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Emmett Hardy Mystery #2
Butcherville
The residents of tiny Butcherville, Oklahoma love their God-given freedoms so much, they won't even hire their own police force. When they need a cop, they just call Emmett Hardy, police chief of Burr, the closest neighboring town. Whether it's to break up a fight, dissuade an angry good ol' boy from hunting rabbits with an M-16, or eject an unruly patron from Butcherville's combination strip joint/bookstore, Emmett's always glad to oblige ... that is, until a local business owner's lust for money and power results in a deadly shootout and multiple kidnappings. Suddenly, Emmett's good intentions are fraught with dangerous consequences. Besieged by friend and foe alike, and sabotaged by a fondness for drink that's starting to affect his work, Emmett is the last man standing between a community of honest people trying to do their best with what little they have, and an evil that threatens not only their jobs and homes, but their very lives.
218 pages, Paperback
First published January 23, 2020
73 people are currently reading
1190 people want to read
About the author
Chris Kelsey
6 books73 followersChris Kelsey's first novel, Where the Hurt Is, won the 2018 Pencraft Award for Fiction Book of the Year. He's currently Director of Instrumental Music at Trinity-Pawling School in Pawling, NY.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 16, 2020
Butcherville is the second in the series of thrillers featuring Emmett Hardy, the police chief of tiny Burr, Oklahoma. Since neighboring Butcherville is an even smaller town, it doesn’t have its own police force so Hardy also responds to calls from its citizens. He is a hard-drinking, serious-minded but wry man who gets caught up in dealing with the machinations of the area’s richest man who is trying to expand his gas and oil processing plant but has encountered a lone holdout in his attempt to buy all the land surrounding the plant. His goons beat up the holdout and abduct his son to force this to happen. Hardy's persistence and knowledge of the area's people lead him to a resolution. I’m originally from Oklahoma and the book’s characters are immediately recognizable as types I grew up with. Kelsey’s writing is larded with delicious turns of phrase and it is laugh-out-loud funny. Here, chosen almost at random, is an example. After a night of drinking Hardy wakes up: “Someone had evidently plucked out my eyes while I was asleep, soaked them in brine, and jammed them back in my head without regard to which eye went in each socket.” This book is a treasure and I hope and pray that Chris Kelsey writes more books in this series.
December 5, 2023
One of the best series going
No clichés, no tropes, no implausibilities, no BS. Just honest people trying to sort through honest pain in an honestly painful time and place, through an author who knows that time and place with quiet authority. A thorough pleasure to read.
No clichés, no tropes, no implausibilities, no BS. Just honest people trying to sort through honest pain in an honestly painful time and place, through an author who knows that time and place with quiet authority. A thorough pleasure to read.
January 7, 2020
Butcherville is the second installment of the Emmett Hardy mystery series by author Chris Kelsey. It is an easy and most enjoyable read. The characters are realistic and relatable. Kelsey develops his characters fully while leaving room for surprises. The story is intense at times. Kelsey was able to describe the emotions and physical reactions that a law enforcement officer endures and experiences while doing the officer's job as if he was one himself. That story line itself is gripping. The story keeps you reading and engaged to find out what happens next as there are unexpected twists and turns. The book was hard to put down. The ending was a surprise which I believe is based on excellent writing skills. No reader wants to finish a book and think well I knew that would happen. Other than wrapping the story up in a neat little bow, it left me wanting and sad that I would have to wait to find out what comes next for Chief Hardy and the small police family of Burr, Oklahoma. Kelsey use of factual history for the time period helps with the story line. Unfortunately, most of the issues facing Chief Hardy and his team are the same or similar as the issues we still face in the world today. I cannot wait to see what is next for Chief Emmett Hardy.
June 5, 2020
Thank you to #GoodreadsGiveaway and the author for a free copy of this book.
I'm a little disappointed with how long it took me to read this book. I was able to get into it pretty quickly, and enjoyed it - I enjoyed even looking up some references and songs and poets, etc. as I'm not as familiar with the pop culture during which this book takes place.
But life has a way of getting in the way sometimes, and I also tend to have lots of books on the go, so made the effort to finish it - which honestly wasn't hard as it was still really good, captivating, funny, and a bit disturbing too. I actually hope to go back and read the first book, Where The Hurt Is by the same author as it was touched on but not really explained a whole lot, and would likely be just as well done - or at least similarly.
I'm a little disappointed with how long it took me to read this book. I was able to get into it pretty quickly, and enjoyed it - I enjoyed even looking up some references and songs and poets, etc. as I'm not as familiar with the pop culture during which this book takes place.
But life has a way of getting in the way sometimes, and I also tend to have lots of books on the go, so made the effort to finish it - which honestly wasn't hard as it was still really good, captivating, funny, and a bit disturbing too. I actually hope to go back and read the first book, Where The Hurt Is by the same author as it was touched on but not really explained a whole lot, and would likely be just as well done - or at least similarly.
February 5, 2020
An Oklahoman Mystery of Wit featuring a Memorable Narrator
For those readers who are familiar with Chris Kelsey’s wonderful debut Where the Hurt Is, you will revisit in Butcherville what made that novel so smart, compelling, and attractive. For those new to Kelsey’s work, you will encounter a first-person narrator in police chief Emmett Hardy who manages to be, in his plainspoken way, continually insightful and amusing. Plus, as with Kelsey’s Where the Hurt Is, Butcherville is a rip-roaring mystery that reveals the character of small-town Oklahoma in the mid-1960s even as it uncovers the nefarious plots involving the expansion of the gas/petrol business. Ultimately, these investigation lead to the unmasking of the murderer behind a tragically ill-conceived plan.
Those machinations begin with a missing boy, Earl Collins, and steadily spiral as Emmett cleverly sorts through a series of clues. Along the way, Butcherville is marked by both very exciting scenes and terrific dialogue, particularly in the witty banter between Emmett and his dispatcher/girlfriend Karen. Other well-drawn characters, like the perceptive teenager Bonnie and the stubborn landowner Earle, give the novel another layer of emotional commitment. Through the accumulating evidence and the building momentum, Kelsey keeps the reader gripped; his flawed, hard-drinking Emmett is palpably aware of ominous signs. He hints to the reader how he will perceive the experiences in retrospect (“Later, I’d wish I made a different choice…”).
On another level, Kelsey incisively explores the myth of the rugged Oklahoman individualist, a figure who in reality possesses a fair share of stupidity and gullibility. The tale of the founding and the subsequent corruption of Butcherville is delivered with a subtle satiric edge. Much humor comes from Emmett’s characterizations of the population, like this one of the county sheriff. “I half expected him to cave in and say he was on my side, but at the last second, he managed to heroically swallow his sense of basic human decency.”
Ultimately, the novel comes to a dramatic, satisfying climax out on the salt flats. Indeed, Butcherville is such a pleasant read that I can’t wait for Kelsey’s next novel. Simply put, Emmett Hardy is the type of likable and an engaging narrator that a reader is willing to follow on any journey.
For those readers who are familiar with Chris Kelsey’s wonderful debut Where the Hurt Is, you will revisit in Butcherville what made that novel so smart, compelling, and attractive. For those new to Kelsey’s work, you will encounter a first-person narrator in police chief Emmett Hardy who manages to be, in his plainspoken way, continually insightful and amusing. Plus, as with Kelsey’s Where the Hurt Is, Butcherville is a rip-roaring mystery that reveals the character of small-town Oklahoma in the mid-1960s even as it uncovers the nefarious plots involving the expansion of the gas/petrol business. Ultimately, these investigation lead to the unmasking of the murderer behind a tragically ill-conceived plan.
Those machinations begin with a missing boy, Earl Collins, and steadily spiral as Emmett cleverly sorts through a series of clues. Along the way, Butcherville is marked by both very exciting scenes and terrific dialogue, particularly in the witty banter between Emmett and his dispatcher/girlfriend Karen. Other well-drawn characters, like the perceptive teenager Bonnie and the stubborn landowner Earle, give the novel another layer of emotional commitment. Through the accumulating evidence and the building momentum, Kelsey keeps the reader gripped; his flawed, hard-drinking Emmett is palpably aware of ominous signs. He hints to the reader how he will perceive the experiences in retrospect (“Later, I’d wish I made a different choice…”).
On another level, Kelsey incisively explores the myth of the rugged Oklahoman individualist, a figure who in reality possesses a fair share of stupidity and gullibility. The tale of the founding and the subsequent corruption of Butcherville is delivered with a subtle satiric edge. Much humor comes from Emmett’s characterizations of the population, like this one of the county sheriff. “I half expected him to cave in and say he was on my side, but at the last second, he managed to heroically swallow his sense of basic human decency.”
Ultimately, the novel comes to a dramatic, satisfying climax out on the salt flats. Indeed, Butcherville is such a pleasant read that I can’t wait for Kelsey’s next novel. Simply put, Emmett Hardy is the type of likable and an engaging narrator that a reader is willing to follow on any journey.
April 2, 2020
Overall Rating = 4.83
Storyline & Concept = 5
Writing & Delivery = 5
Editorial = 4.5
Butcherville, set in a small town in Oklahoma of the same name, is a suspense thriller starring Emmett Hardy, the police chief from the neighboring town of Burr. Chief Hardy is plagued by his own personal challenges, but is willing to defy authority, his friends, and the nefarious influence of the town’s leading businessman in order to find a young kidnapping victim.
This is a captivating read, definitely one of the best I’ve read in recent memory. The characters are engaging; the narrative is snappy, witty, and charming; and the descriptions pull you firmly into the setting. The steady flow of action keeps the pages turning.
With a little research, I discovered this is the second Emmett Hardy book. I will be grabbing a copy of the first one and waiting for those that follow. Chris Kelsey has gained a new fan.
Sublime Line: “This top-notch suspense thriller will seize your attention, and you’ll be enthralled by the characters and the author’s witty and appealing style.”
Storyline & Concept = 5
Writing & Delivery = 5
Editorial = 4.5
Butcherville, set in a small town in Oklahoma of the same name, is a suspense thriller starring Emmett Hardy, the police chief from the neighboring town of Burr. Chief Hardy is plagued by his own personal challenges, but is willing to defy authority, his friends, and the nefarious influence of the town’s leading businessman in order to find a young kidnapping victim.
This is a captivating read, definitely one of the best I’ve read in recent memory. The characters are engaging; the narrative is snappy, witty, and charming; and the descriptions pull you firmly into the setting. The steady flow of action keeps the pages turning.
With a little research, I discovered this is the second Emmett Hardy book. I will be grabbing a copy of the first one and waiting for those that follow. Chris Kelsey has gained a new fan.
Sublime Line: “This top-notch suspense thriller will seize your attention, and you’ll be enthralled by the characters and the author’s witty and appealing style.”
February 10, 2020
Last year Chris Kelsey released his first book and made Chief Emmett Hardy an interesting and flawed character, and the small town of Burr, OK in the 1960s a wonderful and detailed small universe. We also met Bernard and in particular Karen.
Now they are all back on another adventure, solving a mystery that once again involves the depths of what foolish things people will due for all the wrong reasons. We got to dig further into all of the characters, and while things wrapped up well, we do not know where we go from here ... which was a very satisfying ending.
I gave ‘Where the Hurt Is’ a 4-star review, and I was thrilled at how much the writing, editing and overall narrative flow have progressed in the last year. More than ever each person felt real and consistent - if occasionally frustratingly so! In the limited time I have each night to read, I looked forward to getting back to these characters and the progress they made.
Now they are all back on another adventure, solving a mystery that once again involves the depths of what foolish things people will due for all the wrong reasons. We got to dig further into all of the characters, and while things wrapped up well, we do not know where we go from here ... which was a very satisfying ending.
I gave ‘Where the Hurt Is’ a 4-star review, and I was thrilled at how much the writing, editing and overall narrative flow have progressed in the last year. More than ever each person felt real and consistent - if occasionally frustratingly so! In the limited time I have each night to read, I looked forward to getting back to these characters and the progress they made.
August 16, 2024
I just finished my second book by Chris Kelsey, and it was just as enjoyable as the first in the series. The characters are incredibly well-developed, making it easy for me to immerse myself in the story and recognize the recurring ones right away. Some moments had me laughing out loud, especially the humorous depiction of Oklahoma's customs and roads. The vivid description of the WesternOK plant felt familiar, resembling places I see every day. I also loved the clever origin of the name Butcherville, which I understood after passing by the display of the black VW body with googly eyes and 20-foot legs many times. Interestingly, there's a windmill museum in my hometown, so when I saw the book's cover, I thought it was the museum, but I was wrong.
I enjoyed how this book ended, and now I'm eagerly anticipating the next one in the series!
I enjoyed how this book ended, and now I'm eagerly anticipating the next one in the series!
August 4, 2021
Butcherville is book 2 in the Emmett Hardy series of a small town police chief in a mid-60's Oklahoma town, Burr. Butcherville is the neighboring unincorporated town that Chief Hardy feels an obligation to offer services to. The gist of the story is the kidnapping of a small boy and the mayhem that follows. Within the story are the antagonisms of moneyed corruption, political posturing, casual racism, and the struggle to get along and move along.
Perhaps the most intriguing part is how far along the self-destruction path Chief Hardy is. He drinks too much, and while he feels the pull of his hometown, it's evident that life there is killing him. He has yet to own up to this and may in the third book.
For me, it's a fine book with a good story and is recommended.
Perhaps the most intriguing part is how far along the self-destruction path Chief Hardy is. He drinks too much, and while he feels the pull of his hometown, it's evident that life there is killing him. He has yet to own up to this and may in the third book.
For me, it's a fine book with a good story and is recommended.
January 4, 2020
I loved the first book in this series and this one is just as good. The main character, Emmett Hardy, continues to fight crime and his own demons. He is likable and you feel yourself rooting for him to solve the crime and to overcome his own vices. The author is from Oklahoma and does an excellent job of capturing the essence of small town life as well as the speech patterns and idioms of the people. References to places and events of the time are spot-on. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of detective novels, whodunits, and life in Oklahoma.
May 21, 2020
I won a copy of this book from a giveaway that was posted to goodreads.
DNF at 36%-I told myself to just get to page 100 and decide but I just couldn't make it that far.
Holy cow was that the most boring shit I tried to read. There was one point very recently where I thought our dear bland main character was trying to date a teenager only for me to flip back and realize that Karen isn't a teenager. Although her being a teenager would've made this ordeal actually kinda interesting.
The most prominent thought I had while pages flipped was "I really just don't care"
DNF at 36%-I told myself to just get to page 100 and decide but I just couldn't make it that far.
Holy cow was that the most boring shit I tried to read. There was one point very recently where I thought our dear bland main character was trying to date a teenager only for me to flip back and realize that Karen isn't a teenager. Although her being a teenager would've made this ordeal actually kinda interesting.
The most prominent thought I had while pages flipped was "I really just don't care"
February 28, 2023
I like reading his books
I like reading his books they are easy to read I just wish you would have somebody proofread them because there’s a lot of mistakes and then it seems like he writes real fast and then doesn’t really check over them thoroughly or have somebody who reads very thoroughly look over them and catch all of the errors because in each book must find 10 to 20 grammatical and spelling errors it’s a little frustrating because I think a writer should do a better job. The story is good and the reading is smooth and easy the characters are good and interesting.
I like reading his books they are easy to read I just wish you would have somebody proofread them because there’s a lot of mistakes and then it seems like he writes real fast and then doesn’t really check over them thoroughly or have somebody who reads very thoroughly look over them and catch all of the errors because in each book must find 10 to 20 grammatical and spelling errors it’s a little frustrating because I think a writer should do a better job. The story is good and the reading is smooth and easy the characters are good and interesting.
December 2, 2020
Great read by the best new author!
Emmett Hardy is a character whose battle within himself I recognize. His love for people and desire to protect them can never quite win over his self-destructive behaviors, no matter how he tries. This story introduces the best and worst of characters, with examples of how people can love and/or destroy each other, wrapped up in a fascinating mystery. An excellent read.
Emmett Hardy is a character whose battle within himself I recognize. His love for people and desire to protect them can never quite win over his self-destructive behaviors, no matter how he tries. This story introduces the best and worst of characters, with examples of how people can love and/or destroy each other, wrapped up in a fascinating mystery. An excellent read.
February 28, 2023
Emmett and Burr are my new Interest!!! It kept me turning those pages !!!
I live in a small rural community in central Oklahoma and this storyline speaks the truth… when I started reading I started fact checking. I was surprised that Burr exists! I love the character development and don’t have moments where I question I a character would do this or that. Kudos Mr. Kelsey !
Blessings From Lindsay, Oklahoma!!! Moving on to Book 3 ❤️
I live in a small rural community in central Oklahoma and this storyline speaks the truth… when I started reading I started fact checking. I was surprised that Burr exists! I love the character development and don’t have moments where I question I a character would do this or that. Kudos Mr. Kelsey !
Blessings From Lindsay, Oklahoma!!! Moving on to Book 3 ❤️
July 1, 2020
I loved this book. It had everything I like. Witty dialogue, action, intrigue, mystery. Unfortunately, I hadn't read the first book in the series, so I have to correct that asap. Then I need to sit on pins and needles for the next in line. Great job!
September 30, 2020
Oklahoma Crime Story
I really enjoyed Butcherville. It is a quick read. It is also very well written. Great segues from scene to scene make for interesting character development. I think you'll like it.
I really enjoyed Butcherville. It is a quick read. It is also very well written. Great segues from scene to scene make for interesting character development. I think you'll like it.
March 18, 2023
Loved it!
Having grown up in SW Oklahoma, I enjoyed the way the author described the parts and people of Oklahoma. Seems like the small towns have not really changed a lot since the sixties, except it is a red state now. But true okies are the same lovable people forever!
Having grown up in SW Oklahoma, I enjoyed the way the author described the parts and people of Oklahoma. Seems like the small towns have not really changed a lot since the sixties, except it is a red state now. But true okies are the same lovable people forever!
April 15, 2024
I really liked the first book in the series and this one is as intriguing as the first. The characters are amazingly realistic. The struggles of the 60's in Oklahoma are familiar. The author nailed it.
May 13, 2025
Amazing
Loved the first one, loved this one. Emmett is the hero that's so easy to get behind.
The level of humor manages to just mask the tragic events, while still keeping it real.
Loved the first one, loved this one. Emmett is the hero that's so easy to get behind.
The level of humor manages to just mask the tragic events, while still keeping it real.
February 6, 2020
Excellent book!!!
March 3, 2020
Held pending Maxy Awards.
October 2, 2021
Good read.
April 3, 2022
This was a good book, enjoyed revisiting Emmett. His descriptions are worth the read, and his mysteries are well developted.
September 13, 2022
A very good read indeed, easy to follow.
August 17, 2025
Really enjoyed the first book in this series and the second one is just as good.
No 3 is on my self waiting for me.
Highly recommend.
No 3 is on my self waiting for me.
Highly recommend.
December 9, 2025
This wasn't as interesting as the first book in this series. I just couldn't relate to the characters and the plot was a bit weak.
January 4, 2026
Emmett Hardy is a fantastic protagonist, and the world he inhabits so beautifully evoked.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews