Bobo Buttons, Private Eye

by Martin L. Shoemaker

Murder is no laughing matter.When Jock Robin is murdered in the middle of his clown act, Bobo Buttons is pressed into service as the circus’s private detective, tasked with keeping the authorities out of the show’s business while tracking down the killer.

But in the circus, misdirection is the rule of the day. Nothing is what it seems. When another trouper falls victim, can Bobo unravel a generation of hatred before the circus itself is assassinated?

Genres: Mystery

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 8, 2025

About the author

Martin L. Shoemaker has dual careers as a software programmer and as an acclaimed, award-winning short story writer. He’s also the author of two novels, The Last Dance and The Last Campaign, installments in the Near Earth Mysteries science fiction series.

Reviews

[Candice Lisle]

Circus Headliner

Wonderful murder mystery! I really enjoyed seeing behind the bigtop! Made me wish I had run away with the circus. The characters are interesting and unique. The murderer was clever and very skilled. The ending was satisfying yet left me wanting to visit this world once again. Highly recommended!

[Michael P.]

From the title and the blurb, I was expecting this to be farcical--a clown show, pardon the pun. It's actually a very serious whodunit. The author did his research, and captures the subculture of circuses and circus performers in loving detail. The characters are complex and believable. Well worth your time.

[Lisa Lewis Lewis]

Bobo Buttons' friend and fellow clown, Jock Robin, is murdered during his circus act. The circus Governor presses Bobo into service - to solve the murder of Jock Robin. West Michigan readers will enjoy this installment of Bobo's adventures in Lowell and beyond. A fun read!