Murder On The Neches

A Fen Maguire Mystery #7

by Bruce Hammack

When the body of a tech millionaire is found in a Texas lake, three law enforcement agencies clash over jurisdiction. Private investigator Fen Maguire, known for untangling thorny cases, takes on the investigation. Amidst the rough waters of county politics, Fen must determine not just where the murder occurred, but who among the victim’s rivals and supposed friends, delivered the fatal shot.

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 14, 2025

About the author

Drawing 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...

Reviews

[Beth Helm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The twists and turns kept me reading late into the night. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fen Maguire was called to Lake Palestine, Texas, to work a rather complicated case. A body was washed up on the shore of the lake but two county sheriff's had issues with where the corpse was found and where he was killed. It could have floated from the Neches River or several tributaries. So which county officers will take possession of the case? And why do they both suspect different people?

There's always something different with Fen's stories. In this one he has the added complication of a rather nasty accident leaving him reliant on his housekeeper, Thelma (who I just adore) also Bailey, who loves to help Fen on his cases and just happens to be on a short break from school, then of course, Lou, a reporter who can get information like no other.

His team faced quite a challenge. And the reveal of Fen's findings? It will not disappoint.

Loved it, as I do all Fen Maguire Mysteries. Mr. Hammack is so gifted with words, it’s a delight to read everything he writes.

I was offered an advance copy without expectations of a positive review, or for that matter, any review. These are my thoughts alone.

Can’t wait to see where Fen Maguire is taken next.

[John Presler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Injuries from Traffic Accidents Can Hamper an Investigation...

Fen Maguire gets an early morning call from Candy Forsythe asking him to come to Chuck's office about a potential case. The case involves a body found in Lake Palestine. The victim is Dale White, whose wife had reported missing five days earlier. The problem is that sheriffs from two different counties both claim to know who the killer is and they do not agree on the culprit. They also refuse to look beyond their own suspects, which is why Chuck wants Fen to get involved. A local Game Warden is also involved in the investigation, but wants to back out because he is running for Sheriff of Smith County. This is why Chuck called Fen to lead an independent investigation. Since the body was found in the lake and there is no clear place of death, so both sheriffs want to claim jurisdiction. Fen asks Sam, Thelma's husband, to search the area to determine where the victim was killed and find any evidence.

On his way home from Chuck's office, Fen is hit broadside by a delivery truck. Fen ends up in the hospital with a broken arm and a concussion, which delays his participation in the investigation. Fortunately, both Bailey and Thelma are available and insist on joining him. Since Fen is somewhat incapacitated, he enlists Bailey to do some of the investigating. Each sheriff claims to have enough proof the convict their individual suspect and have no interest in looking any further. Fen is convinced that they are overlooking something.

Who killed Dale White? Why was he killed? Can Fen, with Sam's help, determine where the crime occurred? Do either of the detectives have the correct suspect with adequate proof to convict? Can Fen, with help from Bailey and Thelma, unravel the mystery?

Bruce Hammack has another great mystery for Fen Maguire to investigate. With realistic characters and situations, together with plenty of twists and turns, the story will keep the reader engaged clear to the end.

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fen is thoroughly bored, so the call to investigate another murder is welcome - but the news that detectives in neighbouring counties on either side of the lake in which the body was found have each arrested a suspect is less welcome. With Fen partly incapacitated by a serious car accident, his team must step up and help, and Bailey is all to eager for the excuse to escape college, though Thelma is less so. But with clashes of jurisdiction, uncertainty as to the location of the murder and detectives with ulterior motives for choosing and jailing suspects, nothing is straightforward. And as things become more personal, it becomes a question of whether he'll reach the right answer in time...

I have to admit, I kept waiting for Fen's accident to turn out to be someone's effort to stop him investigating! Nevertheless, the effects were important in his solving of the case, so it was still pertinent. This was an enjoyable addition to the series (though a standalone story), with the murder keeping me guessing and the various developing (or collapsing) relationships adding interest. It was particularly interesting to watch the murderer grow rapidly clumsier and more desperate to push the guilt off onto others, adding neat red herrings. The result was an interesting mystery with the ongoing background life stories of Fen and Co - a great combination. 4.5 stars.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Excellent Intriguing well Crafted Mystery! 10 Giant Glittering Stars!!

Another thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable thrill ride! Mr. Hammack never disappoints! This story reaches out and grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go until the final sentence. Fen, Bailey, Thelma and Lou are investigating another complex mystery, involving more than one jurisdiction and more than one suspect. Two sheriffs both vying for the recognition of solving the case and trying to out maneuver the other. Fen called in to sort it all out feels both officers are wrong.

This is a well plotted complex mystery, fast paced with finely drawn realistic characters. Fen is sidelined in the beginning due to a fender bender that left him with a broken arm and concussion. Relying on Bailey who is home from college and Thelma who is her usual feisty self and in rare form, they become his right hand assistants along with Lou who is a very intrepid investigative reporter. Together they suss out clues and try to find the real culprit. When Bailey is kidnapped it becomes a heart stopping roller coaster ride with Fen taking on the persona of his former authoritive self and showing how excellent he was as a state trooper and Sheriff.

Highly recommend this book and this series. You won't be disappointed. A clean read but never boring, you will be highly entertained!

Kudos to the author. And there will also be a new Smiley and McBlythe coming soon. I can hardly wait!.🎉🎉👏👏🌟🌟❤

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fen Maguire is back in Bruce Hammack’s latest book, Murder on the Neches. I loved this book and adore the entire series! Each mystery takes place on a river in Texas, and the Neches is the setting of the latest murder.

In Murder on the Neches, Fen is tasked with helping to solve the murder of a tech millionaire. Nobody liked him so the suspects are many. Where his body is found also creates a problem. The murder could have occurred in one of three jurisdictions. Another problem arises (I won’t spoil it for you!) that delays the investigation, but Fen rises above it. As usual, it takes a team to gather all of the clues and solve this murder!

I love Fen’s “team.” They’re so much like a family that it creates a cozy feel when they’re together. I classify this series as “cozy-ish” because even though Fen is retired law enforcement, the rest of his team are amateur sleuths. Even if you haven’t read the other books in the series, you’ll come to love this team very quickly! I loved the different settings…the RV park, the resort, the river. I enjoyed gathering clues throughout the book. Though it’s a fairly easy mystery for the reader to guess whodunit, it’s still really fun seeing who finds out what!

I highly recommend Murder on the Neches for its wonderful characters, beautiful setting, and entertaining mystery! 5 stars!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC through "Booksirens" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This is another winner in this series. This story begins with Fen getting another assignment from Chuck and Cindy. This one involves investigating the murder of a tycoon which has 3 jurisdictions involved. Fen's task is to locate where the murder happened and who was responsible. On Fen's way back to the ranch, he is involved in an auto accident which has him spending time in the hospital. He received a concussion and is wearing a cast. As a result, Thelma drives to the location here the murder happened. Bailey is to join them after she goes on spring break.

Once on the scene he has Sam looking for the scene of the crime along with Selma and Bailey doing things that he assigns. Fen learns that each of the detectives involved have a suspect, but they are two different people. Time goes by and Fen starts putting his thoughts to what happened and who was involved. Bailey is abducted and quickly recovered. Fen believes that Bailey's abduction and the murder are related. He finally brings the pareties together to identify the killer.

To learn what reasons the two suspects were selected, what Bailey did during her spring break, why Lou was brought in to help and who the guilty party was, then you need to read this.

It is definitely a good read!

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion. I am a fan of Bruce Hammack's writing. I have enjoyed all of his Fen Maquire books, including this one. I have also enjoyed his Smiley and McBlythe series, that I've been able to read. In some ways they are similar - both Fen and Steve Smiley are detectives, retired for very different reasons beyond their control, with unique ways of thinking and solving crimes and no profanity or sex involved. Fen Maguire is an ex sheriff who lost his wife, has a protective guard dog, housekeeper and cook rolled into one, a young girl who he saved from a life on the streets, as his art protegé and unofficial adoptive daughter, and a determined investigative reporter as a friend. His "team" all play their part in helping him solve murders others call on him for help with. Fen is also a famous artist whose paintings sell for high prices. It's while he's painting and thinking, looking at a problem with an artist's eye for detail that the best clues come to him. I have to say, the villain in this story was rather too unlikable and obvious and I did have an idea before the end, who might have been the brains behind him. That said, I still very much enjoyed this book and the characters and look forward to the next adventure from this author.

[MGB · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'll love the way the author introduces the characters in the story. What's not to like about: "she was a chameleon who could morph into different roles when required". You'll also love the care and consideration they give each other: "The good thing about you giving me power of attorney is that I can spend your money whenever I want."

Fen is bored, but not for long. This case crashes into him. It's a good thing the team supports him and is very competent: "Bailey’s misspent early years made her street-smart well beyond her years. If she encountered any problems, she’d solve them herself."

There are a lot of moving parts in this mystery. The initial reports are in conflict, misleading all: "Such was the life of solving murders. You never knew who you’d meet, who’d become a suspect, and who would have nothing to do with the crime."

Fen is up to the task, as is his team. The author certainly draws you into the story, into the character of Texas. It is a truly wonderful journey to travel along as the clues are revealed, characters are accused and excluded, clues are analyzed and rejected or used to prove the crime.

If you live mysteries combined with an eclectic problem solving team this one is truly for you.

[Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fen Maguire is back in the 7th book in this series and it’s another convincing read from Bruce Hammack. Fen is such a good character, we’d all like to meet someone like him, especially if we were wrongly accused of anything. I like the continuity of the characters, from Thelma, Fens house keeper, who comes into her own when he is involved in an accident; to Bailey the streetwise student with a talent for painting that is almost up to Fens own standard; to Lou, the tenacious and sassy reporter, and of course Sam, a man of few words, but when he does speak, everyone listens, especially Thelma.

The story as always is very easy to read, satisfying and with the usual interesting twists and turns. This time we have 2 separate police forces trying to investigate the murder of an unpopular wealthy man, with the lead detectives on either side with their own, different suspects and reasons for wanting to make quick arrests. Fen is convinced they’re on the wrong track so is trying to steer them in the right direction without undermining their authority. Not an easy thing to do. While the real suspect was fairly easy to work out, it’s still another engrossing and enjoyable read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Daryl P Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worthy addition to series featuring Fen and females.

This is the seventh book in the series featuring the retired state trooper, sheriff and now talented artist, Fen Maguire. He has a cast of female supporters and only a Chocotaw Indian ranch manager as his sole male aide. This could works as a standalone work, but I have read all the previous and so appreciate the character developments and interactions both predictable and sometimes surprising occurring in this tale.

The author makes Fen's work a little more difficult as he is injured just after agreeing to take on the difficult case with jurisdictional disputes, prejudiced detectives and an unknown crime scene. That the victim is a very wealthy, but abrasive thrill seeker makes the possible suspects list mount up. The plot is teasing with some red herrings, yet the solution with most of the suspects in one place shows the complexity of the planning and flaws in execution that lead to the logical conclusion. That one of his aides is in peril and phsically harmed is one of the twists, but germane to the solution.

Entertaining and absorbing read and I would be pleased to hear more exploits of Fen and friends.

I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[DJ McCready · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got hooked on Hammock's writing with the Blythe and Smiley series but I think now I have read all the Fen books and find them excellent too. This, in my opinion, is the best one yet.

The action was delayed by an accident but it became important as the story developed because Thelma, the cook, had to be involved and Fen was not as focused initially both because of his pain medication but also because of his concussion.

I also noted there was significantly less about Fen's painting and less about his deceased wife which may anticipate something for the next book.

I found the jurisdictional dispute to be fascinating and the author did an excellent job of exploring the personalities of the two fishing guides. In this instance I had my suspicions about the perpetrator but the way Fen put it together, I had correctly guessed but not with the details revealed.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Treva Parkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fen does it again!! The team heads to the Neches to help the local authorities figure out whodunit. It's amazing to me how the characters are brought to life. Two law enforcment officers compete for jurisdiction, so focused on who they want to be guilty without attempting to broaden the search and really investigate the crime. That leaves things wide open for Fen to step in and actually investigate. If there weren't already enough twists and turns, as well as clues that just don't quite fit together, this time Bailey is kidnapped and now it's all hands on deck to get our girl back. I love the way Bruce can weave the intrigue and mystery without all the usual filthy language and yet the story doesn't suffer. Quite the opposite. I love the description of the painting of landscapes and sketching caricatures. You can almost visualize them. I want Bailey to sketch one of me!! A great read.

[Alice Hazelbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fascinating mystery for Fen Maguire! This time he’s called to the Neches river and Lake Palestine, and this one’s a doozy! To summarize: they can’t identify the original crime scene, there was a flood that probably destroyed physical evidence, there’s a squabble between two counties over jurisdiction, and important people want to protect a future sheriff from bad press. But before he can even get out of town, he’s broadsided by a truck and winds up in the hospital with a concussion, eight stitches in his scalp, a separated your shoulder and fractured radius and ulna. After he gets out of the hospital with a cast on his arm, he summons Bailey, Thelma and even Sam to help him out, as he’s not even supposed to drive. Oh,and he needs Chuck to buy him a new truck! How’s that for the beginning of a book?!
I received a free copy of this book and write this review voluntarily.

[Ruth Coulson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read several previous books in this series but I think this is the first one where members of Fen's small band of assistants find some serious danger.

The story seemed to me a little slow to me to begin but certainly picked up pace. The usual cast of characters are beautifully delineated, a factor which peaked my interest in this series to begin with. From Thelma, Fen's housekeeper (as I think she would be called) to Sally his late wife, I really am beginning to know them well as one does with friends.

As usual a river is involved in the murder, and also as usual there is painting and drawing by Fen and his protégé Bailey. But the story is individual and fresh enough to keep the reader's interest.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, another great read in the Fen Maguire series. I love Fen and I love his process for solving crimes. I don’t feel that this one flowed as well as previous reads and I figured part of it out before the big reveal, but it was still an excellent read. I adore Bailey and Lou, but Thelma is starting to grate on my nerves a little bit. The overbearing, busybody, mother figure gets old after a while. Seriously, how much harping does a grown, capable man need in his life? Thelma is never enough to detract me from reading a Fen mystery, but I skim through sections that have a lot of nagging. All in all, I highly recommend any Fen Maguire novel and all they have to offer!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Trudie Collins]

I really enjoy reading this author. He writes murder mysteries which will keep you guessing to the very end. You don’t have to read them in order, but it is helpful if you do as the lives of the main characters move forward. This one has the addition of Fen being in a car crash at the start so he needs more help than normal, but doesn’t let that stop him doing what he does best. The personalities of the characters don’t change, which is great as they are really interesting, as are the characters which only appear in this story.

If you want a murder mystery which makes sense, isn’t obvious and is enjoyable to read, give this author a go.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Joanie Hinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fen is looking forward to the new case he receives when he is delayed by a broken arm and stitches in his head after being hit by a truck. So with the help of Bailey on spring break, Thelma, Sam and Lou, he finally gets to it. They are on a resort on the banks of the Neches to find out who killed multi-millionaire Dale White. His body was found in the river in one county and towed to the bank in another so two detectives are arguing and both trying to solve. But, according to Fen they both have wrong suspects. After Bailey is abducted and evidence is planted to frame one suspect, they guilty party is finally arrested.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lynette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A murder that involves more than one county, an impending election in one of the counties, a storm that washes away much of the evidence, and a car accident that makes deciphering this mess even more difficult. It seems like everyone had a reason to hate the victim, and very few of them have an alibi for the night in question. This story has so many twists and turns that, every time I thought I had it figured it out, something else would happen and I would be back to square one.

It's official. I'm hooked on this series. After reading book 4, 5 and 7, I went back and got the first two books. It's not necessary to read them in order, but I really want to. I highly recommend this series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's great to be back with Fen and Bailey. It gave me a good laugh when Fen said the two sheriffs each had the wrong person in their jails. Rofl. The kidnapping made the hair on the back of my neck stand up and my stomach felt sick. Fen defending Lou was legendary !!!! I could feel my chest bursting with pride for him. I was way off base with my guess of the possible suspect,, but what an awesome adventure this was. I enjoyed Fen spoon feeding Sealy info and, Sealy finally showed some growth too. This was a high octane action drama suspenseful read. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.

[Sunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed Bruce Hammack's mystery/who dun it books very much. They are clean mysteries and very entertaining to read. I have enjoyed the characters in this series and the interesting cast of characters has kept me reading each one of these books. Fen Maguire, former sheriff, has another case to solve but he has had a serious injury and he just keeps on keepin' on! There are twists and there are turns which will keep you wondering if you know how the culprit is. It kept my attention, and I hated when I had to stop reading to do "other" things. You will enjoy this book and the rest of the series for sure!
I received an ARC copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

With this #7 of the Fen Maguire mysteries, Hammack takes a swerve, delving more deeply into Fen's weaknesses, as well as his strengths and more into his emotions. While the story takes in interesting turn into new territories, a murder mystery to be solved is the same, as are the humor and twists and turns along the way toward that solution. Bailey, Thelma, and all of the other regular participants toward the solution are still there to help. It was interesting to learn more of the back story on Fen as he tackled solving this murder. For a clean well-written murder mystery with humor and many twists and turns toward solution, don't miss this!

[Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up because there are very few typos and the book is enjoyable. While part of a series, it works as a standalone.

Fen Maguire is back with his team of interesting and amusing characters: Bailey, Thelma, Sam, and Lou. Everyone is interesting and I look forward to seeing them in these novels.

This book has some twists and it was fun to see Fen deal with being hampered by injuries from a car accident. While it may be a bit easy to figure out the killer's identity, it was not easy to see how Fen could prove a case against that person.

I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder on the Noches is Book 7 in A Fen Maguire Mystery by Bruce Hammack. Bailey is in College, Thelma and Sam are still with Fen. When a body is discovered in the water, who will investigate this murder? It seems that Fen gets the call and he is in a serious truck accident. Although this complicates the investigation, Fen still takes the lead with Bailey. I found this book to be excellent with great characters and unexpected twists. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder on the Neches by Bruce Hammack is the 7th book in this series. This book was full of adventure, mystery, intrigue and was hard to put down. If you like clean, cozy mysteries that keep you turning pages, then this is for you. The plot and characters are well developed. Even though this is the 7th book in the Fen Maguire series, it can be read as a stand alone. I enjoy the way the pieces fit together at the end when the murderer is revealed. I received an advance copy of this book and I always review every book that I read. Bruce Hammack is a wonderful author. Enjoy.

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love this series! Well written with an excellently plotted mystery, this story grabbed me from the first page and kept me riveted until the end. The characters are so well developed that the reader can almost guess what they are going to do next but there is the occasional surprise. While I love Fen, Bailey, and Lou, to me Thelma with her big heart and outspoken ways is the star. Can’t wait for the next murder, oops I mean book.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fen has been asked to help solve another murder, but before he can do that, he is in an automobile accident and hurt pretty bad. He gets a late start on the case, and he is not alone, his overbearing housekeeper Lou, and his 'adopted' daughter Bailey are right there with him. Not only does he have to help solve the murder, but he needs to figure out who has jurisdictions between two counties. It's not going to be easy with the cast of characters he has to work with. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Jeanie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

More traditional mystery than cozy, Murder on the Neches, the 7th book in Bruce Hammack's A Fen Maguire Mystery, stands out as my favorite book of the series that I already love. Fen and Bailey are so different but I adore them both. This trip takes them and Thelma to the Tyler, Texas area where the location of a body create conflict between two law enforcement officers running for the same job. They are locked on different suspect and can't see beyond there biases. Fen has to navigate between them without stirring enmity that could interfere with his investigation.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, Bruce Hammock kept me guessing and on my toes throughout. There were two suspects who the police just couldn't see past and a few others they didn't even investigate. Thank goodness for Fen and his dedicated team of sleuths and foot runners.
I also can't forget to mention the caricatures and the 46 members of a fraternity at the resort. Thelma is a character on her own and one who is dearly loved. An amazing plot, scenes and descriptions, I could picture everything as if I was there.
I received a copy from BookSirens and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Former Sheriff Fen Maguire is on the case where the body of Dale White was found floating on the Lake Palestine. Fen with the help of his faithful assistants Bailey, Sam, Telma and Lou go about investigating this murder mystery. There is a lot more than meets the eye with lots of suspense and humour. A captivating read which has you on the edge of your seat. I received this ARC copy via Booksirens and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.