Unfixable: A Buck Lawson Mystery

Blood River #1

by Donna Ball

"...a story that oozes Southern gothic and atmospheric setting."--Booklife ReviewsIn the long-waited spin-off to the award-winning Raine Stockton Dog Mystery Hanover County Sheriff Buck Lawson leaves the mountains of North Carolina to take a job as the police chief of the small south Georgia town of Mercy, and soon finds himself in over his head. For one thing, his predecessor has been murdered...Leaving behind two failed marriages and a job that almost cost him his life, all Buck wants for himself and his new family is a fresh start. But Mercy is a town with a past as dark as the Blood River that runs through it, and the crime that resulted in the death of the beloved former chief of police may have its roots in an evil that goes back generations.Buck has inherited an unsolved homicide, a house that may well be haunted and a police department that is almost certainly corrupt. It falls to Buck to free an innocent man and bring the former police chief’s killer to justice while wading through the quagmire of incompetence and dishonesty that permeates his office. His efforts are both hampered and assisted by the benevolent despot of a mayor who runs the town like her own fiefdom and has no compunction about bending the law to suit her will. His only true ally, Buck comes to understand, is the dead man himself.When a young college student goes missing, Buck has reason to suspect foul play that may involve one of his police officers. He must rely on his gut to point him to those he can trust. But as the evidence leads him closer to an unthinkable truth, he realizes he is retracing the footsteps of the former police chief. Will the path lead him, as it did his predecessor, to his grave?Don’t miss this exciting first installment in the Blood River series!

393 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 16, 2021

Reviews

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great start to a new series. I can always count on Donna Ball to put together an interesting, believable story with characters I care about. It is a spin-off of her Raine Stockton series. And I have to say, having read most of that series (I'm only one shy of finishing it), I had a hard time getting my head wrapped around Buck and Jolene being together. Maybe it is mentioned or hinted at in the last book Stockton book. I may read that next to find out! I look forward to the next one coming out! 4*

[Diane Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put it down

I loved Donna Bell's series with the Dog handler. Read everyone i could find by anyone, and hers were one of my favorite series. Was hoping this new series would also have a dog, and in that, I would have been disappointed. But what she did have kept me on the seat of my chair and up late trying to read the whole dang thing. There are parts that she could have stretched out a little more, even, made it more difficult. Send maybe she'll feel comfortable enough tio do that once she has the first 3 of the series out there. She's definitely got the chops of a writer building character from the environment.

[DJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real good start

I have been a fan of Donna Ball's Raine Stockton series and always thought Raine's ex, Buck Lawson, was a bit of a jerk. So I was mildly surprised when I started this spin-off series featuring Buck, to be so caught up in his story so quickly. Donna has done a wonderful job in evolving Buck's character over time. His transition in life based on the events he has experienced make him seem more real. Though, I must admit I still love the strong sassy, Jolene Smith, his wife, who keeps him on his toes the best. The world Donna Ball has created in Mercy, Georgia is marvelously well done. Her author note warns the reader not to go looking for Mercy on the map,which is good advice as her words paint a picture postcard of the town. Having spent time in small town Georgia I know that Mercy is real, if simply called by another name. And I have my doubts about being so accepting of a mixed race marriage, especially of their police chief! But I loved the concept of some white knight sweeping in and cleaning up the small town graft that had been allowed to exist since the beginning of time. YES! That is some good fiction! Kept me guessing who was the villain right up to the end. The many twists and turns in the plot was a roller coaster ride of chills and thrills. Unfixable kept me up late at night and delayed my housework until the dishes overflowing in the sink could no longer be ignored.
Great job Donna Ball. I didn't think a book devoted to Buck Lawson would catch my interest. But I remain a devoted fan! Bring it on!

[Oel Wingo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed a good one!

So tired of the serials that just repeat themselves with a little twist! Donna Ball knows how to build characters and create stories that flow from one to the next without repeating old tired themes!

[David Carriere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donna Ball introduces Buck Lawson as a weary but resolute lawman whose hope for a fresh start collides head on with the rot beneath the surface of Mercy, Georgia. From the moment Buck inherits a murdered predecessor, a possibly haunted house, and a police department riddled with corruption, the novel establishes an oppressive sense of place that feels as alive and as dangerous as any character.
Ball excels at slow burn suspense. The mystery unfolds through layered revelations rather than easy twists, and the emotional stakes deepen as Buck realizes he may be walking the same fatal path as the man before him. The Southern setting is richly drawn, with Blood River serving as both a literal and symbolic current of buried sins and generational evil.
What truly elevates Unfixable is its moral weight. This isn’t just a whodunit it’s a meditation on justice, loyalty, and the cost of standing alone against an entrenched system. Buck Lawson is a compelling protagonist: flawed, stubborn, and quietly determined, making his journey both tense and deeply human.
A haunting and confident series opener, Unfixable will strongly appeal to readers who appreciate atmospheric crime fiction with emotional depth and a dark, lingering edge.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This spin-off from the author’s Raine Stockton series features Raine’s ex-husband, Buck Lawson. Looking for a fresh start, Buck leaves North Carolina and takes a job as Chief of Police in Mercy, Georgia. He arrives there only to find out that his predecessor was murdered and an innocent man has been arrested for the crime, part of his force is corrupt, and the mayor basically runs the town.

You don’t need to have read the Raine Stockton books to read this one. There is enough backstory to set things up and introduce the characters. A well written mystery that’s herd to put down.

[Brenda Vanpatten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buck Finally Grows Up

What a fun book. The new Buck takes a job as the new police chief in Mercy, Georgia. In just the first week he finds corruption within the department, aided by the mayor, missing women cases from decades past to the present, and just how helpful his ability to play the politician is. The female characters are strong and add a lot to the enjoyment. DO NOT MISS this book!

[Thehowards129 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great new series

After reading all the books in two other series (Dogleg Island and Raine Stockton) I looked forward to reading Unfixable as the start of the Blood River series and I was not disappointed. It has a great plot with some interesting twists. It has some great character development starting with Buck Lawson (from the Raine Stockton books). Overall a very enjoyable read. I'm very much looking forward to the next installment.

[Dlora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done police procedural following a spin-off character from the Raine Stockton mysteries. Buck Larson, is the newly hired sheriff for Mercy, Georgia, thrust into his position early because the old sheriff was murdered. Buck finds graft in the police department, becomes aware of a history of missing girls in the area, and is soon wondering about having uncovered a serial killer. Great characters with realistic motivations and relationships. Lots of action and suspense.

[Geraldine E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new series to look forward to

This is a new series for this Author and I am so excited to have them to look forward to. Having read all of the Stockton series, I have to say that Ms Ball has exceeded my expectations with Buck Lawson, serious writing style, twists, turns, humor and depth to her story. We’re lucky we have more to hear from her.

[Bonnie A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start to a new series

I sure wouldn't want to live in Mercy, Georgia. It sure sounds like Buck has a lot of learning to do about that town and its citizenry. It's a good thing Jolene will be there to help and support him. I am glad he's finally seen the light and will be a faithful husband this time around.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love every single one of Donna Ball’s books and own them all. This is the first book of hers I have given 2 stars. Donna’s heart and soul in her books involves the dogs…….without a dog…..it is just another mystery. Buck on his own just is not interesting to me and while it is interesting she has paired him with Jolene, I am just not sold on his story.

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Southern Noir in a cozy

Buck Lawson left north Carolina and landed in a Georgia swamp of corruption and murder. Atmospheric and suspenseful, this is a page-turner of a mystery. The characters are interesting and avoid being caricatures while retaining a southern feel. Great start to a new series!

[Geneva · Rating 5 out of 5]

As some reviewers said, I wasn't sure about Buck's story. BUT, if you loved Rainey Stockton, you'll love Unfixable. Donna sure can put a book together!!! Read in one day, darn hated to finish it. When can we look for the 2nd book????

[Bruce K. Dodge, Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't wait for the next one!

I couldn't put it done.
I've read the whole Rain Stockton series At least 3 times once in audible.
This is a terrific spinoff from that series. If you are fan you owe it to yourself to grab this book!

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT READ! LOTS OF SURPRISES!!

I thought Buck Lawson was going to be a tame Raine Stockton Mystery and without a dog. It���s an edgy page turning thriller filled with surprises I didn’t see coming.

[Linda Dickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book

I’ve read all the Raine Stockton books and loved them. I was a little leary about this series with Buck being the main character, but it was awesome. I read this in two days and can’t wait for the next one to come out. Donna Ball outdid herself with this book.

[Janet S. McAnnally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buck Stands Alone

After reading all the Raine Stockton/Cisco books, this one took me by surprise. Great mystery, familiar characters. An impressive start to a new series. Donna Ball is a wonderful, imaginative storyteller and writer. Good job!!

[Victoria May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific!

I love the Raine Stockton series and was glad she branched out and is giving Buck his own storyline. I couldn’t put this down. Looking forward to the next one. Although, could use a dog or 2….just saying…

[Karen Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Mystery

Buck Lawson takes the job of chief of police in a small Georgia town and walks into a mess. There are unsolved murders, police taking pay offs and so on. His biggest crime to solve is the death of the previous chief. Exciting and hard to put down.

[linda kellogg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of surprises

This book is full of angles. As the stories become known, these angles weave mystery, cultural diversity, crimes, and some humor. It was fun to read.

[MELISSA Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK I like these Buck Lawson books better than the rain Stockton ones Buck is an interesting character, Add in the town and the prior sheriff and his new wife Great book I think the Buck Lawson ones are ones I would read before the rain stockedin

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

You did it again

I really was skeptical about this one, but you did it. As usual the tension was there without things getting gory. Thanks for all your work

[Cindi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5★ I missed the dogs in The Raine Stockton series, but this was an enjoyable read. I especially liked the second half.

[Susan Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!

Donna Ball is my favorite author! Love her Raine and golden retriever series! Now we have Buck another wonderful character! Highly recommend!!!

[James Hagan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Starts off dark and ugly. Serial killer/butcher and a crooked police dept. Not at all like the Flash or Raine Stockton books. Couldn't get past 40 pages.

[Kristie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love every book Donna Ball writes!!

[Ellen Thielen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this counterpart to the Raine Stockton series. Actually, I preferred it.

[Eydie sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! It's the first book I've ever read by this author and there have obviously been other books with this character, but it works well as a stand alone. I want to keep up with this series.

[Janet Tallent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unfixable

This is so good, I loved every second . I hope they are more to come . I've got to keep up with them .