Murder On The Medina: A clean whodunit Texas murder mystery

by Bruce Hammack

One PI. Two murders. Secrets that run deeper than the river.As private investigator Fen Maguire rushes to finish a riverside sketch before the next downpour, he spots something caught in the massive cypress roots below—a human body. The former sheriff's instincts kick in immediately; twenty years in law enforcement won't let him just walk away.

When a bullet wound is discovered, what appears to be a tragic drowning becomes something far more sinister. With rain threatening the crime scene, Fen helps process the evidence—and uncovers a second the daughter of a powerful county commissioner.

Even with a suspect in custody, Fen's gut tells him this case is far from closed. When he's quietly asked to investigate, he unearths a web of secrets as dark and twisted as the Medina's murky depths. With an angry father demanding vengeance and the real killer still free, Fen must navigate deadly deception to expose a murderer who's betting the Medina will cover the truth forever.

When the rain-swollen Medina River gives up its deadly secrets, PI Fen Maguire must navigate a web of small-town deception to catch a killer. This page-turning clean mystery delivers all the suspense without the graphic content—perfect for readers who love their mysteries compelling but comfortable.Start your investigation tonight!

Genres: Mystery

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 18, 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

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Murder on the Medina" is a contemporary Texas mystery. My favorite part of the book is the inclusion of the real locations and descriptions of the settings; they provided a focus for the double-murder crime story. The characters are extremely well-developed and unique. There is a diversity of characters portrayed throughout. And the modern Texas culture is described well. The author has a knack for using amusing analogies and dialog. What I especially enjoyed was the author’s incorporation of the throw-back scenes of the law men trying to track a suspect on horseback. I’m partial to this series of books that have locations on the Texas rivers. I enjoy reading historical westerns. Because I had read these books that describe the history of cattle ranching, the cattle drives, and the rivers; I really enjoyed that contrast between the contemporary and the past: "The Outlet," "Cattle Brands," "Reed Anthony: Cowman, an Autobiography," and "Log of a Cowboy: a Narrative of the Old Trail Days" – fiction books by Andy Adams. I am fascinated by how important the rivers are to the Texas culture and how the culture has developed over time.
This present story, written by Mr. Hammack, is a very entertaining police procedural. It can be read as a stand-alone book. If you do read it, I am certain that you will want to read the other books in this series to learn about the other rivers in Texas, and to find out how the crimes are solved at the end of each book. This is an honest review that I am writing; I read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of the book.
Some Locations/Settings: Central Texas: [Bandera (River Oak Inn, Cowgirl Coffee Company, Historical Silver Spur Dance Hall - which now is guest houses and cabins, Trail Boss Steak and Grill, The Hen’s Nest, The Dough Joe Restaurant, Gail’s Nails, Pony Expresso, 11th Street Cowboy Bar); Counties (Bandera, Kerr, and Kendall), Dove Pass, Marble Falls (Blue Bonnet Café);
Mentioned: Fen’s Brazos Ranch – fictional, Brazos River, South Padre Island, Kerrville, San Antonio, Lake Palestine, Sam Houston State University, Smithville, Eagle Pass, Utopia, Houston, Piedras Negras in Mexico]

[Holly Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been an advance reader for several books now, and I read for free and leave my own opinions.

My in laws moved from Kerrville to A ranch in Bandera. Their Doberman was named Medina, Dina for short. I am well versed in the raging waters from the Medina. And I felt I was back in Texas visiting them. The characters are well expressed and the situations read just like real life. I could almost taste that huge T-bone steak! Plus I thought I had seen the interaction of the two good ole cowboys aching for a showdown myself.

Loved the riding the trail for the bad guy (s). This is an engaging read and there is so much more than the hunt for a double murder.

[Tricia Nice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great descriptions of Bandera, TX, and the surrounding area. (I googled; Hammack wasn’t making this stuff up!) The dialogue throughout the book was so good at revealing the characters’ personalities and their relationships with one another. Easy reading, keeps you guessing. I’m always looking for the next Hammack book. I received an advance review copy for free, and this is my voluntary review.

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Current day, Bandera, Texas

"Two cypress knees sticking up from the far bank of the Medina River had stopped the body from floating farther downstream."

Well, that’s a great way to start a book! I enjoy researching anything in books with which I’m unfamiliar. I didn’t know where the Medina River was, nor what on earth cypress knees were. If you Google Medina River you’ll probably see a picture of water and trees with an odd looking root system rising up out of the river. Ah, now I know what those are. I’ve seen them in South Carolina waterways and honestly, it really does look like a tree is sitting in water with knees sticking up.

Now…research done, on to the characters. The first book I read about Fen Maguire had me hooked. What a fascinating character he is! He's humble but brilliant at what he does, which is solving crimes as well as painting. Often he gives credit to the local sheriff for solving what Fen did. And he’s a renowned artist.

But he's also very caring, having to put up with his cranky housekeeper, Thelma, who is also a great player in these dramas. He took in a street-smart teen orphan, an accomplished artist herself, practically adopting her, putting her through school and teaching her to be an excellent detective as she joins him on his cases. Fen loved (loves) his late wife more than anything, and holds her still so close to his heart. He cares for three friends deeply, Chuck and Candy, his lawyer and wife, then his Ranch manager, Sam, a Native American with mad tracking skills, a truly indispensable friend.

Then there's Audrey. I doubt anyone could take the place of his late wife, Sally, but Audrey is the first woman he actually considered seriously. I think she’s pretty much taking him by surprise. But they are taking this courtship agonizingly slow. I actually like it. Too often there's insta-love with little substance. They’re committed to five years of seeing each other seldom until they are completely sure, heading for a future life together. Such a great storyline.

Now the story, no spoilers, though….

Two murders, a man and a woman in separate places and with different murder weapons. No way of knowing if it’s one killer or two. Fen needed his reporter friend, Lou, to assist with research as she is allowed to get the scoop. Love her quotables. I laughed right out loud when Fen asked her if she found anything useful at the local newspaper. She answers, “I’ve seen better circulation in a cadaver…"

There are several suspects and of course everyone seems to have their suspicions about who did it even to the point where some actually WANTED it to be a particular character so they could see them punished. Fen is baffled as usual, but puts his all into unmasking the killer/killers. I had my hunches, but it’s always fun to go through his thought processes and methods, and watch his interplay with co-investigators to solve the murders.

Many of the Fen Maguire murders are in the Texas Hill Country which is truly beautiful. The author often uses real towns, real sites and real restaurants. This time it’s Medina, Bandera and Kerrville. Fen spends time in a restaurant called Trail Boss Steak and Grill. So of course I had to Google it and sure enough, it’s a real place in Bandera. Mentioned is nearby Kerrville, the site of the recent deadly flooding. I’ve stopped to spend the night at Y.O. Ranch Hotel traveling the immense state from one end to the other where my son was stationed in El Paso. Kerrville is a lovely town. I hope they’re healing.

Three takeaways: Great story. Always good writing! Love Fen.

This ARC book was given to me with no requirement of a positive review. My thoughts are completely my own.

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding! 5 Giant Glittering Stars!!

Intriguing, interesting and very enjoyable! The latest book in this series was a non stop thrill ride. It held my interest from the first word until the last one. Packed with so much content and new insight about one of the characters that we have known very little about. Our favorite former state trooper and county sheriff Fen Maguire is drawn into yet another mystery involving 2 separate murders. Just a few days before Thanksgiving he is in Bandera County looking for unique places for his next painting, when he spots a body floating in the river, which is starting to rise due to heavy rain. After rescuers extract the body, Fen spots what appears to be yet another body further away. The county sheriff requests his help as he is very busy with rescue work due to flooding. Fen has to return home in time for Thanksgiving dinner or face Thelma"s wrath. But he is soon asked to return to Bandera by his very good friends whose cases he has helped with in the past.

What follows is an absolute joy to read. Bailey, who he is guardian to, and Lou an investigative reporter are o board to help as usual. But the extra treat is Sam, Fen's ranch foreman whom he calls on to help with a man hunt on horse back! Sam leading a "posse" through hill country after showing up with a horse trailer with 2 horses is an absolute delight. I don't want to give anything else away, but suffice it to say there were some funny moments along with scary ones, and insight into Sam, a Choctaw Indian who until now has been a mostly silent enigma.

As per usual Fen goes about solving both mysteries using his unique perspective. There is also possibly new romance for some, Bailey must make some very grown up decisions, and Thelma is her usual firstly self! This one is not to be missed, highly
entertaining, well written as always, no profanity or graphic scenes, just a wonderful story to get lost in. You won't be disappointed!

Kudos Mr. Hammack, or should I say Bravo! 🎉🎉👏👏💞💞

[Carolyn Bragg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Observers Find Things--

Fen McGuire finds bodies. Especially in or near bodies of water in Texas where he lives and oil paints. As a former sheriff and consulting murder investigator for law enforcement, he knows procedure and finds details that stand out in the bigger picture, while feeling nuances others ignore or overlook. In short, if there's a suspicious death in Texas with complicated circumstances, he waits for a phone call.

I like that Fen can be afraid or tense, but he makes choices with calculation; whether fast or slow, he has considered options and always tries for the safest outcome for everyone (even the bad guys). When he makes a mistake, he says so or goes back to fix it. He's very likable.

This is a good mystery with any suspects, danger, and beautiful landscapes to capture on canvas. There is some nice variety and adventure that I enjoyed--great details.

We also learn a little more about his lady friend, Audrey (just a little), but their plan to wait years before developing their relationship feels more unrealistic with each book. I understand the reasons, but "4.5 years to go" is starting to feel more like avoidance and excuses than responsible planning on Fen's end.

Sticking to the 5 year timeline would undermine my respect for Fen. It's great to have characters who are human and flawed, but this is like throwing a ball 20 yards beyond the receiver (catcher) as "part of the 5 year plan." No coach or fan wants the quarterback (thrower) to use that kind of judgement when it isn't a trick play.

4 of 5 Stars Enjoyable, and a great story to read while relaxing!

Note: I have read most of this author's books to date, and always been entertained and educated. They don't get lost in "formula or cliche," and I really like the side characters and spending time with them! Thanks, Bruce!

I purchased this digital book.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t get enough of Fen Maguire. He’s a no-nonsense former sheriff, current artist, and current P.I. Furthermore, he’s got many layers to his personality, and I’ve loved watching them unfold throughout the series. Each book can be read and enjoyed on its own, but I recommend all of them! Fen is an extremely talented artist, and he loves traveling to varied locations to paint. Inevitably, he stumbles upon a dead body, though in this case, one body becomes two bodies, and they’re both in the Medina River…which is flowing fast with floodwater…and more rain is coming…and the evidence is going to float away. You get the picture. Oh yeah. It’s almost Thanksgiving too, and if Fen isn’t home for Thanksgiving, his housekeeper Thelma isn’t going to be happy.

I love Thelma and her gruff way of showing how much she cares. If I had to pick a favorite main character, I’d probably tell you to go jump in the river, but if I did that, it would just make more work for Fen. They are all my favorites! Sometimes they don’t play as big a role as in other books, but they’re always included. They’re basically a big old ragtag found-family. The author has a talent for bringing the characters to life, and this includes the side characters. In this book, those include the sheriff, deputies, waitresses, suspects, etc. Speaking of waitresses and Thelma…I always end up really hungry when I read these books. You’ll see what I mean in this one too!

The murders may or may not have been committed by one perpetrator. On the surface, they look like they are, but the deeper Fen digs, the more confusing the case gets. With some help from his faithful sidekicks (don’t call them that to their faces) and his art (which always helps him solve the cases), Fen puts the clues in order, solves the crime(s) and is able to help the sheriff bring justice to the victims. As with every other book I’ve read by the author, I highly recommend Murder on the Medina. The characters, dry wit, detailed settings, and puzzling mystery make this a must-read for lovers of this genre.

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.

Fen is in Bandera painting when he discovers a body and calls the sheriff. After the sheriff arrives and the area is blocked off, Fen along with a deputy looking for clues along the river bank. As they were planning on heading in, Fen spots something and when they arrive to check it out, they discover another body. Now there is a double middle and Fen is due back on the ranch for Thanksgiving. Fen is able to make it back in time and Bailey is on break and wants to help with the investigation. Fen has no formal request for assistance, but the following Monday he and Lou, his journalist friend, pack up and head to Bandera. Once he arrives, he learns that the primary suspect is out on bail. Things change quickly when the suspect jumps bail. Fen along with sheriff, a deputy and Sam begin a search. Sam is able to follow his trail, but finds that the suspect has been picked up.

With the investigation going on in earnest, Bailey has arrived to help, so it is now Fen, as well as Lou and Bailey who each have a role. Eventually Fen finally develops a conclusion who was responsible for the murders. It took him awhile, but once he reevaluated his initial reseaning in a different light, it all made sense as to how the killings were connected. As is normal, Fen got all of the parties involved and pointed out who the killer was and for what purpose it was done.

This is another excellent book in the series and well worth reading!

[Estelle Bouldin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up Murder on the Medina expecting a simple whodunit, but it turned out to be one of those stories that quietly pulls you in and makes you care about the people as much as the mystery.

Fen Maguire, the retired sheriff at the center of it all, isn’t your typical tough-guy detective. He’s thoughtful, a little weary, and still grieving his late wife—but he’s the kind of man who can’t help but get involved when something bad happens. And in this case, “something bad” is a body floating in the Medina River on Thanksgiving week.

The book has that perfect mix of small-town charm and murder mystery grit—think Texas drawl meets classic detective storytelling. The local sheriff, Rusty, and the young deputy, KK, add some great dynamics (and a little humor) to the tense situation.

The pacing is steady—not a lightning-fast thriller, but more of a slow-burn mystery with real heart. There’s a second body, a flood, and plenty of twists, but the story always comes back to Fen’s quiet integrity and the people around him.

If you like mysteries that feel grounded and human, where justice and compassion share the same space, you’ll probably enjoy this one. It’s perfect for a rainy weekend—or a quiet evening when you want to sink into a story that’s as much about redemption as it is about murder.

[John Presler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fen Maguire is painting a scene overlooking the Medina River when he sees something in the water, causing him to call the local sheriff, Rusty Irons. Fen has found a body in the river, but it is face down, so he can't tell if it is male of female. Sheriff Deputy, Kathy Krump, known as KK, specialized in water rescues and helps to get the body out of the water. Nobody recognizes the body, but the coroner finds his wallet with a drivers license showing his name as Clay Trueblood. A little later, a second body is found. This time the victim is a woman named Misti Palmer. Rumors say that the most likely killer of Misti Palmer is Brent Stone. Brent is brought in for questioning, but without enough evidence to hold him, he is released. With the second victim being the daughter of a powerful county official, Fen is concerned about Brent's safety outside of jail. As Fen continues to investigate, many things don't add up, so he digs deeper.

Are the two deaths related? Is Brent guilty or is he being set up? Is there only one killer or are there two separate killers? Can Fen unravel the mystery of the two deaths?

Bruce Hammack has created another great mystery with plenty of twists, turns, and red herrings to keep the reader engaged clear to the end.

[Lynette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fen Maguire just can't get a break. It seems that every time he tries to spend some time just being an artist, a body shows up and he ends up in the middle of an investigation. Or, in this case, two bodies. When you add in a storm complete with flooding, multiple suspects, one chilly manhunt on horseback, and the holidays, it becomes more stressful than usual.

I'll admit. This one had me fooled. Most of the time I can figure out what's going on by the time we get to the reveal. I did not this time. I had a hard time getting a lock on a motive that would be worthy of murder. Kudos to the author for making it a hard one to figure out.

Just a heads-up if you're reading this out of order. It can be a standalone book for the mystery itself. However, there is a lot of information about the characters and their relationships to each other that you may not understand if you haven't been reading the whole series.

That being said, the series is great, and I would recommend reading all of the Fen Maguire Mysteries.

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

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fen's plans for a peaceful Thanksgiving are shattered when he finds a body in a river while out painting - and another turns up soon after. Worse, he soon hears hints that the chief suspect may not live to go to trial if the murdered girl's father has anything to say about it. Plunged into an investigation that also involves trying to keep the body count from rising, Fen, Bailey and Lou have an uphill job ahead of them. Will they manage to uncover the truth someone is so desperate to hide?

Another enjoyable read in the series, and one that definitely kept me guessing. There didn't feel like a lot to go on this time, and we don't get much hint of the picture Fen is putting together until the final 'unveiling'. It was good to see a bit more of Audrey, too - they're definitely moving slowly, but it does feel like they're moving, which is nice. As for Bailey, she doesn't feel very serious with Jeremy, but I'll be interested to see which direction that changes. Looking forward to more Fen soon! 4.5 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[DJ McCready · Rating 4 out of 5]

I notice I had given 5 stars to all the earlier books in this series but this one just did not grab me like the others. It is not anything specific. It has the same painting, the visits with his deceased wife, the careful development of clues, the inclusion of the same cast of helpers and a bit more of a woman lawyer (introduced in the previous book in the series) whom I am guessing will become a regular, probably as Fen's wife. I am also sure, it is not that I am tired of the series as I look forward to the next one. I just cannot put my mind to what it was. Perhaps, it was not getting to know well the Sheriff where the action occurs or my dislike for the local councilman whose daughter was one of those found floating in the river.

The reading is light and one can laugh and Fen proves he can collect evidence and put together an answer that others would not. Thus, I highly recommend this addition to the series.

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

[Lee Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series. It is so well written!! I love the idea of Fen being such a awesome painter. It brings out the best in him and it's certainly interesting to read about. The murders are always very detailed and the suspects always have good motives. I wondered about this one, every once in a while something would strike me as a little unusual. So I wasn't completely floored when the answer came. I couldn't put the book down when I started it. The only problem I have is the food it sounds so good that I want to eat!!
I am also in awe of the nod to Kerrville. When I first visited Kerrville I absolutely fell in love with the place, such a sweet small town with a beautiful views and that gorgeous river running through it. The people were so sweet. I wanted to move there. Kerrville has forever stayed in my heart as one of the most beautiful places on the face of this earth. Thank you Mr. Hammock!!!

[Treva Parkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun whodunit featuring Fen Maguire & his team. Fen has always been an intriguing character, but in this installment, I found that he actually had a hard edge at time, which I really enjoyed. I loved the heartfelt interaction between Fen and Bailey, his "adopted" daughter. It showed the true affection they both had for each other as well as the intensity to solve the murder, as they ultimately did. This time, I actually figured out whodunit right before the reveal. Speaking of the reveal, I would like to see a different type of reveal. Gathering everyone together at the end in the same room and going through how they solved the case is the same process that the author uses in the Steve Smiley books. This is the only reason I've given a 4 star instead of a 5 star. Different hero, different locations, different characters deserves to have a different process for the reveal in my humble opinion.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Painting yet another idyllic scene along a riverbank, Fen’s sharp eye catches sight of something that isn’t natural. Once again, his holiday painting is interrupted by finding a corpse. Calling it in, any hopes of being able to report the body and then step aside are quickly dashed. His skills are too widely known. With the help (and interference) of all his normal cohorts, Fen holds to his goal of solving the murders before they interrupt his getting home for Thanksgiving and having to endure Thelma’s ire. I liked the fact that, in this story, Sam and Thelma’s relationship is explored a bit more, as well as some of Fen’s relationships, since it is definitely in the skill of portraying how relationships define our lives that Bruce Hammack books shine. Well, that and the fact that they are written free of foul language and sexual exploits, but well laced with humor. Another great addition to the Fen Maguire series!

[Daryl P Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fen has moral dilemma whilst manipulating females.

For a change, our ex-sherriff and masterly painter Fen is aware of and uses the female flock around him, but in ways they didn't realise were his idea all along. Adding in the slow courtship with Audrey gives him opportunity to float ideas and get legal advice. Getting in the flow by painting (or even concentrating on thinking about painting) gives him perspective on the solution which is revealed in Agatha Christie mode with all the suspects in one place. There are several action scenes which show off the prowess of some characters apart from Fen. There is peril and danger for several including our cast of amateur detectives. Enjoyable read, but better to read all the previous seven books to really appreciate the relationships and Fen's way of handling them.

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

[MGB · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author weaves this story like the master story teller he is. The people on Fen's team are what make the story. He brings the team dynamics and the character of each person to make the story live. The mystery is absolutely there. Who really did it? There is enough innuendo and opinions to indict several people.

How does Fen put it together you will ask. He asks people. "A free meal and some caricatures might go a long way in getting people to talk." And he needs to think through and rehash the facts, often when he draws and lets "the land speak to him." It's different then his previous life as an officer. Instead it is "crowded with females, each one with a different idea of how he should run his life and the murder investigations that came his way."

But stay with him. You will enjoy the people and the plot.

[Catherine Van Cleve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fen is my favorite detective—not just in Bruce Hammack books but among all fictional detectives.

I was disappointed that Thelma didn’t have as big a role in this book as in some previous ones. But we did get to have Sam help in the search for the killer(s).

Mr. Hammack’s writing provides a perfect picture of each location. Whether it’s a local restaurant, a bridge over a swollen river, a cabin on a hilltop, or a cave for an overnight refuge, the descriptions make me feel as if I was there.

I enjoy all the continuing characters’ interactions, especially how Fen is teaching Bailey about art and becoming a detective. We readers are in the dark, as usual, about “whodunit.” Fen’s gathering of suspects at the end to reveal the murderer(a) had me surprised at the outcome.

Excellent job Mr. Hammack! I’m ready for the next book.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an ARC reader for Book Sirens and this is my honest opinion. I've been following the "career" of Fen Maguire - a retired sheriff and very talented landscape artist whose paintings are well known and sell for high prices . He has also built a reputation as an investigator who successfully solves murder cases, aided by Lou, a journalist who hopes to write a book about their experiences and Fen's protegé, a young artist and private investigator in training. This book is, as usual, a case with complications and twists. There were so many possibilities that I didn't see the end coming. I would love to see this series filmed, the settings, along rivers in Texas always sound fascinating and the characters interesting, including Thelma, over protective housekeeper and cook and her unlikely husband, Choctaw native, Sam who still uses traditional methods and wisdom.
An excellent read.

[Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book I’ve ever read by Bruce Hammack has been a treat from start to finish. Whether it’s from the Smiley & McBlyth series or from this one, Fen Maguire, you’re drawn to the story from the first page. This time Fen is on a short painting break when he spots something in the water, which turns out to be a body. Ably aided by Bailey and Lou, & slightly hindered by Thelma he gets to work, both painting and detecting.

There is a really good story running through this book, some great characters we are meeting again, and some new ones coming in. A few red herrings, some great painting pointers, and although I guessed the murderer, it wasn’t until the last moment & it did nothing to spoil my enjoyment of this excellent book.

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

[Kiperly Coley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Bruce Hammack has given readers another enjoyable ride in the world of Fen McGuire. It’s always good to learn what is happening in the world of these true to life characters that have come to be our friends. He also introduces some new characters, including deputy KK, who is an EMT and a swift-water rescue leader.

The story begins with Fen discovering a murder victim in the very first paragraph, just before the Thanksgiving holiday. And before the first chapter closes, another body is discovered.

Is this a coincidence, or are these bodies connected by murder? The author lays a trail of clues that lead to a tidy and satisfying conclusion. Of all the Fen McGuire books, this one might be my favorite.

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

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Murder On The Medina by Bruce Hammack, Retired Sheriff/Artist/Rancher/Oilman/Private Detective, Fen Maguire, finds yet another murder victim in a titular river and sets about to find the murderer. The first 73 pages, before any of the women in Fen's extended 'family' are overly involved, are an especially fast read, filled with incident that keep you turning pages. It slows down only slightly after Fen goes home to celebrate Thanksgiving with all the people in his life, most of them women. It's also a bit of a homecoming for the reader, who may enjoy the familiar characters and gentle byplay among "Fen's Angels". While solving crime is always a team effort in these books, make no mistake that it's the creative genius of Fen himself that is essential to their solution. Using his unique rumination-while-painting-landscapes method, he always gets to the bottom of things, and this book is no different. I think the prose may even be a little tighter than some of his previous outings.

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

[Raymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read all the books in this series and have found them all worth reading. They are well written and the main characters are interesting and likable. While it is far along in the series, I think this book could be read as a standalone.

The criminal behind the two murders that Fen struggles to solve is not easy to discover. That mystery kept me interested, but I grew a bit weary about all the personal issues of the main characters. And I feel that the sheriff that Fen helps could have been better developed.

A solid 4 stars. I hope, and possibly expect, that the next book will be worthy of 5 stars.

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

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. I love seeing how much everyone is growing… or moving forward. They've all dealt with a lot and I love seeing them as so close-knit. Bailey moving forward is kind of scary because as a parent, it's kind of hard to see her so…..adult? For lack of a better word. I'm with Thelma. This mystery was so good. About halfway through, something kept nagging me, and I was pretty sure who was behind it all. I was right. Yay!🤣 But getting there… wow. I was kind of surprised with Ray though. I was expecting a different outcome. I'm glad it wasn't what I was thinking. Those three make a great team and I love the new characters that are coming into play as well. I'm liking Jeremy. I think he'll be a good fit & addition. I'm ready for the next one! Highly recommend this series!

[Myra Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how author Bruce Hammack melds real-life settings with his fictional murder mystery scenarios. As always, I have fun keeping Google Earth open while I'm reading so I can picture each location. Hammack is thorough in his research, and his descriptions bring each setting to life.

This novel takes the reader to quaint Bandera, Texas, where Fen comes upon the scene of a double murder. Are these two separate incidents, or is one killer responsible? Hammack does a great job of hinting at motive and opportunity for the various suspects—and again, there's an eclectic mix of personalities involved. He surprised me once again when the solution came to light!

Fun and entertaining "clean" crime fiction!

[Alice Hazelbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fen Maguire is off on another painting and solving murders adventure. He’s painting scenes near Bandera, Texas along the Medina river when he discovers two bodies, a make and a female. After calling the local Sheriff to come to the scene, he winds up joining the investigation, with help from his team; Lou, an investigative reporter, and Bailey, his art protégé. The female is the daughter of a rich man in Bandera, a man threatening to kill who ever murdered her. As usual with Fen’s adventures, this one is fraught with twists and complications! I received an advance copy of this book for free and write this review voluntarily.

[Claudia Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fen Maguire, a renowned landscape artist, is scouting for the perfect setting when he again discovers a body in the river. As an ex sheriff he has a reputation for solving difficult cases, but since it is close to the holidays he doesn’t want to get involved. When the holidays are over and the case hasn’t been solved, he and his friends are called in to help. Bruce Hammack is a wonderful storyteller and his books are hard to put down. Clean read: no graphic violence, sex or strong language. Each book in this series can be read as a stand alone although after reading one, you may want to read them all. I received an advanced copy and this is my honest review after reading the book.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Bruce Hammack! The story is well laid out, the characters are well developed (even the ones that don’t carry on from book to book), and he always does so well with his descriptions. I was delighted to see less of Thelma’s nagging (even if it is supposed to be out of love) and see more of Sam! He made a couple of appearances in this book and even had some good dialogue. Hammack is great at dropping clues throughout the book that you don’t realize are clues until you get to the final reveal. I always enjoy a Fen MacGuire story and look forward to the next one!

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

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder on the Medina by Bruce Hammack is another book in this series that is hard to put down. I love the interaction among the different characters. I also enjoy the process of how Fen Maguire solves complex murder mysteries.

The plot and characters are well developed. Although this is the 8th book in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. The author does a great job of explaining who the recurring characters are and gives you a bit of their history, making them interesting. I received an advance copy of this book and I always review every book that I read. This one will have you guessing, but not correctly, until you find out "whodunit"!