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Smiley and McBlythe #0.6
The Long Fall
Twelve stories is a long fall.
Steve Smiley, homicide detective turned private investigator, and his partner, Heather McBlythe, are called to investigate an apparent suicide. Steve's former partner suspects foul play and asks Steve to confirm his suspicions. Steve no longer has his eyesight, but he does still have the ability to "see red" at the scene of a homicide.
The hunt is on at one of Houston's posh hotels to find the killer of wealthy inventor Victor Yancy. Why did the victim invite three members of his high school physics class to arrive a day early for their twentieth class reunion? The only common denominator between the four of them appears to be the science project they worked on in high school. Victor continued that work alone and turned the idea into a fortune. Was his murder another collaborative project for the three team members? Or was it the work of one of several other suspects?
Motives and deception abound, along with opposition from an unlikely source. Can Steve and Heather unmask the killer before the reunion ends? Or will this long fall prove to be the perfect murder?
Nook
First published April 17, 2019
38 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Bruce Hammack
49 books423 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 35 reviews
February 10, 2025
Another Smiley and McBlythe prequel, with a very good mystery.
August 26, 2020
This is novella book two in the Smiley and McBlythe Mystery series and sees Steve Smiley and Heather McBlythe called in to solve a murder case, first thought to be a suicide. Steve and Heather are both former police detectives and Heather is also an attorney and they use their previous skills to run their own private investigator business. Steve is blind now, after an attack in which his wife was killed and he was blinded. But having lost his sight means he can concentrate on other things and to ignore what might be in plain sight, and more about what is below the surface. The hotel they have been called to by a former colleague of Steve’s, Houston homicide detective Leo Vega, who has unfortunately been partnered up with an unfit and alcoholic cop called Randy Tubbs, who wants the most obvious and easiest conclusion for the case and calls it an apparent suicide. The dead man is Victor Yancy, a successful inventor and businessman having taken a dive from supposedly the top floor.
Victor had called in four former classmates, who helped work on his first invention, to meet a day early for their twentieth class reunion, telling them that it will be worth their while. His wife Tabby was a former minor actress, who married for money and stability and was trying to win her husband back. The former classmates are Cassie New, Bradeh Patel, Michelle Chan and her husband Dirk Stewart, and Lewis Chan. Each had a reason to want him dead, after he cut them out of his first invention, which most of them had helped him start to create in a physics class back in high school. Tubby end sup arresting an obvious suspect, once it has been proven to be murder, but again does it without much evidence or any real reasoning.
Steve and Heather have to work their way through all the obvious suspects, plus a few more connected to the victim and suspects lives. Each has to be investigated and questioned and the geometry of the initial fall will soon give the P.I.’s a new murder location and a suspect that seems a bit too easy to blame. There is more to this case than is obvious and Steve and Heather are the ideal pair to get to the bottom of it. There are obvious clues, but then also lots of twists and unexpected clues, which take the team on to different paths and end up with the true identity of the killer. This is only a novella, but it packs in enough information and details for the whole murder case to be complex, yet solved within the remit of its pages. An interesting team of P.I.’s with ideal work backgrounds and one with a disability that he turns around into an almost super power, to help solve their cases. I can’t wait for more with this interesting duo. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Victor had called in four former classmates, who helped work on his first invention, to meet a day early for their twentieth class reunion, telling them that it will be worth their while. His wife Tabby was a former minor actress, who married for money and stability and was trying to win her husband back. The former classmates are Cassie New, Bradeh Patel, Michelle Chan and her husband Dirk Stewart, and Lewis Chan. Each had a reason to want him dead, after he cut them out of his first invention, which most of them had helped him start to create in a physics class back in high school. Tubby end sup arresting an obvious suspect, once it has been proven to be murder, but again does it without much evidence or any real reasoning.
Steve and Heather have to work their way through all the obvious suspects, plus a few more connected to the victim and suspects lives. Each has to be investigated and questioned and the geometry of the initial fall will soon give the P.I.’s a new murder location and a suspect that seems a bit too easy to blame. There is more to this case than is obvious and Steve and Heather are the ideal pair to get to the bottom of it. There are obvious clues, but then also lots of twists and unexpected clues, which take the team on to different paths and end up with the true identity of the killer. This is only a novella, but it packs in enough information and details for the whole murder case to be complex, yet solved within the remit of its pages. An interesting team of P.I.’s with ideal work backgrounds and one with a disability that he turns around into an almost super power, to help solve their cases. I can’t wait for more with this interesting duo. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
January 10, 2024
The Smiley and McBlythe Mystery Series:
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*
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*
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*
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*
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 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*
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*
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*
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*
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, 2023
“The Long Fall”, second in the 'Smiley and McBlythe' series, see the detecting duo investigating the death of a wealthy inventor, Victor Yancy.
He either fell, or was pushed, from a upper storey hotel balcony.
Former Huston police detective Steve Smiley is blind but brilliant – using his other senses to interpret the world and crime. He also has associative chromesthesia allows him to determine whether some was murdered or not. It's a bit of a gimmick but it works for me.
Heather McBlythe, also a former police detective, speaks several languages, has various degrees, is smart as a whip and is not averse to violence.
Together they make a formidable team.
The suspects had been invited to an all-expenses paid stay at the hotel by Yancy – a class re-union of sorts. Each and every one of them, including his wife, Tabby, had a good reason to wish him dead, but – initially at least – damning evidence points solidly at just one of them.
To some extent this is akin to a 'locked room' mystery, with all the action taking place in the hotel. And, of course, there is the classic trope of gathering all the suspects together at the end so that Smiley and McBlythe can explain how they worked out the identity of the killer (very much in the style of Agatha Christie).
It's great fun and, while the murder mystery isn't particularly original, it made for a fun and interesting read.
4 Stars.
He either fell, or was pushed, from a upper storey hotel balcony.
Former Huston police detective Steve Smiley is blind but brilliant – using his other senses to interpret the world and crime. He also has associative chromesthesia allows him to determine whether some was murdered or not. It's a bit of a gimmick but it works for me.
Heather McBlythe, also a former police detective, speaks several languages, has various degrees, is smart as a whip and is not averse to violence.
Together they make a formidable team.
The suspects had been invited to an all-expenses paid stay at the hotel by Yancy – a class re-union of sorts. Each and every one of them, including his wife, Tabby, had a good reason to wish him dead, but – initially at least – damning evidence points solidly at just one of them.
To some extent this is akin to a 'locked room' mystery, with all the action taking place in the hotel. And, of course, there is the classic trope of gathering all the suspects together at the end so that Smiley and McBlythe can explain how they worked out the identity of the killer (very much in the style of Agatha Christie).
It's great fun and, while the murder mystery isn't particularly original, it made for a fun and interesting read.
4 Stars.
July 16, 2024
Current day, 10th high school reunion
Houston, Texas
Private investigators, Heather and Steve, were hired by a woman whose husband was either pushed off a twelfth floor balcony or jumped, committing suicide.
Three other physics classmates had grievances against the victim who gained wealth from an invention they each had a part in inventing in high school. To prove the wife's innocence, they all had to be looked at as possible murderers.
Once again Steve and Heather investigated this case with perfection, exploring clues average detectives might be hard pressed to find. Part of that is because Steve's blindness gives him heightened senses.
Part of why I liked this book is the victim's wife spoke freely about her relationship with God. She senses God telling her things…not audibly, just strong feelings validated as she spends time in The Word and in prayer.
I was fearful the author would take this in a direction I might not like… such as making her out to be a kook, or she's using her "religious" beliefs as a front for her true murderous activity. But it turned out that she was sincere, and I was relieved.
I’m not sure what the difference is between a short story and a novella, but either way, this was short but good.
Houston, Texas
Private investigators, Heather and Steve, were hired by a woman whose husband was either pushed off a twelfth floor balcony or jumped, committing suicide.
Three other physics classmates had grievances against the victim who gained wealth from an invention they each had a part in inventing in high school. To prove the wife's innocence, they all had to be looked at as possible murderers.
Once again Steve and Heather investigated this case with perfection, exploring clues average detectives might be hard pressed to find. Part of that is because Steve's blindness gives him heightened senses.
Part of why I liked this book is the victim's wife spoke freely about her relationship with God. She senses God telling her things…not audibly, just strong feelings validated as she spends time in The Word and in prayer.
I was fearful the author would take this in a direction I might not like… such as making her out to be a kook, or she's using her "religious" beliefs as a front for her true murderous activity. But it turned out that she was sincere, and I was relieved.
I’m not sure what the difference is between a short story and a novella, but either way, this was short but good.
November 15, 2024
I received this ebook from Bruce Hammack as a subscriber to his newsletter. It's an early investigation in the Smiley and McBlythe series, which I've been reading sporadically and not in order, but that doesn't take way from the intriguing dynamic between Steve Smiley who, before he lost his wife, his sight and his job in one attack was well known and respected as an intuitive homicide detective, and Heather McBlythe, ex cop, daughter of an uber rich property developer - which she also is in her own right -and experienced lawyer. The first reaction of people they meet in the coarse of their investigations to Steve's blindness is often sceptical that a blind man could possibly do or find out anything. Big mistake.
This case, decidedly open and shut according to a lazy detective, is as intriguing a mystery as any one could read. Bruce Hammack's books contain no swearing or sex, but the stories themselves are too good to need them. I recommend this and others in this series as well as this author's other, equally enjoyable series.
This case, decidedly open and shut according to a lazy detective, is as intriguing a mystery as any one could read. Bruce Hammack's books contain no swearing or sex, but the stories themselves are too good to need them. I recommend this and others in this series as well as this author's other, equally enjoyable series.
September 18, 2024
Falling for Murder
As always with Bruce Hammack's books, he never disappoints. I love reading his crime series as they are so right on and precise with all his years in criminal background.
This book in the Smiley and McBlythe mystery series was just an additional fun and entertaining read as all his books are. I love the fact that author Bruce Hammack is right on with his crime stories and pays attention to every detail throughout the whole book, never leaving out any detail. Even though his books are fictional, he still writes as though they are true crime.
I will continue to read Mr. Hammack's books as they are so entertaining with such great characters and fun storyline's.
As always with Bruce Hammack's books, he never disappoints. I love reading his crime series as they are so right on and precise with all his years in criminal background.
This book in the Smiley and McBlythe mystery series was just an additional fun and entertaining read as all his books are. I love the fact that author Bruce Hammack is right on with his crime stories and pays attention to every detail throughout the whole book, never leaving out any detail. Even though his books are fictional, he still writes as though they are true crime.
I will continue to read Mr. Hammack's books as they are so entertaining with such great characters and fun storyline's.
December 31, 2023
Victor Yancy, tech multi-millionaire, with a trophy wife, invites a few of his close ex classmates to a re-union. These were all part of the team who worked with him and contributed to the invention that has made his millions. Victor says "It's pay back time" but someone took this literally and thought Victor deserved no less than murder.
As always, exciting, intriguing, unput-downable. Although a novella, Bruce Hammack's writing is top class and like every book of his that I have read, it always ends too soon, leaving me hungry for more!
As always, exciting, intriguing, unput-downable. Although a novella, Bruce Hammack's writing is top class and like every book of his that I have read, it always ends too soon, leaving me hungry for more!
April 28, 2019
A very fun and clever who-done-it.
I just love a smart private detective team. Hammack has given us characters that are well fleshed out and easy to cheer for. There's a lot packed into this 97 page novella, including a murder, a handful of suspects, and surprises at every page turn. For the record--no. I didn't guess who-done-it.
For those looking for a clean, fun mystery, I highly recommend you give this one a try.
I just love a smart private detective team. Hammack has given us characters that are well fleshed out and easy to cheer for. There's a lot packed into this 97 page novella, including a murder, a handful of suspects, and surprises at every page turn. For the record--no. I didn't guess who-done-it.
For those looking for a clean, fun mystery, I highly recommend you give this one a try.
August 28, 2020
The Long Fall is book two in the "A Smiley and McBlythe Mystery Novella" series and is a great P.I. mystery.
I loved this and found this novella to be a true whodunnit. The characters are well depicted and interesting and the storyline is engaging from start to finish, with death, mystery, many motives, and a blind detective who sees more than most. I cannot wait to read more books in this series.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
I loved this and found this novella to be a true whodunnit. The characters are well depicted and interesting and the storyline is engaging from start to finish, with death, mystery, many motives, and a blind detective who sees more than most. I cannot wait to read more books in this series.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
November 17, 2021
A great clean read
This author is very good at fleshing out his characters. They are three dimensional with distinct personalities. This is a suspense novel filled with good police investigation mixed with humor and determination to protect the innocent people Involved. All of this is accomplished with the absence of smutty language. This is the second novel I have read by this author and plan to read more by him.
This author is very good at fleshing out his characters. They are three dimensional with distinct personalities. This is a suspense novel filled with good police investigation mixed with humor and determination to protect the innocent people Involved. All of this is accomplished with the absence of smutty language. This is the second novel I have read by this author and plan to read more by him.
April 2, 2022
Another good one
Mr. Hammack did another fine writing job on this continued partnership of Steve and Heather. The murder mystery was appropriately solved in one day. Everyone received what they probably should have at the end. Some received good things, some received bad things but all received what they deserved with a few strings attached. I hope you enjoy the read and without sex, violance or foul language.
Mr. Hammack did another fine writing job on this continued partnership of Steve and Heather. The murder mystery was appropriately solved in one day. Everyone received what they probably should have at the end. Some received good things, some received bad things but all received what they deserved with a few strings attached. I hope you enjoy the read and without sex, violance or foul language.
February 20, 2023
2.75/5⭐: Not bad, the story was a little corny at the end though. I think the way the killer(s), in this book & book 1, are revealed is kinda weird. Let's round up all the suspects, give them our evidence, tell them which of them couldn't have done it then reveal who did. Reminds of the BBC show Death in Paradise. After reading the 1st book my hopes where high for this series but after this book not so much.
November 15, 2024
Reading along as Steve and Heather process the details of a murder scene is like playing Jenga. Which block will they pull loose? Where will they stack the block? The amazing thing is that the tower doesn't tumble, they don't let anyone else play with the blocks but they can offer evidence. Evidence which is carefully weighed and put into the proper place to build the case against the perpetrator. They are very good at this and it is an interesting ride to see how it all comes together.
September 15, 2020
This is the second book I have read by this author, I read this one immediately after finishing book 3 in the series. The more I read the more I love this author’s writing. These are beautiful written mysteries with wonderful characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 20, 2022
This is the second book I’ve read by Bruce Hammock. I am so excited to find a writer of mysteries that doesn’t use vulgar language, uncalled for erotic scenes or any of the other things found in most contemporary mysteries these days.
It’s just a really good mystery that you’ll enjoy reading.
Keep it up, Bruce, I love your style!
It’s just a really good mystery that you’ll enjoy reading.
Keep it up, Bruce, I love your style!
November 30, 2024
An exciting whodunit. I love seeing Heather and the blind PI investigate and put clues together that people with sight don't get. It makes me laugh so much to see their reactions. This was a great detective sleuthing clues story. They picked up one good detail and the rest was history. Great read I'd recommend highly.
October 22, 2019
Long Fall, a mystery full of twists and turns and an interesting detective team, is a great read. Looking forward to continuing with Smiley and Blythe in Bruce’s newest book called Jingle Bells, Sleigh Bells.
November 12, 2021
I think these short novels are the "hoot". I enjoy the humor and I love both Heather and Smiley--they are a perfect combination for private detectives. Have enjoyed both books I have read and look forward to the rest of them. Recommend reading.
May 11, 2022
I am prepared to like every single book in all of this author’s series!!! And he did not disappoint. I love the characters, Steve, Heather and Leo. The more I get to know them the more I like them and the more I look forward to the next book!!
July 29, 2022
Real good read
I enjoy this book very much. It was also refreshing to read a clean book without all of the bad language in it! Its true, there were a lot twist and unexpected turns in it. I am starting to appreciate the m blithe detective. Keep up the good work mr.Hammack!😊
I enjoy this book very much. It was also refreshing to read a clean book without all of the bad language in it! Its true, there were a lot twist and unexpected turns in it. I am starting to appreciate the m blithe detective. Keep up the good work mr.Hammack!😊
September 13, 2022
Another great adventure for Steve Smiley! It’s so much fun to watch him pick up on clues and details that everyone else misses! I can always count on a worthwhile read from Bruce Hammack, and this one did not disappoint!
January 1, 2024
I love this series! This book is a great addition. It is well written and has an engaging storyline. The characters as always do not disappoint. Whether they are regulars or making a one time appearance they are multifaceted with complex personalities. Definitely put this one in your TBR pile.
July 26, 2025
I really enjoy reading this author. I like reading about the relationship between Smiley and McBlythe. I felt the ending left me hanging a bit, and I would've preferred a more solid motive, but all in all, this was a good read.
October 1, 2021
This was almost as good as the first one. I enjoyed the mystery and the Blind Detective is rapidly gaining favor. A quick read.
May 11, 2022
The long fall
Excellent read. I love the fact that there is no swearing or sex scenes. Read the book in one go could not put it down. Best read for a long time
Excellent read. I love the fact that there is no swearing or sex scenes. Read the book in one go could not put it down. Best read for a long time
May 16, 2022
Loved it!
I loved this book. It was a fast paced well written book. The twists and turns kept me guessing until the end.
I loved this book. It was a fast paced well written book. The twists and turns kept me guessing until the end.
May 29, 2023
Very enjoyable read !
February 9, 2024
Very Hercule Poirot. I honestly had no idea who did it until the last chapter. Bravo on this story.
February 16, 2024
What an amazing story. Steve is a PI, even without sight. He and his partner are called to a suspected crime. Full of action and suspense, to make this a story you don’t want to miss.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews