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Nursery Rhyme Murders
Nursery Rhyme Murders Collection
From the #1 author in Police Procedurals and Crime Fiction comes the Nursery Rhyme Murders Collection!
Praise for the Nursery Rhymes Murders...
“Come for the murder, stay for the three-dimensional, realistically fractured characters! … Long plane rides and rainy Saturday afternoons were made for books like this. If you like your suspense with a side of gruesome and a dash of humor, this is it.”
Brandon Stanley
Amazon Reviewer
“Humpty Dumpty is a wonderful start to what I hope will be the first in a fun and thrilling series. I found myself flipping the pages to get to the end and what an ending. The story was well written and the dialogue was sharp, witty and fast-paced. The chemistry between the main characters, Joshua, Had and Cooper was magical… Eagerly awaiting the next installment in this series.”
Romano Robusto
Amazon Reviewer
"For me, a book that inspires my imagination so much that I can see the movie playing along as I go is a great read – and this definitely does that. Highly, heartily recommended for fans of murder/mystery novels, fans of James Patterson, and fans of action/mystery movies.”
Knikki Jacobsmeyer
Amazon Reviewer
Overview:
A killer is spreading victim body parts all over the United States. it is up to a disgraced ex-FBI agent and a team of young agents to solve the case of the century.
This collection includes:
Mary, Mary Quite Contrary - the prequel short story
Humpty Dumpty - the 1st full-length novel of the series
Old Woman in a Shoe - the bridge short story
All Fall Down - the 2nd full-length novel of the series
Eenie, Meenie, Moe - a bridge short story
Jack & Jill - the last full-length novel
Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater - the "wrap-up" short story to the series
More praise for Nursery Rhyme Murders...
“Another good crime series from one of my favorites. Once again Carolyn McCray has brought together an interesting cast of characters. Each member of the team has flaws, just like real people. The concept of using nursery rhymes as a theme for murder gives the story a creepy edge. The plot twists will keep you guessing.”
J. Duarte
Amazon Reviewer
“I am a big fan of this author’s novels… So, I have been excited and waiting a long time for this story… I was not disappointed and continued to read every single page all the way to an ending that was unbelievable, made me feel a little sick, and left me just as speechless as Agent Sariah Cooper… I have never read an ending to a book like this ever and it’s a vision that will be with me for quite a while.”
Robin Lee
Amazon Reviewer
If you enjoy the pace of Patterson, the glorious gore of Harris and the wit of Cornwall, you are going to LOVE Humpty Dumpty.
**If you were looking for Carolyn's first bestselling crime series, check under the Harbinger Mysteries collection (cycles 1 & 2)
**If you were looking for Carolyne 2nd bestselling crime series, check out the Darc Murders collections (1 & 2).
**If you'd like a sampling of all Carolyn has to offer? Check out Down & Dirty to really keep you up at night!
Praise for the Nursery Rhymes Murders...
“Come for the murder, stay for the three-dimensional, realistically fractured characters! … Long plane rides and rainy Saturday afternoons were made for books like this. If you like your suspense with a side of gruesome and a dash of humor, this is it.”
Brandon Stanley
Amazon Reviewer
“Humpty Dumpty is a wonderful start to what I hope will be the first in a fun and thrilling series. I found myself flipping the pages to get to the end and what an ending. The story was well written and the dialogue was sharp, witty and fast-paced. The chemistry between the main characters, Joshua, Had and Cooper was magical… Eagerly awaiting the next installment in this series.”
Romano Robusto
Amazon Reviewer
"For me, a book that inspires my imagination so much that I can see the movie playing along as I go is a great read – and this definitely does that. Highly, heartily recommended for fans of murder/mystery novels, fans of James Patterson, and fans of action/mystery movies.”
Knikki Jacobsmeyer
Amazon Reviewer
Overview:
A killer is spreading victim body parts all over the United States. it is up to a disgraced ex-FBI agent and a team of young agents to solve the case of the century.
This collection includes:
Mary, Mary Quite Contrary - the prequel short story
Humpty Dumpty - the 1st full-length novel of the series
Old Woman in a Shoe - the bridge short story
All Fall Down - the 2nd full-length novel of the series
Eenie, Meenie, Moe - a bridge short story
Jack & Jill - the last full-length novel
Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater - the "wrap-up" short story to the series
More praise for Nursery Rhyme Murders...
“Another good crime series from one of my favorites. Once again Carolyn McCray has brought together an interesting cast of characters. Each member of the team has flaws, just like real people. The concept of using nursery rhymes as a theme for murder gives the story a creepy edge. The plot twists will keep you guessing.”
J. Duarte
Amazon Reviewer
“I am a big fan of this author’s novels… So, I have been excited and waiting a long time for this story… I was not disappointed and continued to read every single page all the way to an ending that was unbelievable, made me feel a little sick, and left me just as speechless as Agent Sariah Cooper… I have never read an ending to a book like this ever and it’s a vision that will be with me for quite a while.”
Robin Lee
Amazon Reviewer
If you enjoy the pace of Patterson, the glorious gore of Harris and the wit of Cornwall, you are going to LOVE Humpty Dumpty.
**If you were looking for Carolyn's first bestselling crime series, check under the Harbinger Mysteries collection (cycles 1 & 2)
**If you were looking for Carolyne 2nd bestselling crime series, check out the Darc Murders collections (1 & 2).
**If you'd like a sampling of all Carolyn has to offer? Check out Down & Dirty to really keep you up at night!
1229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2014
179 people are currently reading
652 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn McCray
136 books336 followersThis is a pen name of Goodreads author Cristyn West.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 17, 2022
I only read the first 2 stories (Mary Mary, which is more of a novella and Humpty Dumpty). These take you to approx 1/3 through the compendium. I didn’t have any interest to read further.
I didn’t enjoy what I read. It’s too corny for me, and all feels a bit Enid Blyton ‘Five help the FBI’. Each main character is too much of a caricature of themselves. Maybe this is where the humour is supposed to be, but I didn’t find it funny, just gratingly irritating… like nails down a blackboard.
The nursery rhyme element is misleading - the titles are only a loose connection at best to the nursery rhyme. I wasn’t sure what to expect from a nursery rhyme murder, but it intrigued me enough to buy the set. Unfortunately, it turns out they are pretty run of the mill crime books.
The characters bumble their way through the investigation. It’s all just so incompetent, it’s like somebody employed The Anthill Mob, but without any of the fun farce. Then there are the great leaps of extrapolation to discover key elements. (Think of the court scene in legally blonde and you won’t be far off, except it’s not nearly as elaborate, and it just doesn’t work here).
The promised GRAPHIC scenes are … shock … horror… not all that graphic. There is a bit of superficial gore, and a couple of briefly described injuries/wounds, but nothing that’s particularly detailed or disturbing.
If you like getting your thrills from Nordic noir, then steer clear of these!
I didn’t enjoy what I read. It’s too corny for me, and all feels a bit Enid Blyton ‘Five help the FBI’. Each main character is too much of a caricature of themselves. Maybe this is where the humour is supposed to be, but I didn’t find it funny, just gratingly irritating… like nails down a blackboard.
The nursery rhyme element is misleading - the titles are only a loose connection at best to the nursery rhyme. I wasn’t sure what to expect from a nursery rhyme murder, but it intrigued me enough to buy the set. Unfortunately, it turns out they are pretty run of the mill crime books.
The characters bumble their way through the investigation. It’s all just so incompetent, it’s like somebody employed The Anthill Mob, but without any of the fun farce. Then there are the great leaps of extrapolation to discover key elements. (Think of the court scene in legally blonde and you won’t be far off, except it’s not nearly as elaborate, and it just doesn’t work here).
The promised GRAPHIC scenes are … shock … horror… not all that graphic. There is a bit of superficial gore, and a couple of briefly described injuries/wounds, but nothing that’s particularly detailed or disturbing.
If you like getting your thrills from Nordic noir, then steer clear of these!
October 29, 2017
Another great collection
I enjoyed each story from beginning to end and am looking forward to reading the next instalment. I hope it won't be long as I am intrigued to see what happens to BAU Agent Coop and the rest of her team. I highly recommend this book as Carolyn McCray is an excellent writer. All her stories keep you gripped. They are well written and the characters are very entertaining. Definitely give them a try.
