Bill Crider’s Death by Accident is the ninth in his Sheriff Dan Rhodes series. It’s just as good as the earlier ones. And, if I hadn’t been out of town for part of the week, I might have been able to share news from Bill’s family about the series. But, I’m going to wait until I have the chance to talk with them. And, a Sunday when I’m leaving early isn’t the best time to call, so I’ll share the good news when I can.
When Sheriff Rhodes gets the call about a death at the Old Settlers’ Grounds, he isn’t sure what he’ll find. There’s a dead body, Pep Yeldell’s, in the old pool there. Even after the autopsy, Rhodes is a little uneasy about the death. Sure, he had a rope around him, and a tree branch nearby. It looked like an accidental drowning as Pep tried to swing into the pool. But, just a couple weeks earlier, there had been an accidental death in Blacklin County, Texas. John West exploded about 2:30 AM. He had a gas can with him, and he went up in flames and exploded. Two accidental deaths in a small county in two weeks. Rhodes and his deputy, Ruth Grady, agree that’s unlikely.
As always, there are amusing scenes in one of Crider’s books. There’s a dispute between the Clearview Sons and Daughter of Texas and the Clearview Historical Society, one that ends in a showdown at the Old Settlers’ Grounds. Sheriff Rhodes handles that one by himself. But, the fight that breaks out at The County Line bar calls for reinforcements. There’s also a conversation that triggers some sort of memory for Rhodes involving the “accidental deaths”. But, my favorite scene involves Rhodes’ reenactment of his childhood as he climbs a tree. Of course, only Dan Rhodes could get in trouble climbing a tree.
Death by Accident is as enjoyable as the previous books in the series. Rhodes’ wife, Ivy, is a wonderful addition to the books. And, they add a new “family member” in this one. Familiar characters are back. It’s always a treat to catch up with the cast. I wish I had read more of these when Bill was alive.
Death by Accident by Bill Crider. St. Martin’s Press, 1998. ISBN 9780312180805 (hardcover), 277p.
FTC Full Disclosure – Library book.
You can never go wrong with the Sheriff Rhodes series. Sometimes I go back and just look at the inscriptions Bill wrote in my copies (going back over 40 years).
*sigh*
I know. It’s sad, Jeff, and I can only imagine how you feel.
Lesa, every time you write about one of Bill Crider’s books I wish I could read one. At least the first in the Sheriff Dan Rhodes series. I wish I’d known about them when they first came out. But the books are not available here; not to buy (either new or used) and not available in any library here. It’s really too bad.
Lindy, There might be hope yet. No promises, but some are going to be reprinted. I need to get the details from Bill’s family.
Man, I miss this series.
Miss the series as well. It was/is a good one.
So great to see that Dad’s books are still being read and enjoyed!