When Bill Crider died in 2018, he left behind over sixty books published by New York publishers, and a collection of paperbacks that number over 10,000, most of them from his pulp collection. But, many of us are most familiar with his Sheriff Dan Rhodes series. Bill’s daughter, Angela Crider Neary and her husband, Tom Neary, recognize that. They also know that there were twenty-five Sheriff Rhodes books, and, beginning with book eleven, they’re out of print.
Angela and Tom are determined to maintain Bill’s legacy. They’re beginning that by republishing the Sheriff Rhodes series. They’re refreshing all twenty-five of those books, and they’re also making them available as audiobooks through Audible with a new narrator, Chris Abel. In fact, the first nine audiobooks are ready to be published.
Sheriff Dan Rhodes is going to appear on the covers of all the reissued books. He’s going to appear as Bill Crider described him. Rhodes doesn’t wear a cowboy hat or cowboy boots, although many readers may picture him as a typical Texas lawman.
The new books with the cover updates will be issued beginning in January. There will be one book issued every four to six weeks. In the following eighteen months, after January, the whole series will be reissued.
According to Angela and Tom, they know readers miss Sheriff Rhodes and the whole cast of characters from Blacklin County; Ivy, Hack, Lawton, and the other residents. Now, those of us who want to read all the books in the Sheriff Dan Rhodes series will be able to easily find them. And, those who want to listen to the entire series can enjoy them via Audible. Plan to see all the books again, beginning in January.
And, thank you to Angela Crider Neary and Tom Neary for maintaining the legacy of Bill Crider, the man who gave so much to the mystery field, and to so many of us who owe him a great deal.
Oh Lesa I can’t wait for this! I’ve heard so much about this series from so many of you through this website and wanted so much to read these books but they are just not available anywhere. I hope I’ll be able to find them in Canada starting in January. Thanks for sharing this happy news, and thanks indeed to Bill Crider’s daughter and her husband for republishing this series.
I hope you’ll be able to get them beginning in January, too, Lindy. I know Tom and Angela are excited about what they’re doing with the books. I’ll keep my fingers crossed they’ll be available in Canada!
Lesa, I am so pleased to hear this, and thanks to Angela Crider Neary and Tom Neary for republishing the series. I am nearing the point where I don’t have copies of some of the books and I will be looking forward to being able to purchase them in new editions.
This is incredible and awesome news.
As a matter of fact, Kevin, Angela mentioned you when we were talking on the phone the other day. I was trying to remember the name of The Rap Sheet, and just blanked out. And, she was guessing several bloggers, and mentioned you.
Pretty cool.
I know Tracy. I’m just about at that point in the series, so I’m hoping the library has old copies of the books. I’m looking forward to seeing the new editions.
That’s great to hear. It’s been a few years since we saw Angela and Tom since we haven’t been to a Bouchercon lately, but I knew they were talking about this project, and I’m glad to see it is finally under way. Of course, I’ve read all the Sheriff Rhodes books, but will have to check my collection to make sure I have them all.
At a quick glance, I see 19, so will have to check and make a list of missing titles. For any completists, there were some short stories as well (I’m pretty sure).
Terrific news.
I wondered if you knew about the project, Jeff. We mentioned you in our conversation the other day. Yes, you’re missing some books. I hope you’re pleased when the new editions are released.
I checked my list, picked up three that I was missing for $3.95 each on Kindle. I now how 20 of the 25.
have, not how
I’m excited to hear the news as well. After so much mention of the series on this blog, I tried to track down a copy of the first book. The only option was to order a used book for $25+, so I had to pass. Looking forward to reading them.
This is so good, Jennifer, to hear how many people want to read the series. I’ve been lucky. The local library system has most of the books. I have had to buy a couple. I hope you can get them soon.
Awesome news! I’m very very picky about loaning my collection out. Yes I’m one lucky reader that bought and kept his books over the years. Now I can gift my kids, grandkids and friends the awesomeness of Sherriff Dan!!!
It’s great news, isn’t it, Renee. A whole new generation or two can enjoy Sheriff Dan.
Jennifer, if you have a Kindle, most of the early ones are available at $3.95 each. Otherwise, I guess the library is the best bet. I was surprised to see the first book selling for $12.00 plus $6.95 shipping on ABE. (cheapest available copy)
Jeff, I worked for years at a bookstore and have not been able to think of reading on a Kindle! I was planning to borrow my son’s to try the first, but now I can wait.
Looking forward very much to reading these. Also, I just started reading Close to Home by Cara Hunter, which you and Lesa both have mentioned. I am really enjoying it!
i know hoe you feel. My wife can no longer hold books open as she has problems with her wrists, so she only reads books on Kindle, so I have gotten used to getting Kindle books for her. I just take whatever is the fastest available at the library, but I have also gotten used to buying short story collections on Kindle, sometimes not available in any other format, and almost always a lot cheaper. Of course, we still have a 12 x 20 foot den with a wall of bookcases from door to window, almost all full, as well as two smaller bookcases and a built in wall o’books in the hall.
Does anyone here, know the font size of the print for his books. I would love to read them, but now Amazon has decided that the customer does not need to know. I have to go to their zoom feature to see a sample. So sorry for the rant. I might start off his lesser know series which has affordable prices.
I don’t know, Carol. When they are released in January, you might be able to see. Sorry about Amazon.
This is good news!
Isn’t it, Glen?
What are they going to do with the 10K paperbacks?
They didn’t say, Karen, but I’m sure it’s part of their plans.
When curating the collection keep an eye out for a replica of a Dell 10 cent book by Ramble House. At a Bouchercon (Chicago?) Bill liked our sign, “Ten cent books — $10”, and bought one. It may actually be worth $10 by now.
I’ve retired, and I won’t be curating any collection, but thanks for letting others know, Fender!
Thank you, Lesa and everyone, for keeping Dad in your thoughts and his legacy of writing alive.
Thank you< Angela…having his blog and website still and new editions of his books are a gift to all the rest of us.
Thank you, Angela, for allowing me to share this information.
This is wonderful, wonderful news! Thank you, Angela!
Thanks to your enthusiasm for this series, Lesa, I will get the first audiobook on Audible. Looking forward to it.
I hope you enjoy it, Kim!
This is such great news. Bill was a wonderful human being. He was not only a terrific writer, but he was a great support system for newby writers, and he was always kind to readers. Thanks for letting us know!!
You’re welcome, Terrie!
Great news!! I am currently rereading the Truman Smith series with great relish. Love the Galveston back ground and hope it will also reach new readers.
I’ll have to move on to that series when I finish Sheriff Dan Rhodes, Richard.