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Hank the Cowdog #4
Murder in the Middle Pasture
The fourth book in the Hank the Cowdog series, Murder in the Middle Pasture, begins with a baffling new mystery - the death of a calf on the ranch, and as Head of Ranch Security Hank must go on a very dangerous mission to spy on the coyote village and arrest the murderer. However, a pack of wild dogs soon complicates the plot, and it takes all of Hank’s deductive powers to solve this one! USA Today calls the hilarious Hank the Cowdog series "...the best family entertainment in years."
132 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 1985
47 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
John R. Erickson
231 books341 followersJohn R. Erickson, a former cowboy and ranch manager, is gifted with a storyteller's knack for spinning a yarn. Through the eyes of Hank the Cowdog, a smelly, smart-aleck Head of Ranch Security, Erickson gives readers a glimpse of daily life on a ranch in the West Texas Panhandle. This series of books and tapes is in school libraries across the country, has sold more than 7.6 million copies, is a Book-of-the-Month Club selection, and is the winner of the 1993 Audie for Outstanding Children's Series from the Audio Publisher's Association. Publishers Weekly calls Hank a "grassroots publishing phenomena," and USA Today says this is "the best family entertainment in years."
Hank the Cowdog made his debut in the pages of The Cattleman, a magazine for adults, and when Erickson started getting "Dear Hank" letters, he knew he was onto something. So in 1983, he self-published 2,000 copies of The Original Adventures of Hank the Cowdog, and they sold out in 6 weeks.
When teachers began inviting Erickson to their schools, Hank found his most eager fans. Teachers, librarians, and students alike love Hank. According to some Texas Library Association surveys, the Hank the Cowdog books are the most popular selections in many libraries' children's sections. The lively characters make excellent material for reading and writing lessons, and turn even the most reluctant readers into avid Hank-fans.
Erickson was born in Midland, Texas, but by the age of 3, he had moved with his family to Perryton, Texas, where he and his wife live today on their working cattle ranch. They have 3 grown children and 4 grandchildren. His advice to young writers is, "Write about something you know. Try to leave your readers better off than they were before."
Hank the Cowdog made his debut in the pages of The Cattleman, a magazine for adults, and when Erickson started getting "Dear Hank" letters, he knew he was onto something. So in 1983, he self-published 2,000 copies of The Original Adventures of Hank the Cowdog, and they sold out in 6 weeks.
When teachers began inviting Erickson to their schools, Hank found his most eager fans. Teachers, librarians, and students alike love Hank. According to some Texas Library Association surveys, the Hank the Cowdog books are the most popular selections in many libraries' children's sections. The lively characters make excellent material for reading and writing lessons, and turn even the most reluctant readers into avid Hank-fans.
Erickson was born in Midland, Texas, but by the age of 3, he had moved with his family to Perryton, Texas, where he and his wife live today on their working cattle ranch. They have 3 grown children and 4 grandchildren. His advice to young writers is, "Write about something you know. Try to leave your readers better off than they were before."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
November 29, 2025
Family road trip listen. How do I justify a 5-star rating for something that is objectively not more than 3 in terms of literary merits? 3 baseline narrative + 1 for unpretentious ridiculousness + 1 for childhood nostalgia. That’s it.
March 6, 2023
These are always a delight to listen to!
April 4, 2024
I like that Hanky goes in the house.
November 17, 2025
We’ve read several of the Hank the Cowdog books and I must say this is probably one of my personal favorites. There’s of course lots of laughs, a little suspense, and just an all-around good story!
January 17, 2021
There are over 70 books in this series; I'm going to have to pick up my pace on reading the books if I want to finish them before I am 100! I love the humor in the series and end up laughing out loud. Hank is so full of himself that I can't hold my giggles inside.
In Amarillo, we were having some weather, so this line that "only barbed wire stood between the High Plains and the North Pole" truly resonated. The weather folks on TV often tell us that someone took down the fence when the winds howl and the snow blows.
There are some returning characters in this book, but I think it can be read without having all the background, although with any series it does add some depth if the books are read in order. I also think that it is appropriate to be read to young children as a chapter book, so if questions come up, they can be answered. There are some parts that could feel a bit scary to young children. The good part is the book is entertaining enough to not bore a parent reading it.
Recommended for anyone who enjoys humor, wants to learn more about ranch life, or likes dogs.
In Amarillo, we were having some weather, so this line that "only barbed wire stood between the High Plains and the North Pole" truly resonated. The weather folks on TV often tell us that someone took down the fence when the winds howl and the snow blows.
There are some returning characters in this book, but I think it can be read without having all the background, although with any series it does add some depth if the books are read in order. I also think that it is appropriate to be read to young children as a chapter book, so if questions come up, they can be answered. There are some parts that could feel a bit scary to young children. The good part is the book is entertaining enough to not bore a parent reading it.
Recommended for anyone who enjoys humor, wants to learn more about ranch life, or likes dogs.
July 30, 2017
Hank: Murder in the Middle Pasture
This episode of Hank (Head of Ranch Security) was particularly hilar … riveting.
Ya’see Hank not only had to deal with the usual dangers of an upper echelon cowdog but the winter weather of the Texas Panhandle. As the cowboys of the XIT Ranch put it, “… only barbed wire stood between the High Plains and the North Pole.”
It’s a spine tingling tale about the fate of a security animal hanging among savage coyotes, a vicious pack of wild dogs, buzzards, murder, and a princess.
Also, there are the educational aspects of Murder in the Middle Pasture. Hanks vocabulary really comes out in this novel – words like Pre-Visitation Dreameration and Reversible Argumenterrogation. ‘Course if you are not into intense spy thrillers and espionage, like me, a lot of this book will go over your head.
Go ahead. Give it a read. If you dare.
This episode of Hank (Head of Ranch Security) was particularly hilar … riveting.
Ya’see Hank not only had to deal with the usual dangers of an upper echelon cowdog but the winter weather of the Texas Panhandle. As the cowboys of the XIT Ranch put it, “… only barbed wire stood between the High Plains and the North Pole.”
It’s a spine tingling tale about the fate of a security animal hanging among savage coyotes, a vicious pack of wild dogs, buzzards, murder, and a princess.
Also, there are the educational aspects of Murder in the Middle Pasture. Hanks vocabulary really comes out in this novel – words like Pre-Visitation Dreameration and Reversible Argumenterrogation. ‘Course if you are not into intense spy thrillers and espionage, like me, a lot of this book will go over your head.
Go ahead. Give it a read. If you dare.
December 22, 2022
رئیس روده جلو آمده و حرفم را قطع کرد."هانک نفهمید. ما جایزه نداد."
نگاهش کردم."چی؟"
"هانک نفهمید. ما جایزه نداد."
"چی؟"
گلویش را صاف کرد و صدایش را بالا برد."هانک نفهمید! ما جایزه نداد!"
"چی؟"
آب دهانش را قورت داد و عربده کشید:"هانک نفهمید! ما جایزه نداد! و هانک بهتر بود گوش ها تمیز کرد و گوش کرد!"
"جایزه نمیدین؟جدی می گین؟"
"جدی."
"هی صبر کن ببینم، دست نگه دار! به من گفته بودن سگ سال شده م."
"نه. ما جایزه ی سگ سال نداد. ما از سگ بیزار بود."
نگاهش کردم."چی؟"
"هانک نفهمید. ما جایزه نداد."
"چی؟"
گلویش را صاف کرد و صدایش را بالا برد."هانک نفهمید! ما جایزه نداد!"
"چی؟"
آب دهانش را قورت داد و عربده کشید:"هانک نفهمید! ما جایزه نداد! و هانک بهتر بود گوش ها تمیز کرد و گوش کرد!"
"جایزه نمیدین؟جدی می گین؟"
"جدی."
"هی صبر کن ببینم، دست نگه دار! به من گفته بودن سگ سال شده م."
"نه. ما جایزه ی سگ سال نداد. ما از سگ بیزار بود."
December 31, 2024
The reason this book is a five star read for me is simply because of the experience of reading it aloud to Caden! He loves every second of these stories (I may make tiny edits to the coyotes…I just can’t read them the way they are written with my 2024 eyes). But we laugh so much at Hank’s antics and Caden has really developed a love of listening to stories (and wanting to read more) because of these books. That’s 5 stars in my world :-)
July 3, 2021
Hank the Cowdog finds himself up to his shanks in snow, and a mystery as he tries to figure out who murdered one of the ranch's calves in the middle pasture. Was it the coyotes from the coyote village, or a pack of wild outlaw dogs who are threatening to take over the ranch? Hank is out to solve this mystery, and bring the murderer in.
February 24, 2022
In 1993/1994 someone donated a "box" set of Hank the Cowdog books to the group home I lived in. I remember well that the set included 22 books and I remember flying through them one by one. I'm not sure I was in the age range of the target audience, but I loved them nonetheless. It is a fond memory in a sea of uncertainty. I can honestly say that these books got me through a rough time.
September 23, 2025
A knee slapper
I LOVE reading these with my 9 year old daughter. I read these when I was a kid in the early 90s and its a joy to reread them with her and laugh our heads off. She knows the "worthless coyote" song even. Thank you for such funny, adventurous and quirky books so I can share a piece of my childhood with her.
I LOVE reading these with my 9 year old daughter. I read these when I was a kid in the early 90s and its a joy to reread them with her and laugh our heads off. She knows the "worthless coyote" song even. Thank you for such funny, adventurous and quirky books so I can share a piece of my childhood with her.
March 2, 2022
This is probably my favorite Hank the Cowdog yet! Hijinks happen when Loper & Sally May leave for a Christmas vacation and leave Slim in charge of the farm. Hank & Drover have a pack of wild dogs, winter weather, buzzards, and coyotes to contend with. Hilarity ensues.
June 28, 2025
My issue with this book is the title. It's barely about the murder (of a calf by wild dogs). It's mostly about Hank denying that a pack of wild dogs are roaming around and responsible for mischief on the ranch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2017
Very cute. You can almost hear the voices of the characters. Great to read with a kid.
March 20, 2018
My boys can't get enough of these audiobooks!
October 16, 2018
I love Hank. We read this book together for family reading time. It was enjoyed by all.
March 23, 2020
Hank has the best way of putting things.
July 27, 2021
Not a huge fan of Hank.... too cocky.
November 12, 2021
Love all the Hank the Cowdog books! Reading the whole series, which is going to take a while lol
December 21, 2021
I marvel that Erickson can come up with such interesting stories for children to read.
August 26, 2022
Great book
March 3, 2023
Great Book.Crazy Fight in the last 30 pages! and The book tricked me a few times.
May 8, 2023
Hilarious as always. I LOVE reading Hank the Cowdog to my young boys!
May 18, 2023
Read aloud
June 15, 2023
Listened to the audiobook of these (read by the author) on a road trip. They are just as enjoyable as an adult. :D
August 14, 2024
Their deal with the mailman is hilarious 😂
July 3, 2025
This was a read aloud to my son (age 6). He thoroughly enjoyed it!
February 11, 2024
I love Hank the cow dog
November 18, 2022
Another day on the ranch, another problem. But that’s nothing new for Hank, the Head of Ranch Security. He’s ready and willing to do whatever it takes to ensure things are run right on his ranch. But when a calf is murdered in the middle pasture, he has to hunt down the culprit. Doing so might be risky, but dang it, that’s just the price you pay as the top dog.
This was a fun book in the series. With the same lovable characters, and some new and unsavory ones, Murder in the Middle Pasture is a great addition to the Hank the Cowdog Series. The mystery of whodunnit is interesting, though a bit predictable for older readers, but the way Hank solves it is just as wonderful and unique as ever. Recommended for those who’ve enjoyed other Hank the Cowdog books.
This was a fun book in the series. With the same lovable characters, and some new and unsavory ones, Murder in the Middle Pasture is a great addition to the Hank the Cowdog Series. The mystery of whodunnit is interesting, though a bit predictable for older readers, but the way Hank solves it is just as wonderful and unique as ever. Recommended for those who’ve enjoyed other Hank the Cowdog books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews