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Smiley and McBlythe #6
The Name Game Murder
One recluse millionaire. One murder… so far.
Life between cases is downright boring for blind PI Steve Smiley. When an insurance investigator looking for a missing millionaire is convinced the man is alive, Smiley doesn’t hesitate to join the hunt.
With no murder weapon and no body, Smiley suspects the man faked his own death. But the trail of multiple passports turns cold… until a body is found in a burned-out Texas truck. Dental records confirm it’s the missing man. A bullet in his back confirms he was murdered. But why would someone want to kill a video game developer?
Then the killer takes a shot at the man’s widow. With both her life and Steve’s reputation on the line, can he stop the killer before he strikes again? Or will this be the one game Steve loses?
Smiley and McBlythe mysteries never contain any graphic violence, sex or foul language. Just great whodunits to get the ‘little grey cells’ working!
Life between cases is downright boring for blind PI Steve Smiley. When an insurance investigator looking for a missing millionaire is convinced the man is alive, Smiley doesn’t hesitate to join the hunt.
With no murder weapon and no body, Smiley suspects the man faked his own death. But the trail of multiple passports turns cold… until a body is found in a burned-out Texas truck. Dental records confirm it’s the missing man. A bullet in his back confirms he was murdered. But why would someone want to kill a video game developer?
Then the killer takes a shot at the man’s widow. With both her life and Steve’s reputation on the line, can he stop the killer before he strikes again? Or will this be the one game Steve loses?
Smiley and McBlythe mysteries never contain any graphic violence, sex or foul language. Just great whodunits to get the ‘little grey cells’ working!
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2022
97 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Bruce Hammack
49 books421 followersDrawing from his extensive background in criminal justice, Bruce Hammack writes contemporary, clean read detective and crime mysteries.
When he's not writing his next novel, he enjoys reading classic whodunits, watching film noir movies and traveling to see new places.
Having lived in eighteen cities around the world, he now lives in the Texas hill country with his wife of thirty-plus years.
He is the author of the Star of Justice series, the Smiley and McBlythe Mysteries and the Fen Maguire Mysteries. You can find out about his latest release at https://brucehammack.com/.
Follow him on social media at https://www.facebook.com/BruceHammack...
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/bruce...
When he's not writing his next novel, he enjoys reading classic whodunits, watching film noir movies and traveling to see new places.
Having lived in eighteen cities around the world, he now lives in the Texas hill country with his wife of thirty-plus years.
He is the author of the Star of Justice series, the Smiley and McBlythe Mysteries and the Fen Maguire Mysteries. You can find out about his latest release at https://brucehammack.com/.
Follow him on social media at https://www.facebook.com/BruceHammack...
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/bruce...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 3, 2024
Steve and Heather look into the disappearance of a millionaire game programmer, trying to determine if he was murdered or faked his own death. This one took a bit longer to get going than the previous mysteries in this series, and while I enjoyed the ramp up and conclusion, the first half of the book leading up to it was a bit unfocused and meandering.
August 10, 2022
I received an ARC thru Booksirens and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
In this story, Steve and Heather, have just agreed to hunt for a person who is believed dead, but no proof has been found. Along with Marsha, an investigator of an insurance company, they travel to Belize which is the last place Donnie was last seen and where evidence was discovered which led the local police to believe that he had been murdered. Steve determined once he was on the scene that Donnie might still be alive. After Steve's discovery, the group went back to the U.S.
A short time later, Heather and Steve receive a call asking for their help in finding Luke's killer. Luke was the name that Donnie was now using. It seemed that Donnie and two others that Donnie met in Belize at an organic farm had started an organic farm in Texas in addition to Donnie being married. Once Steve and Heather arrived and began investigating the murder, events happened that led to Julie, Luke's (Donnie) wife involved in an accident created by shooting her tire and attempting to kill her. This now had Steve and Heather looking for the person who attempted to kill Julie as well as Luke's death.
As time went by, another event happened with JUlie's car. Eventually teve had all of the supected individuals together and was to tell them what advances they had made in solving Luke's killing. Steve presented all of the facts and as time went on, several individuals in the room were arrested and at the end of the session Steve identified the killer.
To learn why Donnie was so important to find, what parties had participated in the killing and who the killer was, then you need to read this book. The ending is unexpected.
In this story, Steve and Heather, have just agreed to hunt for a person who is believed dead, but no proof has been found. Along with Marsha, an investigator of an insurance company, they travel to Belize which is the last place Donnie was last seen and where evidence was discovered which led the local police to believe that he had been murdered. Steve determined once he was on the scene that Donnie might still be alive. After Steve's discovery, the group went back to the U.S.
A short time later, Heather and Steve receive a call asking for their help in finding Luke's killer. Luke was the name that Donnie was now using. It seemed that Donnie and two others that Donnie met in Belize at an organic farm had started an organic farm in Texas in addition to Donnie being married. Once Steve and Heather arrived and began investigating the murder, events happened that led to Julie, Luke's (Donnie) wife involved in an accident created by shooting her tire and attempting to kill her. This now had Steve and Heather looking for the person who attempted to kill Julie as well as Luke's death.
As time went by, another event happened with JUlie's car. Eventually teve had all of the supected individuals together and was to tell them what advances they had made in solving Luke's killing. Steve presented all of the facts and as time went on, several individuals in the room were arrested and at the end of the session Steve identified the killer.
To learn why Donnie was so important to find, what parties had participated in the killing and who the killer was, then you need to read this book. The ending is unexpected.
February 1, 2022
I was very impressed with this book. The characters were multifaceted and appealing in their differences. One of the main protagonists is a blind investigator and another is a female lawyer/private investigator who isn't above skirting the letter of the law and using her lock picks. The storyline was well written and interesting. I learned a lot about farming organically. The mystery was well plotted with a twist at the end. I highly recommend this one!
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
March 16, 2025
Lots of red herrings in this fifth installment of the cozy detective series.
January 10, 2024
The Smiley and McBlythe Mystery Series:
The Name Game Murder, #5 - Interesting and entertaining story lines with good characters and clean dialog. I enjoy the relationships between Steve and Heather and how they mesh without an silly drama. A hilarious goof: Fayette County does not lose power with our electric supplier BEC, as proven by the last two years of ice storms. Source: My Kindle library. 5*
Exercise Is Murder, prequel - An interesting and immersing introduction to Steve Smiley and Heather McBlythe
and their beginnings. Recommend reading this first. 4*
Jingle Bells, Rifle Shells, 1 - Interesting and immersing easy read with a steady pace, good story lines, good characters and good values made this a hard to put down read. Recommend reading the prequel, Exercise is Murder first. 5*
Pistols And Poinsettias, #2 - A fun, clean, entertaining read with missing people, a murder and felony theft mixed with a variety of characters and well written story lines. Source: My Kindle library. 4*
Murder In The Dunes, #4 - Difficult to put down with its steady pace, easy to read writing style and good characters and story lines. 5*
Murder Down The Line, #6 - This is an enjoyable, entertaining series. I like the main characters, the well thought out story lines, and the processes to solve the crimes. Two crimes and a surprise made for a hard to put down read but the pages flew by rapidly. Source: BookSirens. 5*
A Beach to Die For, #8 - While still an interesting story, it was missing something. I had a hard time, here and there, keeping my interest in the story. Good characters and story lines, but an average read. Source: BookSirens. 3*
Mistletoe, Malice And Murder, #9 - Interesting but too easy to figure out the murderer. Good story lines with humor and good characters. Source: BookSirens. 4*
Dig Deep For Murder, #10 - I never get tired of reading these books and love it when I binge on several. Like the others in the series, well written, good characters, interesting story lines, and twist here and there. Steady pace included makes for a hard to put down read. Source: BookSirens. 5*
The Long Fall - A short, condensed, quick read. Interesting story lines but not as detailed since this is a novella. Good characters. Source: Forgotten, not an ARC. 4*
Dog Gone Christmas Murder - A short story set before Dig Deep for Murder. Lots of humor, a murder, two kidnappings and the author still managed an interesting read in a few chapters. Source: The author's thank you to his readers. 4*
The Smiley and McBlythe Mystery Series end.
The Name Game Murder, #5 - Interesting and entertaining story lines with good characters and clean dialog. I enjoy the relationships between Steve and Heather and how they mesh without an silly drama. A hilarious goof: Fayette County does not lose power with our electric supplier BEC, as proven by the last two years of ice storms. Source: My Kindle library. 5*
Exercise Is Murder, prequel - An interesting and immersing introduction to Steve Smiley and Heather McBlythe
and their beginnings. Recommend reading this first. 4*
Jingle Bells, Rifle Shells, 1 - Interesting and immersing easy read with a steady pace, good story lines, good characters and good values made this a hard to put down read. Recommend reading the prequel, Exercise is Murder first. 5*
Pistols And Poinsettias, #2 - A fun, clean, entertaining read with missing people, a murder and felony theft mixed with a variety of characters and well written story lines. Source: My Kindle library. 4*
Murder In The Dunes, #4 - Difficult to put down with its steady pace, easy to read writing style and good characters and story lines. 5*
Murder Down The Line, #6 - This is an enjoyable, entertaining series. I like the main characters, the well thought out story lines, and the processes to solve the crimes. Two crimes and a surprise made for a hard to put down read but the pages flew by rapidly. Source: BookSirens. 5*
A Beach to Die For, #8 - While still an interesting story, it was missing something. I had a hard time, here and there, keeping my interest in the story. Good characters and story lines, but an average read. Source: BookSirens. 3*
Mistletoe, Malice And Murder, #9 - Interesting but too easy to figure out the murderer. Good story lines with humor and good characters. Source: BookSirens. 4*
Dig Deep For Murder, #10 - I never get tired of reading these books and love it when I binge on several. Like the others in the series, well written, good characters, interesting story lines, and twist here and there. Steady pace included makes for a hard to put down read. Source: BookSirens. 5*
The Long Fall - A short, condensed, quick read. Interesting story lines but not as detailed since this is a novella. Good characters. Source: Forgotten, not an ARC. 4*
Dog Gone Christmas Murder - A short story set before Dig Deep for Murder. Lots of humor, a murder, two kidnappings and the author still managed an interesting read in a few chapters. Source: The author's thank you to his readers. 4*
The Smiley and McBlythe Mystery Series end.
November 26, 2022
Unusual detective duo show everything is open to question.
This is the sixth book in the series and I have not read the previous ones. I liked that one half of the PI couple is a blind ex-police detective, not least because it gives the author opportunity to use other senses in description and a pretext for some exposition of the plot. The other half of the couple is a successful, rich and savvy entrepreneur and their combined wealth lets them pick cases that interest them and blow away clients who offend them. This is where a big plot hole comes in, as a savvy entrepreneur would engage a forensic accountant to track the money of the missing multi-millionaire who is central to the book's plot. Several times it says he draws on his wealth to change identity and move location.
I saw the main twist as soon as it was foreshadowed, so mainly kept reading to see if I was right. The local police detective came across as a caricature, although our PI hero and heroine were quite kind to him. They are not romantically attached to each other, but do share a pet cat.
The central tenet of the blind PI is that not everything is as it seems so the reader is primed to be on the lookout for potential misdirection. The blind PI is given a superpower (which does exist in reality, but is very rare) that is used here to advance the case. The plot also relies on similarities in appearance which stretched my credulity too far. There were some minor editing errors, but they did not interrupt the narrative flow. Not the most satisfying of endings as it leaves the main characters in an ambiguous moral situation, but I would read more of their exploits.
I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the sixth book in the series and I have not read the previous ones. I liked that one half of the PI couple is a blind ex-police detective, not least because it gives the author opportunity to use other senses in description and a pretext for some exposition of the plot. The other half of the couple is a successful, rich and savvy entrepreneur and their combined wealth lets them pick cases that interest them and blow away clients who offend them. This is where a big plot hole comes in, as a savvy entrepreneur would engage a forensic accountant to track the money of the missing multi-millionaire who is central to the book's plot. Several times it says he draws on his wealth to change identity and move location.
I saw the main twist as soon as it was foreshadowed, so mainly kept reading to see if I was right. The local police detective came across as a caricature, although our PI hero and heroine were quite kind to him. They are not romantically attached to each other, but do share a pet cat.
The central tenet of the blind PI is that not everything is as it seems so the reader is primed to be on the lookout for potential misdirection. The blind PI is given a superpower (which does exist in reality, but is very rare) that is used here to advance the case. The plot also relies on similarities in appearance which stretched my credulity too far. There were some minor editing errors, but they did not interrupt the narrative flow. Not the most satisfying of endings as it leaves the main characters in an ambiguous moral situation, but I would read more of their exploits.
I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 10, 2023
Donnie Douglas made a fortune creating computer games and then suddenly vanished. After nobody hearing from him for seven years, his cousin wants him declared dead and hires Jack Blackstock, Heather McBlythe's boyfriend, to present their case. A problem arises when an insurance investigator, Marsha Pennywell, found evidence to suggest that Donnie might still be alive and living under a different name in Belize. In Belize, Donnie went by the name of Luke Pryor and made friends with a couple of people at a farm devoted to raising fruits and vegetables. Together, Luke, Brandon, and Julie leave Belize and head to Texas where they open their own hydroponic farm.
Steve and Heather follow the trail to Texas, Steve learns that Donnie, a.k.a. Luke Pryor has been murdered. They also learn that Luke and Julie were married in Belize. When an attempt is made on Julie's life, Steve has her moved to a safer location while he works to solve the murder. There is certainly no shortage of suspects, with millions of dollars providing the motives.
Who murdered Luke / Donnie? Who tried to kill Julie? Is it the same person responsible in both cases? Will Steve and Heather be able to solve Luke's murder and protect Julie?
Bruce Hammack has another wonderful adventure with this Smiley & McBlythe mystery. He has great characters, realistic situations, and a sprinkling of humor throughout to lighten the mood. I feel that this is one of the more involved cases and had me guessing clear to the end.
Steve and Heather follow the trail to Texas, Steve learns that Donnie, a.k.a. Luke Pryor has been murdered. They also learn that Luke and Julie were married in Belize. When an attempt is made on Julie's life, Steve has her moved to a safer location while he works to solve the murder. There is certainly no shortage of suspects, with millions of dollars providing the motives.
Who murdered Luke / Donnie? Who tried to kill Julie? Is it the same person responsible in both cases? Will Steve and Heather be able to solve Luke's murder and protect Julie?
Bruce Hammack has another wonderful adventure with this Smiley & McBlythe mystery. He has great characters, realistic situations, and a sprinkling of humor throughout to lighten the mood. I feel that this is one of the more involved cases and had me guessing clear to the end.
March 6, 2022
This was another great book with the duo Steve Smiley and Heather McBlythe.
He a retired blind detective and she a woman with a lot of money and a career as a police officer and lawyer behind her. Together they again manage to solve a murder case and you are taken into a world full of intrigue.
I love Bruce Hammack's books with this duo. His way of writing is very detailed because the world around Steve must be made transparent because he cannot see it himself. As a result, as a reader, you can see, as it were, what is happening through his words.
Steve's mind is sharp and he discovers things that no one else notices because he uses his other senses instead of his sight.Heather with her sharp eyes tells everything she sees to Steve but her sharp eyes and mind certainly help in unraveling the crime.
The plot of the story unfolded beautifully in front of everyone who has something to do with it.
And as a reader you also have the opportunity to think along. Little clues in the story lead you a bit to the true identity of "Brandon". Even if it was only a slip of the tongue when he says that there are cameras everywhere except in 1 place of the site. And that is if he suddenly had to leave everything behind….
Highly recommended for lovers of a good detective story.
5*
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
He a retired blind detective and she a woman with a lot of money and a career as a police officer and lawyer behind her. Together they again manage to solve a murder case and you are taken into a world full of intrigue.
I love Bruce Hammack's books with this duo. His way of writing is very detailed because the world around Steve must be made transparent because he cannot see it himself. As a result, as a reader, you can see, as it were, what is happening through his words.
Steve's mind is sharp and he discovers things that no one else notices because he uses his other senses instead of his sight.Heather with her sharp eyes tells everything she sees to Steve but her sharp eyes and mind certainly help in unraveling the crime.
The plot of the story unfolded beautifully in front of everyone who has something to do with it.
And as a reader you also have the opportunity to think along. Little clues in the story lead you a bit to the true identity of "Brandon". Even if it was only a slip of the tongue when he says that there are cameras everywhere except in 1 place of the site. And that is if he suddenly had to leave everything behind….
Highly recommended for lovers of a good detective story.
5*
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 1, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a smoothly written tale with a good amount of details layered up to keep the reader interested.
Unfortunately, the author has trodden on a nerve of mine by misrepresenting a medical condition. Synesthesia, along with its subtypes (e.g. chromesthesia), is a very real medical condition. If someone has synesthesia, they typically see colours in response to hearing noises. The individual's hearing works as normal, but their neuronal response translates the aural stimuli into visual perception. The author appears to understand this, but he then adds an extra step.
The main investigator in this novel has chromesthesia, which somehow becomes him having psychic powers. The investigator can say a victim's name out loud, and if he sees red, that means that he is at the scene of death.
I'd like to make this clear: having synesthesia, or any of its subtypes, cannot magically give you information on events you have never witnessed. It cannot give you psychic visions, prophecy or any other mystical knowledge. It is purely a condition where neural pathways are triggered to respond by stimuli that wouldn't normally activate them.
That being said, this is a pleasantly easy read if you'd like to relax after a long day, and I wish the author all the best.
This was a smoothly written tale with a good amount of details layered up to keep the reader interested.
Unfortunately, the author has trodden on a nerve of mine by misrepresenting a medical condition. Synesthesia, along with its subtypes (e.g. chromesthesia), is a very real medical condition. If someone has synesthesia, they typically see colours in response to hearing noises. The individual's hearing works as normal, but their neuronal response translates the aural stimuli into visual perception. The author appears to understand this, but he then adds an extra step.
The main investigator in this novel has chromesthesia, which somehow becomes him having psychic powers. The investigator can say a victim's name out loud, and if he sees red, that means that he is at the scene of death.
I'd like to make this clear: having synesthesia, or any of its subtypes, cannot magically give you information on events you have never witnessed. It cannot give you psychic visions, prophecy or any other mystical knowledge. It is purely a condition where neural pathways are triggered to respond by stimuli that wouldn't normally activate them.
That being said, this is a pleasantly easy read if you'd like to relax after a long day, and I wish the author all the best.
March 5, 2022
This the 8th book in the Smiley & McBlythe mystery series but only the 2nd one I've read (the first being Murder in the Dunes the mystery immediately preceding this one). So I really don't know much of the back stories of the main characters, i.e. the accident that left Steve Smiley blind and his wife dead, how Steve developed his ability to sense the location where someone is murdered, how the partnership between the former police detective and Heather the attorney entrepreneur developed. But no matter! The book is perfectly fine as a standalone and I enjoyed it immensely.
The characters are well-developed and intriguing. The plot was brilliantly executed. The twists and turns kept me reading late into the night. And the ending, though I had suspicions early on, was still a surprise. I enjoy the Nero Wolfe type of detective story where Steve the blind detective directs his PI partner Heather on gathering much of the evidence while he uses his brilliant mind and heightened senses to solve the mystery and presents the solution to all the players at the climax. I will look forward to reading more of the series.
I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Review Copy from Book Sirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters are well-developed and intriguing. The plot was brilliantly executed. The twists and turns kept me reading late into the night. And the ending, though I had suspicions early on, was still a surprise. I enjoy the Nero Wolfe type of detective story where Steve the blind detective directs his PI partner Heather on gathering much of the evidence while he uses his brilliant mind and heightened senses to solve the mystery and presents the solution to all the players at the climax. I will look forward to reading more of the series.
I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Review Copy from Book Sirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 24, 2022
This is the 8th book in the series featuring Steve Smiley and Heather McBlyth, and the couples relationship is still working really well. The plot is nicely twisted and engaging, making it a really easy read. This time an insurance investigator gets Steve involved in a hunt for a multi millionaire who disappeared around 7 years ago, and relatives are trying to claim his fortune and life insurance. But it’s not that simple, it never is. The trail initially leads Steve to Belize but then winds back to Texas.
I like the way Steve’s senses have compensated for his loss of sight and also the fact that if he visits a site where someone has died he can sense the type of death it was. There are quite a lot of suspects and all, as Steve says, is not quite as it seems. The plot is well planned out and definitely keeps the readers interest. A couple of the characters, Mary and Trey, felt a bit stereotypical but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the read. While it’s a stand-alone read, I’m glad I’d read previous books in the series. A satisfying read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I like the way Steve’s senses have compensated for his loss of sight and also the fact that if he visits a site where someone has died he can sense the type of death it was. There are quite a lot of suspects and all, as Steve says, is not quite as it seems. The plot is well planned out and definitely keeps the readers interest. A couple of the characters, Mary and Trey, felt a bit stereotypical but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the read. While it’s a stand-alone read, I’m glad I’d read previous books in the series. A satisfying read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 4, 2022
This was my first read by this author and I picked up the 8th book in the series. Steve Smiley had an accident in the past and lost his sight. He is a Private Investigator and partners with Heather McBlythe. Heather’s boyfriend Jack tells them about the mystery of the missing Donnie Douglas, a computer whiz, millionaire who disappeared 7 years prior. His extended family want his life insurance of $15 million but the investigator isn’t sure Donnie is dead. Steve is bored so he decides to investigate and the hunt is on.
This was a well written book. The characters were flushed out and it was easy to pick up on the backstory even though I read Book 8. Heather felt more like a sidekick than a partner but at the same time, it appears she has many irons in the fire. I just didn’t think she seemed to have a huge role. The story was paced well, the mystery interesting and the “bad guy” for lack of a better term was unexpected though I fleetingly did suspect them. The twist at the end was obvious and I saw that coming from 33% of the book. I liked that the author dropped crumbs along the way though some felt too obvious. I liked that Heather and Steve were not involved and each led their own lives while being good friends. Overall, well written and interesting. I will read more.
I received a free advanced review copy of this book via Book Sirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a well written book. The characters were flushed out and it was easy to pick up on the backstory even though I read Book 8. Heather felt more like a sidekick than a partner but at the same time, it appears she has many irons in the fire. I just didn’t think she seemed to have a huge role. The story was paced well, the mystery interesting and the “bad guy” for lack of a better term was unexpected though I fleetingly did suspect them. The twist at the end was obvious and I saw that coming from 33% of the book. I liked that the author dropped crumbs along the way though some felt too obvious. I liked that Heather and Steve were not involved and each led their own lives while being good friends. Overall, well written and interesting. I will read more.
I received a free advanced review copy of this book via Book Sirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 4, 2022
Even though this is the 8th book in the Steve Smiley and Heather McBlyth series, I felt it was good as a stand alone (though I will go back and check out earlier books) Steve was once a police officer, now retired after the death of his wife and the loss of his sight!
He and Heather have been asked to investigate what happened to a very rich total nerd who disappeared after being in Belize. Is he still alive or is he actually dead, and if dead, who will inherit a vast sum of money. Was it his body that was found shot and burned? Who would have done it? Could it be Mary, a relative who is selfish and greedy? Or someone else?
The characters throughout this book are interesting and for me, they came alive. I could imagine the settings, the interactions between them. As always, for me a book with twists and turns kept my attention and caused me to stay up late to read it!
I want to thank BookSirens for letting me read this ARC for free, and a thank you to the author, Bruce Hammack for a great job of writing an enjoyable and entertaining read.
This review is my honest opinion of The Name Game Murder
He and Heather have been asked to investigate what happened to a very rich total nerd who disappeared after being in Belize. Is he still alive or is he actually dead, and if dead, who will inherit a vast sum of money. Was it his body that was found shot and burned? Who would have done it? Could it be Mary, a relative who is selfish and greedy? Or someone else?
The characters throughout this book are interesting and for me, they came alive. I could imagine the settings, the interactions between them. As always, for me a book with twists and turns kept my attention and caused me to stay up late to read it!
I want to thank BookSirens for letting me read this ARC for free, and a thank you to the author, Bruce Hammack for a great job of writing an enjoyable and entertaining read.
This review is my honest opinion of The Name Game Murder
February 8, 2022
This was the first book I'd read by Bruce Hammack and I'm looking forward to reading others. The characters were believable and the plot had a satisfying number of twists. I didn't guess who did it but it was the person I never suspected.
Since I accidentally read this book out of order from its series, I don't know the origin of Steve's "superpower." Steve became blind as an adult and I believe this new faculty arose after that.
Heather is in the same league as Morgan Dane, one of Melinda Leigh's main characters. I suspect if you like one, you'll like the other.
This book went quickly for me and was hard to put down. I enjoyed it very much and am looking forward to reading the rest of the Smiley and McBlythe Mystery Series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Since I accidentally read this book out of order from its series, I don't know the origin of Steve's "superpower." Steve became blind as an adult and I believe this new faculty arose after that.
Heather is in the same league as Morgan Dane, one of Melinda Leigh's main characters. I suspect if you like one, you'll like the other.
This book went quickly for me and was hard to put down. I enjoyed it very much and am looking forward to reading the rest of the Smiley and McBlythe Mystery Series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 21, 2022
One of the things I enjoy about this series is the depth of the characters. They have personality and aren't the same generic ones you tend to see. You can read these books in order but even if you don't or skip one here and there it's easy enough to understand what's going on as there's always a bit of background given to help out those who are new.
This time Steve and Heather have a bit of a strange case at first. Are they looking for a missing person or solving a murder? I like how well they work together, they bring different skills and I felt both have value and their success in figuring things out, who'd of thought a blind detective could be effective?
There are enough twists and turns to keep readers captivated. I received a free copy of this story from BookSirens and am leaving an honest voluntary review.
This time Steve and Heather have a bit of a strange case at first. Are they looking for a missing person or solving a murder? I like how well they work together, they bring different skills and I felt both have value and their success in figuring things out, who'd of thought a blind detective could be effective?
There are enough twists and turns to keep readers captivated. I received a free copy of this story from BookSirens and am leaving an honest voluntary review.
February 6, 2022
This is #8 in the series and I’ve only read the last few, but it’s an incredible series of books! This one involves a brilliant though nerdy boy wonder who made millions in the world of gaming and then disappeared! His family is trying to have him declared dead to collect his royalties and big life insurance policy. An insurance investigator traced him through a number of name changes to Belize then loses the trail. So Smiley and McBlythe head to Belize to pick up the trail then home to Texas to continue the investigation. One of Steve Smiley’s favorite expressions is perfect for this book: Not everything is as it seems! An exciting and complex mystery with more twists than you can count!! I received a free ARC of this book from BookSirens and write this review voluntarily.
February 5, 2022
This is the first book in this series I've read, and after finishing it in one sitting I'm going to have to read the others.
It was clever, it was fun, and the perfect balance of me having suspected one thing but also gasping at some of the twists and turns. I really enjoyed it, and I loved the friendship between Steve and Heather.
It wasn't quite 5 stars, as I didn't find Steve and Marsha's interactions at the start super realistic - it seemed very sudden! And I would have liked a bit of an explanation for Steve's gift as this was labelled as something that worked as a standalone.
Free ARC in return for an honest review.
It was clever, it was fun, and the perfect balance of me having suspected one thing but also gasping at some of the twists and turns. I really enjoyed it, and I loved the friendship between Steve and Heather.
It wasn't quite 5 stars, as I didn't find Steve and Marsha's interactions at the start super realistic - it seemed very sudden! And I would have liked a bit of an explanation for Steve's gift as this was labelled as something that worked as a standalone.
Free ARC in return for an honest review.
January 29, 2022
The Name Game Murder is Book 8 in the Smiley and McBlythe Series by Bruce Hammack. I enjoy this series. Even though this is Book 8 in the series, I find the story fresh and exciting with lots of surprises. PI, Steve Smiley, is hired to find the missing video game developer; is he dead or alive? I found so many twists and turns in this fast paced mystery. I was blown away at the unexpected ending. The Name Game Murder is definitely a must read. I hope Bruce Hammack writes another book in the series. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
February 7, 2022
Another wonderful book in the Smiley and McBlythe series. The quirky partnership of the two main characters continues with another murder mystery to solve. The path to the unveiling of the murderer has the usual twists, but it’s a great ride to get there. As soon as I finish one book, I can’t wait for the next one to come out. You can read this book without reading the others first, but I would suggest starting with the first one to follow this partnership from the beginning. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 1, 2022
I've been waiting to read this next installment in the Smiley and McBlythe series. It's another twisting, turning mystery as blind detective Steve Smiley unravels the clues surrounding a missing millionaire who's presumed dead. There's definitely a murder to be solved, and it'll take Steve's cool intellect along with assistance from his savvy partner, Heather McBlythe, to put these game pieces together and name the killer. Lots of surprises in a plot that will keep you guessing until the very end!
May 2, 2022
This was a much needed diversion into sleuthing without the horrible descriptions of death or gore. The sleuths follow a trail to find that the man who has been the centre of insurance claims after his disappearance is still alive and well and that the perpetrator is not the expected person. Both of those factors make this a great read and my hope is that I have not given too much away. The characters are nicely developed and there are enough without becoming overwhelming and they are introduced in such a way they can not be forgotten or mixed up.
June 16, 2022
Not having read the previous the previous seven entries into the series, I went into reading this ARC (I received for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily) expecting a stand alone thriller. While not having previous knowledge of the main characters and traits acted as a hindrance in the previous few chapters, the story is simple enough to grasp on. Clearly inspired by the works of Agatha Christie, this tightly wound thriller has an interesting plot, with some predictable turns, but is enjoyable enough for a leisure good read.
October 2, 2022
Absolute brilliance! Extremely well thought out and written characters and a storyline that keeps you wrapped from page one!! Twists and turns kept me guessing about most of it, though I did catch on to the main surprise somehow! Lol
You definitely want to read this book if you enjoy a great detective novel with plot's that keep you reading until they're revealed!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I enjoyed this so much that I've bought a copy for my brother to read!!
You definitely want to read this book if you enjoy a great detective novel with plot's that keep you reading until they're revealed!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I enjoyed this so much that I've bought a copy for my brother to read!!
May 4, 2022
This is my first Smiley and McBride mystery, but it certainly won't be the last! The publisher's blurb is a good start, but there's so much more. The book drew me in and held me there till the (astonishing!) end. The characters are all realistic and engaging (even the ones you love to hate). The plot is rapid-fire but there is plenty of time to try to out-sleuth the pair (and a half) as the story zips along. LOVED IT!
I requested and received a free e-book copy from BookSirens. Thank you!
I requested and received a free e-book copy from BookSirens. Thank you!
July 21, 2025
I love this series! This is a book I hadn't read yet though I've read the earlier ones and a few recent ones. I think it's fine reading these books out of order though, of course, it's more fun knowing things in order! HAving said this, I still really loved this. Steve and Heather make such a great team. I recommend all of this author's books for those who enjoy clean detective novels with the feel of a cozy mystery too.
January 29, 2022
Great mystery with my favorite PIs
I love these books by Bruce Hammack. They are so interesting and full of great characters. There is always a twist in the end, and you realize the clues were there, but you did not recognize them. I can’t wait for the next Smiley and McBlythe book.
I love these books by Bruce Hammack. They are so interesting and full of great characters. There is always a twist in the end, and you realize the clues were there, but you did not recognize them. I can’t wait for the next Smiley and McBlythe book.
February 10, 2022
losing this game could cost Steve and a widow both their lives
what is worth the price of multiple lives lost? especially when it relates to a wealthy games developer?
what else is in play?
at what cost?
intrigue packed blind detective mysteries and adventures
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
what is worth the price of multiple lives lost? especially when it relates to a wealthy games developer?
what else is in play?
at what cost?
intrigue packed blind detective mysteries and adventures
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 3, 2022
I read the first book in this series and then missed a couple books before reading book four. Then I skipped to book 8. I will purchase the remaining books in the series to read in order. This author invents really good characters that are not one dimensional. The story line held my interest. Recommended! Thanks to the author, I received a copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily.
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May 24, 2022The Name Game Murder Mystery is unique.
Storyline involving two detectives one whose blind. The characters are multi faceted as well as harboring secrets. You will keep guessing to the end who murder the Billionaire and why? I enjoyed the suspense and sense of danger also the independence of characters. *I was given a copy by BookSirens and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
Storyline involving two detectives one whose blind. The characters are multi faceted as well as harboring secrets. You will keep guessing to the end who murder the Billionaire and why? I enjoyed the suspense and sense of danger also the independence of characters. *I was given a copy by BookSirens and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
February 19, 2024
I am working my way through this series. I had forgot the author until just recently. I am so glad--the 4 books I read previously I enjoyed immensely. The stories are well written and the mystery was intense. Smiley and Heather are both such wonderful characters--I love their back and forth between them. Recommend reading.
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