The Recommended Reading Order for Mac Faraday
Lauren Carr’s beloved Mac Faraday mystery series is best read in order of publication. While each book presents a self-contained whodunit with its own satisfying conclusion, the characters' personal lives, relationships, and family dynamics evolve significantly from one novel to the next. Reading them chronologically ensures you do not spoil major personal milestones—such as Mac's romance with Archie Monday, the introduction of his daughter Jessica Faraday, or the shenanigans of his companion German shepherd, Gnarly.
Here is the chronological publication order of the main Mac Faraday novels:
- It’s Murder, My Son (2010) – The book that starts it all. Homicide detective Mac Faraday is at a low point when he discovers he has inherited a staggering $270 million estate in Spencer, Maryland, from his late biological mother, a famous mystery author. Upon arrival, he inherits Gnarly, a military-trained German shepherd, and instantly stumbles into a murder investigation.
- Old Loves Die Hard (2011) – Mac’s newly peaceful life at Deep Creek Lake is shattered when his manipulative ex-wife shows up, only to end up dead in his penthouse. Mac must work to clear his own name while navigating old secrets.
- Shades of Murder (2012) – Mac is called to solve a cold case involving a stolen multi-million dollar masterpiece and a series of deaths that point to a cunning killer who is still active in Spencer.
- Blast from the Past (2013) – Mobsters target Mac’s love interest, Archie Monday, forcing Mac and Gnarly to dive into a case that connects Archie’s past to present-day danger.
- The Murders at Astaire Castle (2013) – Mac investigates a series of bizarre murders at a historic, castle-like estate on the shores of Deep Creek Lake.
- The Lady Who Cried Murder (2013) – When a local gossip writer is murdered, Mac must sift through a town full of suspects, all of whom had motive to silence her.
- Twelve to Murder (2014) – A winter blizzard traps a group of suspects at the Spencer Inn, where Mac and Gnarly must find a killer before they strike again.
- A Wedding and a Killing (2014) – Mac and Archie’s wedding plans are put on hold when a murder case threatens to ruin their big day.
- Three Days to Forever (2015) – A fast-paced mystery that tests Mac's investigative skills as time runs out to save an innocent life.
- Open Season for Murder (2015) – Summer brings tourists, tension, and a high-profile murder that Mac is pressured to solve quickly.
- Cancelled Vows (2016) – The peaceful community is rocked by a murder connected to a high-society wedding, testing local loyalties.
- Candidate for Murder (2016) – Politics turn deadly in Spencer when a local election is disrupted by a murder case that hits close to home.
- Crimes Past (2018) – Mac digs into the archives to solve a cold case that has resurfaced, threatening current residents of Deep Creek Lake.
- Shadow of Murder (2022) – The latest full-length installment in the main series, featuring Mac and Gnarly unraveling a complex web of deceit.
The Interconnected Universe: Crossovers and Spin-offs
One of the most rewarding aspects of reading Lauren Carr’s novels is the shared universe. Characters from her different series regularly cross paths, visit each other's towns, and collaborate on investigations. If you want the full experience of this interconnected world, you will want to keep an eye on these companion series:
The Thorny Rose Mysteries
This direct spin-off is bridged by family ties. It stars Jessica Faraday (Mac Faraday's daughter) and Murphy Thornton (the son of prosecutor Joshua Thornton). After the couple marries, they form their own private investigation agency. The series kicks off with Kill and Run (2015) and should ideally be started after you have read the early Mac Faraday books, particularly after Jessica Faraday's character is established.
Lovers in Crime
Centering on prosecutor Joshua Thornton and detective Cameron Gates, this series brings a slightly more procedural element to the cozy mystery setting. Joshua Thornton actually made his debut in Lauren Carr's standalone book, A Small Case of Murder, before getting his own series starting with Dead on Ice (2012).
The Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries
This series focuses on retired police detective Chris Matheson and the "Geezer Squad"—a group of retired law enforcement officers who officially gather as a book club but spend their time cracking cold cases. They frequently cross paths with characters from the Mac Faraday universe.
The Ultimate Crossover: Twofer Murder (2018)
If you want to see all of Lauren Carr's major sleuths working together, Twofer Murder is a must-read. Published in 2018, this book acts as a massive crossover event. The plot splits the cast: the men (including Mac Faraday and Joshua Thornton) go on a fishing trip that turns deadly, while the women attend a mystery writers' conference that is disrupted by a real-life murder. The two groups must work together over the phone to solve both crimes simultaneously.
What to Know Before You Start
Lauren Carr’s writing is famous for blending the warmth of cozy mysteries with the high-stakes suspense of police procedurals. While the crimes can be serious, the presence of animal companions—most notably Gnarly, the German shepherd with a military record, and other pets who populate the series—adds a humorous and lighthearted touch. To fully enjoy the progression, start with It’s Murder, My Son. Starting here establishes the rags-to-riches premise of Mac inheriting his wealth, his estate, and his canine partner, which serves as the foundation for the entire 14-book run.