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A Fen Maguire Mystery #5
Murder On The San Gabriel: A clean whodunit murder mystery
A fortune in Texas land… and a ruthless killer who wants it.
A wealthy rancher’s death in a house fire is ruled accidental, but his suspicious son doesn’t believe it. After PI Fen Maguire is called in to investigate, he’s on the verge of agreeing with the official ruling… until the rancher’s body is discovered in a shallow grave along the San Gabriel River.
With a prime inheritance at stake, any member of this fractured family could have motives to hurry the patriarch’s demise. Fen zeroes in on the rancher's son and primary heir as the most likely suspect—until the son narrowly survives a bullet meant to kill him.
Now Fen must peel back the layers of jealousy, greed, and bad blood to expose who stood to gain from eliminating both father and son. With time running out, the wily PI must rely on his final, meticulously crafted plan to unravel this tangle of deception and stop the killer before he strikes again.
In the fifth book of the series, Fen Maguire seeks justice along the San Gabriel River in this page-turning mystery delivered with no graphic violence, foul language or sex scenes.
A wealthy rancher’s death in a house fire is ruled accidental, but his suspicious son doesn’t believe it. After PI Fen Maguire is called in to investigate, he’s on the verge of agreeing with the official ruling… until the rancher’s body is discovered in a shallow grave along the San Gabriel River.
With a prime inheritance at stake, any member of this fractured family could have motives to hurry the patriarch’s demise. Fen zeroes in on the rancher's son and primary heir as the most likely suspect—until the son narrowly survives a bullet meant to kill him.
Now Fen must peel back the layers of jealousy, greed, and bad blood to expose who stood to gain from eliminating both father and son. With time running out, the wily PI must rely on his final, meticulously crafted plan to unravel this tangle of deception and stop the killer before he strikes again.
In the fifth book of the series, Fen Maguire seeks justice along the San Gabriel River in this page-turning mystery delivered with no graphic violence, foul language or sex scenes.
- GenresMystery
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2024
About the author
Bruce Hammack
51 books430 followersDrawing from his extensive background in criminal justice, Bruce Hammack writes contemporary, clean read detective and crime mysteries.
When he's not writing his next novel, he enjoys reading classic whodunits, watching film noir movies and traveling to see new places.
Having lived in eighteen cities around the world, he now lives in the Texas hill country with his wife of thirty-plus years.
He is the author of the Star of Justice series, the Smiley and McBlythe Mysteries and the Fen Maguire Mysteries. You can find out about his latest release at https://brucehammack.com/.
Follow him on social media at https://www.facebook.com/BruceHammack...
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/bruce...
When he's not writing his next novel, he enjoys reading classic whodunits, watching film noir movies and traveling to see new places.
Having lived in eighteen cities around the world, he now lives in the Texas hill country with his wife of thirty-plus years.
He is the author of the Star of Justice series, the Smiley and McBlythe Mysteries and the Fen Maguire Mysteries. You can find out about his latest release at https://brucehammack.com/.
Follow him on social media at https://www.facebook.com/BruceHammack...
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/bruce...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
April 26, 2024
Bruce Hammack's latest book in his series about retired Texas sheriff Fen Maguire is a fun and easy read. Normally, I would've refused to take on the fifth without having read the previous four, but I volunteered to review it in exchange for a free advance copy. Happily, this book stands very well on its own and I will definitely be going back to enjoy the story arc from the very beginning.
Although at first I was shocked by the similarities between this protagonist and the main character in the Terry Shames series about Samuel Craddock, there is enough difference in their personalities and the authors' writing styles to keep them distinct. If you love Craddock as much as I do, you'll definitely enjoy Maguire!
As a Texan, I found the setting to be authentic and well presented, even if it reminded me a little of JR Ewing and his family in the primetime show, "Dallas." While I have known people like these characters, including the Austin musician, the toughminded reporter, the animal rights enthusiast, the over-bubbly property manager and the obnoxious deputy sheriff, not all of us have oil wells or cattle on acres and acres of riverside ranchland (unfortunately).
Fen Maguire is the star of the ensemble cast and his quiet wisdom, artist's perspective and careful dissection of the murder investigation will keep you entertained even if you're a tad bit annoyed by the stereotypically rich and rowdy landowners. His patience in catching the culprit will keep you turning pages and you'll find yourself smiling as he finesses his way to an arrest (or two).
Although at first I was shocked by the similarities between this protagonist and the main character in the Terry Shames series about Samuel Craddock, there is enough difference in their personalities and the authors' writing styles to keep them distinct. If you love Craddock as much as I do, you'll definitely enjoy Maguire!
As a Texan, I found the setting to be authentic and well presented, even if it reminded me a little of JR Ewing and his family in the primetime show, "Dallas." While I have known people like these characters, including the Austin musician, the toughminded reporter, the animal rights enthusiast, the over-bubbly property manager and the obnoxious deputy sheriff, not all of us have oil wells or cattle on acres and acres of riverside ranchland (unfortunately).
Fen Maguire is the star of the ensemble cast and his quiet wisdom, artist's perspective and careful dissection of the murder investigation will keep you entertained even if you're a tad bit annoyed by the stereotypically rich and rowdy landowners. His patience in catching the culprit will keep you turning pages and you'll find yourself smiling as he finesses his way to an arrest (or two).
April 19, 2024
Current Day, Williamson County, Texas
Main characters:
Fen Maguire: Former sheriff, now cattle rancher and artist
Bailey Madison: Fen's artist protege
Lou Cooper: Reporter friend of Fen's
Thelma Blackwood: Fen's protective housekeeper and cook, going through menopause. (Actually funny)
Gil Duvant: Requesting an investigation into his father's death
Ren Duvant: Mural artist, Gil's granddaughter
Chance, Les and Robert : Gil's sons
Stony Rhoads : Williamson County Sheriff
Sunny Day: Runs a property management company
Prissy Duvant: Supposedly Gil's ex-wife
Chuck and Candy Forsythe: Fen's lawyer and wife.
Cory Blane: Sheriff's deputy, interested in Bailey
I've said this before, I don’t know how Bruce Hammack came on my radar but I’m glad he did. His books are unique and his writing is remarkable.
I’ve enjoyed this series tremendously. This one is about Fen Maguire, former state trooper turned county sheriff until he "stopped the bullet with his knee". Retired now and one of the best known, most successful artists in the state of Texas, he accepts homicide investigating jobs to keep a promise to his late wife not to become a recluse.
In this book he’s investigating the murder of a 94-year-old cattle rancher.
Fen is a gifted investigator as well as humble. He loves to give others the credit while he's working a case. He gets more out of people when feathers aren’t ruffled. And I love how Fen does his best thinking (and solving) when he's deep into his art project, in this case a San Gabriel River painting.
In Mr. Hammack's mysteries nearly everyone is a suspect until the main character whittles the list down through bits of what he picks up that most of us would miss. Often the ending is a surprising reveal, and always spectacular.
Throughout fiction books, an author might throw in something about a bird tweeting, or the sound of airplanes flying over. But Mr. Hammack always has a unique way of adding content like that.
Such as, instead of saying he passed through a dead garden, Mr. Hammack would put it: "A derelict garden plot occupied much of the backyard. Fen wondered how many volunteer plants might spring up in the coming months. The remnants of a fence wouldn’t keep out any of the animals that would appreciate an unexpected snack of squash or tomatoes." I could just see this as I have volunteer veggies pop up every year.
He has a housekeeper that just cracks me up. Once they realized Thelma was going through the change of life, Bailey asked her:
“How would you describe a hot flash?”
“It’s like I’ve got the firebox from a locomotive in me and there’s an ugly man shoveling in the coal.”
“Yuk!”
“You said it, young lady. The Lord must have been extra mad at Eve to give us these flashes.”
…. She used the bottom of her apron as a makeshift fan. “Lord have mercy, somebody open the windows.”
As always, Mr. Hammack's books are clean, thankfully nothing cringeworthy.
I’m a fan! This is my 11th full-novel by Mr. Hammack and I look forward to each one. I’ve also read at least three fun shorter stories I was able to attain which I couldn’t review. Not published, according to Goodreads.
Main characters:
Fen Maguire: Former sheriff, now cattle rancher and artist
Bailey Madison: Fen's artist protege
Lou Cooper: Reporter friend of Fen's
Thelma Blackwood: Fen's protective housekeeper and cook, going through menopause. (Actually funny)
Gil Duvant: Requesting an investigation into his father's death
Ren Duvant: Mural artist, Gil's granddaughter
Chance, Les and Robert : Gil's sons
Stony Rhoads : Williamson County Sheriff
Sunny Day: Runs a property management company
Prissy Duvant: Supposedly Gil's ex-wife
Chuck and Candy Forsythe: Fen's lawyer and wife.
Cory Blane: Sheriff's deputy, interested in Bailey
I've said this before, I don’t know how Bruce Hammack came on my radar but I’m glad he did. His books are unique and his writing is remarkable.
I’ve enjoyed this series tremendously. This one is about Fen Maguire, former state trooper turned county sheriff until he "stopped the bullet with his knee". Retired now and one of the best known, most successful artists in the state of Texas, he accepts homicide investigating jobs to keep a promise to his late wife not to become a recluse.
In this book he’s investigating the murder of a 94-year-old cattle rancher.
Fen is a gifted investigator as well as humble. He loves to give others the credit while he's working a case. He gets more out of people when feathers aren’t ruffled. And I love how Fen does his best thinking (and solving) when he's deep into his art project, in this case a San Gabriel River painting.
In Mr. Hammack's mysteries nearly everyone is a suspect until the main character whittles the list down through bits of what he picks up that most of us would miss. Often the ending is a surprising reveal, and always spectacular.
Throughout fiction books, an author might throw in something about a bird tweeting, or the sound of airplanes flying over. But Mr. Hammack always has a unique way of adding content like that.
Such as, instead of saying he passed through a dead garden, Mr. Hammack would put it: "A derelict garden plot occupied much of the backyard. Fen wondered how many volunteer plants might spring up in the coming months. The remnants of a fence wouldn’t keep out any of the animals that would appreciate an unexpected snack of squash or tomatoes." I could just see this as I have volunteer veggies pop up every year.
He has a housekeeper that just cracks me up. Once they realized Thelma was going through the change of life, Bailey asked her:
“How would you describe a hot flash?”
“It’s like I’ve got the firebox from a locomotive in me and there’s an ugly man shoveling in the coal.”
“Yuk!”
“You said it, young lady. The Lord must have been extra mad at Eve to give us these flashes.”
…. She used the bottom of her apron as a makeshift fan. “Lord have mercy, somebody open the windows.”
As always, Mr. Hammack's books are clean, thankfully nothing cringeworthy.
I’m a fan! This is my 11th full-novel by Mr. Hammack and I look forward to each one. I’ve also read at least three fun shorter stories I was able to attain which I couldn’t review. Not published, according to Goodreads.
August 9, 2025
Another clean cozy mystery set in contemporary Texas town. Fen Maguire, famous artist and retired sheriff, is called in to discover if wealthy rancher, Gilbert Duvant, was killed in an accident or murdered.
April 24, 2024
Another riveting Fen Maguire mystery! Bruce Hammack has created an appealing mix of characters in this clean mystery series, and I enjoy the snappy interplay, especially between Fen and his temperamental housekeeper, Thelma. Each character adds something unique, whether it's helping Fen unravel clues to the crime, keeping him on his toes, or providing a bit of comic relief.
Hammack's sleuth is unique in his own right--a former sheriff who's developed a name for himself as an esteemed artist. One by one, he's painting Texas rivers, and each setting plays nicely into the mystery. Fen uses his art in imaginative ways to get his suspects talking and ferret out clues. In the meantime, he's building his collecting of paintings for the next art show and sale!
Just an enjoyable series all around. I wonder which river Fen will be painting next!
Hammack's sleuth is unique in his own right--a former sheriff who's developed a name for himself as an esteemed artist. One by one, he's painting Texas rivers, and each setting plays nicely into the mystery. Fen uses his art in imaginative ways to get his suspects talking and ferret out clues. In the meantime, he's building his collecting of paintings for the next art show and sale!
Just an enjoyable series all around. I wonder which river Fen will be painting next!
April 12, 2024
Review: This is not a mystery where you can sink your teeth into the whodunnit side. Early on it is easy to determine prior events based on scant evidence. This novel has an allure based on well-built characters and landscape descriptions. A comfortable read.
What sucks is the constant coffee referents that older writers tend to focus on as a smug expose' of their own proclivities. Constant food references center around the characters as well and adds nothing for the story line.
Still, a fun read that needed a deeper injection of "mystery".
Rating: 3.5/5
What sucks is the constant coffee referents that older writers tend to focus on as a smug expose' of their own proclivities. Constant food references center around the characters as well and adds nothing for the story line.
Still, a fun read that needed a deeper injection of "mystery".
Rating: 3.5/5
April 6, 2024
The Fen Maguire Mystery Series:
Murder on the San Gabriel, #5 - Another well written, interesting and entertaining read with a good variety of characters and good story lines. I figured out Whodunit rather easily. Ren is a lovable, enjoyable new character. Source: BookSirens. 5*
Murder On Shinbone Creek, prequel - My first read by this author and I enjoyed it. I like what the Sheriff did for the Sheriff-elect. Interesting story lines with good characters combined with a good writing style made this a one sitting read. 4*
Murder On The Brazos, #1 - Takes place about nine months after MOSC ends. Enjoyable story that held my interest and attention until I finished the last page, in one sitting. One person I missed because I did not pay attention; yes, I was snookered by the smoke. Love that the author knows a bit about Texas and Texans. Source: BookSirens. 4*
Murder On The Angelina, #2 - Picks up where MOTB ends. Interesting with good story lines and believable characters. Chicken Oil Co. closed April, 2022 due to a fire; now it looks like the author described, an aged, worn building; before the fire, a well taken care of rustic, not a dump. Source: BookSirens. 4*
Murder On The Guadalupe, #3 - Starts at the end of the Spring semester. I did not care for this story too much, yet I cannot say why. The writing style or maybe the story lines weren't as good as the previous books. Just an average read. Source: BookSirens. 3*
Murder on the Wichita, #4 - I was angry that I had two long round trips to two cities in opposite ends of Texas, in three days time, and every time I snuck a read the reader would hit me in the face waking me up. Finally, I was able to finish this intriguing book. Yes, I admit I'm addicted to Mr. Hammack's writing style, his core of characters, his story lines and that he's has Texas and Texans down pat. Yes, I know where he's from and that makes the difference, people. Fall semester begins. Interesting, intriguing, entertaining and constant pacing maked it hard to stop reading. See the anger bit I mentioned. I knew there was a reason for the stress placed here and there, but rumdumb me never clicked. Kinda funny find considering the snookering and deceptions that went on. Source: BookSirens. 5*
The Fen Maguire Mystery Series end.
Murder on the San Gabriel, #5 - Another well written, interesting and entertaining read with a good variety of characters and good story lines. I figured out Whodunit rather easily. Ren is a lovable, enjoyable new character. Source: BookSirens. 5*
Murder On Shinbone Creek, prequel - My first read by this author and I enjoyed it. I like what the Sheriff did for the Sheriff-elect. Interesting story lines with good characters combined with a good writing style made this a one sitting read. 4*
Murder On The Brazos, #1 - Takes place about nine months after MOSC ends. Enjoyable story that held my interest and attention until I finished the last page, in one sitting. One person I missed because I did not pay attention; yes, I was snookered by the smoke. Love that the author knows a bit about Texas and Texans. Source: BookSirens. 4*
Murder On The Angelina, #2 - Picks up where MOTB ends. Interesting with good story lines and believable characters. Chicken Oil Co. closed April, 2022 due to a fire; now it looks like the author described, an aged, worn building; before the fire, a well taken care of rustic, not a dump. Source: BookSirens. 4*
Murder On The Guadalupe, #3 - Starts at the end of the Spring semester. I did not care for this story too much, yet I cannot say why. The writing style or maybe the story lines weren't as good as the previous books. Just an average read. Source: BookSirens. 3*
Murder on the Wichita, #4 - I was angry that I had two long round trips to two cities in opposite ends of Texas, in three days time, and every time I snuck a read the reader would hit me in the face waking me up. Finally, I was able to finish this intriguing book. Yes, I admit I'm addicted to Mr. Hammack's writing style, his core of characters, his story lines and that he's has Texas and Texans down pat. Yes, I know where he's from and that makes the difference, people. Fall semester begins. Interesting, intriguing, entertaining and constant pacing maked it hard to stop reading. See the anger bit I mentioned. I knew there was a reason for the stress placed here and there, but rumdumb me never clicked. Kinda funny find considering the snookering and deceptions that went on. Source: BookSirens. 5*
The Fen Maguire Mystery Series end.
March 31, 2024
I recommend the book, Murder on the San Gabriel, because it is an excellent murder mystery. The book is a contemporary fictional account of happenings near the San Gabriel River in Texas. The story is intriguing and interesting enough to hold the readers’ interest. The writing is straightforward and easy to read. There are surprising and unexpected developments that keep moving the story forward. The characters are unique and authentic with personalities that include both good and bad. The author has a talent for moving the story along with dialogue, the use of unique analogies, and regional colloquialisms. Unlike many mysteries that have amateur detectives; Fen Maguire, the main character in this book, is a retired sheriff who has a talent for solving crimes. Fen works within the law and cooperates with local law enforcement to assist in finding the persons involved in the murder. This can be read as a stand-alone book because it is a complete story with a concluding ending. If you do start the series by reading this book, you will be properly introduced to all the characters and will probably enjoy the book enough to want to read the previous mysteries.
Locations/Settings: [Texas: Williamson County (Georgetown, Highway 29, Interstate 35, farmland east of Taylor, Monument Café on Austin Ave. in Georgetown, Chisholm Trail, 600 Degrees Pizzeria in Georgetown, Just Love Coffee Café in Georgetown, Galaxy Bakery and CoffeeHouse in Georgetown, Blackland Prairie side of Georgetown, Lake Georgetown, Blue Hole Park – Georgetown, San Gabriel Park - Georgetown), Fen’s Ranch, near the Brazos River in Newman County (a fictional county); Mentions: Austin, Waco, Dallas, Southwestern University (Methodist), Wichita Falls, Schlitterbahn Water Park in New Braunfels]
Dog breeds mentioned: Australian Shepherd, Bichon Frise, Blue Heeler (Australian Cattle Dog)
I read an advanced reader copy (ARC) of the book. I have written an honest review and am submitting the review voluntarily.
Locations/Settings: [Texas: Williamson County (Georgetown, Highway 29, Interstate 35, farmland east of Taylor, Monument Café on Austin Ave. in Georgetown, Chisholm Trail, 600 Degrees Pizzeria in Georgetown, Just Love Coffee Café in Georgetown, Galaxy Bakery and CoffeeHouse in Georgetown, Blackland Prairie side of Georgetown, Lake Georgetown, Blue Hole Park – Georgetown, San Gabriel Park - Georgetown), Fen’s Ranch, near the Brazos River in Newman County (a fictional county); Mentions: Austin, Waco, Dallas, Southwestern University (Methodist), Wichita Falls, Schlitterbahn Water Park in New Braunfels]
Dog breeds mentioned: Australian Shepherd, Bichon Frise, Blue Heeler (Australian Cattle Dog)
I read an advanced reader copy (ARC) of the book. I have written an honest review and am submitting the review voluntarily.
April 6, 2024
When Fen is asked to investigate a potential murder, he almost says no - it was six months earlier and had been considered an accident; the only reason to change the verdict is a line in the will. But before he's decided whether to investigate further or not, Bailey discovers a hand sticking out of the ground on the dead man's land. Was it the dead man, or another victim? And even if it turns out that the man was killed, can Fen not only discover the killer, but prove it so long afterwards?
An enjoyable addition to the series, with a further instalment in the lives of Fen, Bailey and co, as well as an unusual mystery to solve. Clean and well written as usual, the mystery kept me reading even when the mystery seemed insoluble, and I enjoyed watching the answer come together. Some of the conclusions seemed to come a bit out of nowhere, but I did pick up on some clues - and the typical denouement scene was handled well to bring together the last pieces. I'll be interested to see whether Bailey manages to maintain a boyfriend into the next book...
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
An enjoyable addition to the series, with a further instalment in the lives of Fen, Bailey and co, as well as an unusual mystery to solve. Clean and well written as usual, the mystery kept me reading even when the mystery seemed insoluble, and I enjoyed watching the answer come together. Some of the conclusions seemed to come a bit out of nowhere, but I did pick up on some clues - and the typical denouement scene was handled well to bring together the last pieces. I'll be interested to see whether Bailey manages to maintain a boyfriend into the next book...
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 24, 2024
Another book in what is turning out to be an excellent series. These books are more appealing to me because of the setting, well outside of my experience. But that's not to deny the quality writing and characters.
The story in "Murder on the San Gabriel" seems more complex than either of the two previous books in this series that I have read, but all flows well together so I never felt lost as sometimes happens in complex stories. Painting is a regular part of these Fen Maguire books. Fen is an accomplished artist who does his best thinking while painting. He also has a young friend who paints and who takes a part in solving the mysteries in which Fen becomes involved.
He is not without experience as a detective, being a retired Sheriff of the county, and now that he is a private investigator, he is asked by Chuck, a lawyer with whom he often works, to look into the death of Gilbert Duvant, a rancher on the San Gabriel. The death has been written off as accidental, but not so! There are a good many suspects that Fen has to work through.
It seems that each of the mysteries is set in picturesque areas that are just ideal for a bit of landscape painting. Or, perhaps all of Texas is picturesque! However that may be, being an artist just seems to be central to the solving of the puzzle.
Highly recommended if you like a well written mystery without guns, car chases or sex scenes. Or even if that isn't the way you choose your books.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story in "Murder on the San Gabriel" seems more complex than either of the two previous books in this series that I have read, but all flows well together so I never felt lost as sometimes happens in complex stories. Painting is a regular part of these Fen Maguire books. Fen is an accomplished artist who does his best thinking while painting. He also has a young friend who paints and who takes a part in solving the mysteries in which Fen becomes involved.
He is not without experience as a detective, being a retired Sheriff of the county, and now that he is a private investigator, he is asked by Chuck, a lawyer with whom he often works, to look into the death of Gilbert Duvant, a rancher on the San Gabriel. The death has been written off as accidental, but not so! There are a good many suspects that Fen has to work through.
It seems that each of the mysteries is set in picturesque areas that are just ideal for a bit of landscape painting. Or, perhaps all of Texas is picturesque! However that may be, being an artist just seems to be central to the solving of the puzzle.
Highly recommended if you like a well written mystery without guns, car chases or sex scenes. Or even if that isn't the way you choose your books.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 31, 2024
Fen Maguire gets an unexpected call from Chuck concerning the death of Gilbert Duvant. Gilbert died six months earlier in a house fire, but some of his family believe he was murdered. Chuck has asked Fen to look into the matter. With Lou's help, he learned about the various family members and the fact that Gilbert was in good health at the time of death. While looking at possible places to paint along the San Gabriel River, Fen meets one of the County Deputy Sheriffs, Cory Blane. When Fen tells Cory that he is an artist, Cory tells him about another artist from the area, Ren Duvant. Ren is the great-granddaughter of Gilbert Duvant. While Bailey and Ren are preparing to paint downstream from where Fen was painting, they discover a hand sticking up out of the ground. The buried hand was found on Duvant land and was missing two fingers. This made Fen wonder whether or not the hand could belong to Gilbert Duvant and whether he actually died in the house fire. One other factor that may prove important is that Gilbert had a dog, Billy, who never left his side. Ren was somewhat of a help, but seemed to talk at a mile-a-minute and rarely stopped to take a breath.
Did Gilbert actually die in the house fire? Or was he killed elsewhere and then buried. Did Billy die in the house fire? If not, where is the dog? Can Fen sort through the lies to unravel the mystery? Are other members of the family also in danger?
Did Gilbert actually die in the house fire? Or was he killed elsewhere and then buried. Did Billy die in the house fire? If not, where is the dog? Can Fen sort through the lies to unravel the mystery? Are other members of the family also in danger?
March 24, 2024
I received an ARC through "Booksirens" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
In this latest book in the series, Fen is asked to determine whether a murder was an accident or a homicide. The death happened six months earlier and it was thought to be accidental. After Fen did his initial investigation, it seemed pretty cut and dried until later when Bailey arrived and was painting along with Ren, the victims great-grand-daughter discovered something. They found what appeared to be a grave with a hand and fingers sticking out.
With this new information, Fen decided it was a homicide and working with his team of Lou and Bailey along with the sheriff, a new investigation started in earnest. As the investigation with Fen and Bailey working on one side while Lou did the research, all sights now were on the family members. While this was going the victim's son Gil, was involved in an accident which turned out to be an attempt on Gil's life.
Things finally came to a conclusion when Fen had the sheriff bring all the family members into a meeting where Fen revealed the killer.
To discover what motive each family member had, what item that Bailey brought to the meeting as well as who the person or persons were that killed Gil Sr., then you need to read this book. You won't be disappointed.
In this latest book in the series, Fen is asked to determine whether a murder was an accident or a homicide. The death happened six months earlier and it was thought to be accidental. After Fen did his initial investigation, it seemed pretty cut and dried until later when Bailey arrived and was painting along with Ren, the victims great-grand-daughter discovered something. They found what appeared to be a grave with a hand and fingers sticking out.
With this new information, Fen decided it was a homicide and working with his team of Lou and Bailey along with the sheriff, a new investigation started in earnest. As the investigation with Fen and Bailey working on one side while Lou did the research, all sights now were on the family members. While this was going the victim's son Gil, was involved in an accident which turned out to be an attempt on Gil's life.
Things finally came to a conclusion when Fen had the sheriff bring all the family members into a meeting where Fen revealed the killer.
To discover what motive each family member had, what item that Bailey brought to the meeting as well as who the person or persons were that killed Gil Sr., then you need to read this book. You won't be disappointed.
April 9, 2024
Multifaceted characters in complex cosy case.
I do urge you to read the previous four river themed mysteries so you can better appreciate the character development of the main, consistent cast. The story is character driven and the sub-plots are based around their interactions.
Fen has strong, opinionated females to deal with and this book is a contrast to the previous with his emotional intelligence outmaneouvering the various demands of his female crew.
The crime is complex and many characters have a motive. The interplay with the official police department and their involvement is another aspect adding tension and complexity. Our hero, Fen goes into a flow state through his painting activity to resolve the evidence gathered .
I guessed half the solution fairly early on as clues were cast throughout the text. The ending is a bit like the Agatha Christie trope with all the suspects brought together, but is done in such a way as to credibly reach a satisfying solution.
I am looking forward to the next outing of this cast.
I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I do urge you to read the previous four river themed mysteries so you can better appreciate the character development of the main, consistent cast. The story is character driven and the sub-plots are based around their interactions.
Fen has strong, opinionated females to deal with and this book is a contrast to the previous with his emotional intelligence outmaneouvering the various demands of his female crew.
The crime is complex and many characters have a motive. The interplay with the official police department and their involvement is another aspect adding tension and complexity. Our hero, Fen goes into a flow state through his painting activity to resolve the evidence gathered .
I guessed half the solution fairly early on as clues were cast throughout the text. The ending is a bit like the Agatha Christie trope with all the suspects brought together, but is done in such a way as to credibly reach a satisfying solution.
I am looking forward to the next outing of this cast.
I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
March 24, 2024
This was a very intriguing murder mystery. It quickly captured my attention and drew me along. A 6 month old cold case with coverups and betrayals. Is it greed, money, or revenge? When family is involved you never know!! Fen may be retired from law work, but he sure isn't ready to be put out to pasture. His mind works like a finely tuned instrument , and with the help of some trusted sidekicks, he's able to come up with motive and means. I liked the way he connects the dots for everyone at the big reveal. Thou doth protest too much. You gotta love it when the pieces come together in the puzzle. Fen saves the day and solves another one!! It's a great feeling to get justice, but it will never bring the dead back. This was an amazing page turner, and I was mostly in the dark until the reveal. Good job. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.
May 27, 2024
1 am an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion. This is the third in the Fen Maguire mysteries I've read - I missed 2 and 3, since I am not in a position to buy books that are not on ku - and I have enjoyed them all. Fen Maguire is a retired sheriff of 20 years, and a medically retired Highway Patrol officer before that. He is now a private detective and an artist of some renown. He and his protegé, an art student, and reporter friend Lou, are sent to investigate the death in a house fire of a rich Texas rancher in his 90s. Before long, an attempt is made on the life of his eldest son, who is in his 70s and also a rich rancher. The cast of characters is interesting and it didn't take long to get to know them. Usually, if too much time is spent on describing the scenery I get impatient, but this author's descriptive abilities and the wonderful Texas landscapes he describes - and has his characters paint - make wonderful reading. The investigation in this case was interesting - I didn't see where it was going until the end when Fen and the local Sheriff stage an Agatha Christie style revelation
February 26, 2025
Gilbert Duvant died in a house fire. An elderly and very wealthy man who lived alone on his ranch. It was all a tragic accident. Or was it? When the family attorney is tasked with reading the will, he and Gilbert's oldest son begin to notice that all is not what it seems. The rest of the family, however, is hesitant to believe that murder is involved. Even Fen, who is tasked to investigate, is not convinced that it was anything other than just an accident.
Another good Fen Maguire mystery. This is my second book in the series. I've thoroughly enjoyed both and just may go back and start from the beginning. Not because it's necessary to know where it all started. The books are fine to read as standalone stories. But, because I enjoy a good mystery that doesn't get too dark. There's enough action and mystery to be engaging, with a perfect dose of humor to keep things from getting too serious.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Another good Fen Maguire mystery. This is my second book in the series. I've thoroughly enjoyed both and just may go back and start from the beginning. Not because it's necessary to know where it all started. The books are fine to read as standalone stories. But, because I enjoy a good mystery that doesn't get too dark. There's enough action and mystery to be engaging, with a perfect dose of humor to keep things from getting too serious.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 4, 2024
This is another of a series which I like to call Murder at the River. It maintains the great writing that Hammack has proved in this and his other series. The characters are all true to the prior books in the series only we learn Fen has now had his knee operation which removes that as a discussion point.
The plot was well-developed and when Fen asked to Sheriff to arrange a gathering, I knew it was early to have an answer and Fen agreed he knew who the killer was but was still unsure of the attempted murder. I had guessed the two main suspects but had not figured they worked together - although looking back there were two hints earlier.
I admire Hammack's writing and despite the fact most my mystery reading has either a gay author or character, I find Hammack's books compelling.
I received this book s an ARC with the promise of an unbiased reviews
The plot was well-developed and when Fen asked to Sheriff to arrange a gathering, I knew it was early to have an answer and Fen agreed he knew who the killer was but was still unsure of the attempted murder. I had guessed the two main suspects but had not figured they worked together - although looking back there were two hints earlier.
I admire Hammack's writing and despite the fact most my mystery reading has either a gay author or character, I find Hammack's books compelling.
I received this book s an ARC with the promise of an unbiased reviews
March 27, 2024
I love all of Bruce Hammacks characters but I think Fen McGuire is my favourite (closely followed by Steve Smiley). This time Fen is persuaded to look into an apparent accident after a claim that it was murder. Involving a very wealthy family, there is no shortage of suspects. When Bailey and Lou come to join him things get interesting. I love Fens character, the artistic side of him, and his relationship with Bailey, who is a really feisty personality. Thelma isn’t in this book for long, but she sure makes her presence felt. As always, this book is really well written, the ends are all tied up nicely and I didn’t guess the bad guys until the very end. Really enjoyable read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 17, 2024
An outstanding take, well told. If you are familiar with Central Texas, the geographical details and the familiarity with the city of Georgetown was a real plus for this story.
In that regard, I only had one issue I didn’t understand. Not having read any of the previous books, I was a bit confused as to where Fen McGuire lives. He seems to be from Southeast Texas, although at the beginning of the book he is at one point twenty miles west of Taylor , but later, he is north of Taylor. He wasn’t coming from the right direction to do that.
Story was good, although the ending seemed a tad rushed and not allowed to unfold like a Poirot tale.
Still, very nice storytelling and highly recommended.
In that regard, I only had one issue I didn’t understand. Not having read any of the previous books, I was a bit confused as to where Fen McGuire lives. He seems to be from Southeast Texas, although at the beginning of the book he is at one point twenty miles west of Taylor , but later, he is north of Taylor. He wasn’t coming from the right direction to do that.
Story was good, although the ending seemed a tad rushed and not allowed to unfold like a Poirot tale.
Still, very nice storytelling and highly recommended.
March 24, 2024
I love all of the books in the Fen Maguire series, and this one is no exception! A request through his lawyer, Chuck, sends Fen to check out the death of a 94-year-old man who died 6 months ago, but left instructions to have his death/murder investigated. Thelma is having hot flashes and Fen, Bailey, and Lou are happy to leave and head to Georgetown! Fen is looking forward to painting the nearby San Gabriel River. But the case is a complicated one, with quite a few suspects to check out. Another great case to follow as Fen slowly puts the facts together! I received a free ARC of this book and write this review voluntarily
April 6, 2024
The police were convinced that it was an accident and there was no real reason why it should be otherwise, except for a strange stipulation in the will that he has been murdered. Everything points to an accident but like an itch that needed scratching, Fen knew in his gut that there was more to it than meets the eye. And when the deceased's son began to have a series of strange "accidents", things start to hot up.
As always, intriguing, exciting and unput-downable; this should be the by-line of any of Bruce Hammack's books. You know that when you crack it open, you are in for a treat - and he has yet to disappointed. 5 stars as always
As always, intriguing, exciting and unput-downable; this should be the by-line of any of Bruce Hammack's books. You know that when you crack it open, you are in for a treat - and he has yet to disappointed. 5 stars as always
April 2, 2024
Murder on the Sab Gabriel is A Fen Maguire Mystery book 5 by Bruce Hammack. Greed is a terrible thing, especially when family is involved. A rancher is found dead in his home from a fire… murder or accident? This begins an exciting mystery set in Texas. I thought the characters were excellent and this author knows how to write gripping murder mysteries. I found family greed and deception and a wonderful way to put on my sleuthing hat and see if I can solve the murder before Fen! I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
April 6, 2024
Another enjoyable murder mystery from a great author. All the clues are there for the reader to solve, but I only managed to work out part of the solution. I love the way characters from the first book I read appear in this book and their life journey moves forward without interfering with the main storyline. The main detective being a painter first and a solver of murders second works well and makes these books different and unique. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 8, 2024
Although this the fifth book in the series, you can read it as a standalone because the author gives a brief background on each of the main characters. I enjoy how the characters interact with each other and grow in each book. This book begins with a twist since Fen is called upon to determine if a murder was committed six months after the death occurred. This is a clean, cozy mystery that is very easy reading. Once you get hooked on the main characters, you can’t wait to see where they go next. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 16, 2024
Another good, clean mystery in the series by Bruce Hammack.
Fen and Bailey are off to solve another murder.
When a very influential person believes his father was murdered but the police have ruled it an accident, Fen is called in to figure out which version is correct.
Bailey is there when a body is found on the ranch where the incident occurred. Now Fen is sure they need to dig deeper and figure this situation out.
Lots of twists and turns in this one.
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
Fen and Bailey are off to solve another murder.
When a very influential person believes his father was murdered but the police have ruled it an accident, Fen is called in to figure out which version is correct.
Bailey is there when a body is found on the ranch where the incident occurred. Now Fen is sure they need to dig deeper and figure this situation out.
Lots of twists and turns in this one.
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
March 25, 2024
Bruce Hammack never fails to deliver a thinking person’s murder mystery. Fen Maguire, recovering from a recent knee replacement surgery, takes an assignment to “help” a Sherriff with a murder that was thought to be an accident. Of course, Bailey is involved and the wonderful relationship between the mentor and mentee is so enjoyable and refreshing. I hope this series continues for a long time. I received an ARC from Book Sirens and the opinions expressed are my own.
March 28, 2024
I am aware of another series of his and I thought it was great, but I think this book could rival that one. The story was fantastic--the mystery was complicated with all the characters and the twists and turns of the case. Fen, Bailey, and Lou, along with Ren are very well-developed characters and so likeable. I will be interested to see what happens in the next book. Recommend reading. The review I left was my choice.
April 1, 2024
Fen Maguire is asked to look into the death of Gilbert Duvant who had died at the explosion to his house. His son Gil was demanding answers to his father’s death. Bailey Madison and Lou Cooper who was a researcher was on his team .Fen has his work cut out for him trying to find evidence .Lots of mayhem and suspense . The story grips you from the start. A exciting read to the finish. I received this ARC copy via booksirans and leave a honest review .I recommend this book to other readers .
April 23, 2024
The fifth book keeps on giving good feelings. The plot thickens from the start. Never lets us go. And surprises make the reader keep reading. There is something very interesting in what Bruce does. He finds inspiration in these small parts of the state which, when you have visited them, open your eyes to the beauty lying there. Always. Pick up the book and close your eyes when the writer puts you in front of his vision. See it. React to it. And keep reading til the end.
April 25, 2024
A clean mystery! I loved it. This has been a great series and I am lucky that I was able to read it. Do you love a good mystery? Then this book is for you. The mystery revolves around the death of a rancher and just who the culprit was that did this and what was the reason this would happen. The book will keep you guessing until the end. Good addition to this series. Good reading
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
October 28, 2024
Fen is called in to investigate a death of a wealthy cattleman and the fire scene looks legit until the body is discovered on the edge of the San Gabriel river. Bailey and her new friend Ren were painting scenes along the river when they discovered the hand sticking out of the bank. The investigation starts another turn when someone shoots at Gabe the oldest son. With so many suspects and different family naratives it makes for a difficult case. Great reading with another great location
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