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Callie McFee Mysteries #1
The Fixer's Daughter
“The Fixer’s Daughter” pits a powerful Texas lawyer against his idealistic daughter in a twisted tale of murder, politics and family loyalty.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2020
103 people are currently reading
2720 people want to read
About the author
Hy Conrad
46 books168 followersHY CONRAD has made a career out of murder, earning the 2022 Independent Press Award for Best Mystery (“The Fixer’s Daughter”) and 2022 NYC Big Book Awards for Best Mystery Series (“The Fixer’s Daughter,” “Sins of the Family”), a Scribe Award for Best Novel (“Mr. Monk Helps Himself”) and garnering three Edgar nominations from the Mystery Writers of America (for the “Monk” TV series). Along the way, he developed a horde of popular games and interactive films, hundreds of short stories and a dozen books of solvable mysteries, published in over 15 languages. Hy is best known for his eight seasons as writer/co-executive producer for the ground-breaking TV series, “Monk.” Other shows include “White Collar” and “The Good Cop.”
As a novelist, Hy authored the final four books in the Monk series, the Amy Travel Mysteries (“Toured to Death,” “Dearly Departed” and “Death on the Patagonian Express”) and the Callie McFee Mysteries (“The Fixer’s Daughter,” a Barnes & Noble bestseller and “Sins of the Family”).
In the world of theatre, his produced works consist of “Home Exchange” (a mystery), “Ta-Dah!” (a musical), and “Quarantine for Two” (a socially distanced dark comedy about the pandemic).
When he looks up from his keyboard, Hy sees either the hills of Vermont or the palm trees of Key West, depending on the time of year. He also sees Jeff Johnson, his partner of 43 years, now his husband, plus Nelson and Stella, the latest in a dynasty of mini-schnauzers.
www.hyconrad.com
Facebook: hyconrad
Instagram: hyconrad1
As a novelist, Hy authored the final four books in the Monk series, the Amy Travel Mysteries (“Toured to Death,” “Dearly Departed” and “Death on the Patagonian Express”) and the Callie McFee Mysteries (“The Fixer’s Daughter,” a Barnes & Noble bestseller and “Sins of the Family”).
In the world of theatre, his produced works consist of “Home Exchange” (a mystery), “Ta-Dah!” (a musical), and “Quarantine for Two” (a socially distanced dark comedy about the pandemic).
When he looks up from his keyboard, Hy sees either the hills of Vermont or the palm trees of Key West, depending on the time of year. He also sees Jeff Johnson, his partner of 43 years, now his husband, plus Nelson and Stella, the latest in a dynasty of mini-schnauzers.
www.hyconrad.com
Facebook: hyconrad
Instagram: hyconrad1
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 25, 2023
The Fixer’s Daughter introduces us to the McFee family, led by the powerful, but questionably corrupt lawyer, Buddy McFee. His children, State and Callie, didn’t stray too far from the family’s calling with State working as a police officer and Callie a new reporter.
The story is told from Callie’s point of view, a woman intent on both distancing herself from the family name and protecting her father’s reputation. See, Callie is one of few people who know Buddy’s health is on a steady decline due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. People close to him work hard to keep this under wraps, but Buddy’s unpredictable outbursts threaten to jeopardize the many situations he has “fixed” along the way.
At the same time, Callie becomes intertwined with a co-ed’s recent murder. The student, Briana Crawley, is an African American, her homicide swept under the rug. But the more Callie digs, the more she fears the case’s indirect connection to her father’s history, and what it all means in light of his shaky future.
The Fixer’s Daughter is the first in a new series by author @hyconrad1, famously known for the Mr. Monk series. Monk was one of my favorite TV shows and favorite detective, ever, thus leading me to explore the newly created world of Callie McFee. Despite the absence of humor I loved so much in Mr. Monk’s quirky world, I could still see Callie becoming a star in her own right one day.
The story is told from Callie’s point of view, a woman intent on both distancing herself from the family name and protecting her father’s reputation. See, Callie is one of few people who know Buddy’s health is on a steady decline due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. People close to him work hard to keep this under wraps, but Buddy’s unpredictable outbursts threaten to jeopardize the many situations he has “fixed” along the way.
At the same time, Callie becomes intertwined with a co-ed’s recent murder. The student, Briana Crawley, is an African American, her homicide swept under the rug. But the more Callie digs, the more she fears the case’s indirect connection to her father’s history, and what it all means in light of his shaky future.
The Fixer’s Daughter is the first in a new series by author @hyconrad1, famously known for the Mr. Monk series. Monk was one of my favorite TV shows and favorite detective, ever, thus leading me to explore the newly created world of Callie McFee. Despite the absence of humor I loved so much in Mr. Monk’s quirky world, I could still see Callie becoming a star in her own right one day.
September 15, 2020
It’s been years since I stayed up until 2 A.M. to finish a book. But I did with The Fixer’s Daughter . . . a real page turner. I had to find out what happened! And a lot happened - twists and turns that I didn’t see coming! The Fixer’s Daughter is a mystery about murder.
The plot revolves around an old established 6th generation Texas family, the McFee's. The “Fixer,” Buddy McFee, is an older, disgraced by scandal, former Texas Attorney General, in the early stages of dementia, who is the keeper of secrets of the rich and powerful - secrets some fear could get out.
The book opens in Buddy's private library in a meeting with a powerful CEO who was caught dragging the dead body of a U.T. student across a field; he needs Buddy to "fix" it ... make it go away, 'cause he says he didn't do it!
Murder, dating for hire, and a fire at Buddy's ranch that destroys his library and secret files, force Buddy and Callie, investigative reporter and estranged from her father, to reluctantly band together to solve a mystery and save lives.
False leads, obvious conclusions that turn out not to be obvious, dead ends, well-placed subtle clues tell you all you need to know to figure out “who done it?” early on, but the author leads the reader down the garden path so cleverly that you don’t! Of course, as the book ends it’s a real "I could have had a V-8" moment!" as all is revealed. . . . How obvious it was in hindsight. Very cleverly done. I think it all speaks to the author’s talent and superb ability to craft a mystery that keeps readers like me up till 2 ‘cause you gotta’ find out who done it! When Callie and Buddy team up, they’re quite a team whom I hope we will hear from again! A GREAT READ!
The plot revolves around an old established 6th generation Texas family, the McFee's. The “Fixer,” Buddy McFee, is an older, disgraced by scandal, former Texas Attorney General, in the early stages of dementia, who is the keeper of secrets of the rich and powerful - secrets some fear could get out.
The book opens in Buddy's private library in a meeting with a powerful CEO who was caught dragging the dead body of a U.T. student across a field; he needs Buddy to "fix" it ... make it go away, 'cause he says he didn't do it!
Murder, dating for hire, and a fire at Buddy's ranch that destroys his library and secret files, force Buddy and Callie, investigative reporter and estranged from her father, to reluctantly band together to solve a mystery and save lives.
False leads, obvious conclusions that turn out not to be obvious, dead ends, well-placed subtle clues tell you all you need to know to figure out “who done it?” early on, but the author leads the reader down the garden path so cleverly that you don’t! Of course, as the book ends it’s a real "I could have had a V-8" moment!" as all is revealed. . . . How obvious it was in hindsight. Very cleverly done. I think it all speaks to the author’s talent and superb ability to craft a mystery that keeps readers like me up till 2 ‘cause you gotta’ find out who done it! When Callie and Buddy team up, they’re quite a team whom I hope we will hear from again! A GREAT READ!
January 8, 2024
4 stars
A very well-rounded murder mystery, tonally The Fixer's Daughter feels like a crossbreed between cozy mystery and mainstream mystery thriller, which makes sense considering the author was a writer for TV shows such as Monk and White Collar, which requires a balancing act between lovable, charismatic characters and realistic world building.
His long-form storytelling pedigree is also evident in the way of character creation: each with a distinct, slightly exaggerated mannerism and speaking style—perhaps leaning into stereotypes ever so slightly, but on flip-side they are very iconic and easy to visualize. It is a slight shame the female protagonist is in my opinion the weakest link, whose reactions fluctuate between street-smart and incredibly naive, switching at the author's whim in favor for more drama/conflict. Even though this inconsistency didn't take too much away from my overall enjoyment, it is noticeable enough, and as the result I couldn't have a strong grasp at who she is suppose to be.
The mystery itself I really enjoyed! The Fixer's Daughter references classic murder mystery scenarios, but putting a new spin on it with atypical plot mechanism to keep it fresh. While the outcome is not fully unexpected, the various elements getting there is engaging enough to keep my attention. I'll add this is definitely a more procedural heavy execution, so if following trails of witness and evidence is not why you're interested in a mystery thriller, this might not be the book for you.
I'm surprised at the absurdly little ratings it currently has on Goodreads—definitely stronger than some of the more popular titles I've read in the past!
A very well-rounded murder mystery, tonally The Fixer's Daughter feels like a crossbreed between cozy mystery and mainstream mystery thriller, which makes sense considering the author was a writer for TV shows such as Monk and White Collar, which requires a balancing act between lovable, charismatic characters and realistic world building.
His long-form storytelling pedigree is also evident in the way of character creation: each with a distinct, slightly exaggerated mannerism and speaking style—perhaps leaning into stereotypes ever so slightly, but on flip-side they are very iconic and easy to visualize. It is a slight shame the female protagonist is in my opinion the weakest link, whose reactions fluctuate between street-smart and incredibly naive, switching at the author's whim in favor for more drama/conflict. Even though this inconsistency didn't take too much away from my overall enjoyment, it is noticeable enough, and as the result I couldn't have a strong grasp at who she is suppose to be.
The mystery itself I really enjoyed! The Fixer's Daughter references classic murder mystery scenarios, but putting a new spin on it with atypical plot mechanism to keep it fresh. While the outcome is not fully unexpected, the various elements getting there is engaging enough to keep my attention. I'll add this is definitely a more procedural heavy execution, so if following trails of witness and evidence is not why you're interested in a mystery thriller, this might not be the book for you.
I'm surprised at the absurdly little ratings it currently has on Goodreads—definitely stronger than some of the more popular titles I've read in the past!
September 12, 2020
What an absolutely chilling and incredibly gripping tale this is!
A masterful murder mystery, this folks, is how it is done!
I have been a huge fan of Hy Conrad’s work especially the Monk series so I just jumped at the prospect of reading this book when i heard of the release of this new book. The book comes like a breath of fresh air in these covid times.
It is well crafted riveting thriller filled with suspense and action set in Texas. Complete with an intense storyline and intriguing plot, the captivating characters held me enthralled from the first page to the last.
The plot is captivating from the outset and continues weaving a web of intrigue and suspense until the exciting and satisfying conclusion. The characters are engaging and relatable, particularly Callie.
I found the protagonist Callie Mcfee to be engaging, likable, and something of a delightful enigma. Although this is a first book, I sincerely hope it becomes into a series.
One of the hallmarks of good fiction is making us forget we are reading fiction. It makes us believe we are getting acquainted with the most intimate parts of another living soul. It allows us to connect. The characterization and execution allow that sense of connection to take place.
The book checks on all the ticks a perfect mystery novel must have.
I highly recommend it to everyone who loves suspense novels with heart.
Can’t wait for Conrad’s next.
A masterful murder mystery, this folks, is how it is done!
I have been a huge fan of Hy Conrad’s work especially the Monk series so I just jumped at the prospect of reading this book when i heard of the release of this new book. The book comes like a breath of fresh air in these covid times.
It is well crafted riveting thriller filled with suspense and action set in Texas. Complete with an intense storyline and intriguing plot, the captivating characters held me enthralled from the first page to the last.
The plot is captivating from the outset and continues weaving a web of intrigue and suspense until the exciting and satisfying conclusion. The characters are engaging and relatable, particularly Callie.
I found the protagonist Callie Mcfee to be engaging, likable, and something of a delightful enigma. Although this is a first book, I sincerely hope it becomes into a series.
One of the hallmarks of good fiction is making us forget we are reading fiction. It makes us believe we are getting acquainted with the most intimate parts of another living soul. It allows us to connect. The characterization and execution allow that sense of connection to take place.
The book checks on all the ticks a perfect mystery novel must have.
I highly recommend it to everyone who loves suspense novels with heart.
Can’t wait for Conrad’s next.
September 12, 2020
I have very much enjoyed Hy Conrad's books in the past, especially the FOUR books that he wrote in the Adrian "Monk" series. This book, "The Fixer's Daughter", was something completely different. The estranged daughter of Buddy McFee, the most influential man in Texas and head of the powerful McFee clan, Callie McFee, loses her job in Dallas and returns home to Austin for a job interview. She is hired and starts a new job as a journalist at a local free newspaper. She accidentally runs into a grieving family who have just come to Austin to identify their murdered daughter. That chance meeting leads to a mystery with many twists and turns. Callie leads us through this story from beginning to end, often finding herself at odds with her famous father, her police detective brother and her employer. This is a story that deals with powerful politicians and lawyers, wealthy Texas oil men, struggling college students, prostitution, deadly secrets….in the family and elsewhere. I found the book fascinating and entertaining. I recommend it highly to fans of mystery books.
January 4, 2025
Will NOT be on a SugarDaddy website anytime soon.
May 4, 2021
This book is right up my alley with all the twists and turns it has. The ending was a total surprise. If you like crime, murder and mystery this book is for you. Well written and easy to follow
January 18, 2022
UPDATE: SOOO excited to see the next in the series, Sins of the Family, is coming out soon!! Can't wait to read it!
Read this on a recommendation & so glad I did. It is my first by this author, & I really enjoyed it. The story grabs you from the very first chapter, the plot & subplots were brought together seamlessly. I love crime/mysteries, & typically figure out 'whodunnit' before the end - but not here. The ending is as intriguing as the rest of the story. I stayed up until 2:46am last night to finish, & it was well worth the Reading Hangover. This could be great as a series!
Read this on a recommendation & so glad I did. It is my first by this author, & I really enjoyed it. The story grabs you from the very first chapter, the plot & subplots were brought together seamlessly. I love crime/mysteries, & typically figure out 'whodunnit' before the end - but not here. The ending is as intriguing as the rest of the story. I stayed up until 2:46am last night to finish, & it was well worth the Reading Hangover. This could be great as a series!
June 29, 2021
Of late, I’ve been on a mystery -reading kick. The Fixer’s Daughter by Hy Conrad is another in that genre. I enjoy figuring out the mystery in a novel; at the same time, I truly like a story that takes me on a merry chase, leading me down one path only to turn abruptly and take me to another.
Conrad has penned a story of father and daughter, of loyalty, of secrets, and destruction. When Buddy McFee, an influential Texas politician and businessman, falls from grace, he becomes a “fixer.” He dissolves problems. His fall occurs through an accident caused by Callie, his daughter, but readers will have to read the book to discover what that is. No spoilers here!
In his role as fixer, Buddy runs up against his daughter once again when he tries to hide a terrible crime for someone else. In her role as investigative reporter, an ingenious plot device, Callie finds herself at odds with her father. Add another dilemma to the story: Buddy is in the first stages of dementia. Is this a secret that can be kept? And at what cost?
Often, as I’ve noted before, mysteries don’t always make good discussions for book clubs. Once the readers have discovered the ending, there is not much to say. The Fixer’s Daughter brings in some additional talking points: family, loyalty, political downfall, and power. As a result, a book club would have much to discuss.
Hy Conrad has received a Scribe Award and three Edgar nominations. He was also a writer and co-executive producer for the popular Monk TV series, a Book Whisperer’s favorite. Conrad also worked on White Collar, another favorite TV show.
Conrad has penned a story of father and daughter, of loyalty, of secrets, and destruction. When Buddy McFee, an influential Texas politician and businessman, falls from grace, he becomes a “fixer.” He dissolves problems. His fall occurs through an accident caused by Callie, his daughter, but readers will have to read the book to discover what that is. No spoilers here!
In his role as fixer, Buddy runs up against his daughter once again when he tries to hide a terrible crime for someone else. In her role as investigative reporter, an ingenious plot device, Callie finds herself at odds with her father. Add another dilemma to the story: Buddy is in the first stages of dementia. Is this a secret that can be kept? And at what cost?
Often, as I’ve noted before, mysteries don’t always make good discussions for book clubs. Once the readers have discovered the ending, there is not much to say. The Fixer’s Daughter brings in some additional talking points: family, loyalty, political downfall, and power. As a result, a book club would have much to discuss.
Hy Conrad has received a Scribe Award and three Edgar nominations. He was also a writer and co-executive producer for the popular Monk TV series, a Book Whisperer’s favorite. Conrad also worked on White Collar, another favorite TV show.
February 4, 2022
Tenía expectativas muy bajas con este libro y aún así, logró decepcionarme.
Básicamente se trata de Callie McFee, hija del famoso ex fiscal General Buddy McFee quien regresa a su pueblo natal por un nuevo trabajo de reportera en un periódico.
La trama empieza una persona bastante famosa es atrapado enterrando un cadáver y recurre a Buddy para que haga desaparecer cualquier evidencia ya que hoy en día se dedica a "arreglar" estos casos...
Callie empieza a sentir bastante curiosidad sobre el caso mencionado antes y decide investigar como periodista. Más tarde, se dará cuenta de lo que en verdad sucedió, quién está detrás de ello y cuál es la mejor manera de actuar a pesar dle secreto de su padre.
Ahora bien, le doy un dos a este libro porque se me hizo sumamente confuso... Empezando porque el vocabulario tenía frases bastante técnicas y en mi opinión innecesarias.
Ahora el libro se basa en resolver el misterio de Briana, la chica que estaba siendo enterrada pero el título del libro se relaciona con la hija de McFee, lo cual siento que se va mucho de la trama; Callie sí es la protagonista del libro pero la historia no es porque ella es la hija del arreglador.
El misterio es bastante bueno, debo admitirlo. Un poco confuso y hoy en día la verdad casi no lo entiendo, creo que se separa mucho la trama.
Y el final ahora sí tiene que ver con la descripción del libro y me quedaron bastantes incógnitas que no pude encontrar en google.
Básicamente se trata de Callie McFee, hija del famoso ex fiscal General Buddy McFee quien regresa a su pueblo natal por un nuevo trabajo de reportera en un periódico.
La trama empieza una persona bastante famosa es atrapado enterrando un cadáver y recurre a Buddy para que haga desaparecer cualquier evidencia ya que hoy en día se dedica a "arreglar" estos casos...
Callie empieza a sentir bastante curiosidad sobre el caso mencionado antes y decide investigar como periodista. Más tarde, se dará cuenta de lo que en verdad sucedió, quién está detrás de ello y cuál es la mejor manera de actuar a pesar dle secreto de su padre.
Ahora bien, le doy un dos a este libro porque se me hizo sumamente confuso... Empezando porque el vocabulario tenía frases bastante técnicas y en mi opinión innecesarias.
Ahora el libro se basa en resolver el misterio de Briana, la chica que estaba siendo enterrada pero el título del libro se relaciona con la hija de McFee, lo cual siento que se va mucho de la trama; Callie sí es la protagonista del libro pero la historia no es porque ella es la hija del arreglador.
El misterio es bastante bueno, debo admitirlo. Un poco confuso y hoy en día la verdad casi no lo entiendo, creo que se separa mucho la trama.
Y el final ahora sí tiene que ver con la descripción del libro y me quedaron bastantes incógnitas que no pude encontrar en google.
Read
January 10, 2026The Fixer’s Daughter is a tense, morally complex thriller that cuts deep into the corrosive intersections of power, loyalty, and truth. Hy Conrad crafts a gripping father–daughter conflict that feels as intimate as it is dangerous, forcing readers to wrestle with uncomfortable questions about justice, complicity, and love.
Callie McFee is a compelling investigative reporter, driven, principled, and emotionally torn, while Buddy McFee is chillingly nuanced: brilliant, compromised, and terrifyingly human. The added layer of his early-stage dementia elevates the novel beyond a conventional political thriller, transforming it into a devastating meditation on legacy and decline. The stakes are not just legal or political; they are profoundly personal.
What makes this novel especially effective is its refusal to offer easy answers. Conrad allows the tension to build not only through plot twists and disappearing evidence, but through Callie’s internal reckoning as she confronts the possibility that the man she once admired may now be protecting the unforgivable.
Dark, propulsive, and ethically charged, The Fixer’s Daughter will strongly appeal to readers who enjoy intelligent thrillers where the real danger lies not just in who gets caught, but in who is willing to look away.
Callie McFee is a compelling investigative reporter, driven, principled, and emotionally torn, while Buddy McFee is chillingly nuanced: brilliant, compromised, and terrifyingly human. The added layer of his early-stage dementia elevates the novel beyond a conventional political thriller, transforming it into a devastating meditation on legacy and decline. The stakes are not just legal or political; they are profoundly personal.
What makes this novel especially effective is its refusal to offer easy answers. Conrad allows the tension to build not only through plot twists and disappearing evidence, but through Callie’s internal reckoning as she confronts the possibility that the man she once admired may now be protecting the unforgivable.
Dark, propulsive, and ethically charged, The Fixer’s Daughter will strongly appeal to readers who enjoy intelligent thrillers where the real danger lies not just in who gets caught, but in who is willing to look away.
July 18, 2023
I did not not going into this book knowing that the author of this book wrote for one of my favorite shows Monk.. so it was wild to read this book which is a complete page turner and the first in a series..
The story flows around Callie McFee and her very powerful family. Her father Buddy who was a powerful lawyer to the ice and famous was known as The Fixer- fix it and make it go away was his job..
Callie is an investigative reporter, she is also keeping her distance from her father and family, all while trying to protect his reputation. Her new job at the local paper has her cross paths with a family who have come to Texas to identify the body of their murdered daughter. Callie being the investigator she is starts digging into this murder and the more she digs, she uncovers secrets about her father.. Are they true?
I am giving no good parts away in this book because thriller / mystery lovers this is a new series that you need to add to your list.
The characters are relatable and enjoyable and the plot is page turning and makes you stay up way past your bedtime to read more..
I was not disappointed with this book, now I am waiting for book two in the series..
The story flows around Callie McFee and her very powerful family. Her father Buddy who was a powerful lawyer to the ice and famous was known as The Fixer- fix it and make it go away was his job..
Callie is an investigative reporter, she is also keeping her distance from her father and family, all while trying to protect his reputation. Her new job at the local paper has her cross paths with a family who have come to Texas to identify the body of their murdered daughter. Callie being the investigator she is starts digging into this murder and the more she digs, she uncovers secrets about her father.. Are they true?
I am giving no good parts away in this book because thriller / mystery lovers this is a new series that you need to add to your list.
The characters are relatable and enjoyable and the plot is page turning and makes you stay up way past your bedtime to read more..
I was not disappointed with this book, now I am waiting for book two in the series..
July 7, 2023
The Fixer's Daughter is a mystery thriller that has an old-fashioned Sherlock Holmes mystery vibe to it. It's been a while since I read a mystery with a vibe like that.
The story revolves around Callie McFee and her powerful family located in Austin. Austin is changing, but it still holds on to its power dynamics. Callie gets involved in a murder case, and she wants to solve it since she is a reporter, as well as thinks that her father is involved somehow.
I really liked the story and the mystery element until the end. As soon as I thought that the mystery was solved, another twist popped up. It's a very good story. Although, I didn't like Callie as much. I am still unsure of her motives, to be honest. She lies, but she wants to collect information, and she passes them everywhere without any scruples. So I am still unsure if I like or not. But, the story due to her this nature, brings it together. In the context of the novel, Callie makes total sense. I enjoyed this book really a lot.
Thank you, Book Pundits, for this book.
The story revolves around Callie McFee and her powerful family located in Austin. Austin is changing, but it still holds on to its power dynamics. Callie gets involved in a murder case, and she wants to solve it since she is a reporter, as well as thinks that her father is involved somehow.
I really liked the story and the mystery element until the end. As soon as I thought that the mystery was solved, another twist popped up. It's a very good story. Although, I didn't like Callie as much. I am still unsure of her motives, to be honest. She lies, but she wants to collect information, and she passes them everywhere without any scruples. So I am still unsure if I like or not. But, the story due to her this nature, brings it together. In the context of the novel, Callie makes total sense. I enjoyed this book really a lot.
Thank you, Book Pundits, for this book.
November 6, 2020
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway! I thought it was a pretty good book, & would give it 3 & a half stars. I did feel that Callie finding the murderer was almost TOO coincidental. She just happens to match with the same guy after being on the site for two days? Also felt like there was bits of the story missing with the guy who was caught hiding the body. It all just seemed like too bad of luck that some random guy dumps a dead girl into his field where he also happens to be hiding his dead wife & her lover, who he'd killed. I mean it gives a reason why he was trying to hide the body of someone he didn't kill but.... that's all it felt like. It was a shocker that Callies father didn't have more to do with hiding things & I would love another book more about the things he had done to help cover things up! I still really liked the characters & it did keep my attention considering I read it in 2 sittings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2026
The Fixer’s Daughter is a gripping and intelligent mystery thriller that blends political intrigue, family conflict, and moral complexity into a fast-moving and emotionally charged story. Hy Conrad delivers a sharp, suspenseful narrative that keeps the tension high while never losing sight of the human stakes at the center of the novel.
What makes this book especially compelling is the relationship between the powerful Texas lawyer and his idealistic daughter. Their clash of values adds depth and urgency to the mystery, turning what could have been a simple crime story into something far more layered. The Fixer’s Daughter is both an entertaining thriller and a thoughtful exploration of loyalty, justice, and the cost of truth.
What makes this book especially compelling is the relationship between the powerful Texas lawyer and his idealistic daughter. Their clash of values adds depth and urgency to the mystery, turning what could have been a simple crime story into something far more layered. The Fixer’s Daughter is both an entertaining thriller and a thoughtful exploration of loyalty, justice, and the cost of truth.
October 3, 2020
Like all great mysteries, there are plots and subplots, and the trick is not only to pull them together but also to conceal the connection until it’s sprung. In most, I figure it out before I’m halfway through; that’s the fun of it. Not here. Subtle clues are dropped that turn out to be red herrings, and the reveals are riveting. And what made it all the better was the way the book brought a powerful family with issues, like all families, to life. If he were still alive, Fred Dalton Thompson would be the perfect Buddy McFee, and you could hear and see him as you read. This was a true joy to read.
June 10, 2021
I didn't find the "twists and turns" to be all that surprising. It didn't surprise me one bit. The entire book was really slow in my opinion. Basically, it was about a girl who started working on solving this murder only because she thought her father was involved. Then the story started to lean towards well, she promised briana's parents she'd figure it out for them. I just felt she was going about the whole case for the wrong reasons. She was a liar and I was actually surprised when she was telling the truth. I feel the story could have been told in a more flowing manner. It just wasn't for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2022
More like 2.5 stars.
I had this book on my tbr list for quite some time and when I came across a signed copy, I was even more jazzed to read it. Unfortunately, this fell flat for me….
I found the twists and turns quite obvious and felt that the ending dragged out for no reason. It also bothered me that the title of the book didn’t represent the novel very well… yes, there are references to Callie being the fixer’s daughter but it’s a very minor detail in the plot (at least it felt that way to me).
What I did like:
▫️It did proved to be a quick read which was nice and kept me somewhat interested throughout!
▫️Whodunnit plot
▫️short chapters
I had this book on my tbr list for quite some time and when I came across a signed copy, I was even more jazzed to read it. Unfortunately, this fell flat for me….
I found the twists and turns quite obvious and felt that the ending dragged out for no reason. It also bothered me that the title of the book didn’t represent the novel very well… yes, there are references to Callie being the fixer’s daughter but it’s a very minor detail in the plot (at least it felt that way to me).
What I did like:
▫️It did proved to be a quick read which was nice and kept me somewhat interested throughout!
▫️Whodunnit plot
▫️short chapters
March 7, 2021
A Nice Read
I’ve been familiar with the author’s work for a long time. I think this might be his best non-Monk work, at least in long book form.
The book centers around the death of a college student. The “fixer” manages to cover up the arrest of the man caught with the body (and the shovel he was planning to bury her with), while his journalist daughter and police officer son work the murder case from different angles.
There are some surprises along the way, and not everything is as it seems.
Pick up a copy. You won’t regret it.
I’ve been familiar with the author’s work for a long time. I think this might be his best non-Monk work, at least in long book form.
The book centers around the death of a college student. The “fixer” manages to cover up the arrest of the man caught with the body (and the shovel he was planning to bury her with), while his journalist daughter and police officer son work the murder case from different angles.
There are some surprises along the way, and not everything is as it seems.
Pick up a copy. You won’t regret it.
August 7, 2021
Very good
I rarely give a 5 star rating. I really can’t say why this book deserves it. But, here’s a stab at it. 1) I was never bored while reading it 2) the author used enough words to paint a picture in your mind but no so many as to just fill pages 3) the storyline was interesting and realistic 4) the plot kept you guessing with a variety of twist. 5) all detail were wrapped up nicely in the end. This is my first book by this author. Reading his work reminded my why I enjoyed the TV series “Monk”.
I rarely give a 5 star rating. I really can’t say why this book deserves it. But, here’s a stab at it. 1) I was never bored while reading it 2) the author used enough words to paint a picture in your mind but no so many as to just fill pages 3) the storyline was interesting and realistic 4) the plot kept you guessing with a variety of twist. 5) all detail were wrapped up nicely in the end. This is my first book by this author. Reading his work reminded my why I enjoyed the TV series “Monk”.
March 9, 2021
I would rate this 3.5 stars. The title was a bit of a misnomer...the story wasn't really centered her being the fixer's daughter and what that meant to her life. That being said, it was a good story complete with family drama, but the murder seemed a little too easily solved. I enjoyed the book but felt that it could have used another revision or two prior to publishing it. Great bones but fell flat at times.
April 6, 2023
Callie is having a hard time trying to do what she feels is right vs being loyal to her family. Her father through the years has helped various friends get out of trouble and now she worries that he did it for a murder. Tension adds with her brother being the detective on the case, her father starting to have memory issues, and where Callie stands with her new reporter job. In attempt to find answers, Callie’s impatience gets her into situations that threaten peoples lives.
November 23, 2020
This is the first time I read this author but definitely not the last. The Fixer's Daughter was full of great characters, lots of twists and turns and an ending I didn't see coming. This was one of the few books I read in two days as I couldn't put it down once I started reading.
December 28, 2020
A Texas Mystery
I didn't necessarily like the characters and could not relate to the daughter's attitude, but, then, I am not a reporter nor have a father who in politics was a liver and shaker
I didn't necessarily like the characters and could not relate to the daughter's attitude, but, then, I am not a reporter nor have a father who in politics was a liver and shaker
May 2, 2021
Some would say, “3 stars is a cop-out”; I call it a compromise. The first 70 % was slow and boring; I was beginning to really despise the “poor little rich girl”. The next 20% brought it up a couple of stars, but it was too little, too late.
April 30, 2022
This book was great! I am new to Hy Conrad's books and I enjoyed this one from beginning to end. It really kept my interest and it kept getting better. I recommend it to anyone looking for a great murder mystery book!
March 24, 2024
Loved this book! The McFee’s remind me of the Ewing or the Dutton families. I loved the pace of the story and how just when you think you have it figured out, there is a new twist. I liked the family dynamics between Buddy, State and Callie. And it loved that it was set in Texas!!
February 9, 2021
It was good. Kept my interest. I nice surprise at the ending of the story. Easy read.
July 18, 2021
plots and subplots, twists and turns -- a real page turner! powerful, manipulative father pitted against idealistic, journalist daughter in a murder mystery. definitely worth reading!
July 19, 2021
Very different and well done
Loved it. It sucked me right in, and the end was great! Stopped watching the page numbers. Highly recommend! You won’t put it down.
Loved it. It sucked me right in, and the end was great! Stopped watching the page numbers. Highly recommend! You won’t put it down.
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