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Samuel Craddock Mystery #10
Guilt Strikes at Granger's Store
***One of Library Journal's Best Crime Reads of 2023***
"The Samuel Craddock series may be the best regional crime series around today. This installment is no exception" Library Journal Starred Review
"It was a pleasure to lose myself with the residents of Jarrett Creek, and its endearing police chief"John Lansing, author of the Jack Bertolino series
Things are heating up in a small Texas town . . .
Plans to renovate Granger’s Store in Jarrett Creek go up in smoke – quite literally – when a fire devastates the shop and a terrible discovery is made.
Where there's smoke, there's fire . . .
The fire is the latest in a series of increasingly disturbing incidents, following an attack on the store owner’s son and a number of threatening phone calls. Who is determined to stop the work going ahead at any cost, and why?
The investigation is about to get scorching hot.
Chief of Police Samuel Craddock knows Jarrett Creek like the back of his hand, or so he thought, until he unearths explosive secrets stretching back thirty years . . . secrets that will shock him to his core.
Fans of Steven Havill and Bill Crider will love this twist-filled mystery set in rural Texas.
What readers are saying about Guilt Strikes at Granger's
"Kept me hooked and guessing . . . Highly recommended" 5-stars, NetGalley reviewer
"This tenth in the series is as strong and fresh as its debut, placing Samuel Craddock at the top of the list for readers looking for admirable, compassionate, and extremely perceptive investigators" 5-stars, NetGalley reviewer
"It is almost like you are sitting in the town’s coffee shop and Chief Craddock is sitting across the table from you and telling you the whole story" 5-stars, NetGalley reviewer
"Strongly recommended, as is the entire series" 5-stars, NetGalley reviewer
"The Samuel Craddock series may be the best regional crime series around today. This installment is no exception" Library Journal Starred Review
"It was a pleasure to lose myself with the residents of Jarrett Creek, and its endearing police chief"John Lansing, author of the Jack Bertolino series
Things are heating up in a small Texas town . . .
Plans to renovate Granger’s Store in Jarrett Creek go up in smoke – quite literally – when a fire devastates the shop and a terrible discovery is made.
Where there's smoke, there's fire . . .
The fire is the latest in a series of increasingly disturbing incidents, following an attack on the store owner’s son and a number of threatening phone calls. Who is determined to stop the work going ahead at any cost, and why?
The investigation is about to get scorching hot.
Chief of Police Samuel Craddock knows Jarrett Creek like the back of his hand, or so he thought, until he unearths explosive secrets stretching back thirty years . . . secrets that will shock him to his core.
Fans of Steven Havill and Bill Crider will love this twist-filled mystery set in rural Texas.
What readers are saying about Guilt Strikes at Granger's
"Kept me hooked and guessing . . . Highly recommended" 5-stars, NetGalley reviewer
"This tenth in the series is as strong and fresh as its debut, placing Samuel Craddock at the top of the list for readers looking for admirable, compassionate, and extremely perceptive investigators" 5-stars, NetGalley reviewer
"It is almost like you are sitting in the town’s coffee shop and Chief Craddock is sitting across the table from you and telling you the whole story" 5-stars, NetGalley reviewer
"Strongly recommended, as is the entire series" 5-stars, NetGalley reviewer
- GenresMysteryUnited States
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2023
12 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
Terry Shames
19 books274 followersTerry Shames is the award-winning, best-selling author of eleven Samuel Craddock mysteries. Her first book, A Killing at Cotton Hill won the Macavity Award for Best First novel Her books have been shortlisted for the Strand Critics Award, Lefty awards, and won the RT Reviews Critics award. The eleventh in the series, The Troubling Death of Maddy Benson, October, 2024, was an Amazon Editor's Pick and won a starred review in Library Journal.
In 2024, she debuted the Jessie Madison thriller series, with Perilous Waters. In March, 2025, she published Out of Control, a suspense novel.
Terry is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and International Thriller Writers.
She lives in Southern California with her husband, her dog Monty and her cat Max.
For more visit her website at www.Terryshames.com.
In 2024, she debuted the Jessie Madison thriller series, with Perilous Waters. In March, 2025, she published Out of Control, a suspense novel.
Terry is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and International Thriller Writers.
She lives in Southern California with her husband, her dog Monty and her cat Max.
For more visit her website at www.Terryshames.com.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 23, 2023
I have loved this series from the start, Samuel Craddock and his Jarrett Creek is a nice sleepy old Texas community with a surprising ly high murder rate. Terry Shames has come up with some marvelous characters and mysteries in this small town setting. Even though I feel that the first few books are the best, none of the books lack anything in quality. Guilt Strikes at Granger's Store is the latest and tenth book in this series and even though Samuel is getting old he still can show the young officers how it's done. In this book there are two situations at the same time, some mysterious assaults at the feed store and Craddocks girlfriends daughter is in jail in Mexico. How will it end? Well, if you buy the book in stores by October third you can find out. But I do recommend that you start from the beginning. I send a big thanks to Severn House and Netgalley for supplying me with an advance copy.
November 13, 2024
This is another good addition to the Samuel Craddock series. Fun characters, small town vibes and a murder mystery that keeps us guessing. I have enjoyed them all. Good escapism reading.
October 4, 2023
It's always a pleasure to read a story featuring Samuel Craddock and Jarret Creek. This is a twity and highly entertaining one that kept me hooked and guessing.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
October 13, 2023
As Guilt Strikes at Granger’s Store by Terry Shames opens, Wendy is frantic. Samuel Craddock has been dating her for a couple of years now and has never heard her like this before. She is very upset and for good reason.
Her daughter, Allison, is in jail in Monterrey, Mexico. Chief of Police Samuel Craddock has some influence locally, but Mexico is far out of his jurisdiction and sphere of influence. Apparently, Allison was in some sort of auto accident. She is okay, but in custody because she did not have Mexican auto insurance. The authorities take a dim view of this kind of situation. Finding out what is going on as well as how to help, if he can, is going to take time.
At the same time, a far more urgent matter, and one that is in his jurisdiction comes up while he is talking to Wendy and trying to calm her fear. A few months ago, Melvin Granger had a stroke that resulted in him being bedridden. The prognosis for Melvin is not good.
His son, Mark, moved back home from Houston to take care of Dad and run the Feedstore. Word has gotten around that Mark has big plans for the store. He plans to update it and add some sort of gift shop, among other things. None of his plans should have caused anybody to attack him, yet that is exactly what has happened.
Found by his sister, Chelsea, who is just now also home to take care of dad as well as to talk to Mark about his plans, he was on the floor of the store this very morning. Mark had a cut on his forehead and was very dazed. Mark and Chelsea were to meet and go over his renovation plans. Not that their meeting would have moved her, in all likelihood. She is very much against the idea of any changes. The fact that this happened reinforced her belief that this idea of Mark’s is a bad one.
It might be, according to the attackers, as one of the two men who attacked Mark also told him to leave town. Before he is loaded into the ambulance, Mark tells Chief Craddock that there have also been a couple of strange and threatening phone calls. Clearly, somebody wants the store left as is and is not taking no for an answer.
As the situation with Wendy’s daughter in Mexico gets stranger by the day, so too does the situation with the store in Jarret Creek, Texas. The result is Sameul Craddock is forced to juggle both deals and a couple of other things in Guilt Strikes at Granger’s Store. So much for that idea that small town life is easy.
A long running and very good series that began with A Killing at Cotton Hill, this tenth book in the series is another solidly good one. No new ground in character development is broken here as the majority of these characters were fleshed out long ago. Instead, the primary focus is on the mysteries of what happened with Alison south of the border and what happened at Granger’s store. Each is a satisfying mystery in its own right.
This latest book in the series very briefly references earlier events, but does so in such a way that one could easily read this one first if new to the series. For long time readers, it is a much-needed treat to go back to Jarret Creek and the life of Samuel Cradock and friends. Guilt Strikes at Granger’s Store is strongly recommended, as is the entire series.
My reading copy came as an ARC from the publisher, Severn House, through NetGalley.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2023
Her daughter, Allison, is in jail in Monterrey, Mexico. Chief of Police Samuel Craddock has some influence locally, but Mexico is far out of his jurisdiction and sphere of influence. Apparently, Allison was in some sort of auto accident. She is okay, but in custody because she did not have Mexican auto insurance. The authorities take a dim view of this kind of situation. Finding out what is going on as well as how to help, if he can, is going to take time.
At the same time, a far more urgent matter, and one that is in his jurisdiction comes up while he is talking to Wendy and trying to calm her fear. A few months ago, Melvin Granger had a stroke that resulted in him being bedridden. The prognosis for Melvin is not good.
His son, Mark, moved back home from Houston to take care of Dad and run the Feedstore. Word has gotten around that Mark has big plans for the store. He plans to update it and add some sort of gift shop, among other things. None of his plans should have caused anybody to attack him, yet that is exactly what has happened.
Found by his sister, Chelsea, who is just now also home to take care of dad as well as to talk to Mark about his plans, he was on the floor of the store this very morning. Mark had a cut on his forehead and was very dazed. Mark and Chelsea were to meet and go over his renovation plans. Not that their meeting would have moved her, in all likelihood. She is very much against the idea of any changes. The fact that this happened reinforced her belief that this idea of Mark’s is a bad one.
It might be, according to the attackers, as one of the two men who attacked Mark also told him to leave town. Before he is loaded into the ambulance, Mark tells Chief Craddock that there have also been a couple of strange and threatening phone calls. Clearly, somebody wants the store left as is and is not taking no for an answer.
As the situation with Wendy’s daughter in Mexico gets stranger by the day, so too does the situation with the store in Jarret Creek, Texas. The result is Sameul Craddock is forced to juggle both deals and a couple of other things in Guilt Strikes at Granger’s Store. So much for that idea that small town life is easy.
A long running and very good series that began with A Killing at Cotton Hill, this tenth book in the series is another solidly good one. No new ground in character development is broken here as the majority of these characters were fleshed out long ago. Instead, the primary focus is on the mysteries of what happened with Alison south of the border and what happened at Granger’s store. Each is a satisfying mystery in its own right.
This latest book in the series very briefly references earlier events, but does so in such a way that one could easily read this one first if new to the series. For long time readers, it is a much-needed treat to go back to Jarret Creek and the life of Samuel Cradock and friends. Guilt Strikes at Granger’s Store is strongly recommended, as is the entire series.
My reading copy came as an ARC from the publisher, Severn House, through NetGalley.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2023
February 16, 2024
Lawmen are seldom fortunate enough to have a single crime to occupy their time.
This fact is readily apparent in the latest in the Samuel Craddock mystery series. Sam, who is the police chief in the small Texas town of Jarrett Creek is dealing with a multitude of crimes of varying complexity as well as a few private concerns as the story opens.
The wayward daughter of his lady friend Wendy has got herself in trouble in Mexico and hiring a local lawyer doesn't appear to be an easy fix.
Mark Granger, who plans to renovate and modernize the offerings at his father's popular feed store, is beset with threats that soon elevate to physical violence. Then, arson strikes the store and a body is found on the premises. The victim died of a gunshot wound and is from a community 30 minutes away from Jarrett Creek. Both Mark and his sister Chelsea, who has been steadfastly opposed to the renovation project, claim they don't recognize the man.
Sergeant Leland Reagan, the new head of the Department of Public Safety, shows up and isn't happy about Craddock meddling in a homicide in his jurisdiction. Reagan's predecessor has always been happy with the assistance of the Jarrett Creek officers with their knowledge of local people and conditions. Reagan's attitude rankles Sam and his team.
As if this isn't enough to deal with, a few days later a repair crew discovers the mummified body of a man who died 30 years before beneath the scorched floorboards of the feed store.
Mark's father, Melvin, has recently suffered a stroke and is unable to provide any insight as to the identity of the body or how it came to be concealed in the establishment. Despite Reagan's warnings, Sam continues to investigate both cases.
Usually, Craddock can rely on the assistance of his deputy Maria Trevino, but she has volunteered to go to Mexico to help sort out Wendy's daughter's situation. His friend and neighbor Loretta Singletary is normally available with cookies and advice. Oddly, though the baked goods are still forthcoming, Loretta is reluctant to discuss the current cases, especially that involving the mummified body.
Samuel Craddock is an engaging character, a widower, beloved by his neighbors (especially the females who dote on him) and familiar with their behavior. I recommend the series to all who enjoy a good mystery in a small-town setting.
This fact is readily apparent in the latest in the Samuel Craddock mystery series. Sam, who is the police chief in the small Texas town of Jarrett Creek is dealing with a multitude of crimes of varying complexity as well as a few private concerns as the story opens.
The wayward daughter of his lady friend Wendy has got herself in trouble in Mexico and hiring a local lawyer doesn't appear to be an easy fix.
Mark Granger, who plans to renovate and modernize the offerings at his father's popular feed store, is beset with threats that soon elevate to physical violence. Then, arson strikes the store and a body is found on the premises. The victim died of a gunshot wound and is from a community 30 minutes away from Jarrett Creek. Both Mark and his sister Chelsea, who has been steadfastly opposed to the renovation project, claim they don't recognize the man.
Sergeant Leland Reagan, the new head of the Department of Public Safety, shows up and isn't happy about Craddock meddling in a homicide in his jurisdiction. Reagan's predecessor has always been happy with the assistance of the Jarrett Creek officers with their knowledge of local people and conditions. Reagan's attitude rankles Sam and his team.
As if this isn't enough to deal with, a few days later a repair crew discovers the mummified body of a man who died 30 years before beneath the scorched floorboards of the feed store.
Mark's father, Melvin, has recently suffered a stroke and is unable to provide any insight as to the identity of the body or how it came to be concealed in the establishment. Despite Reagan's warnings, Sam continues to investigate both cases.
Usually, Craddock can rely on the assistance of his deputy Maria Trevino, but she has volunteered to go to Mexico to help sort out Wendy's daughter's situation. His friend and neighbor Loretta Singletary is normally available with cookies and advice. Oddly, though the baked goods are still forthcoming, Loretta is reluctant to discuss the current cases, especially that involving the mummified body.
Samuel Craddock is an engaging character, a widower, beloved by his neighbors (especially the females who dote on him) and familiar with their behavior. I recommend the series to all who enjoy a good mystery in a small-town setting.
September 24, 2023
I would like to thank Netgalley and Severn House Publishers for an advance copy of Guilt Strikes at Grainger’s Store, the tenth novel to feature Chief of Police, Samuel Craddock, set in the fictional small Texas town of Jarrett Creek.
Strange things are happening at Grainger Feed Store. Mark Grainger, the owner’s son, wants to expand, but when he is roughed up after some threatening phone calls it becomes clear that some of the locals aren’t keen on the idea. Then there is a fire and a dead body, a man who once lived in the town and hasn’t been back in thirty years.
I thoroughly enjoyed Guilt Strikes at Grainger’s Store, which is an engrossing read with a good story. I am quite new to the series, but it is fast becoming a favourite with me as it is a beguiling mixture of small town folksiness and bad deeds. I hesitate to call it a cozy as there are more undercurrents than the genre usually allows for, although it does paint a fairly idyllic picture of neighbourliness and good deeds outwith the crimes.
The novel has two strands, the murder and a subplot of Samuel’s girlfriend, Wendy’s daughter’s incarceration in Mexico. She is such an unattractive person, self centred and selfish, they should have left her to rot in Mexico as far as I am concerned, but it’s a good story, even if her brazen callousness is like a slap in the face or perhaps a reminder that not everything in the garden is rosy. And that’s enough about her.
The main plot is very interesting. There isn’t much by way of forensics, so Samuel has to take the long way. This involves unraveling a web of interconnecting relationships and overcoming a general disinclination to tell the whole story. He soon finds that the origins of the story date back thirty years with the repercussions are still resonating in the present. As ever, it is fuelled by the worse side of human nature. I was glued to the pages and was still surprised by the resolution as I didn’t see it coming.
Guilt Strikes at Grainger’s Store is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Strange things are happening at Grainger Feed Store. Mark Grainger, the owner’s son, wants to expand, but when he is roughed up after some threatening phone calls it becomes clear that some of the locals aren’t keen on the idea. Then there is a fire and a dead body, a man who once lived in the town and hasn’t been back in thirty years.
I thoroughly enjoyed Guilt Strikes at Grainger’s Store, which is an engrossing read with a good story. I am quite new to the series, but it is fast becoming a favourite with me as it is a beguiling mixture of small town folksiness and bad deeds. I hesitate to call it a cozy as there are more undercurrents than the genre usually allows for, although it does paint a fairly idyllic picture of neighbourliness and good deeds outwith the crimes.
The novel has two strands, the murder and a subplot of Samuel’s girlfriend, Wendy’s daughter’s incarceration in Mexico. She is such an unattractive person, self centred and selfish, they should have left her to rot in Mexico as far as I am concerned, but it’s a good story, even if her brazen callousness is like a slap in the face or perhaps a reminder that not everything in the garden is rosy. And that’s enough about her.
The main plot is very interesting. There isn’t much by way of forensics, so Samuel has to take the long way. This involves unraveling a web of interconnecting relationships and overcoming a general disinclination to tell the whole story. He soon finds that the origins of the story date back thirty years with the repercussions are still resonating in the present. As ever, it is fuelled by the worse side of human nature. I was glued to the pages and was still surprised by the resolution as I didn’t see it coming.
Guilt Strikes at Grainger’s Store is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
July 22, 2023
I'd rate Terry Shames' 10th Samuel Craddock Mystery, Guilt Strikes at Granger's Store, as one of the very best in the series. I'm eternally fascinated by the inner workings of small-town Texas police chief Samuel's mind as he methodically wades through a maze of clues and leads and makes canny observations based on his vast experience, intelligence, and interpersonal skills. He persists even when the officious Department of Public Safety director tries to take over, rejecting Samuel's help, and more than one person in town tries to convince him to give up.
Since Samuel is the book's present-tense narrator, the reader knows only what he knows and sees, what he is thinking, and how he plans to bring the criminals to justice. If that sounds too claustrophobic--trust me--it's anything but. We also get to experience suspense and action through his narration.
Samuel has been in law enforcement for many years and is highly regarded by most of the inhabitants of Jarrett Creek and the surrounding towns. In this book, the son of the ailing, elderly owner of a feed store has plans to renovate and expand the store, but there is resistance--some violent--from those who oppose his plans. Then, a series of events result in a fire, the death of one man, and the discovery of a mysterious long-dead body under the floor in the shop. Clearly, there is more in play than just opposition to change. At the same time, the wayward adult daughter of Samuel's lady friend, Wendy, has been arrested and imprisoned after a car accident in Mexico, and both Samuel and his deputy, Maria, are called upon to navigate a difficult political climate in Mexico to get her back home.
The combination of an immersive rural setting and an intricately plotted mystery is a winning one, and I'm happy to say the next in the series is in progress.
My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of this book.
Since Samuel is the book's present-tense narrator, the reader knows only what he knows and sees, what he is thinking, and how he plans to bring the criminals to justice. If that sounds too claustrophobic--trust me--it's anything but. We also get to experience suspense and action through his narration.
Samuel has been in law enforcement for many years and is highly regarded by most of the inhabitants of Jarrett Creek and the surrounding towns. In this book, the son of the ailing, elderly owner of a feed store has plans to renovate and expand the store, but there is resistance--some violent--from those who oppose his plans. Then, a series of events result in a fire, the death of one man, and the discovery of a mysterious long-dead body under the floor in the shop. Clearly, there is more in play than just opposition to change. At the same time, the wayward adult daughter of Samuel's lady friend, Wendy, has been arrested and imprisoned after a car accident in Mexico, and both Samuel and his deputy, Maria, are called upon to navigate a difficult political climate in Mexico to get her back home.
The combination of an immersive rural setting and an intricately plotted mystery is a winning one, and I'm happy to say the next in the series is in progress.
My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of this book.
January 5, 2024
Guilt Strikes at Granger’s Store is the tenth book in Terry Shames’ series and unfolds like a classic English mystery.
Samuel Craddock is an engaging Police Chief who grew up in rural Jarrett Creek, a small Texas town. He’s on a first name basis with most of the families who live there. He went to school with his neighbors, and then watched their kids grow up. He has a southern gift of gab that helps the locals loosen their tongues, open up, and share secrets when needed. Other than Craddock, they have an inherent distrust of police in general and a special animus toward big city cops.
Jarret Creek rarely has serious crimes, so when two dead bodies show up in a short period of time, it piques everybody’s interest, including Sergeant Reagan, an arrogant officer who pays the town a visit. His first order of business is to claim jurisdiction, and pull Craddock off the case. He’ll show the rube how a murder investigation should be handled.
Craddock is a joy to behold as he investigates the crimes, despite orders from above. He’s a protagonist the reader can root for as he proves Sergeant Reagan wrong at most every turn, and then selflessly shares the credit.
Terry Shames has penned a tight, complex mystery. In these tumultuous times, it was a pleasure to lose myself with the residents of Jarret Creek, and its endearing police chief.
Shames’ dialogue is spot on, her descriptions of small-town Texas are authentic. Her plot twists, turns, and surprise ending are worth the price of admission. I’m amazed these wonderful books haven’t been turned into a television series.
Samuel Craddock is an engaging Police Chief who grew up in rural Jarrett Creek, a small Texas town. He’s on a first name basis with most of the families who live there. He went to school with his neighbors, and then watched their kids grow up. He has a southern gift of gab that helps the locals loosen their tongues, open up, and share secrets when needed. Other than Craddock, they have an inherent distrust of police in general and a special animus toward big city cops.
Jarret Creek rarely has serious crimes, so when two dead bodies show up in a short period of time, it piques everybody’s interest, including Sergeant Reagan, an arrogant officer who pays the town a visit. His first order of business is to claim jurisdiction, and pull Craddock off the case. He’ll show the rube how a murder investigation should be handled.
Craddock is a joy to behold as he investigates the crimes, despite orders from above. He’s a protagonist the reader can root for as he proves Sergeant Reagan wrong at most every turn, and then selflessly shares the credit.
Terry Shames has penned a tight, complex mystery. In these tumultuous times, it was a pleasure to lose myself with the residents of Jarret Creek, and its endearing police chief.
Shames’ dialogue is spot on, her descriptions of small-town Texas are authentic. Her plot twists, turns, and surprise ending are worth the price of admission. I’m amazed these wonderful books haven’t been turned into a television series.
September 6, 2023
3.75 stars
The latest in the always worthwhile Samuel Craddock series set in small-town Texas. Sam is a reluctant police chief, with an abundance of common sense and a forthright but not confrontational manner. This one has some small town ugliness in it.
The old owner of the local feed store has some health issues, and his son has come in from out of town to run the store. He is planning on some renovations and this has ruffled a few feathers. He is attacked in the store and gets some phone warnings about leaving things alone. But he goes ahead anyway. A dead body is found after hours, a man who grew up in the town but later moved away. Then, when they actually start construction work, they uncover a 30 year old corpse wrapped up and stuffed under the floorboard. What is the common link? Who is the old body? What old secrets led to the murder or murders?
Meanwhile, Samuel's lady friend's spoiled brat of a grown daughter has gotten herself in legal trouble in Mexico so his Hispanic deputy Maria goes down to see if she can get the ungrateful woman out of jail.
Samuel is easy-going but ever watchful, and not much gets by him. It's always interesting to watch him worry a problem, pulling on the various threads here and there. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The latest in the always worthwhile Samuel Craddock series set in small-town Texas. Sam is a reluctant police chief, with an abundance of common sense and a forthright but not confrontational manner. This one has some small town ugliness in it.
The old owner of the local feed store has some health issues, and his son has come in from out of town to run the store. He is planning on some renovations and this has ruffled a few feathers. He is attacked in the store and gets some phone warnings about leaving things alone. But he goes ahead anyway. A dead body is found after hours, a man who grew up in the town but later moved away. Then, when they actually start construction work, they uncover a 30 year old corpse wrapped up and stuffed under the floorboard. What is the common link? Who is the old body? What old secrets led to the murder or murders?
Meanwhile, Samuel's lady friend's spoiled brat of a grown daughter has gotten herself in legal trouble in Mexico so his Hispanic deputy Maria goes down to see if she can get the ungrateful woman out of jail.
Samuel is easy-going but ever watchful, and not much gets by him. It's always interesting to watch him worry a problem, pulling on the various threads here and there. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 29, 2023
I have been trying to read different genres lately. Some that I have picked have been really good and some not so much. This book, Guilt Strikes At Granger’s Store, written by Terry Shames is really good. It is a little love story but more of a mystery. The main character is a police chief in a small town. The storyline is well written and the characters are well developed. The book is written in a first person perspective of Samuel Craddock, the police chief. It is almost like you are sitting in the town’s coffee shop and Chief Craddock is sitting across the table from you and telling you the whole story. Good book. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy for my honest opinion.
October 14, 2023
I love this series and this was a great entry. There is always great attention to both plot and character. The plot went to places in this one I wasn’t expecting. I really like the way Samuel’s thought processes are shared with the reader before he speaks with the other characters. It’s written in such a natural way. I miss Samuel’s interactions with Loretta. Now that he has a regular girlfriend those are too few and far between. Loretta is a lot of fun. And on that subject, Wendy is the only sour note. She is a bland character and the book indicates a possible future with Samuel. That would be unfortunate.
November 14, 2023
Granager's feed store is an institution in Jarret Creek, although the owner is incapacitated after a stroke. His son wants to make some changes, and while the small town is a conservative place, threats and violence seem an overreaction. Things escalate to attempted arson and a dead body, but when the renovation proceeds, the workers find a long-dead body hidden in the floorboards. As though police chief Samuel Craddock isn't busy enough, he's also dealing with a new district head of the state troopers, who doesn't understand how things work, and the daughter of his lady friend, who has vanished in Mexico after being arrested for causing a traffic accident.
January 9, 2024
I've been a long time fan of Shames' Sam Craddock mysteries. Living in Texas helps, of course, but anyone, anywhere, anytime can enjoy this series about a small town Chief of Police that solves mysteries usually involving the history of the town. This one starts with a murder and then continues with the discovery of a body hidden under the flooring of a local feed store, a body stashed there possibly 30 years ago. Do these two bodies have a connection? You betcha your bottom dollar! And Craddock will get to the solution while also helping out his friend Wendy when her wayward daughter ends up in a Mexican jail.
November 18, 2023
In a world of unreliable narrators, what a pleasure it is to ride along with Samuel Craddock, the small town police chief who has no superpowers or crippling addictions, but still manages to solve a fresh murder and a dusty cold case while lending a helping hand to his neighbors. This one dishes up everything from murders to mummies, with a side of international angst and cinnamon buns. Highly recommended, especially if you need a gift for someone who loves to fall asleep over a good mystery, without the nightmares.
May 28, 2024
Good as always, and in fact, a little better than always. The main mystery was juicy and complicated, involving years-old guilt, blackmail, greed and murder, of course. She added in a subplot involving the daughter of Sam's girlfriend getting arrested in Mexico after a car accident. In the subplot, his fellow officer Maria gets to shine...but the action is all off screen and it's "told" rather than "shown", which makes it a bland and less-than-interesting story line. Too bad.
August 7, 2023
This was the first book by Terry Shames that I've read, but it definitely won't be the last. I liked the easy folky narration and was intrigued by the story. Despite being part of an ongoing series, you should have no problems reading this as a stand-alone.
Thanks to Severn House for access to a digital ARC on NetGalley.
Thanks to Severn House for access to a digital ARC on NetGalley.
June 6, 2024
Main story is about who murdered a man thirty years previous and buried under floorboards and who killed the guy find near the old corpse. That's a good mystery. The problem with Wendy's daughter is just a waste of time, used to fill out the story to novel length.
February 15, 2024
Serviceable mystery, somewhat predictable. Left me curious as to who the affair might have been.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2025
I love this series do much. Despite all the mayhem, I truly enjoy spending time with Samuel and the gang.
May 6, 2025
Great series….not a lot of hype about it but don’t miss it!
October 9, 2023
This is the Author's latest book in a long running series and in my opinion can be read as a standalone .
Told in the 1st person By Police Chief Samuel Craddock - set in small-town , Texas .
This story has a folksy feel , with well fleshed out characters , where common sense is what will carry the day.
A local feed store is undergoing renovations , much against the wishes of die in the mud locals........a body is found of a local who had moved away...........another body is soon found under the floor boards , left there 30yrs ago . Just what is going on , is there a common link between the bodies , what will someone do to keep their secrets ? Samuel is not an in your face police chief , he uses common sense ........pulling on threads , unravelling the strands until they lead him to the culprit(s)
This is a light , enjoyable read where character is the driving force
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Told in the 1st person By Police Chief Samuel Craddock - set in small-town , Texas .
This story has a folksy feel , with well fleshed out characters , where common sense is what will carry the day.
A local feed store is undergoing renovations , much against the wishes of die in the mud locals........a body is found of a local who had moved away...........another body is soon found under the floor boards , left there 30yrs ago . Just what is going on , is there a common link between the bodies , what will someone do to keep their secrets ? Samuel is not an in your face police chief , he uses common sense ........pulling on threads , unravelling the strands until they lead him to the culprit(s)
This is a light , enjoyable read where character is the driving force
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
September 22, 2023
There's a lot more going on in Jarrett Creek than you might expect. Sheriff Samuel Craddock can't figure out why exactly there's so much objection to the fact that Mark Granger is finally going to update the offerings and facility at his father's feed store but wow- there's a fire and then a body is found inside, But there's a deeper secret that's uncovered when the fire is out. Someone in town- more than one someone probably- had good reason to keep things the same. No spoilers. Oh, and the genial Samuel enlists his Deputy to deal with the problems of his almost-step daughter who has gotten herself into a mess. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. This is indeed part of a series but entirely enjoyable as a standalone,
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