by Lauren Carr
“The building supply company in town donated their materials to rebuild the barn and fences,” Joshua said. “The feed store will give us a non-profit discount on food and anything else we need for the horses.”
“Donated materials and discount on feed?” Poppy let out a gasp. “I don’t believe it.”
Cameron wrapped her arms around Joshua. “Josh and I can be very persuasive.”
“Many of the farmhands and their families jumped right in to donate their time and labor to get the place ready to take in horses.” The foreman jerked a thumb in the direction of the barn. “We got all of this done in just one week.”
“Unfortunately, we discovered Maddie doesn’t know the first thing about hammering a nail.” Heather Davis winked at her half-sister, who was playing with Luke and Munster on what resembled an obstacle course.
“If it wasn’t for me, we wouldn’t have dates for line dancing tonight,” Madison said while gesturing for Munster to run through a long tube.
“She’s right,” Heather said. “She may not know how to hammer a nail, but her and Sherry sure know how to transform a dog. Turns out, Dad did get Munster from Sherry. He turned into a menace because he was bored. We’re alleviating his boredom with agility training. Sherry thinks we’ve got a shot at a trophy.”
“We had to set up a course to keep him and Luke from chasing Chief,” Cameron said. “We had a lot of work to do in a short amount of time.”
“We’ve already got two horses in the barn. They arrived yesterday from a hoarder situation.” Poppy saw Rod, their vet, among the crowd. “I’m volunteering my services. The foundation will pay for medicine and supplies.”
“Once the horses are healthy and able, we’ll find forever homes for them. Those that can’t be adopted, we’ll keep.” J.J. peered into her eyes. “Poppy, say something. What do you think?”
“I think ...” Her eyes narrowed as she took in the collection of volunteers and hard work accomplished in only one week—all to save beautiful innocent animals like Chief and Pilgrim. “I think we’re going to need a bigger horse trailer.”
J.J. turned her around to face the barn. “Did you see the sign?”
She followed the invisible line from his index finger to the sign hanging above the barn door. In block letters it read:
Poppy Ashurn-Thornton’s Rescue Ranch
“Where there is love, there’s always room for one more.”
The End
About the Author
Lauren Carr
Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Thorny Rose, Lovers in Crime, Mac Faraday, and Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries—over twenty-five titles across four fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!
Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor.
Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She lives with her husband and two German Shepherds, including the real Sterling, on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.
Visit Lauren Carr’s website at www.mysterylady.net to learn more about Lauren and her upcoming mysteries.
Check Out Lauren Carr’s Mysteries!
Order! Order!
All of Lauren Carr’s books are stand alone. However for those readers wanting to start at the beginning, here is the list of Lauren Carr’s mysteries. The number next to the book title is the actual order in which the book was released.
Joshua Thornton Mysteries
Fans of the Lovers in Crime Mysteries may wish to read these two books which feature Joshua Thornton years before meeting Detective Cameron Gates. Also in these mysteries, readers will meet Joshua Thornton’s five children before they have flown the nest.
1) A Small Case of Murder
2) A Reunion to Die For
Mac Faraday Mysteries
3) It’s Murder, My Son
4) Old Loves Die Hard
5) Shades of Murder (introduces the Lovers in Crime: Joshua Thornton & Cameron Gates)
7) Blast from the Past
8) The Murders at Astaire Castle
9) The Lady Who Cried Murder (The Lovers in Crime make a guest appearance in this Mac Faraday Mystery)
10) Twelve to Murder
12) A Wedding and a Killing
13) Three Days to Forever
14) Open Season for Murder
16) Cancelled Vows
17) Candidate for Murder
23) Crimes Past
Lovers in Crime Mysteries
6) Dead on Ice
11) Real Murder
18) Killer in the Band
25) The Root of Murder
Thorny Rose Mysteries
15) Kill and Run
19) A Fine Year for Murder
22) Murder by Perfection
20) Twofer Murder
The Chris Matheson Mysteries
21) ICE
24) Winter Frost (2019)
26) The Last Thing She Said (Summer 2019)
Anthology - Spring Thaw (Mystery Short Story Collection
Attention Book-Clubbers!
Want to add some excitement to your next book club meeting? Are you curious about Lauren Carr’s theme’s regarding mystery and family? Do you wonder where she picks up her inspiration for such interesting characters? What does she have planned next for the Thornton family? Well, now is your chance to ask this international best-selling mystery writer, in person, at your next book club meeting.
That’s right. Lauren Carr is available to personally meet with your book club to discuss The Root of Murder or any of her best-selling mystery novels.
Don’t worry if your club is meeting on the other side of the continent. Lauren can pop in to answer your questions via webcam. But, if your club is close enough, Lauren would love to personally meet with your group. Who knows! She may even bring her muse Sterling along!
To invite Lauren Carr to your next book club meeting, visit www.mysterylady.net and fill out a request form with your club’s details.
The Last Thing She Said
A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery
Coming Summer 2019!