Compound Murder

Sheriff Dan Rhodes #20

by Bill Crider

Small-town Texas sheriff Dan Rhodes is in for another puzzling mystery in this next in the entertaining, award-winning series

Before classes start one morning, the body of English instructor Earl Wellington is found outside the building of the community college. Wellington was clearly involved in a struggle with someone and has died as a result. Sheriff Dan Rhodes pursues and arrests Ike Terrell, a student who was fleeing the campus. Ike's father is Able Terrell, a survivalist who has withdrawn from society and lives in a gated compound. He’s not happy that his son has chosen to attend the college, and he's even less happy with the arrest.

Rhodes discovers that Wellington and Ike had had a confrontation over a paper that Wellington insisted Ike plagiarized. Wellington also had had a confrontation with the dean and was generally disliked by the students. As the number of suspects increases, it’s up to Rhodes to solve the murder while also dealing with an amusing but frustrating staff, a professor who wants to be a cop, and all the other normal occurrences that can wreak havoc in a small town.

Bill Crider's Compound Murder is an enjoyable police procedural filled with surprises, chuckles, and a quirky cast that will captivate mystery readers.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Cozy

272 pages, Hardcover

First published August 13, 2013

About the author

Taught English at Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Tex., and went on to become the chair of the Division of English and Fine Arts at Alvin Community College in Alvin, Tex.; prolific writer of mystery, science fiction, western, horror, and children's books, not to mention short stories, articles, reviews, and blog posts; perhaps best known for his Sheriff Dan Rhodes mystery series.

Reviews

[Karl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The compound that Bill Crider speaks of in the book "Compound Murder" relates to a compound where a group of "survivalists" live and have walled themselves off from mainstream life so that they can survive the coming zombie apocalypse or the end of society as we know it or the break down of the government. They have lived in the compound the last twenty years or so waiting for the catastrophic event.

I love these Sheriff Dan Rhodes books. It's like returning home to a family both familiar, kind and enjoyable. The novels are packed with eccentric characters, sometimes funny, idiosyncratic and always enjoyable.

In this installment The Sheriff must contend with the break in and theft of some wigs and hair extensions, a riot at the pizza hut, a hog in someones kitchen and of course a murder. The prime suspect of the murder is the son of the man who commands the survivalist compound.

The characters are all well drawn out and convincingly play their parts, and of course everyone claims to be innocent of everything as the Sheriff must comb the details of his investigation through his thinning hair.

The ongoing Dr. Pepper conundrum is enhanced by the attempt to introduce Mr. Pibb into the Sheriffs orbit. This being one of the struggles that face the intrepid hard working and animal friendly guardian of the peace in the small rural Texas community.

As this is book twenty, I would recommend starting the series from the beginning to get the most out of all the hijinks and situations that Mr. Crider so wonderfully gives to the reader.

[Glen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good entry in the Dan Rhodes series.

An unliked English professor is found dead with a cracked head in the junior college parking lot, Sheriff Dan goes to work. Besides the murder, there's a lot of theft around the county, and all the little things Rhodes usually needs to ameliorate.

Most of the action seems to center on a fenced compound that serves as the home and headquarters of survivalists. Dan has to find out how the compound figures into things, without any unnecessary violence.

Great job.

[Rick-Founder JM CM BOOK CLUB · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, Bill Crider has proven himself to be one of the very best in mystery fiction. I loved this book.. a very ingenious plot and wonderful and familiar characters. Crider is a master at drawing the reader into his world and not letting go. Very highly recommended!!

[Jeannie and Louis Rigod · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a series that never disappoints me. I adore Sheriff Dan Rhodes and his patience with not only his job, but, his staff.

As I chuckle through the plot, I know that I'll be looking towards the next installment.

[Kevintipple · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is the middle of October and still very hot and dry in Blacklin County, Texas. The weather has not been right for years and that isn’t all. Sheriff Dan Rhodes has already had a busy morning when the call comes in about the dead body over at the branch campus of a local community college. While he isn't sure if the one building on the outskirts of Clearview could be considered a campus Sheriff Rhodes is sure the body between the dumpsters is dead and the crime scene is ruined thanks to gawkers.

English Teacher Earl Wellington is dead. Probable cause of death is the obvious visual sign that part of his head is bashed in. Considering what looks to be blood and hair in the right place on one of the dumpsters, it appears that a sharp corner on one did it with some help by person or persons unknown. Wellington was a bachelor, but he was also an English teacher. As Dean King points out, “It's always the English teachers.”

Wellington wasn't liked by students or staff and seemed to relish heated confrontations. That means the suspect pool is large and extends beyond his current job assignment. Too bad Sherriff Rhodes doesn't have the fictional Sheriff Sarge Barton to help him. Sarge might help with Rhodes boycott of Dr. Pepper too now that they went and ruined it.

This latest in the series is number eighteen and is another good mystery with plenty of laugh out loud moments. With referenced comments to earlier books in the series Compound Murder: A Dan Rhodes Mystery frequently reminds readers of good times and not so good times in earlier books. As expected Texas author Bill Crider brings back favorite characters such as Hack, Lawton, reporter Jennifer Loam, Rhode's loving wife Ivy, Math teacher Seepy Benton and many others in an highly entertaining read that also frequently references classic movies and books. If you are not aware of these cultural references thanks to your young age, you will discover additional hours of entertainment pleasure checking them out.

Along with a complicated main mystery there are plenty of interesting secondary storylines that generate numerous laugh out loud moments. The latest in the series, Compound Murder: A Dan Rhodes Mystery keeps this fine series rolling along well and is very much worth your time.

Compound Murder: A Dan Rhodes Mystery
Bill Crider
http://www.billcrider.com
Minotaur Books (A Thomas Dunne Book)
http://www.minotaurbooks.com
August 13, 2013
ISBN# 978-0312641658
Hardback (also available in e-book form)
272 Pages
$24.99

The author provided an ARC in exchange for an objective review.


Kevin R. Tipple ©2013

[Brian O'Leary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple little mystery read, nothing too in depth, but enjoyable.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

#20 in the Sheriff Dan Rhodes series. Laid-back, rural Texas sheriff Dan Rhodes notches another win in his belt as he solves the shooting death of an unpopular English professor. Author Crider notches another win with this addition to the popular series. Recommended.

#20 - Dan Rhodes series - Before classes start one morning, the body of English instructor Earl Wellington is found outside the building of the community college campus in Clearview. Wellington was clearly involved in a struggle with someone and has died as a result. Sheriff Dan Rhodes pursues and arrests a student, Ike Terrell, who was fleeing the campus. Ike's father is Able Terrell, a survivalist who has withdrawn from society and lives in a gated compound. He's not happy that his son has chosen to attend the college, and he's even less happy with the arrest. Rhodes discovers that Wellington had a confrontation with Ike over a paper that Wellington insisted was plagiarized. Wellington also had a confrontation with the dean. As the number of suspects increases, it's up to Rhodes to puzzle through the murder.

[LInda L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great Dan Rhodes mystery -- this was SO cute and funny and he came through like a champ. Or like Sage !! All the characters are great -- Hack, Lawton, Seepy, Ivy, and all 3 deputies. This story involved a "compound" which supposedly was able to let its residents live self sufficiently, but couldn't really. One young man had the audacity to want to attend the Community College -- ran into some problems and turned out to be different than had been expected. Lots of funny scenes -- the one about the wild hog in the house was great, but there are others almost as entertaining. Keep it up, Crider!!!

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Small town Texas Sheriff Dan Rhodes investigates the theft of hair pieces from the local beauty salon and the death of a professor at the local community college. The son of an anti-government survivalist group is involved and Rhodes tries to prevent another Waco or Ruby Ridge incident. This is a murder mystery without the big city glitz and without profanity or explicit sex. Enjoyed it immensely.

[Ila Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick/enjoyable book. I escape and return once and awhile to this series starring small Texan town sheriff Dan Rhodes. It’s like returning home to see what eccentric characters and strange happenings complicate his life. Every book in the series is a “cozy mystery” even if there is a murder….and this time the victim was a professor at the local community college. Suspects include the son of an anti-government survivalist group living in a compound.

In this book, the sheriff also has to contend with the theft of some wigs and hair extensions and a hog in someone’s kitchen.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is my escapist fare. Plots are interesting, characters even more interesting (some carry over), and a main character who is self-effacing, but still really a hero (except to the Mayor and County Commissioner). The traditional town / gown disagreements and divergent views are joined this time with a compound of families with a very divergent life style and anti-government beliefs. A good mix-up! Trouble brews.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good Sheriff Dan Rhodes mystery.
A professor is found dead in the parking lot of the local community college, and the sheriff is soon investigating.
I liked the story a lot.
And maybe I enjoyed this one more because 2 of the minor characters, Hack and Lawton don't take up a lot of the story. They tend to get on my nerves as much as the sheriff's.
All in all a good addition to the series.

[Jewett · Rating 4 out of 5]

As good as usual. Seepy is becoming a great character.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like these short mysteries. This one is about a murdered English professor.

[Victoria Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was pretty fun. I think I like Dan Rhodes. I love a little humor in my mysteries.

[Nese · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is different about this cozy is that unlike most cozies, the main character and the writer are both male, and the story is told from a male perspective. The murder mystery has a suspenseful plot and the quirky locals with their personal baggage are so relatable. I enjoy books from this unique series that take place in an old oil boom town in Texas as long as no animals are hurt during the story and this book happens to be one of them.

[Ben Boulden · Rating 5 out of 5]

COMPOUND MURDER is the twentieth novel featuring Blacklin County, Texas Sheriff Dan Rhodes. The series started in 1986 with Too Late to Die, and the latest title (number 22 in the series), Between the Living and Dead, is scheduled for release in August. Blacklin County’s population is small, but the characters and crimes are anything but.

It opens with a burglary at the Beauty Shack. The thief broke the restroom window, and stole the Shack’s latest inventory items—“…hair extensions and wigs. Made from real human hair,” which have an impressive street value. Sheriff Rhodes’ report and scene investigation are interrupted by another call. A corpse is in the parking lot of the community college. When Rhodes arrives the scene is being handled by Dr. C. P. Benton; “Seepy” to everyone who knows him. Dr. Benton isn’t a deputy, but he thinks he is, and he is pretty sure the dead man was murdered—

"‘You’re sure it’s a crime scene?’

"‘That would be my professional judgment as a graduate of the Citizens’ Sheriff’s Academy.’"

As it turns out Seepy is right, and Rhodes quickly identifies a handful of suspects. The victim was an English professor, and not well liked. The primary suspect is a student named Ike Terrell. Ike is a suspicious character simply by relation. His father is Able Terrell who is the leader of the county’s local survivalist group. He has a compound, guns, and rumors of more guns. The investigation is far from clear, and the plot is littered with twists.

COMPOUND MURDER is smooth, humorous, and criminal. It is a rural police procedural; mostly whodunit with a shimmer of hardboiled. The humor is secondary to the well-crafted mystery, and acts as a foil to the seriousness of the crime. It is developed in the eclectic oddball characters—the Abbot and Costello act of the police dispatcher and jailer, and Rhodes’ straight man-like reaction to it—and the dialogue, which hums with misunderstanding. The stolen hair is a hot topic, and provides a few well-placed laughs—

"‘That’s not a head,’ Rhodes said. ‘It’s a wig stand. With hair on it. Real human hair, too, I’ll bet.’
‘He scalped his victim?’

"Buddy’s voice trembled. Rhodes didn’t know if the cause was excitement or disgust.

"‘No,’ Rhodes said. ‘His victim was Lonnie Wallace.’

"‘It was Lonnie Wallace’s body at the college?’

"Rhodes wondered why all his conversations seemed to go this way. Maybe it was somehow his own fault."

Mr. Crider nicely develops the setting—the decaying main streets of Blacklin County’s small towns; the heat; the country’s expanse. The places, and many of the characters, flow from novel to novel developing a strong sense of place in each, and the series a whole. There are also a few insider jokes: Joe Lansdale’s name shows up twice. Once as a karate instructor, and again as a novelist.

[Jerry Jares · Rating 4 out of 5]

The wonderful thing about these Dan Rhodes stories is that they are throw-backs to the great mystery novels before Miami Vice and NCIS. Solutions are found because of hard work, not snappy forensics or DNA. Fun and humor are woven between the threads of the plot. Dr. C. P. Benton; “Seepy” is a case in point. If there's ever been a wanna-be police officer, it is Seepy.

The story starts with hair extensions -- they have been stolen from the Beauty Shack in town. While the sheriff is sorting through the clues another call comes -- there's a dead body at the community college campus. The dead man is an English professor who is very unpopular with the students and faculty. While Rhodes is trying to tie down the crime scene, a car speeds away and Rhodes has to go in hot pursuit. When Rhodes finally catches his man, the case of the hair extensions returns. But this student has had hard words with the dead professor; is he the killer?

There's a lot of humor, oddball characters and a dying small town wrapped into the lot. Because the place remains and quirky characters return (like bad pennies), the reader has a sense that this place and situation could really exist.

XXXXXXSPOILER XXXXXXXX (DO NOT READ UNLESS YOU WANT A CLUE THAT WILL GIVE AWAY THE PLOT). My beef with this novel is the title. As soon as the first word of the title came up in the story, it gave away the killer. Bummer.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun read - likeable characters, with light, humorous, homey dialogue, and a decent mystery storyline.

Before classes start one morning, the body of English instructor Earl Wellington is found outside the building of the community college. Wellington was clearly involved in a struggle with someone and has died as a result. Small-town Texas Sheriff Dan Rhodes pursues and arrests Ike Terrell, a student who was fleeing the campus. Ike's father is Able Terrell, a survivalist who has withdrawn from society and lives in a gated compound. He’s not happy that his son has chosen to attend the college, and he's even less happy with the arrest.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sheriff Dan Rhodes must investigate a homicide when a teacher at the branch college is found dead in the parking lot. It's not as though there's nothing else on his docket, especially since the copper thefts have increased just when he thinks they've been shut down. And someone has stolen wigs and hairpieces from the local beauty shop. As the requests for his help become ever more bizarre, Dan adopts another cat and ponders the local survivalist group, which may be involved in the teacher's death.

[Karen Douglass · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a late adapter to the prolific Bill Crider's writing. My first impression of this novel was skepticism; it is SO TEXAS. It's also very funny in a dry, slightly repetitious way. But it's a mystery that includes the best characteristics of the genre: an off-stage murder that defies easy resolution, a cast of well-developed main characters--Sheriff Dan Rhodes and his wife, Ivy--and useful secondary characters, like the sarcastic and controlling dispatcher whom I would have fired or shot years ago. I was disappointed to find no more of his books at my library.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been reading the Sheriff Dan Rhodes mysteries for many years, and this one, number 20 in the series, is as enjoyable a read as all the others. I whiz through the books and find I am sorry when each episode has come to an end. I have read where other readers compare this series favorably to the Walt Longmire series, and I could do so, too, although Rhodes is a man with a lighter heart than Longmire, and truly, were he a real person, I'd pick him over Longmire as someone I'd like to call a friend. I highly recommend this, and the whole series to fans of contemporary cozy mysteries.

[Sarah A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up at the library and knew it wasn't the first in the series but was a little shocked when I was over half way through and found out it was number 20!
This is a good cozy mystery with enough excitement, adventure and fun to keep the pages turning very easily. It doesn't matter that it is number 20 as it could be a read alone - no need to know all the background but also not too much information to overwhelm those who are series readers with repeated backstory.

I enjoyed this book a lot and will look for more in the series and more by this author.

[Marjorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dan Rhodes is the Sheriff of a small Texas town full of the usual quirky characters. He does not think of himself as being anyone's hero, and is easily embarrassed by anyone suggesting that he really is. His wife is trying to get him to eat a healthy diet, so he sneaks cheeseburgers and shakes at the Dairy Queen while on duty. Of course he always catches the one who did the dastardly deed! I have read several of these and find them entertaining, light reading.

[Gerard · Rating 4 out of 5]

All of Crider's Dan Rhodes novels are good. This one has Rhodes investigating a murder at the local community college's satellite campus.

You can join in the series at any entry. Each one gives a fine introduction to Rhodes and the other main characters. Rhodes and the other characters make the books and Crider's mystery story lines are always well done and keep me wondering.

[Monica Willyard Moen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy the humor, small town setting, and the authenticity of people in this series. This book didn't disappoint me. Bill Crider has a sense for people, the little things that make them both heroes and scoundrels within the same person. To me, it's refreshing to have a main character who has faults and flaws but is heroic anyway.

[Debra]

I love the Sheriff Dan Rhodes procedurals. The eccentric characters, the gentle humor, the sneaky snarkiness just tickle me. Combine that with a community college crime culminating in the death of an English professor, and well, you just have the perfect set up for English professor Crider.

[Terri · Rating 2 out of 5]

1st read - 2013

2nd read May 2023. No wonder I didn't remember reading this. You have to like the sheriff, but his two office people, it's a wonder he never just drop-kicked them into the street.

[Lynn Lerch · Rating 3 out of 5]

This mystery opens with a teacher at the local community college being killed in the parking lot. Sheriff Dan Rhodes has to solve the mystery before others are killed.The characters in this book are great.

[Rebecca Gernon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never had read a Dan Rhodes mystery before this one. I enjoyed the droll humor. The characters each had a voice, and the mystery a spect was good. Those who want a quick read and enjoy a sell written mystery will enjoy this book.