The Necessary Murder of Nonie Blake: A Samuel Craddock Mystery (Samuel Craddock Mysteries)
By: Terry Shames
Rating: 5 of 5
The author paints a realistic view of small town Texas life. I moved from California to Texas more than ten years ago and before that move, I would have thought the the characters and events in this book were a tad exaggerated. Turns out, I have learned better in the last decade. It is almost as if I know some of these individual. What is even more odd (considering I’m a long time big city girl), I love this about these small town folk.
In this book, which is part of a series I have not read before, the chief of police, Samuel Craddock, has his job because the city is bankrupt and needs someone who will work without pay. While the book doesn’t mention Samuel’s age, it appears to be older than 50 based on events and suggestions of his past.
When he is called to the home of a family who sticks to themselves, he discovers what seems to have been an accidental death is actually a murder. He ends up with the case when the Texas Rangers ask for his assistance.
He uses his knowledge of individuals in the town (as well as their gossip network) to pull together the clues and evidence needed to solve the case. There were certainly clues left for the reader to follow along in solving but I must admit I solved it only pages ahead of Craddock.
It was an enjoyable read and one that I recommend. As I mentioned, this is the first book in the series that I have read and it makes me want to go back and read the early part of the story. You don’t need that information in order to enjoy the book but as it is a series I will continue with, I want to know the full back story on the characters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via the publisher.
The author paints a realistic view of small town Texas life. I moved from California to Texas more than ten years ago and before that move, I would have thought the the characters and events in this book were a tad exaggerated. Turns out, I have learned better in the last decade. It is almost as if I know some of these individual. What is even more odd (considering I’m a long time big city girl), I love this about these small town folk.