I know I have a number of Bill Crider’s Sheriff Dan Rhodes mysteries to get through, but this fourth one, Death on the Move, is my favorite so far. And, it’s all because of the events at Ballinger’s Funeral Home. Sadly, I can’t even tell you about the funniest scene, because that’s a spoiler. But, it’s always fun to accompany Rhodes to Ballinger’s where Clyde Ballinger has the most eclectic collection of paperbacks, beginning with his beloved Ed McBain 87th Precinct books.
Dispatcher Hack Jensen sends Rhodes to Ballinger’s where two customers have a complaint. Jack and Elva Storm brought family jewelry to be buried with Jack’s sister, Jane. But, when they came before visitation, the jewelry was missing. Clyde’s partner, Tom Skelly, swears he put the jewelry on her. But, it’s gone. Jack wants it replaced before they bury Jane, and he’s blaming Ballinger’s. Clyde wants Sheriff Rhodes to find the thief.
In the meantime, out in the boonies of Blacklin County, a widow, Mrs. McGee, has seen a U-Truck-‘Em moving van on the back roads. Although she lives out there full-time, most of her neighbors are weekenders from Houston. She’s seen the truck several times, and she’s worried someone might be breaking into houses. Oh, yes. Someone broke into houses, and at one house, there’s even a body wrapped in duct tape in a closet.
This was my favorite so in the series so far. Someday, Sheriff Rhodes may actually take backup with him when it’s suggested. He admits he should, but thinks he can handle situations by himself. Not always, and they don’t turn out well for Rhodes or the county vehicles. There’s a wonderful chase scene at a flea market. As I said, the action at the funeral home is lively in this one.
Bill Crider managed to tell stories with a dry wit, allowing the reader to find the humor in Rhodes’ daily adventures. There’s a familiarity to the books that is comforting – bologna sandwiches, Dr. Pepper, Hack Jensen and Lawton., Clyde Ballinger. Now, add Rhodes’ new fiancee, Ivy Daniel, to the mix of enjoyable characters. It’s not often you can find a police procedural with humor, and one set in rural area.
I’m enjoying my Bill Crider project. I’ve already downloaded the next one, Evil at the Root, but I do have some other reading to do right now. I’ll look forward to the fifth in the series.
Death on the Move by Bill Crider. 2013.
FTC Full Disclosure – I downloaded a copy to my Kindle.
He does get smarter about backup as the series progresses.
Good to hear that, Glen!
Yeah, I was going to say, he does take Ruth with him sometimes.
So glad you’re reading these in order, as it gives me a chance to remember along with your reviews.
Isn’t there something between Mrs. McGee and Hack later on, or am I remembering it wrong?
You make me want to reread them myself. I have most of them on the shelves at home (many inscribed by Bill), so we’ll see.
Mrs. McGee does say Hack can stop out to see her, Jeff. I don’t know if he does after this book, but he’s quite embarrassed. I’m enjoying reading them in order.
They may end up being in between others for you, as they are for me.
Another winner from the Poet Laureate of Alvin…
I like that, Jerry. I agree.