a murder. They create a murder mystery party but it turns out to be a real life murder mystery. The plot is amusing, well thought out and cleverly crafted. The Carrows are concerned about their friend Royal who is down in the dumps and organise for a vacation away and of course they set up the murder mystery which ends in disaster. The author has done a fabulous job of bringing the characters to life as they vividly shine through the pages of the endearing book. It's a book that I won't be forgetting any time soon!
I enjoyed getting to know Angelica, Charles and Royal. I liked that Angelica wanted to help her friend feel better and use some of her money to set up a murder mystery. I enjoyed getting to know the people of this town as the mystery unfolds. I liked the twists and turns that happen as the mystery unfolds. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
I have had the pleasure of reading books from Annabelle Lewis. However, I have not been introduced to her The Carrows Family Chronicles series until I received a copy of the tenth installment, A Carrows Murder. Even though it is part of a series and I have not had the chance to reading the previous books, I found this one could easily be read as a stand alone.
A Carrows Murder is by far my new favorite I have read by Annabelle Lewis. The mystery of the story was so full of twists and turns that my had was often left spinning. I never knew what could possible happen next. So many surprises I could have never predicted from scene to scene. I found the novel to be full of intrigue, adventure, action, and suspense. It was an honor to take this journey with the characters. I found it to be an overall fascinating and delightful book to read for me.
A Carrows Murder will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy immersing themselves in an entertaining murder mystery. I would love love love to read the other books from The Carrows Family Chronicles series and seeing what Annabelle Lewis had up her sleeve for those stories.
I received a paperback copy of Annabelle Lewis' A Carrows Murder from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Fans of the Carrows Family Chronicles are in for a special treat with Annabelle Lewis’s newest addition to the series. A Carrows Murder is quite distinct from its predecessors in that the protagonist is not Charles Carrows, but rather his wife, Angelica Carrows.
A good friend of Angelica, Royal Dutton, becomes despondent when he is deserted by his lover. Angelica is determined to get Royal out of the dumps. She transports him to a castle she rents in rural England and masterminds a murder mystery game that will draw Royal out of his shell. She cajols prominent townspeople to play roles in the mystery, and Royal is the only person who thinks the murder was for real. He also is unable to shake his despondency until he meets Earl of Boswell, Jamie North, and discovers that they share a mutual attraction for each other. This cheers Royal, and he gets into the spirit of the game Angelica conspired.
At this point, the whole plan goes haywire. It’s impossible to say more without giving away spoilers. But suffice it to say, this is a great addition to the series. Fans get to see a new side of Angelica. Other popular members of the Carrows family and entourage show up. Some new characters emerge. Lots of witty repartee. And twists galore.
Hats off to Annabelle Lewis for giving us this delightful romp.
Love the vividly described characters that simply jump off the page! Very amusing and well crafted story! This is the first book in the series I’ve read and I’m hooked! I received an advance copy of this book and these are my honest impressions.
Royal Dutton goes on a holiday to Yorkshire, Britain little knowing what awaited him. He gets involved in a murder . A intriguing read with great characters. I received this ARC copy and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.