First, before I review the fourteenth Sheriff Dan Rhodes mystery, Murder Among the Owls by Bill Crider, just a note that I heard from Crider’s son-in-law, Tom Neary. He said there will be news about the rerelease of the series within a few weeks. I’ll pass it on when I hear.
When a black cat walked right into the Rhodes home, Ivy recognized him as Sam, an indoor cat who belonged to Helen Harris, who lived a couple blocks away. Sheriff Rhodes went to do a welfare check, and found the woman dead. Although it could have been an accident if she fell off a stool, something bothered Rhodes. He just felt as if there was more to the woman’s death. After all, someone let Sam out of the house.
While Rhodes attends meetings such as the OWLS book group and the Red Hat group to talk with women who might have ideas as to who might have wanted Helen dead, his two deputies have a few local crimes to deal with. At one point, the sheriff “feels a little tired of bailing his deputies out of bad situations”. How ironic that Rhodes, who often needs to be rescued by his deputy Ruth Grady, even thinks that.
As Rhodes interviews people who might have reasons to want Helen Harris dead, he finds himself shot at, caught in mud, and attacked with a purse. It’s another enjoyable mystery with a little humor to relieve the serious aspects of a murder investigation. It’s one thing I admire about the Sheriff Rhodes mysteries. Crider always respected the seriousness of the crime, but managed to add humor. Murder Among the Owls isn’t as funny as other books in the series, but the cat, the characters, and Rhodes’ dedication makes it a worthy addition to the series.
Bill Crider’s website is https://www.billcrider.com/
Murder Among the Owls by Bill Crider. St. Martin’s Minotaur, 2007. 261p.
FTC Full Disclosure – Library book
Good news about the re-release of Bill’s books.
I’ll be interested to see what they say.
Want to read it!
I hope you can find a copy, Carol.
Lesa, Thank you so much for reviewing Bill Crider’s work. I discovered him about the time he passed (2018), but have read nearly all of his books. I lived in tiny Texas towns when I was growing up (Keene, Itasca, Waco) and his stories brought back so many great memories. I have been amazed at how well respected Bill Crider is throughout the Mystery Writing Industry–he is talked about even now at Bouchercons, at MWA events, at SIC events. He truly left a lasting legacy. So thank you for reviewing his work this week. So happy they’re being re-released. They are treasures.
Susan, I went to a number of mystery conferences while I could. I don’t know of anyone who was as respected as Bill Crider. I’m sure his books brought back memories for you!
I missed this review and I think that means I missed some other recent reviews of Bill Crider’s books also. The next book I have to read in the series is A Ghost of a Chance, and I have it as an ebook. After that there are a number of books that I am missing. In September I will have to look first at the book sale, then start searching online for copies.
Tracy, I have no idea what Bill’s daughter and son-in-law will be doing about reissuing the books, but keep watching here!
So great to see all the memories and kind comments about Dad!