Conflict of Interest: A Springville Murder Mystery

by Joel Dison

On January 16, 1969, a devastating train derailment in the small community of Springville, AL caused an explosion and fire that burned down half the town. Although official news reports said no one died, only a small handful of people knew that the infamous train disaster was used to cover up something far more sinister - murder. Fifty-five years later, a reluctant Acting Chief of Police James Hardy must prove his worth by solving a modern-day murder. Unfortunately, that murder can only be solved if he first unravels the mystery no one even knew existed - until now.

277 pages, Paperback

Published July 26, 2024

Reviews

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, simple read with interesting characters and plot line. I’m biased when it comes to the setting of the story, but being set in Springville is perfect. A small town with plenty of history that fits a small town narrative.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great detective story!

Conflict of Interest was an exciting, thrilling, well-woven detective story! I loved the set up of the story, the character development, and the pace at which the plot unfolded. The story was compelling and kept me wondering whodunit! I look forward to more adventures with Detective James Hardy!

[Glynda Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

I enjoyed the book. Can’t wait to read the next Springville Murder Mystery. I live in Springville and it was nice knowing all the locations and history in this book.

[Doug Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Birmingham detective James Hardy returns to his hometown of Springville, Alabama, in October 2023 to apply for the position of chief of police. The day after his arrival in Springville, a body is found on some property that until recently had been owned by the Hardy family. The victim, who seems to have been searching for treasure, was shot to death by a good marksman.

James convinces the town mayor to let him handle this case as a kind of audition for the chief of police position, despite the indirect connection of the crime to his family. He soon learns that the connection to his family is more direct than he could have imagined. The case is in fact closely tied to the disappearance of his older brother Ben back in 1969.

I found this story hard to put down. As old secrets are revealed, the story comes to an exciting conclusion.

[Deborah J. Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Conflict of Interest” was a well written and throughly captivating book. I loved the small town setting since I live in a small town myself. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series featuring police chief James Hardy. My husband and I have always enjoyed the previous faith based books written by Mr Dison. It’s great to see Mr Dison venturing into fiction. If this first book is any indication, there will be many more good clean exciting books to follow!