I enjoyed each story from beginning to end and am looking forward to reading the next instalment. I hope it won't be long as I am intrigued to see what happens to BAU Agent Coop and the rest of her team. I highly recommend this book as Carolyn McCray is an excellent writer. All her stories keep you gripped. They are well written and the characters are very entertaining. Definitely give them a try.
December 20, 2020
Bad, cliched writing. Tried to sound too much like a combination between a hip young folk and a gritty police procedural. Add to that the idiot narrator who informs us, "To tell the truth," or "Honestly," as though I'm supposed to doubt him/her. Could've been good, maybe, if it were condensed to about 6 pages. There's no way this is 800-pages good.
February 26, 2021
Nursery Rhyme Collection is wonderful.
This collection is so different and unique from other books I’ve read lately it is a true enjoyment. The characters are all so different. Bella is the best and as long as she stays safe and unharmed the rest of the Series should be just as exciting and entertaining.
This collection is so different and unique from other books I’ve read lately it is a true enjoyment. The characters are all so different. Bella is the best and as long as she stays safe and unharmed the rest of the Series should be just as exciting and entertaining.
June 17, 2017
Great read
I loved all the Nursery Rhyme murders Collection Mysteries I couldn't stop reading. Quite enjoyable I didn't want to stop reading even though my eyes where so tired ha ha.
I loved all the Nursery Rhyme murders Collection Mysteries I couldn't stop reading. Quite enjoyable I didn't want to stop reading even though my eyes where so tired ha ha.
July 1, 2017
Couldn't stop!
It's written from the different perspectives of all the characters, and gives it a different kind or picture. I've read harbinger series, and this just might be better!
It's written from the different perspectives of all the characters, and gives it a different kind or picture. I've read harbinger series, and this just might be better!
November 17, 2017
A good of dysfunctional law enforcement trying to find a serial who has killed for over 13 years, who is taunted by him. Really good and well written story that keeps your attention
June 27, 2025
One of my favorite authors!!
October 7, 2025
The book collection was very well written, and it was hard to stop reading. I enjoyed the whole collection. With out spoiling any of the fun, it is a must read.
September 19, 2014
This set of books is a great deal- 7 books for 7.99 and a sneak peek at some really wonderful other books from the author.
This series of books start off a little slow but takes off after that. They hook you in with their characters. The mix of the cast is just right- a little quirky, but that makes them easy to remember from first introduction. Yes, Had is a strange one but I think he is the one that brings this odd group together and makes them work somehow, the peacekeeper. As the books go along, we gain a few more members to the group.
Some of the books are better than others, as all series go. Each has its own individual plot but there is a common backstory and another major plot running throughout the books that keep you reading from book to book, not wanting to put this set down. That's the fun to having them all to read back to back and that's the way a book lover really wants to read- who wants to leave their favorite characters at the end of a book only to have to wait months to years for the next installment? Here you have them all. The only problem though is that after having this huge set, when you do finally come to the end, it is even more disappointing than finishing a single good book. So hopefully (pretty please!) we may see more from this little group of misfit detectives.
On a side note, I was having problems with downloading some of the books that were supposed to have been automatically uploaded to the set. As suggested at the end of the book, I contacted the author. He was fabulous and answered right away, helping me solve my problem and get onto more happy reading. I love a friendly author. Thanks much, Mr. Hopkin! My next stop is your Darc Murders Collection.
This series of books start off a little slow but takes off after that. They hook you in with their characters. The mix of the cast is just right- a little quirky, but that makes them easy to remember from first introduction. Yes, Had is a strange one but I think he is the one that brings this odd group together and makes them work somehow, the peacekeeper. As the books go along, we gain a few more members to the group.
Some of the books are better than others, as all series go. Each has its own individual plot but there is a common backstory and another major plot running throughout the books that keep you reading from book to book, not wanting to put this set down. That's the fun to having them all to read back to back and that's the way a book lover really wants to read- who wants to leave their favorite characters at the end of a book only to have to wait months to years for the next installment? Here you have them all. The only problem though is that after having this huge set, when you do finally come to the end, it is even more disappointing than finishing a single good book. So hopefully (pretty please!) we may see more from this little group of misfit detectives.
On a side note, I was having problems with downloading some of the books that were supposed to have been automatically uploaded to the set. As suggested at the end of the book, I contacted the author. He was fabulous and answered right away, helping me solve my problem and get onto more happy reading. I love a friendly author. Thanks much, Mr. Hopkin! My next stop is your Darc Murders Collection.
November 26, 2014
I PICKED THIS FOR ONE OF THE OTHER BOOKS IT HAD IN IT. THIS WAS MY SECOND READING OF HUMPTY DUMPTY, I REALLY DIDN'T CARE VERY MUCH FOR IT THE FIRST TIME READING. THE MAIN THING THAT BOTHERED ME WAS THE NAMES OF SOME OF THE CHARACTERS AND SOME OF THEIR PERSONAL PROBLEMS. WEEELLLLL! WHILE READING I STARTED ENJOYING IT EVEN THOUGH THE SAME REASONS WERE STILL THERE BUT THIS TIME I WAS PREPARED FOR THEM. THIS DYSFUNCTIONAL GROUP STILL MAKES ME ANGRY, I'M SO SICK OF COOP AND HER SH*T, I'D LIKE TO B-SLAP HER. SNAP-OUTA'-IT OR JUST QUIT! GEEZ-LOUISE! ITS NOT MANY BOOKS I REREAD BUT I LOVE THESE WRITERS ("THE DYNAMIC DUO") TOO MUCH TO GIVE UP ON THEM. I'VE READ SO MANY OF THEIR BOOKS AND I SO LOVE ALL OF THE THRILLS-N-CHILLS-BLOOD-GUTS-HORROR-ROMANCE-QUIRKY-KOOKIE-CRAZY STUFF THEY WRITE ABOUT. I GUESS IT'S TRUE SOME THINGS ARE SWEETER THE SECOND TIME AROUND.;D
February 22, 2014
Mary, Mary is the perfect start for this collection. We meet and get to know Joshua Coop, and Had. They just come alive as real people in my mind, I can see everything as it happens through their eyes and I feel the anguish, frustrations and loss as they do. Mary, Mary is a quick but great read, it leads us into Humpty Dumpty where things get complicated for our cast in unimaginable ways and we also meet Reggie, who proves to be a worthwhile addition to the Team.
There are so many twists and turns to this collection so far, The short story at the stopping point really got me with the jolt at the end! Who is this guy????
Mr. Hopkins and Carolyn McCray you have yet another hit on your hands....Rock On!
There are so many twists and turns to this collection so far, The short story at the stopping point really got me with the jolt at the end! Who is this guy????
Mr. Hopkins and Carolyn McCray you have yet another hit on your hands....Rock On!
August 22, 2014
Mary Mary
A quick short story that introduces the main characters of the series. Predictable and sometimes frustrating because the supposedly intelligent investigators take so long to follow obvious clues.
Humpty Dumpty
Entertaining and somewhat predictable as well. Once again the investigators are slow to follow up on clues or take obvious actions. The upside is characters show development and surprisingly not for the better in some cases.
Old Woman in a Shoe
A story meant to transition to the sequel to Humpty Dumpty. Predictable and lame.
The rest of the book is prequels to try and get you hooked into other mystery series.
A quick short story that introduces the main characters of the series. Predictable and sometimes frustrating because the supposedly intelligent investigators take so long to follow obvious clues.
Humpty Dumpty
Entertaining and somewhat predictable as well. Once again the investigators are slow to follow up on clues or take obvious actions. The upside is characters show development and surprisingly not for the better in some cases.
Old Woman in a Shoe
A story meant to transition to the sequel to Humpty Dumpty. Predictable and lame.
The rest of the book is prequels to try and get you hooked into other mystery series.
November 3, 2014
These are not what I expected. From the title I expected something silly, and not well written. As it was these are very engaging murder mysteries. The crime scenes are gross but the author does not linger over every grotesque bit. Thank you, Ben Hopkin.
The detectives are fascinating, and very well drawn. They irritate me when they should, make me laugh when they should, and each in their own way are endearing. I especially love Had's mother who constantly harasses him by phone; the poor man.
You can't go wrong with these stories if you are looking for a great murder mystery.
The detectives are fascinating, and very well drawn. They irritate me when they should, make me laugh when they should, and each in their own way are endearing. I especially love Had's mother who constantly harasses him by phone; the poor man.
You can't go wrong with these stories if you are looking for a great murder mystery.
September 2, 2014
HUMPTY DUMPTY TOOK A GREAT FALL
If you like to be kept on the edge of your seat, if you enjoy binge reading, if a thriller that you positively can't put down is what you're waiting for, then NURSERY RHYME MURDERS COLLECTION is exactly what you've been waiting to read.
With fascinating and complex characters, and dynamic action, this collection of novels and short stories pulls one into the minds of protagonists and antagonists alike. And at times, it's difficult to know the difference. Get the NURSERY RHYME MURDERS COLLECTION. You won't regret it. Five stars all the way!!!
If you like to be kept on the edge of your seat, if you enjoy binge reading, if a thriller that you positively can't put down is what you're waiting for, then NURSERY RHYME MURDERS COLLECTION is exactly what you've been waiting to read.
With fascinating and complex characters, and dynamic action, this collection of novels and short stories pulls one into the minds of protagonists and antagonists alike. And at times, it's difficult to know the difference. Get the NURSERY RHYME MURDERS COLLECTION. You won't regret it. Five stars all the way!!!
August 29, 2014
I just finished up this series and all I can say is wow, never saw that coming. I adore the characters in this series and eagerly await the next book. I was very happy to learn there will be a second cycle of books. As a reader you can never get enough of the gang. I enjoyed the cameo of Ruben in the last short story. A combination of the two crime fighting teams would be epic. As a dog lover, Bella will always be my favorite.
September 25, 2015
Really Enjoyed
I was thoroughly entranced throughout the book. I was so glad that I had all the books in one, so when I finished one I could start the next book right away. I had a nagging suspicion that I knew the identity of Humpty from book 2 on. I was surprised that I was correct. The story is dark and well written. Highly recommend.
I was thoroughly entranced throughout the book. I was so glad that I had all the books in one, so when I finished one I could start the next book right away. I had a nagging suspicion that I knew the identity of Humpty from book 2 on. I was surprised that I was correct. The story is dark and well written. Highly recommend.
January 23, 2015
A very enjoyable series
It took me 3 weeks to read the entire set, but I enjoyed every minute of it, and I was very, very surprised by the ending. I will more than likely enjoy reading more stories following this particular team of investigators. Very good!
It took me 3 weeks to read the entire set, but I enjoyed every minute of it, and I was very, very surprised by the ending. I will more than likely enjoy reading more stories following this particular team of investigators. Very good!
July 14, 2015
Spinetingling good
Another great series that leaves you wondering till the last. These two authors bring the most misfit of people together and make them not just a great detective team but an amazing if dysfunctional family. I can't wait to get my hands on another series by them.
Another great series that leaves you wondering till the last. These two authors bring the most misfit of people together and make them not just a great detective team but an amazing if dysfunctional family. I can't wait to get my hands on another series by them.
November 6, 2013
Old woman in a shoe - Bridge short story to All fall down.
love this collection so far! Great murder mystery series.
love this collection so far! Great murder mystery series.
Want to read
January 17, 2014Free on Amazon today 01-17-14
January 21, 2014
Really enjoyed the series. I'm looking forward to the next ones in the series. I like the way the author writes and will be adding more from them to my to-read list.
January 30, 2014
have already read a couple of these titles, but reread them anyway. They were still good. look forward to the next one.
April 8, 2015
Fantastic series. Remarkable character development, smart twists, creepy villains. Highly recommended thriller reading.
March 7, 2014
I liked the stories and was intrigued by the characters. I loved Joshua and Had characters. I will continue to read more from this author.
March 15, 2014
Not the beef mysteries I have ever read.
April 14, 2014
This was wacka-doodle books but I loved. It was differently different.
May 30, 2014
881 pgs
September 4, 2014
Good series of murder mysteries, especially when purchased for less than a dollar. I like the characters.
September 15, 2014
Good read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews