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A Fen Maguire Mystery #0.5
Murder On Shinbone Creek
Murder On Shinbone Creek, is a complete short mystery prequel to the Fen Maguire Mystery series.
Readers rave about the plot twists, the engaging characters, and the compelling storyline that keeps them turning the pages of this series to find out whodunit!
It all comes down to one last case… and the clock is ticking.
Rumor has it Newman County Sheriff Fen Maguire no longer has what it takes to solve a crime. Still grieving the death of his wife, with ten days left before his illustrious career as sheriff comes to an end, Fen is in no frame of mind to work a murder case.
But when a hunter is found shot through the back, twenty feet up in his deer stand, ignoring it isn't an option.
As evidence points to Fen's own ranch manager, the county that once respected him now questions every move he makes. With his legacy hanging by a thread, Fen must trust his instincts one last time—or watch an innocent man pay for his failure to catch the real killer.
Readers rave about the plot twists, the engaging characters, and the compelling storyline that keeps them turning the pages of this series to find out whodunit!
It all comes down to one last case… and the clock is ticking.
Rumor has it Newman County Sheriff Fen Maguire no longer has what it takes to solve a crime. Still grieving the death of his wife, with ten days left before his illustrious career as sheriff comes to an end, Fen is in no frame of mind to work a murder case.
But when a hunter is found shot through the back, twenty feet up in his deer stand, ignoring it isn't an option.
As evidence points to Fen's own ranch manager, the county that once respected him now questions every move he makes. With his legacy hanging by a thread, Fen must trust his instincts one last time—or watch an innocent man pay for his failure to catch the real killer.
61 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2024
About the author
Bruce Hammack
51 books432 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 32 reviews
December 14, 2024
A perfect prequel for the Fen Maguire series, MURDER ON SHINBONE CREEK, by Bruce Hammack, is 48 pages parsed over 7 chapters. The author takes readers back to the 10 days prior to Fen turning his position as Sheriff over to his ex sister-in-law.
Of course, there’s a murder to solve and characters to introduce. Many folks will have already been familiar with this group from book 1, MURDER IN THE BRAZOS, which is introduced by the inclusion of its first chapter and a brief synopsis, bringing the total page count of this book to 61.
As with all books by Hammack, there’s a small town, folksy western feeling to accompany the crimes. Fen is acerbic and sage, supported by the greatest cast of friends, housekeeping cook, gardener, lawyer, paralegal…and you can rest assured, you’ll never be assaulted by foul language, descriptive violence or sexual content.
If you’re looking for a quick mystery to entertain and befuddle for a short stretch or a long coffee break, this will suit your needs just fine. You’ll also get a great introduction to a fabulous series and an author who’s got other projects that are worthy reading too📚
Of course, there’s a murder to solve and characters to introduce. Many folks will have already been familiar with this group from book 1, MURDER IN THE BRAZOS, which is introduced by the inclusion of its first chapter and a brief synopsis, bringing the total page count of this book to 61.
As with all books by Hammack, there’s a small town, folksy western feeling to accompany the crimes. Fen is acerbic and sage, supported by the greatest cast of friends, housekeeping cook, gardener, lawyer, paralegal…and you can rest assured, you’ll never be assaulted by foul language, descriptive violence or sexual content.
If you’re looking for a quick mystery to entertain and befuddle for a short stretch or a long coffee break, this will suit your needs just fine. You’ll also get a great introduction to a fabulous series and an author who’s got other projects that are worthy reading too📚
March 15, 2026
This short story is a prequel to the Fen Maguire Mystery series. The story is an excellent example of the characters and contemporary culture in the Brazos River Valley, Texas. If you like James Patterson's writing, you will like the books in this series. They can all be read as stand alone books. As you read through the series, there are some new characters introduced, and incorporated into the timeline that hold my interest in reading each book. The dialogue between the characters drives the action forward. You'll be reading a very unique police procedural.
May 18, 2026
One Last Shot at Justice — A Gripping Prequel That Proves Fen Maguire Still Has What It Takes
The Setup
Sheriff Fen Maguire is ten days from retirement and ten feet under grief. Word around the county is that he’s lost his edge. Then a hunter turns up dead — shot in the back, twenty feet up in a deer stand. It’s not the kind of case you ease out of your career on. Worse, the evidence keeps circling back to Fen’s own ranch manager. Suddenly the man everyone respected is the one everyone doubts.
Why It Works
• Plot Twists That Land: Hammack doesn’t waste a page. The novella moves fast, but every turn feels earned. Just when you think you’ve pegged the killer, the ground shifts again. • Characters You Feel: Fen isn’t a superhero sheriff. He’s grieving, second-guessed, and running out of time. That vulnerability makes his instincts hit harder. The supporting cast — especially the ranch manager caught in the crosshairs — gives the town real weight. • Atmosphere & Stakes: Small-town politics, loyalty, and legacy are woven through every scene. You feel the clock ticking on Fen’s career and the pressure of a county ready to turn on him.
Bottom Line
This prequel proves why readers binge the Fen Maguire series. It’s sharp, emotionally grounded, and built around a whodunit that keeps you flipping pages long after you said “one more chapter.”
Perfect for: Fans of C.J. Box, Craig Johnson’s Longmire, and anyone who likes their mysteries with a dose of Texas grit and a sheriff who has something to prove — one last time.
Length: Novella — short enough to finish in an evening, strong enough to make you download book #1 immediately.
The Setup
Sheriff Fen Maguire is ten days from retirement and ten feet under grief. Word around the county is that he’s lost his edge. Then a hunter turns up dead — shot in the back, twenty feet up in a deer stand. It’s not the kind of case you ease out of your career on. Worse, the evidence keeps circling back to Fen’s own ranch manager. Suddenly the man everyone respected is the one everyone doubts.
Why It Works
• Plot Twists That Land: Hammack doesn’t waste a page. The novella moves fast, but every turn feels earned. Just when you think you’ve pegged the killer, the ground shifts again. • Characters You Feel: Fen isn’t a superhero sheriff. He’s grieving, second-guessed, and running out of time. That vulnerability makes his instincts hit harder. The supporting cast — especially the ranch manager caught in the crosshairs — gives the town real weight. • Atmosphere & Stakes: Small-town politics, loyalty, and legacy are woven through every scene. You feel the clock ticking on Fen’s career and the pressure of a county ready to turn on him.
Bottom Line
This prequel proves why readers binge the Fen Maguire series. It’s sharp, emotionally grounded, and built around a whodunit that keeps you flipping pages long after you said “one more chapter.”
Perfect for: Fans of C.J. Box, Craig Johnson’s Longmire, and anyone who likes their mysteries with a dose of Texas grit and a sheriff who has something to prove — one last time.
Length: Novella — short enough to finish in an evening, strong enough to make you download book #1 immediately.
August 9, 2025
On the heels of one of the most devastating floods in recent American history, this book's focus is near Kerrville, Texas so I couldn’t resist picking it up. Well, that and it’s written by an author I respect and whose writing I thoroughly enjoy. Oh, and it’s Fen Maguire!! What's not to love about Fen Maguire?
Normally I give away a few tidbits about the story, but this is so brief any amount of giveaways would ruin the story for another reader. But as the blurb suggests, Fen's ranch manager is involved. I think the world of Sam. He's such a great character we don’t see nearly enough in the Fen Maguire books. His wife, Thelma, on the other hand is fairly prominent and she’s an absolute kick. A book without Thelma is seriously lacking.
Murder, an amazing mystery you won’t be able to figure out, intrigue and fun. The only thing missing was Bailey! She hadn’t entered the series yet.
So good!!!
Normally I give away a few tidbits about the story, but this is so brief any amount of giveaways would ruin the story for another reader. But as the blurb suggests, Fen's ranch manager is involved. I think the world of Sam. He's such a great character we don’t see nearly enough in the Fen Maguire books. His wife, Thelma, on the other hand is fairly prominent and she’s an absolute kick. A book without Thelma is seriously lacking.
Murder, an amazing mystery you won’t be able to figure out, intrigue and fun. The only thing missing was Bailey! She hadn’t entered the series yet.
So good!!!
March 17, 2025
Fen Maguire just lost his wife and the Sheriff's election. Not that he cares about the election anymore. However, he's still Sheriff for 10 more days and there's been a murder. His late wife's sister is the new Sheriff, and she and her father are hell-bent on making everything as difficult as possible for Fen once she's sworn in. The scene is short on clues and everyone involved is short on patience.
A good start to the series. It's not a full length novel, but a great story nonetheless. I've been an ARC reader for books 4, 5, and 7. I got totally hooked on the characters and the stories and had to go back and start from the beginning. I highly recommend this series.
A good start to the series. It's not a full length novel, but a great story nonetheless. I've been an ARC reader for books 4, 5, and 7. I got totally hooked on the characters and the stories and had to go back and start from the beginning. I highly recommend this series.
January 2, 2025
A nice little prequel to regular series, beginning just days before his term as sheriff comes to an end.
The book does tie up a few loose ends, but I would have preferred to see a more extensive prequel, perhaps covering the last year or so of his term as sheriff, his wife’s death, and aftermath, his foray into art, and more about Sam and Thelma. Perhaps in another book.
Well written, as usual, fast paced and to the point.
Nice work.
The book does tie up a few loose ends, but I would have preferred to see a more extensive prequel, perhaps covering the last year or so of his term as sheriff, his wife’s death, and aftermath, his foray into art, and more about Sam and Thelma. Perhaps in another book.
Well written, as usual, fast paced and to the point.
Nice work.
March 9, 2025
It’s a testament to this authors writing that I read this series prequel even though I have already read every other book in the series. Not sure how I missed this one. Even being deep in the series this book was fresh and kept me engaged from the first page. Of course I missed Bailey but it gave me fresh insight into Fens relationships with Thelma, Sam, and Lou. I highly recommend it no matter where you are in the series!
September 1, 2025
Enjoyable read
I read your first book murder on shinbone Creek and enjoyed it immensely I usually enjoyed fictional stories with magical influence however this fictional story from Central Texas was interesting and believable and I'm from Waco Texas and I've been around law enforcement my entire life so I enjoyed the story the plot and your way of weaving interest and Adventure into it thank you from Robert Rob Busby
I read your first book murder on shinbone Creek and enjoyed it immensely I usually enjoyed fictional stories with magical influence however this fictional story from Central Texas was interesting and believable and I'm from Waco Texas and I've been around law enforcement my entire life so I enjoyed the story the plot and your way of weaving interest and Adventure into it thank you from Robert Rob Busby
January 14, 2026
This story is an excellent start to the Fen Maguire series. The background is well laid out. The key characters, except for one later, are introduced. How they all tie together is a family by choice. That works so well that it really carries the story.
Fen does really well in his work as a Sheriff, but it's time to move on. Doesn't stop him from contributing to his community with his unique skill set. A good read for sure.
Fen does really well in his work as a Sheriff, but it's time to move on. Doesn't stop him from contributing to his community with his unique skill set. A good read for sure.
March 14, 2025
Fen had just lost Sally and this was about how he managed to get himself out of the world of mourning to start life again. This prequel gives a great insight into Fen and helps tie all the other brilliant novels together. As with all of Bruce Hammack's books, this is a winner - shame it is so short, would have loved a full length so that I could enjoy getting my teeth stuck into it!
April 4, 2025
Murder on Shinbone Creek by Bruce Hammack is a short book but it is packed with mystery and drama. This book fills in some of the blanks about Fen's history, his wife and his paintings. It is a quick read, but well worth it. I thoroughly enjoy this series and this author. I highly recommend these clean mysteries. Enjoy.
June 6, 2025
Fen is about to be out of a career, but he doesn't really care. Being the sheriff is no longer important now that his beloved is gone. Still there is one more case to solve which may mean jail time for another loved member of his fammily. With his nasty in-laws gunning for him at every turn, Fen turns to the one thing he does to solve a case - paint.
October 22, 2025
I like most anything by this author. These are fun, easy to ready police detective stories with rather quirky characters. Not really believable for real life, after all the main character has pretty much everything he needs at his disposal, but hey, it's fiction. Leaves you with a good feeling when criminals, even in their smartest efforts, get caught.
January 27, 2026
Murder on Shinbone Creek, a prequel to Murder on the Brazos, didn’t quite land for me. As a novella it feels slight, and having read Brazos first, it was frustrating to revisit Sheriff Maguire’s leg injury in such repeated detail. Hoping the series doesn't continue to beat this dead horse. It may work better as an introduction to the series, but as a follow-up, it was a bit of a letdown.
March 23, 2025
Quick read
The author didn't repeat himself and the mystery was decent. Good writing and quick reading for those who like a mystery with good characters but don't have a lot of time to read.
The author didn't repeat himself and the mystery was decent. Good writing and quick reading for those who like a mystery with good characters but don't have a lot of time to read.
May 23, 2025
Having read all the subsequent Fen Maguire series of books, I especially enjoyed learning more of Fen’s backstory and how he became acquainted with Lou. Now I am anxiously awaiting Fen’s next murder mystery.
July 17, 2025
I have read all the rest of the Fen Maquire Mysteries, somehow, I missed the first one. I found Mr. Hammack and his book last year and I have enjoyed each and every one of them. This story was a prequel, and it was enlightening to see how Fen started. Recommend reading.
January 25, 2026
I’ll never get over how good Fen is at seeing things no one else does. Everyone has their own process but I’d love to get a look inside that brilliant brain of his. I can’t wait to start the next book. I already read book 1 so book 2 here I come
December 30, 2024
I rate this one 4 stars.
January 19, 2025
Pretty good who-done-it.
January 20, 2025
Excellent story
Good plot lines, interesting characters and enough twists to keep you guessing about who was guilty. Looking forward to the next one
Good plot lines, interesting characters and enough twists to keep you guessing about who was guilty. Looking forward to the next one
February 4, 2025
A great resd
Well written characters and a genuinely interesting story. Phenomenal job. I will definitely read more by this author. Would highly recommend.
Well written characters and a genuinely interesting story. Phenomenal job. I will definitely read more by this author. Would highly recommend.
February 24, 2025
Excellent story
Bruce did it again. Great story. Kept you on the edge of your seat until the end. Can't wait for more
Bruce did it again. Great story. Kept you on the edge of your seat until the end. Can't wait for more
March 7, 2025
It is the last few days of Fen Maguire tenure as sheriff as he tries to get over the death of his wife. But can he solve the murder of Stuby Clawson.
An enjoyable short story
An enjoyable short story
July 22, 2025
Great beginning, explains so much. I have always liked Fen and Sam is a master craftman. Great storyline!!
October 5, 2025
Good for a really short story
November 8, 2025
New Author to Me!
I really enjoyed this mystery and was not sure how it would be solved. It's a quick read, but captivating and well written. I would read more of his books.
I really enjoyed this mystery and was not sure how it would be solved. It's a quick read, but captivating and well written. I would read more of his books.
February 7, 2026
Great mystery!
Bruce Hammack's books are always good! Great characters and mystery, and I'm enjoying this new (to me) series! Looking forward to reading more in the series!
Bruce Hammack's books are always good! Great characters and mystery, and I'm enjoying this new (to me) series! Looking forward to reading more in the series!
March 13, 2026
What a suspenseful read from a NTM author. I look forward to the rest of the series and exploring other books by this author.
May 13, 2026
Great New Series
This prequel introduced me to a good new character and those in his life. Looking forward to e the next book in this series.
This prequel introduced me to a good new character and those in his life. Looking forward to e the next book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews