Things are spiraling out of control for our indelicate, but occasionally loveable, Doctor Thornton. His romantic life is already in turmoil, but when someone sets fire to his medical practice his finances are also in jeopardy.
Sheriff Royce Callum offers Maxwell a safe place to stay, as he searches for the arsonist. Maxwell can easily rub people the wrong way, which makes it challenging for Royce to figure out if the attack on Maxwell’s business was personal or random.
When other fires begin to pop up in Rainy Dale, it becomes obvious there’s a serial arsonist spreading terror through town. Things go from bad to worse when one of the fires turns deadly.
S.C. Wynne is a Lambda Award-winning author for Gay Romance. S.C. started writing m/m romance and mystery in 2013. Her characters are usually a little jaded, funny, and ultimately redeemed through love.
If you’d like to contact S.C. Wynne she'd love to hear from you. You can contact her at scwynne@scwynne.com
Como si Maxwell no tuviera suficiente con sus problemas con Royce, su incomodidad con la vida en el pueblo y la aparición de un nuevo médico holístico, su clínica y casa es incendiada y la compañía de seguros se declaro en bancarrota. Así que ahora se ve en la difícil posición de decidir que hacer con su vida. Por un lado, ya nada lo ata al pueblo, por lo que puede volver a Los Angeles, pero por otro lado, no se ve de nuevo en la gran ciudad, y lo que es peor no se ve sin Royce. Será que podrá resolver sus problemas con Royce y reconstruir la clínica? O será mejor que vuelva a Los Angeles y a la vida que tenía antes?
Bueno, este libro es un poco menos emocional que el anterior, pero todavía maneja algunos temas bastante interesantes. No solo en lo que respecta el romance, sino como cada persona (jóvenes y adultos) manejan el duelo, y como es posible, que sin la ayuda adecuada, las personas comentan tales errores que los puede llevar a prisión o incluso a la muerte. Pero por supuesto, también nos divertimos con las excentricidades del Dr. y sus interacciones con los otros habitantes del pueblo, además de su forma tan sincera de intentar "mejorar". En fin, la serie esta de lo más entretenida, así que seguiré leyendo para ver hasta donde nos lleva el autor con esta pareja.
I loved this book. I love this whole series, but this book really shows us Maxwell becoming willing to open up and accept Royce's affection, as well as the beginning of his realization that he might just enjoy living in Rainy Dale (even if someone is trying to run him out of town). There's a wonderful set of supporting characters, like the smarmy River and the helpful, sweet Girdy. I'm really looking forward to the next book!
This book didn't really work for me, not as the other ones did at least.
The mystery was mostly background noise, the way in which the relationship is moving is not very healthy (Max seems to believe that he needs to stop being who he is to date Royce), and the whole River thing is annoying and led to nowhere. Yes, I know, in the next book, probably, but it permeated this book and went well beyond foreshadowing to go right into irritating territory.
Yes, I'm happy that they fixed their problems, sure, but... having Max only staying because of Royce makes him... kind of pathetic, TBH.
I don't know, everything felt quite flat and unsatisfying ~sigh~ Oh, well, I will read the next book in the series, I'm not ready to give on them, yet :P
Smoke and Murders, the fourth value of S.C. Wynne’s ‘Dr. Maxwell Thornton Murder Mysteries’ series, continues with just the reconciliation between Maxwell and Royce that I’d hoped for. If anything, they’re in a better place in their relationship now than at any other time in the series.
Getting to that point certainly wasn’t easy with a serial arsonist in town who has also moved on to murder. Unfortunately Maxwell’s home/clinic was one of the first buildings to burn, and Maxwell almost became the second murder victim.
As with every book in the series so far, there are several newly introduced characters including an arson investigator; multiple false leads as to the identity of the arsonist/murderer; and unique to this story, harrowing examples of insurance fraud as well as a delightful retro 1980’s disco costume party as a fund raiser for arson victims.
And, as with every book in the series, Smoke and Murders is simply a wonderful read.
I read four books in this series and I’m not entirely sure why. I did buy the first three all at once in preparation for going on holiday and none of them were objectionable enough that I flat out dnf’d them, and I guess I bought the 4th because I was curious about what Maxwell would do. I do like the the author seems to be trying to depict a healthy relationship, what ultimately moves Maxwell and Royce’s relationship along is communication. Which is great, I like that. But, I very much do not like the undercurrent of Royce dating Maxwell with the expectations of Maxwell changing. You do not date a person to change them. Obviously people should grow while in a relationship just as they should be growing while not in relationship. I also don’t like the implications that Maxwell needs to grow and become a better person, but that Royce doesn’t. There is always room for growth. For instance, Royce seems to think that he is/was working harder to make the relationship work than Maxwell, that way of thinking is a growth opportunity right there because Maxwell is working hard. I also wish, Maxwell’s decision on wether on not to stay in the town wasn’t so completely wrapped up in whether or not he is dating Royce. I would have liked to see him have more of a relationship with the town folks, and to see him forming connections independent of Royce. We do get a bit of that with Girdy in this book. But I would have liked to see more. I think this would have added depth to his growth arc, and made it a little less “I’m changing so this guy will date me”-esque. I also really, really dislike how the first three books ended with an “epilogue” that was basically the first chapter of the next book in the series. Fortunately, book 4 did not do that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The longest of the series to date ... I feel there was just a little too much happening in one title. There's a series of seemingly random arson attacks (beginning with poor Max's clinic/home), infidelity and jealousy, and of course murder. As Royce plows through a series of red herrings, false leads and decoys regarding the arson attacks, Max has to endure the humiliation of accepting charity/fund raising by well-meaning townsfolk. And of course the MCs have to find their way back to each other after the debacle/meltdown of their relationship in the previous series title. Oh and did I mention a local 'Lothario' magician, a prickly arson investigator who equals Max in abruptness and demeanor, insurance fraud, continuing professional rivalry from a sneaky naturopath/healer and his dubious GP friend? I bet there's more coming in the next volume from these last mentioned duo.
I feel the plot needed some refining pruning and streamlining ... with less random secondary characters thrown in just for diversionary purposes. At least the MC's relational arc progressed naturally without being forced or awkward. Girdy continues to stand out amongst the cast of secondary character. I guessed the arson culprit quite early on, but my attention was definitely flagging by the time the murder came round. Surprisingly - unlike all the previous books - this does not end on a cliff-hanger! Just 2.5 stars rounded up to three this time round.
The mysteries in this particular book were not as predictable as the previous one, which was good. Poor Max - how can anyone blame him for still thinking of leaving when all the heavy crimes in a tiny town affect him. It's nice to see the communication between Max and Royce improving again, although I'm still not agreeing that there is so much pressure on only him to change himself. In some relationships that is a huge red flag.
I had serious mixed feelings about this one. It’s definitely the weakest of the series, most of the plot comes from the relationship drama between Royce and Max and I am just done with that. I’m four books in, I don’t need relationship drama anymore. Add in River and Lucas and the complete waste of page time that was whatever that was supposed to be (let’s not even mention Randy) and this book just didn’t work for me. By this point in a series I’m sticking around for the domestic nature of an established relationship between a small town sheriff and a doctor, I’m here for the crime and the silly small town shenanigans. I am not here for whatever the hell River and his storyline are supposed to be.
The one bright spot in this was Girdy. Thank god for Girdy.
I loved everything about this book! This is book 4 in the series and it's been slowly building up to Royce and Maxwell finally being on the same page from book 1.
Maxwell, sneaky little thing that he is, has crept into my heart and is now my favorite of the two of them, and my favorite of everyone in the series. He's still socially inept and awkward, but he's making a true effort with Royce and the townspeople, who let's be honest, do not always deserve it. I liked Royce a whole lot more in this installment, seeing that he felt kind of unsure about Maxwell, and Maxwell's decision to stay or not in Rainy Dale went a long way in endearing him (again) to me. I just adore that things between them seem to be going in the right direction at last.
I really liked Randy and the whole arson storyline. While I guessed who the arsonist was early on, I loved seeing it all develop. I really don't like River and have no clue what to think of Lucas, they seem pretty double-faced.
Overall, I can safely say this has been my favorite book so far. I pretty much dropped everything when it hit my Kindle and couldn't put it down until I finished it. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, it sounds like it's going to be great! Highly recommendable!
*** Copy provided for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Well folks, there's a fire bug in town and it seems like no one is safe, even poor Max was left charred. Even though Royce and Max "tapped the breaks" on their relationship, Royce offers Max a place to stay. Things are pretty tense in and out of the house. Royce needs to catch this arsonist before someone gets hurt.
Even thought everything is a little chaotic, Max is working on being a better person, a more polite person, a person who takes other peoples feelings into consideration (no this is not a joke...he's trying gosh darnit....it's like super hard...but he's trying).
Great Story! It has a little mystery, relationship issues and solutions and an all around fulfilling read. To no surprise, Ms. Wynne did an outstanding job with this book!
I've received an Advance Reader Copy of this book and willingly leave my honest review.
This is a great addition to the Dr. Maxwell Thornton Murder Mysteries; I couldn’t put the book down. I am enjoying the character growth that has occurred with each new book. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next with Max and Royce. The mystery was intriguing despite suspecting who the culprit was, I enjoyed seeing how things played out. I’m looking forward to reading what happens next. This has become one of my favorite series.
Arson, murder, mystery, and a romance on the rocks, what's not to love? The first three books introduced flawed real characters that you can't help but love. Smoke and Murders keeps the intrigue alive as you continue to watch the characters grow in who they are. We start to see the humanity behind Dr. Thornton's bristly façade as he deals with decisions on rebuilding his burned down practice, figures out if he truly loves Royce, and tries to determine the ulterior motives of other townsfolk. Throw in a blunt arson investigator and you've got a murder mystery romance that's difficult to put down.
I didn't enjoy this as much as the other books in the series. The relationship issues from book 3 hang around far too long in this outing. And when they finally got around to having a talk, I felt like telling them to just break up already! That really doesn't bode well for the romance plot!
The mystery of the arsonist really isn't a mystery when you can guess who-dunnit the moment the character is introduced. Again, there were some red herrings but the whole story felt a bit flat.
Also, Max feels very different in this one. Gone is the abrasive, abrupt control freak. In his place is a wishy washy push over who gets talked into a charity fundraiser, dressing up for said event, and renting a space from the smarmy River. None of this he would have agreed to in books 1-3. I miss grumpy Max!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Royce and Max are still struggling with each other and with Max becoming homeless due to an arsonist on the loose, things don't look very good for the two of them. A very sweet story about Max still trying to fit into small town life and Royce still being Sheriff and protecting his town. Lots of new characters, a mystery to be solved and a relationship to be saved make out for a very interesting time to spend reading. Another wonderful book within the series.
The slow developing romance between Doctor Thornton and Sheriff Royce Callum was a bit rocky in this book. Maxwell acted like an ass toward Royce and had to re-think what was actually important to him and why he stayed in Rainy Dale, Texas. At least it ended good for this couple. Really enjoyable series so far.
I just finished reading SMOKE AND MURDERs, the 4th installment in S.C. Wynne’s enjoyable Dr. Maxwell Thornton Murder Mysteries and found it to be an excellent installment in this fun series. At the beginning of this book, Max arrives at his medical clinic, which is also his home, and finds it flames. But this is fire is no accident. Rather, it is the handiwork of an arsonist. With no place to live, Max is forced to move in with his estranged lover, Sheriff Royce Callum. And though their relationship is strained, Royce still cares deeply for Max and vows to find out who set fire to Max’s life. With the strain between these two men hanging over them like an executioner's axe, Max weighs the pros and cons of trying to make things work with Royce or giving up on trying to build a life in the small town of Rainy Dale, Texas, giving up on rebuilding his practice and moving back to LA where he can get a fresh start and maybe pick up the pieces of his shattered life. It turns out that Max’s fire was only the beginning—there’s a serial arsonist at work in Rainy Dale. Some folks in Rainy Dale would love to see Max leave town for good, but not everyone feels the same. Max is taken by surprise by how many of the town’s people rally around him and the other victims of the escalating series of fires. But will Max and Royce ever find the time to have that long-overdue heart-to-heart conversation and try mend their broken relationship, or will this be the end of the road for them? In the process, Max stumbled into yet another murder in Rainy Dale and must rely on Royce, yet again, to save him from imminent peril.
This was an enjoyable read. A bit longer than the previous editions in the series, the mysteries at the heart of this book are multilayered with many clues, many suspects, many surprises, and many red herrings. It is fast-paced, well-plotted, and the characters are believable. I enjoyed it very much and would recommend it to other readers of M/M mysteries or anyone who would like a good, romantic mystery.
For now, I give this a full 5 stars and, note that I reserve full 5 star ratings for books that I love and will reread.
Why for now? Because this series has been catching my eye since the first book came out and I kept putting it off and then I started with this book, the fourth in the series.
What I loved: I'm a sucker for law enforcement and Royce is a sexy sheriff. I much prefer older MCs (mid-twenties and up) and these guys are over 30. I have come to enjoy the first person PIC alternating by chapter. It's easy to follow and when it is done well, as it is here, it moves the story forward. The mystery was interesting and seeing Royce go through the process was interesting, although I did guess the perpetrator. I liked the twists, too!
No spoilers but I will say I fell completely for Royce and I'm getting there for Max. (I need to read the series from the beginning to get to understand Max better but it's clear that Max has had some positive character growth.) I am a fan of explicit sex scenes and, somewhat surprisingly to me, I loved that these guys don't jump each other every other page. (I've just finished a couple books like that and my have needed a break! 😂) Their PDA of quick kisses here and there and their sex life fits them. They definitely still have chemistry so don't worry about that!
This is a new author to me, with a nice long backlist, so I am hopeful I have found a new author to watch for. I'm off to start this series at the beginning next.
Poor Maxwell, when he stood outside his home and clinic and watched it burn and realised he had lost everything I literally felt his pain. He was already feeling low after Royce “tapped the brakes” on their relationship and the slimy new holistic doctor arrived in town and seemed to want Royce as well as Maxwell’s patients and just when he thinks things can’t possibly get any worse they do!
I have loved this series but I think this one might just be my favourite. As usual there was mystery and suspense laced with Max’s special brand of dry humour and sarcasm and hot sex but at last Max and Royce actually communicate and Max, realising just how much losing Royce hurts has to lower his defences and make himself vulnerable to show Royce just how much he cares. With everything back on track in their relationship and Max really wanting to be a better person, not so cold, isolated and selfish, he decides to stay in Rainy Dale and rebuild his practice which I am sure is not going to go down too well with River the new holistic doctor, I’m with Max I do not trust him, he obviously has his own agenda!
I love Dr Maxwell Thornton and the way he is trying so hard to get along with people which helps if you are a GP and the lovely Sheriff Royce who is always kind and has a smile for everyone, chalk and cheese but they go together so well.
We have to now wait until December for the next book.
This 4th book in the Dr. Maxwell Thornton Murder Mysteries is yet another cleverly constructed tale. Aside from the mystery of the arsonist there’s relationship drama, and not just for Royce and Max.
As the book begins Max is dealing with watching his home and clinic burn to the ground. Royce and Max are still on the outs so it gets uncomfortable when Royce agrees to let Max stay with him. Max is trying to decide whether to rebuild and stay in Rainy Dale, another complicated decision when there is another fire. Royce is now embroiled in a serial arson case and the arson investigator is a bit too like Max in terms of his social skills (or lack thereof) which is getting on Max’s last nerve.
The author does a great job throwing around red herrings so there are several possible suspects. Adding to the town drama is an adulterous affair and the recently arrived homeopathic doctor that Max is sure is up to something. There are several irons in the fire in this book and a couple seem to be laying foundations for future books.
It was an engrossing read that I read all in one sitting. I didn’t want to put it down. I’m hoping Max and Royce stay on an even keel now as I was getting pretty annoyed with Royce. Watching Max try to conform to social mores light to be a hoot.
I was eager to read this book after the cliffhanger of book 3. There were lots of different things going on, we were introduced to new characters in Rainy Dale and, unfortunately for Maxwell, his bad luck definitely isn't over. This book was slightly different to the others that came before it as the crime this time was different; it was quite refreshing to see different people come into play, particularly seeing Royce work with Randy the arson inspector. Like with book 3, I solved the main case pretty quickly which upset me slightly but (again like book 3) there were lots of subplots I didn't predict and this definitely intrigued me throughout. It made me happy to see Maxwell and Royce on firmer footing and the steamy scenes are also back! In addition, I'm so curious what River and Lucas are up to - it's definitely nothing good!
Overall, this was a really enjoyable book in the series. I think the characters have definitely turned a corner and that book 5 will be a real treat, especially as it's not set in Rainy Dale! I'm really looking forward to it. I'd definitely recommend this book if you like whodunits but it needs to be read as part of the series, not a standalone! I've given it 4 stars because it's a great read (only improved if I hadn't been able to solve it so quickly)
This is the fourth book in the Dr. Maxwell Thornton Murder Mysteries series. I really must be read in order of the series. You wouldn't be able to follow along if you tried to read it as a standalone. This book focuses on the main characters Maxwell and Royce. Royce is a doctor who has no bedside manner whatsoever. He is a very good doctor but not very likeable. His picture will never come up when you search people person. However, Maxwell's picture will. He is the sheriff and gets along with most everyone. In the previous book their relationship had faltered. This book focuses on that relationship. Can it be repaired or is it broken forever? Then arson and murder come onto the scene. First Royce's doctor's officer and home is burnt down. With Dr, Thornton's abrupt personal style, the number of possible suspects is impressive. But when other homes and businesses are targeted; trying to find the common denominator is elusive. This book is very well written and easy to read. I got caught up in the story and was sorry when the book ended. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoy these mysteries with Max and Royce. The characters are fascinating to me and their interactions are interesting to follow as Royce gets Maxwell to try to change enough to meet Royce’s needs, since Royce has adjusted to Maxwell’s quirks and is slowly guiding him to become more socially adept as he tries to fit into the Rainy Dale community. The mysteries have twists to them, and I usually end up re-evaluating my prediction of the perpetrator a few times as the story unfolds.
This time, an arsonist is setting fires, beginning with Maxwell’s medical practice, and this is the catalyst to get Royce and Max back together to try to fix the relationship fractured in book 3. As usual, communication is often a stumbling block, as is time together , due to the demands of the investigation on Royce’s time. Max must decide if staying in Rainy Dale and rebuilding is worth it, and all hinges on what happens with Royce. Looking forward to next book, but unlike previous ones, no hint at what next case will be. Should be interesting.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was so happy to read this book. When I woke up in the middle of the night on the day of its release, I made sure it downloaded to my NOOK and then spent the next two hours reading. I just had to know if (1) Max and Royce were going to be okay and (2) find out what the heck happened with Max's clinic.
This book didn't disappoint. I loved how the two of them are communicating more and how Max is really trying to become a better social person. There are a number of examples that he is definitely changing with Royce's and Girdy's influence.
The case was interesting, and I appreciate that Royce is a very realistic sheriff. His relationship with the people of Rainy Dale influences his dealings with them, and there are times he doesn't always go by the book.
I've already preordered next book, It's a Wonderful Knife. I can't get enough of these two guys.
Do not miss this series. A tight assed doctor moves to a small Texas town and meets the local sherrif who is his polar personality opposite. Through circumstances, not too labored, they find themselves involved in local crimes and while solving the mysteries, find love. This is an opposites attract novel well done with an overlay of a detective story. Slow burn in that the romance builds from the beginning through the next and the next…..OK. That is enough of that. A lot of the dialogue is funny. Sort of a gay who done it. There is another novel in the series due later this year and I am looking forward to reading it. S. C. Wynne is a very dependable MM romance writer and has a ton of work out there. Very good.
I skipped over the intervening books in the series, and didn't feel like I was missing I needed to know. This one was entertaining as a mystery with a couple of scenes where I feel my brain realigning the info to make new patterns and new guesses. and the final reveal came as a satisfying moment rather than as a left field surprise.
The emotional stakes also felt both important and well handled including the satisfying resolution to that.
The epilogue indicates another book that I might or might not bother with as I am not sure it would be as good a read as this one. Fortunately I might be able to keep dipping in and out of this series as this book proves that the author can write an absorbing and satisfying book.
I generally dislike this series as a whole because of the way that Maxwell is portrayed. I don’t think he’s selfish. I think he’s socially awkward. I honestly don’t understand why he would want to stay in a town where everyone treats him like he’s a horrible person. No one tries to understand why he is the way he is. Instead, they expect him to change. At the same time, I find it difficult to be sympathetic to Maxwell. It’s a strange dichotomy. I continue to struggle with the unrealistic police procedures and Royce’s ineptitude. And don’t get me started on River. I’m going to stick with this because I’m hoping for a pay off at the end of the series, but if the convoluted mysteries continue, it is going to be tough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I apologise for not leaving a review after each book, but I was saving them all up so I could read them all together! Now that I’ve read the first four books, I’m really looking forward to book five and more (if possible). I love the dynamics between the stuffy, uptight Doctor Maxwell and the kind, forgiving Sheriff Royce. There’s always so much going on in Rainy Dale that Maxwell doesn’t really know if he’s coming or going and that’s what really gets to Royce. When if all boils down to their sex life, they’re absolutely on the same page, but when it comes down to everyday life, it’s always a mystery. 😍❤️📚
Dr. Maxwell's clinic is burning down! Soon, several more businesses and homes burn and it looks like its the work of an arsonist. Meanwhile, Dr. Maxwell and Sheriff Royce have some fences to mend. I really enjoy this couple as they work towards a better relationship. Royce shows he's not a saint and Maxwell does some soul searching all the while solving crimes. Even though I felt the guilty were treated lightly and not seriously due to the severity of their crimes in this book's crimes, this is another enjoyable book in this cozy mystery series. I love these books and this engaging couple. I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Entre Maxwell et Royce, rien ne va plus. Si en plus, un toubib avec un ami vient lui faire de la concurrence, là notre charmant docteur Thornton est énervé. Mais quand son cabinet médical/logement est incendié... Plus tous l'autres ennuis qui se greffent à cela. Lá, Maxwell n'en peut plus et déprime. Et retourner à L.A est envisageable. Même si Royce l'héberge, Maxwell ne supporte plus rien surtout l'éloignement de Royce vis-à-vis de lui. D'autres incendies arrivent et le shérif Callum a bien du boulot pour essayer de trouver le ou les coupables. Est-ce qu'ils vont réussir à se parler sincèrement et se retrouver ? Est-ce que Royce va vite trouver le pyromane ? Comme toujours, plein d'action, de l'humour, des émotions bonnes ou mauvaises Pas de temps mort. J'avoue que mon petit cœur a pleuré. J'adore Grumpy. J'adore les aventures de Maxwell et Royce Merci à l'auteure