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Frank Bennett Adirondack Mountain Mystery #1-3
The Frank Bennett Adirondack Mountain Mystery Series #1-3
Welcome to the High Peaks of the Adirondacks.
Beauty surrounds you. So does evil.
Police Chief Frank Bennett patrols the not-so-mean streets of Trout Run, New York, an idyllic town nestled in the rugged Adirondack Mountains. But natural beauty is no protection against the evil in people's hearts. Secrets...deception...con games...murder--there's never a dull moment fighting small town crime.
This boxed set contains three Frank Bennett mysteries:
The Lure
Police Chief Frank Bennett has his hands full when a group of environmental activists shows up in Trout Run trying to close down Raging Rapids, a popular tourist attraction.
Frank thinks they're all noise.
Until their leader turns up with a bullet in his heart.
Now Frank must figure out why this group targeted Trout Run. And how they're connected to a feral family who live off the grid.
As Frank untangles the clues, he confronts the lure of cash, the lure of power, and the lure of a happy family.As he navigate the dangerous intersection of love and greed, one wrong turn could spell death to those he most wants to protect.
Blood Knot
When a tough-love school for troubled teens opens its doors in Trout Run, Frank Bennett worries about the arrival of so many juvenile delinquents on his turf.
When a North Country Academy teacher is mauled to death by a bear while leading wilderness expedition, Frank's worst fears are confirmed. Evidence points to sabotage.
As Frank investigates, he learns more about the school's controversial techniques: isolation, restraints, and mind control. . He meets students who might be terrified...or might be brilliant liars. And he uncovers disturbing information about the Academy's headmaster. What is more impressive? His track record of putting teens back on the right path? Or his skill in covering up past scandals?
Then an Academy student turns up dead, and Frank must unravel a knot of deceit and revenge whose threads lead right into the heart of the Trout Run community.
Dead Drift
Frank Bennett investigates three puzzling crimes in these short mysteries with big twists. In the Christmas mystery “Chainsaw Nativity,” Frank’s relentless pursuit of the thief who stole the Joseph statue from the town’s Nativity scene brings him up against the limits of compassion. In “Losers Weepers”, a locket that’s lost, found, and stolen holds the secret to past betrayals. And in “Coyote Justice” Frank’s simmering attraction to Penny the librarian threatens to divert him from the path of justice. These three mystery short stories explore twisting Adirondack mountain trails just as surely as the dangerous terrain of the human heart.
Beauty surrounds you. So does evil.
Police Chief Frank Bennett patrols the not-so-mean streets of Trout Run, New York, an idyllic town nestled in the rugged Adirondack Mountains. But natural beauty is no protection against the evil in people's hearts. Secrets...deception...con games...murder--there's never a dull moment fighting small town crime.
This boxed set contains three Frank Bennett mysteries:
The Lure
Police Chief Frank Bennett has his hands full when a group of environmental activists shows up in Trout Run trying to close down Raging Rapids, a popular tourist attraction.
Frank thinks they're all noise.
Until their leader turns up with a bullet in his heart.
Now Frank must figure out why this group targeted Trout Run. And how they're connected to a feral family who live off the grid.
As Frank untangles the clues, he confronts the lure of cash, the lure of power, and the lure of a happy family.As he navigate the dangerous intersection of love and greed, one wrong turn could spell death to those he most wants to protect.
Blood Knot
When a tough-love school for troubled teens opens its doors in Trout Run, Frank Bennett worries about the arrival of so many juvenile delinquents on his turf.
When a North Country Academy teacher is mauled to death by a bear while leading wilderness expedition, Frank's worst fears are confirmed. Evidence points to sabotage.
As Frank investigates, he learns more about the school's controversial techniques: isolation, restraints, and mind control. . He meets students who might be terrified...or might be brilliant liars. And he uncovers disturbing information about the Academy's headmaster. What is more impressive? His track record of putting teens back on the right path? Or his skill in covering up past scandals?
Then an Academy student turns up dead, and Frank must unravel a knot of deceit and revenge whose threads lead right into the heart of the Trout Run community.
Dead Drift
Frank Bennett investigates three puzzling crimes in these short mysteries with big twists. In the Christmas mystery “Chainsaw Nativity,” Frank’s relentless pursuit of the thief who stole the Joseph statue from the town’s Nativity scene brings him up against the limits of compassion. In “Losers Weepers”, a locket that’s lost, found, and stolen holds the secret to past betrayals. And in “Coyote Justice” Frank’s simmering attraction to Penny the librarian threatens to divert him from the path of justice. These three mystery short stories explore twisting Adirondack mountain trails just as surely as the dangerous terrain of the human heart.
601 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2018
2857 people are currently reading
710 people want to read
About the author
S.W. Hubbard
32 books453 followersS.W. Hubbard writes the kinds of books she loves to read: twisty, believable, full of complex characters, and highlighted with sly humor. She is the author of the Palmyrton Estate Sale Mystery Series and the Frank Bennett Adirondack Mountain Mystery Series, as well as the Life in Palmyrton Women's Friendship Fiction Series. Her short stories have appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine and the anthologiesDead Drift, Crimes by Moonlight, The Mystery Box, andAdirondack Mysteries. When not writing, she hikes with her rescue dog, Libby, and her husband. She lives in Morristown, NJ.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
December 20, 2018
A great box set
A most enjoyable read from this author. Interesting characters, well fleshed out and realistic. The various stories were very varied, but all interesting with lovely plot twists.
A most enjoyable read from this author. Interesting characters, well fleshed out and realistic. The various stories were very varied, but all interesting with lovely plot twists.
January 3, 2019
Fantastic writing by a very talented & skilled author
I started to read the first book and by page 3 something happened to me that hasn’t happened for quite some time ! I could NOT put the book down ! The story pulled me in and held me hostage past the conclusion, then held my interest steady as I was now pulled into yet another story. The novelettes then took their turn in grasping my attention and I see that I read the entire night AND I’m now buying this authors other Frank Bennett mystery series book. Well written, realistic in action and life, though there are a few typos missed by the editor they are very few and far between. I recommend the entire series to everyone including any other books this author has penned !! A skilled and talented story teller of the first magnitude !!!!!!!
I started to read the first book and by page 3 something happened to me that hasn’t happened for quite some time ! I could NOT put the book down ! The story pulled me in and held me hostage past the conclusion, then held my interest steady as I was now pulled into yet another story. The novelettes then took their turn in grasping my attention and I see that I read the entire night AND I’m now buying this authors other Frank Bennett mystery series book. Well written, realistic in action and life, though there are a few typos missed by the editor they are very few and far between. I recommend the entire series to everyone including any other books this author has penned !! A skilled and talented story teller of the first magnitude !!!!!!!
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December 19, 2018
I really enjoy a good mystery ... love that there were 3 books in this series ... can't wait to read more. such a fan of S.W. Hubbard ...awesome, awesome, well done writing style. i look forward to more from S.W. i am a newbie to this author ... hooked!! mystery is my go 2 genre. MUST READ!!
January 20, 2019
Pretty good, 3.5 stars
These stories were well spun with solid characters. Simple crimes described with enough mystery around them to keep the reading interesting. Definitely liked the atmosphere of the little town with the recurring folks coming through each stories. Just wished the last "novel" was more than a collection of short stories. Still an easy but entertaining read.
These stories were well spun with solid characters. Simple crimes described with enough mystery around them to keep the reading interesting. Definitely liked the atmosphere of the little town with the recurring folks coming through each stories. Just wished the last "novel" was more than a collection of short stories. Still an easy but entertaining read.
December 23, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyable
The stories are so well written you just don't wAnt to put them down. Characters you believe in and want to know. And the setting is lovely ,a place you could live in yourself.
The stories are so well written you just don't wAnt to put them down. Characters you believe in and want to know. And the setting is lovely ,a place you could live in yourself.
January 3, 2019
I am very happy that I found this book series by chance. The stories are interesting, the characters have depth and there is a reality to them that is missing in so many of the genre. Thank you.
December 16, 2018
Enjoyable read!
I received this collection of works for free. Great plot lines and characterization. Keeps you guessing! Appreciated that the stories in the last book were kept as stories. Thanks
I received this collection of works for free. Great plot lines and characterization. Keeps you guessing! Appreciated that the stories in the last book were kept as stories. Thanks
December 17, 2018
E-Reader. Mystery / Fiction
I just finished reading book 1-3.
The Police Chief is Frank Bennett, in a small town, Trout Run, in NY. He only has one deputy, Earl. Earl is related most that in this small town
Frank used work for Kansas City Police Department, but made a wrong decision. That is when he decided apply, to be Police Chief in Trout Run.
There too characters to list in all three books. Some will laugh others part will make you feel sad. For a small town a lot happened, including someone who was murdered. There might be some love involved!
I hope you will like enjoy reading all three books as much as I did!
I just finished reading book 1-3.
The Police Chief is Frank Bennett, in a small town, Trout Run, in NY. He only has one deputy, Earl. Earl is related most that in this small town
Frank used work for Kansas City Police Department, but made a wrong decision. That is when he decided apply, to be Police Chief in Trout Run.
There too characters to list in all three books. Some will laugh others part will make you feel sad. For a small town a lot happened, including someone who was murdered. There might be some love involved!
I hope you will like enjoy reading all three books as much as I did!
January 6, 2019
A Hometown Mystery Series
S.W. Hubbard has spun together a marvelous series of small town mysteries that are not unlike the great story lines of television shows like "Murder She Wrote". And because her character development is so complete, readers will immediately feel connected to the cast of characters depicted in each tale. Though not particularly profound these stories are comfort food for those who may be looking to escape their fast paced, frenetic urban lifestyles and return to a simpler hometown normalcy with a twist of mystery thrown in for good measure.
S.W. Hubbard has spun together a marvelous series of small town mysteries that are not unlike the great story lines of television shows like "Murder She Wrote". And because her character development is so complete, readers will immediately feel connected to the cast of characters depicted in each tale. Though not particularly profound these stories are comfort food for those who may be looking to escape their fast paced, frenetic urban lifestyles and return to a simpler hometown normalcy with a twist of mystery thrown in for good measure.
December 13, 2018
Adirondack mountains
The author writes in a realistic manner and therefore the plots are believable. Describing the geographic area is well done. I like the way she described her characters. It is easy to visualize them and she also enlightens you to their personalities. I really enjoyed the series and think many others would also.
The author writes in a realistic manner and therefore the plots are believable. Describing the geographic area is well done. I like the way she described her characters. It is easy to visualize them and she also enlightens you to their personalities. I really enjoyed the series and think many others would also.
January 5, 2019
Good
I like this style of writing very much, including no sex scenes, no bad language, interesting plots, characters and country. All very enjoyable and good. Gave it four stars because of editing errors and other obvious mistakes.
I like this style of writing very much, including no sex scenes, no bad language, interesting plots, characters and country. All very enjoyable and good. Gave it four stars because of editing errors and other obvious mistakes.
December 19, 2018
Beautiful Adirondack Mountains
Trout Run sounds like an ideal place to live even if you don't like snow, because Frank Bennett is great at keeping the peace and figuring out what the few bad apples are doing wrong. Enjoyed these stories very much and will definitely keep reading about this little town.
Trout Run sounds like an ideal place to live even if you don't like snow, because Frank Bennett is great at keeping the peace and figuring out what the few bad apples are doing wrong. Enjoyed these stories very much and will definitely keep reading about this little town.
July 29, 2019
Easy and interesting read
Easy to read
Wanted to read more
Interesting main character
Interesting plots in each book.
I would recommend to friends
Easy to read
Wanted to read more
Interesting main character
Interesting plots in each book.
I would recommend to friends
February 23, 2019
Tremendous reading.
The stories are very well descriptive of life in small towm America. I could feel myself being there, living the stories with Frank Bennett. And any author that can tell a story that makes you feel like you're there has done an excellent job telling the story.
The stories are very well descriptive of life in small towm America. I could feel myself being there, living the stories with Frank Bennett. And any author that can tell a story that makes you feel like you're there has done an excellent job telling the story.
January 3, 2019
A fun read overall! Wonderful sense of place, very cool characters and imaginative plot twists. Will definitely read more of this series.
December 12, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed these books.
Well written characters and scenes. Story lines descriptive and believable. Read them all the way through. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
Well written characters and scenes. Story lines descriptive and believable. Read them all the way through. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
December 26, 2018
Very Good Series
I enjoyed this series. The set of books were easy to read with very likable characters. I gave it 4 stars because better editing is needed as there were a number of errors in the book.
I enjoyed this series. The set of books were easy to read with very likable characters. I gave it 4 stars because better editing is needed as there were a number of errors in the book.
September 16, 2020
This series was enjoyable, but the third volume was the weakest of the set. It seemed to end abruptly with the "bad guy" having been identified early on by Chief Bennett with no real alternative suspects identified. While Books 1 & 2 provided substantial mystery, the third did not, and it came to a conclusion in a rush, as if the author was running out of paper. Bennett's civilian assistant Earl graduates from police academy, and we get hints that Trout Run can't afford to hire him as an actual police officer, but we're left hanging as to whether he moves on or if Bennett finds a way to keep him around. I found Book 2, "Blood Knot," the most satisfying mystery of the group, with a death which had a number of potential killers. The clues mount up, but don't clearly point to one person, but in the end, Hubbard ties the clues together and presents a plausible conclusion. So, I'd give Books 1 & 2 four stars and Book 3 three.
December 27, 2018
Good read
Interesting ,well crafted , realistic interaction with good characters. Enjoyed reading them very much. Liked the mountain setting as well
Interesting ,well crafted , realistic interaction with good characters. Enjoyed reading them very much. Liked the mountain setting as well
December 25, 2018
Small town murders
I enjoyed these sleepy small town mysteries. The character development and the writing is very good. I look forward to reading more in this series.
I enjoyed these sleepy small town mysteries. The character development and the writing is very good. I look forward to reading more in this series.
September 24, 2020
In a way this book is a mystery and a slight comedy. Sheriff Bennett keeps you on your toes but some of the things that happen give you a smile now and then too. A great read to keep your interest tied to the book.
December 15, 2018
Enjoyed
Enjoyed reading 📚 Adirondack mountain mystery series. Each one stood in its own ,and for me that's a plus thank you Frank Bennett .God bless
Enjoyed reading 📚 Adirondack mountain mystery series. Each one stood in its own ,and for me that's a plus thank you Frank Bennett .God bless
December 12, 2018
Good book
I enjoyed the book. Felt like like I knew the people in this small town. A quick read. A little romance.
I enjoyed the book. Felt like like I knew the people in this small town. A quick read. A little romance.
October 27, 2020
I had a great time reading all 3 of these stories. Great main character.
January 11, 2020
The Lure-4 stars-Frank stumbles upon a death by car accident, then learns the woman died of complications of childbirth. But no one knew she was pregnant. As he searches for the baby, he stumbled upon a baby selling ring, and much more. Another mystery is intertwined, involving an environmental group that’s now protesting a scenic site in town.
Interesting plots, a bit confusing with two things going on at once and so many characters. Well written, kept me guessing the whole way, and I was still wrong about a few things. Great characters, I like Earl the best, though Frank is interesting, as are Edwin and his wife, and the little girl from the weird Veech family.
Blood Knot-4 stars-a sorry tale about abuses in private schools, revenge, and madness. A gruesome murder occurs when a teacher from the new private school takes a group camping, and he’s killed by a bear. The principal is too strict, harsh, but somehow effective with kids sent to the school. In the end, the killer was who I suspected, but didn’t want it to be. I like seeing Edwin’s little family develop, and the new librarian is a nice addition for Frank.
Dead Drift-Chainsaw Nativity-4 stars-a huge chainsaw nativity is set up in town, beautifully made and displayed, until Joseph is stolen. It seems to be the work of some kids, until Frank makes sense if the situation with some poor kids in town whose mother died and father is ill. In a bid to keep social services at bay, the kids make a plan that helps, fir a little while, to keep them together.
Losers Weepers-Ardyth finds a locket in the park on cleanup day, but no one knows whose it is. Then, the locket is taken from Frank’s petty cash box, then it reappears, but the photo is missing. Earl eventually figures out what’s familiar in the picture, and Frank learns a secret about the past.
Coyote Justice-a woman is killed near some ski hills, and it looks like an accident explains it best. But, as Frank digs deeper, he finds out there’s more to the woman’s family’s story. It eventually links up to her being murdered, and her son’s anger towards her behaviour is the catalyst. Frank figures it out, a masterful chief of police.
KU
Interesting plots, a bit confusing with two things going on at once and so many characters. Well written, kept me guessing the whole way, and I was still wrong about a few things. Great characters, I like Earl the best, though Frank is interesting, as are Edwin and his wife, and the little girl from the weird Veech family.
Blood Knot-4 stars-a sorry tale about abuses in private schools, revenge, and madness. A gruesome murder occurs when a teacher from the new private school takes a group camping, and he’s killed by a bear. The principal is too strict, harsh, but somehow effective with kids sent to the school. In the end, the killer was who I suspected, but didn’t want it to be. I like seeing Edwin’s little family develop, and the new librarian is a nice addition for Frank.
Dead Drift-Chainsaw Nativity-4 stars-a huge chainsaw nativity is set up in town, beautifully made and displayed, until Joseph is stolen. It seems to be the work of some kids, until Frank makes sense if the situation with some poor kids in town whose mother died and father is ill. In a bid to keep social services at bay, the kids make a plan that helps, fir a little while, to keep them together.
Losers Weepers-Ardyth finds a locket in the park on cleanup day, but no one knows whose it is. Then, the locket is taken from Frank’s petty cash box, then it reappears, but the photo is missing. Earl eventually figures out what’s familiar in the picture, and Frank learns a secret about the past.
Coyote Justice-a woman is killed near some ski hills, and it looks like an accident explains it best. But, as Frank digs deeper, he finds out there’s more to the woman’s family’s story. It eventually links up to her being murdered, and her son’s anger towards her behaviour is the catalyst. Frank figures it out, a masterful chief of police.
KU
August 9, 2020
This is a three book bundled series. The third book is a short story anthology.
Police Chief Frank Bennett patrols the not-so-mean streets of Trout Run, New York, an idyllic town nestled in the rugged Adirondack Mountains.
The Lure
Police Chief Frank Bennett has his hands full when a group of environmental activists shows up in Trout Run trying to close down Raging Rapids, a popular tourist attraction. But of course there is murder to deal with.
Blood Knot
When a tough-love school for troubled teens opens its doors in Trout Run, Frank Bennett worries about the arrival of so many juvenile delinquents on his turf. Sabotage and murder follow.
Dead Drift
Frank Bennett investigates three puzzling crimes in these short mysteries with big twists.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books. Frank Bennett is a homespun character, and I have a little crush on him. He has two sidekicks, a younger man who is in training to be a cop and the older female secretary. It’s small town and delightful. I could see the scenery, got to know the townspeople, and the mystery and suspense kept me going. The short stories were enjoyable although not as good as the full-length stories.
Police Chief Frank Bennett patrols the not-so-mean streets of Trout Run, New York, an idyllic town nestled in the rugged Adirondack Mountains.
The Lure
Police Chief Frank Bennett has his hands full when a group of environmental activists shows up in Trout Run trying to close down Raging Rapids, a popular tourist attraction. But of course there is murder to deal with.
Blood Knot
When a tough-love school for troubled teens opens its doors in Trout Run, Frank Bennett worries about the arrival of so many juvenile delinquents on his turf. Sabotage and murder follow.
Dead Drift
Frank Bennett investigates three puzzling crimes in these short mysteries with big twists.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books. Frank Bennett is a homespun character, and I have a little crush on him. He has two sidekicks, a younger man who is in training to be a cop and the older female secretary. It’s small town and delightful. I could see the scenery, got to know the townspeople, and the mystery and suspense kept me going. The short stories were enjoyable although not as good as the full-length stories.
May 31, 2019
This may be my first left-unfinished of 2019.
I wanted to enjoy this: it is set within a few hours of where I grew up and I usually enjoy mysteries, but… this one never quite connected with me.
I found the writing adequate, but it lacked something: perhaps excitement? I couldn't put my finger on what, and wondered what it was as I read, wondering if I was perhaps subconsciously expecting these books to be like those of another author I'd read.
But it was the introduction to a new character that finally put me off continuing: it was a paragraph-long description of the appearance of an overweight woman that dripped with judgementalism. It was so horrid and hateful that I decided that the book was no longer worth my attention, especially as it had been less enjoyable than I had hoped it would be to that point.
I wanted to enjoy this: it is set within a few hours of where I grew up and I usually enjoy mysteries, but… this one never quite connected with me.
I found the writing adequate, but it lacked something: perhaps excitement? I couldn't put my finger on what, and wondered what it was as I read, wondering if I was perhaps subconsciously expecting these books to be like those of another author I'd read.
But it was the introduction to a new character that finally put me off continuing: it was a paragraph-long description of the appearance of an overweight woman that dripped with judgementalism. It was so horrid and hateful that I decided that the book was no longer worth my attention, especially as it had been less enjoyable than I had hoped it would be to that point.
February 12, 2020
I enjoy the character of Frank Bennett, who is a tough, but also an empathetic cop. He has a wry, self-deprecating sense of humor. I also enjoy reading about Earl, Edwin, Lucy, Penny, and other secondary characters. The series seems to be a cozy because it takes place in a small and perhaps remote town. However, the main detective is experienced and serious, not a flighty and harried amateur female detective (I have gotten so tired of those kinds of characters, which is not complimentary to women.) I look forward to reading more Frank Bennett mysteries. I didn't give this book 5 stars because there were grammatical errors, some awkward writing, and formatting errors on the Kindle version.
October 17, 2023
The Frank Bennett Adirondack Mountain Mystery Series Books 1 - 3
Frank Bennett is the Chief of Police in a small upper New York town. As with most small towns, everyone knows everyone, and whether he is immersed in a illegal baby sale, a school for troubled teens, a stolen nativity statue, or a murder he does his best to bring justice to all. Great characters, descriptive scenery and a good look at life in a small town. Looking forward to the next book in this series. Recommend!
Frank Bennett is the Chief of Police in a small upper New York town. As with most small towns, everyone knows everyone, and whether he is immersed in a illegal baby sale, a school for troubled teens, a stolen nativity statue, or a murder he does his best to bring justice to all. Great characters, descriptive scenery and a good look at life in a small town. Looking forward to the next book in this series. Recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews