What do you think?
Rate this book
Smiley and McBlythe #8
Vision Of Murder
Liars at every turn… but which one is the killer?It’s up to the blind detective to find out.
When blind PI Steve Smiley accompanies his nervous partner to the optometry office for her first eye exam, screams coming from the exam room aren’t exactly reassuring. Turns out the drops used to dilate the patient’s eyes were tainted, and just like that, Smiley and McBlythe have their next case. But who has motive to sabotage the doctor’s practice?
Before the duo can solve the case, a body is found in the office of the doctor’s ex-wife, also an optometrist. In spite of multiple claims of innocence, Smiley knows something’s not right with the two doctors and their employees. One after another, the lies stack up.
Then McBlythe is called out of town on an emergency, leaving Smiley on his own to solve both cases. Can he discern the truth without her, or will a liar get away with murder?
Smiley and McBlythe deliver a great mystery with no foul language, sex or graphic violence. You won’t be able to put it down until you’ve solved ‘whodunit’!
When blind PI Steve Smiley accompanies his nervous partner to the optometry office for her first eye exam, screams coming from the exam room aren’t exactly reassuring. Turns out the drops used to dilate the patient’s eyes were tainted, and just like that, Smiley and McBlythe have their next case. But who has motive to sabotage the doctor’s practice?
Before the duo can solve the case, a body is found in the office of the doctor’s ex-wife, also an optometrist. In spite of multiple claims of innocence, Smiley knows something’s not right with the two doctors and their employees. One after another, the lies stack up.
Then McBlythe is called out of town on an emergency, leaving Smiley on his own to solve both cases. Can he discern the truth without her, or will a liar get away with murder?
Smiley and McBlythe deliver a great mystery with no foul language, sex or graphic violence. You won’t be able to put it down until you’ve solved ‘whodunit’!
- GenresMystery
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2022
About the author
Bruce Hammack
49 books432 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...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
April 14, 2026
Vision of Murder by Bruce Hammack
Synopsis /
Liars at every turn… but which one is the killer? It’s up to the blind detective to find out.
When blind PI Steve Smiley accompanies his nervous partner to the optometry office for her first eye exam, screams coming from the exam room aren’t exactly reassuring. Turns out the drops used to dilate the patient’s eyes were tainted, and just like that, Smiley and McBlythe have their next case. But who has motive to sabotage the doctor’s practice?
Before the duo can solve the case, a body is found in the office of the doctor’s ex-wife, also an optometrist. In spite of multiple claims of innocence, Smiley knows something’s not right with the two doctors and their employees. One after another, the lies stack up.
Then McBlythe is called out of town on an emergency, leaving Smiley on his own to solve both cases. Can he discern the truth without her, or will a liar get away with murder?
My Thoughts /
A scream pierced the quiet of the waiting room. Heather dug her fingernails into the back of Jack's hand. More screams filtered down the hall from an exam room in the optometrist's office…. Jack pried her claws from his hand and examined the divots. 'Relax…You're here for a simple eye exam. Nothing to worry about'.
Heather McBlythe wears many hats—attorney, entrepreneur, and investigator—but nothing in her varied career had prepared her for the way this particular morning would unravel.
My daughter walked in here with two good eyes and now…
What initially appears to be a cruel act of professional sabotage against an optometrist quickly escalates into a lethal game, when Texas State University student, Mattie Arnold ends up trading the optometrist's exam room for the emergency room. It was later found that the eye drops used to dilate her eyes for an upcoming eye exam had been tainted.
This is one case that hits too close to home for our blind investigator, Steve Smiley.
Dr Chris Craddock hires both Smiley and McBlythe to investigate the unexplained sabotage. As they delve deeper into Dr Chris and his business, they begin uncovering a trail of stolen tax returns and professional secrets. Then, the unthinkable happens, a body is discovered in the office of another optometrist – Dr Melody Craddock, Chris' ex-wife. Are the sabotage and the murder connected?
The narrative shifts into a highly emotive gear when a family emergency forces Heather to leave the investigation. Now Steve is left to navigate their investigation on his own – reliant only on his heightened senses and veteran investigative instincts.
As always, Smiley’s vulnerability becomes his greatest strength. As a fan of this series, watching (if you'll pardon the pun) Smiley rely on his sharpened senses and internal logic to outmanoeuvre a killer is one of the more satisfying rewards to this mystery series.
The resolution is both clever and clean, tying together the forensic details of the tampered medicine with the killer's personal vendetta. By the final pages, the story delivers a rewarding "aha" moment that honours the series traditional whodunit roots, proving that even without sight, Smiley can see the truth more clearly than anyone else.
Synopsis /
Liars at every turn… but which one is the killer? It’s up to the blind detective to find out.
When blind PI Steve Smiley accompanies his nervous partner to the optometry office for her first eye exam, screams coming from the exam room aren’t exactly reassuring. Turns out the drops used to dilate the patient’s eyes were tainted, and just like that, Smiley and McBlythe have their next case. But who has motive to sabotage the doctor’s practice?
Before the duo can solve the case, a body is found in the office of the doctor’s ex-wife, also an optometrist. In spite of multiple claims of innocence, Smiley knows something’s not right with the two doctors and their employees. One after another, the lies stack up.
Then McBlythe is called out of town on an emergency, leaving Smiley on his own to solve both cases. Can he discern the truth without her, or will a liar get away with murder?
My Thoughts /
A scream pierced the quiet of the waiting room. Heather dug her fingernails into the back of Jack's hand. More screams filtered down the hall from an exam room in the optometrist's office…. Jack pried her claws from his hand and examined the divots. 'Relax…You're here for a simple eye exam. Nothing to worry about'.
Heather McBlythe wears many hats—attorney, entrepreneur, and investigator—but nothing in her varied career had prepared her for the way this particular morning would unravel.
My daughter walked in here with two good eyes and now…
What initially appears to be a cruel act of professional sabotage against an optometrist quickly escalates into a lethal game, when Texas State University student, Mattie Arnold ends up trading the optometrist's exam room for the emergency room. It was later found that the eye drops used to dilate her eyes for an upcoming eye exam had been tainted.
This is one case that hits too close to home for our blind investigator, Steve Smiley.
Dr Chris Craddock hires both Smiley and McBlythe to investigate the unexplained sabotage. As they delve deeper into Dr Chris and his business, they begin uncovering a trail of stolen tax returns and professional secrets. Then, the unthinkable happens, a body is discovered in the office of another optometrist – Dr Melody Craddock, Chris' ex-wife. Are the sabotage and the murder connected?
The narrative shifts into a highly emotive gear when a family emergency forces Heather to leave the investigation. Now Steve is left to navigate their investigation on his own – reliant only on his heightened senses and veteran investigative instincts.
As always, Smiley’s vulnerability becomes his greatest strength. As a fan of this series, watching (if you'll pardon the pun) Smiley rely on his sharpened senses and internal logic to outmanoeuvre a killer is one of the more satisfying rewards to this mystery series.
The resolution is both clever and clean, tying together the forensic details of the tampered medicine with the killer's personal vendetta. By the final pages, the story delivers a rewarding "aha" moment that honours the series traditional whodunit roots, proving that even without sight, Smiley can see the truth more clearly than anyone else.
August 22, 2022
PI Steve in writing he uses those from memories, and how his mind in solving the cases. A friend for now because of baggage and distance her life comes from the characters in her book..Heather always near by to help him and solving cases.
Intriguing plot of why and murder, with good characters, twists and turns.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Releasing Sept 12’22
Intriguing plot of why and murder, with good characters, twists and turns.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Releasing Sept 12’22
August 21, 2022
This is by far one of the best mysterys I've read in a while,the array of characters are vibrant and intriguing. The mystery is a challenge to figure out the truth of who done and the plot is so well maneuvered that it carries you throughout the mystery and drama on the edge of seat not able to look away or put down it's so well written keeping you turning page after page with its enticing choreography.I read throughout out the evening because I had to read what was happening next. I just can't find the right words to describe exactly how good this mystery is. It even has a slow burn romance. all of these things brought together keeps you enthralled through out until you reach the unexpected and climatic conclusion. Acquire " Vision of Murder " for hours of enjoyable entertainment. Kat
August 31, 2022
I love these mysteries by Bruce Hammack. His writing style is like that of old fashioned detective novels but brought up to date. Smiley, the blind former police detective, and McBlythe, an attorney, entrepreneur, and former Boston policewoman, have a private detective agency that works very well, Smiley takes information that Heather has gathered and then both of them interview all of the parties and, sometimes with the help of Houston homicide detective Hall and another attorney friend Jack, they solve the case, gathering everyone together a la Nero Wolfe and announcing the solution(s).
This case involved divorced optometrists who now have separate practices that include a retail side of selling and fitting high end glasses. When Heather finally admits she might need reading glasses, Jack and Smiley accompany her to Dr. Chris' office since he is a friend of Jack's. While they are waiting, a teenager screams when Dr. Chris puts in tainted drops to dilate her eyes. Sabotage or accident are the possible conclusions. Thus sets the stage for the detectives to get on the case! Meanwhile there is a suspicious death in Dr. Melody's office. Are the incidents connected?
While the detecting is happening, the personal lives of the detectives also take center stage with Jack and Heather becoming closer and Smiley and his book editor Kate moving their relationship forward. I love these characters and their complexities. I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Review Copy from the author via BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This case involved divorced optometrists who now have separate practices that include a retail side of selling and fitting high end glasses. When Heather finally admits she might need reading glasses, Jack and Smiley accompany her to Dr. Chris' office since he is a friend of Jack's. While they are waiting, a teenager screams when Dr. Chris puts in tainted drops to dilate her eyes. Sabotage or accident are the possible conclusions. Thus sets the stage for the detectives to get on the case! Meanwhile there is a suspicious death in Dr. Melody's office. Are the incidents connected?
While the detecting is happening, the personal lives of the detectives also take center stage with Jack and Heather becoming closer and Smiley and his book editor Kate moving their relationship forward. I love these characters and their complexities. I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Review Copy from the author via BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 26, 2022
Vision of Murder is #10 in the Smiley and McBlythe mysteries by Bruce Hammack.
Jack has been asked to help Dr. Chris Craddock, so he turns to his girlfriend, Heather and her Private Detective friend Steve. Chris is an Optometrist and has set up a meeting with Steve and Heather in his office, out of know where there is a horrific scream followed by hysterical crying! Something has gone horribly wrong when a young woman is having her eyes dilated, and she has to be taken to the hospital. Steve and Heather agree to help on the case.
What they don't expect is there is another dead body turning up at the Ex-wife's practice (she's also an Optometrist), which adds more drama and intrigue to everything that is going on!
Who's lying, who committed murder and why?
On a side note, did Steve go to far in trying to push Heather and Jack together? Especially since her mother had passed away, and both of them flew out to the funeral, where things didn't go to well between Jack and Heather's dad, who told him "here's your ticket, now get out!"
I truly enjoyed this book, the twists, turns were well written, and kept my attention through out the book, that I had to stay up late to finish it.
Thank you BookSirens, the author and the Publisher for the free ARC. I'm happy to leave a review and hope others enjoy this book as much as I did!
Jack has been asked to help Dr. Chris Craddock, so he turns to his girlfriend, Heather and her Private Detective friend Steve. Chris is an Optometrist and has set up a meeting with Steve and Heather in his office, out of know where there is a horrific scream followed by hysterical crying! Something has gone horribly wrong when a young woman is having her eyes dilated, and she has to be taken to the hospital. Steve and Heather agree to help on the case.
What they don't expect is there is another dead body turning up at the Ex-wife's practice (she's also an Optometrist), which adds more drama and intrigue to everything that is going on!
Who's lying, who committed murder and why?
On a side note, did Steve go to far in trying to push Heather and Jack together? Especially since her mother had passed away, and both of them flew out to the funeral, where things didn't go to well between Jack and Heather's dad, who told him "here's your ticket, now get out!"
I truly enjoyed this book, the twists, turns were well written, and kept my attention through out the book, that I had to stay up late to finish it.
Thank you BookSirens, the author and the Publisher for the free ARC. I'm happy to leave a review and hope others enjoy this book as much as I did!
September 3, 2022
Optometrist's businesses are being targeted, or so it seems. Jack has known Dr. Chris Craddock since college, and Heather feels something is off about him. Dr. Chris's ex-wife, Dr. Melody Craddock says not to trust everything Chris says. Which Chris is real?
Detective Hall asks Steve & Heather (and Jack) for help before senior Detective Lowe can bungle the case.
That's a lot of names, but Steve Smiley is a former homicide detective, blind, and smarter than most. Anyone he trusts is "good people," and he doesn't trust many. So we can always start with those few; everyone else is suspect.
Steve has a problem; a flaw, some would say. He is bored easily, so he invented a scheme to get Jack and Heather together. In this book, he discovers that he isn't as clever as he thought.
I enjoy the characters in these books. The mysteries naturally unfold, and are usually intelligently handled. I plan to go back and begin at book one!
4/5 Stars
Thanks to Jubilee Publishing and BookSirens for the temporary ebook preview; the review was completely voluntary.
#VisionOfMurder
#SmileyandMcBlytheMysteryBook10 #BookSirens
#BruceHammack #BruceHammackAuth
#FictionMaleDetective
#FictionFemaleAttorney
#CozyMurderMysteryClean
#PrivateInvestigatorMysteries
#FictionBlindPrivateDetective
#WomenSleuths
Detective Hall asks Steve & Heather (and Jack) for help before senior Detective Lowe can bungle the case.
That's a lot of names, but Steve Smiley is a former homicide detective, blind, and smarter than most. Anyone he trusts is "good people," and he doesn't trust many. So we can always start with those few; everyone else is suspect.
Steve has a problem; a flaw, some would say. He is bored easily, so he invented a scheme to get Jack and Heather together. In this book, he discovers that he isn't as clever as he thought.
I enjoy the characters in these books. The mysteries naturally unfold, and are usually intelligently handled. I plan to go back and begin at book one!
4/5 Stars
Thanks to Jubilee Publishing and BookSirens for the temporary ebook preview; the review was completely voluntary.
#VisionOfMurder
#SmileyandMcBlytheMysteryBook10 #BookSirens
#BruceHammack #BruceHammackAuth
#FictionMaleDetective
#FictionFemaleAttorney
#CozyMurderMysteryClean
#PrivateInvestigatorMysteries
#FictionBlindPrivateDetective
#WomenSleuths
August 24, 2022
Mr. Hammack has added another great read to his lineup. Vision of Murder is slightly different from his previous books but I'll leave it to your reading to find out how. It kept me guessing to the very end and the detective's wrap up tied up all the loose ends and answered all my questions. It wasn't a thriller per se, but the mystery was huge. There were surprises with the characters and story while the dialogue between characters is superlatively natural. In all of Mr. Hammack's books I've been amazed and pleased with how he writes the interaction and dialogue between characters, even the inner thoughts and musings. I have thoroughly enjoyed the progression of the character team in this series. I would normally have read this book through in 2 or 3 days at the most, but had multiples demands on my time. You'll have a hard time putting it down! After reading this book you'll want to go back and read the entire series again.
August 18, 2022
A most interesting story. A blind detective takes his nervous partner to
the optometry office for her first eye exam. While they are waiting, they hear screams coming from the exam room aren’t exactly reassuring. Turns out the drops used to dilate the patient’s eyes were tainted, the patient was injured and Smiley and McBlythe are back in action with their next case. Who has the motive to sabotage the doctor’s practice? Before they can even take action, they find
a body is found in the office of the doctor’s ex-wife, who is also an optometrist. Everyone claims innocence but Smiley knows something’s not right with the two doctors and their employees. Lies keep piling up. McBlythe, is called out of town and Smiley is left to solve both cases on his own.
This novel has fallen so close to this reviewer's heart. I have an adult daughter who is totally blind, no light perception at all. I know first-hand the gifts that my daughter has, that she has brought into our lives. I feel so honored to have read this novel and I in turn hope that other readers might feel a new interpretation for the unusual and gifted talents of those who may enter our lives in differing ways
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
the optometry office for her first eye exam. While they are waiting, they hear screams coming from the exam room aren’t exactly reassuring. Turns out the drops used to dilate the patient’s eyes were tainted, the patient was injured and Smiley and McBlythe are back in action with their next case. Who has the motive to sabotage the doctor’s practice? Before they can even take action, they find
a body is found in the office of the doctor’s ex-wife, who is also an optometrist. Everyone claims innocence but Smiley knows something’s not right with the two doctors and their employees. Lies keep piling up. McBlythe, is called out of town and Smiley is left to solve both cases on his own.
This novel has fallen so close to this reviewer's heart. I have an adult daughter who is totally blind, no light perception at all. I know first-hand the gifts that my daughter has, that she has brought into our lives. I feel so honored to have read this novel and I in turn hope that other readers might feel a new interpretation for the unusual and gifted talents of those who may enter our lives in differing ways
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 28, 2022
Bruce Hammack’s best yet. The development of his main characters is quite good and a very interesting different plot. Yes, a death, but the unfolding of story is unusual and intricate.
I am so happy to be an advanced reader for Bruce. His tales are always so varied and compelling.
I am so happy to be an advanced reader for Bruce. His tales are always so varied and compelling.
September 2, 2022
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
August 28, 2022
I received a ARC free from Book Sirens and this is my voluntary honest.
Well written!
Well developed plot and characters!
A edge of your seat read!
A suspenseful page turner!
Don't miss!
Enjoy!
Well written!
Well developed plot and characters!
A edge of your seat read!
A suspenseful page turner!
Don't miss!
Enjoy!
August 25, 2022
Heather asks Smiley to accompany her to get her eyes examined, something that makes her very nervous. While in the waiting room, they hear screams and then see a young woman wheeled out of the office, crying and with an eye bandaged. And that’s the beginning of their next case! The case involves Dr Chris Craddock, and eventually Dr Melody Craddock, both optometrists and recently divorced, with separate offices. But the case has so many people lying, it’s hard to even get the facts. When the cleaning lady is found dead in Dr Melody’s office, things get even more complicated! As Heather is called home upon the death of her mother, Smiley gets creative and asks his writing mentor, Kate (who’s also an author and publisher) to come assist. She’s thrilled to get the opportunity to see him work and actually help. Talk about twists and turns - this one will definitely keep you guessing! I received a free copy of this book from the author and write this review voluntarily.
August 20, 2022
I have read several of the Smiley and McBlythe mysteries, and I am never disappointed. I admit that I am often close to solving the mystery toward the end of the story, but more often than not, I have missed an important clue, and as a result, I am wrong. What is the saying: "Close! But no cigar!" The author does a great job of what I would call layering the clues and details, never giving up too much information at one time. The characters in this story have their own sets of issues which made them quite relatable. While I received an advance review copy for free, I happy to leave this review and am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 21, 2022
Vision of Murder is Book 10 in A Smiley and McBlythe Mystery by Bruce Hammack. I always enjoy this cozy series. The characters are smart and strong with an excellent mystery and murder to solve. I liked that there were several themes in the story besides the murder and tainted eye drops. Vision of Murder just might be my favorite book in the series. I am hoping for another story for Heather and Steve. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
August 21, 2022
This is the second in the series that I have had an ARC copy of. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I found this one as fascinating as the other and the series does not have to be read in order. The characters are well-developed in each but it is fascinating seeing them solving crime yet again. Kate, a writer is introduced in this book but she plays more of a supporting role.
August 16, 2022
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story begins with Heather and Steve in an eye doctor's office when they hear a scream from the examing room. They discover that a patient has been hurt once she received eyedrops. This led to an investigation by the police. Steve and Heather agreed to look into it since Jack, Heather's boy friend, was friends with the doctor. Later they were notified that a body was discovered at Chris's ex-wife and they went to help. The end result was that they now had two cases to investigate.
Learn how Steve was able to cope when an event happened in Heather's family, who wound up helping Steve in the investigation and how this case ended, then you need to read this book. It is well worth your time.
This story begins with Heather and Steve in an eye doctor's office when they hear a scream from the examing room. They discover that a patient has been hurt once she received eyedrops. This led to an investigation by the police. Steve and Heather agreed to look into it since Jack, Heather's boy friend, was friends with the doctor. Later they were notified that a body was discovered at Chris's ex-wife and they went to help. The end result was that they now had two cases to investigate.
Learn how Steve was able to cope when an event happened in Heather's family, who wound up helping Steve in the investigation and how this case ended, then you need to read this book. It is well worth your time.
August 20, 2022
Another great story in this series. The author had me chasing my tail trying to figure out who did what!! This is such a great series I love reading it. I love the characters and I love the storyline, everything about these books is awesome!! And I hope there are many more to come!!
August 17, 2022
Loved it as I always do, a great puzzle, good characters.
August 18, 2022
I received this an ARC book for an honest review. I love the characters and this book didn't disappoint. Lots of twists and a wonderful ending.
October 20, 2022
Another intriguing addition to the Smiley and McBlythe mystery series! Hammack does a great job of dropping clues and red herrings, keeping me guessing every step of the way. I look forward to what he has in store for these characters in upcoming books!
August 15, 2022
I loved this book. It had so many twists and turns. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and turning the pages. I received and ARC copy and leaving this review voluntarily.
September 22, 2022
Heather McBlythe has an appointment for an eye exam with Dr. Chris Craddock. While waiting for her appointment, a scream is heard from the exam room. It seems that some of the drops used to dialate the patient's eyes were tainted. As a result of the eye drops incident, the rest of the day's appointments were canceled. Before Steve and Heather can get started on the eye drops mystery, Heather gets a text from Jack that his mother is heading to the hospital emergency room. Heather leaves to join Jack at the hospital.
The situation gets more complex when a body is found at the store of Dr. Melody Craddock, Dr. Chris' ex-wife, who is also an optometrist. The body is that of the night cleaning lady, Cleo Stanley. While still trying to get a handle on the case, Heather receives a call from her father letting her know her mother died that morning. Heather has to return to Boston, leaving Smiley to try to unravel the case.
Who was responsible for the tainted eye drops? What caused Cleo's death? Is somebody trying to destroy Dr. Chris' practice? If so, why? Are the two incidents related? Are any of the people involved telling the truth? Will Smiley be able to unravel the mystery? Will Heather be of any help while her own life is in turmoil?
Bruce Hammack has another wonderful story with this latest mystery adventure. With all of the side issues, this is definitely like real life!! The characters and situations are very realistic and I can easily sympathize with them. He also includes plenty of humor to help lighten the mood while sifting through all of the lies and red herrings. This book will definitely keep the reader engaged clear to the end.
The situation gets more complex when a body is found at the store of Dr. Melody Craddock, Dr. Chris' ex-wife, who is also an optometrist. The body is that of the night cleaning lady, Cleo Stanley. While still trying to get a handle on the case, Heather receives a call from her father letting her know her mother died that morning. Heather has to return to Boston, leaving Smiley to try to unravel the case.
Who was responsible for the tainted eye drops? What caused Cleo's death? Is somebody trying to destroy Dr. Chris' practice? If so, why? Are the two incidents related? Are any of the people involved telling the truth? Will Smiley be able to unravel the mystery? Will Heather be of any help while her own life is in turmoil?
Bruce Hammack has another wonderful story with this latest mystery adventure. With all of the side issues, this is definitely like real life!! The characters and situations are very realistic and I can easily sympathize with them. He also includes plenty of humor to help lighten the mood while sifting through all of the lies and red herrings. This book will definitely keep the reader engaged clear to the end.
January 25, 2023
Cosy mystery with romance sub-plots.
You probably won't get as much out of this if you are not already acquainted with Steve (blind murder squad ex-detective now selective PI) and Heather (fabulously rich entrepreneur, Boston PD ex-detective and now Steve's PI partner and apartment neighbour) as the main sub-plots revolve around relationships. This is book eight and builds on previous backstories.
Not a spoiler to tell you Heather and Steve share a cat called Max. Previous books tell you how Steve's and Heather's significant others are caught up and their attitudes. The relationship between the now divorced optometrists is also central to the storyline. There is good use made of the way in which Steve's compensation for blindness becomes a credible superpower as well as enriching descriptions. The ending is redolent of Agatha Christie in gathering all the suspects together at one of the crime scenes.
I have deducted a star because the resolution left me feeling a little cheated in how the two crimes were merged and solved. There were also annoying editing errors which grated on my sensitivities.
I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
You probably won't get as much out of this if you are not already acquainted with Steve (blind murder squad ex-detective now selective PI) and Heather (fabulously rich entrepreneur, Boston PD ex-detective and now Steve's PI partner and apartment neighbour) as the main sub-plots revolve around relationships. This is book eight and builds on previous backstories.
Not a spoiler to tell you Heather and Steve share a cat called Max. Previous books tell you how Steve's and Heather's significant others are caught up and their attitudes. The relationship between the now divorced optometrists is also central to the storyline. There is good use made of the way in which Steve's compensation for blindness becomes a credible superpower as well as enriching descriptions. The ending is redolent of Agatha Christie in gathering all the suspects together at one of the crime scenes.
I have deducted a star because the resolution left me feeling a little cheated in how the two crimes were merged and solved. There were also annoying editing errors which grated on my sensitivities.
I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 21, 2022
The next in the Smiley and McBlythe murder series, I really love this combination of a blind ex police detective and the feisty, rich, businesswoman, who also happens to be an ex-police officer. Steve Smiley is a really likeable character - except if you’re a murderer of course - and his pairing with Heather works really well. There is a bit of will they/ won’t they between Heather and Jack, which is nice but at least it feels as though they are going somewhere. The plotting is well done and you can’t always work out who dunnit. I’m glad I’ve read the previous books in the series but it is still a stand alone read. My only quibble in this book is there seems to be less detecting than usual and more relationship moments, but it’s still a good read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 18, 2026
Gambling is the driving force. Even lying doesn’t obfuscate the truth. There are multiple storylines which weave their way around the coincidence of crimes in two optometry offices. Heather’s life sees changes, both natural and coerced by best of intentions. Steve’s life also sees forces beyond crime investigations.
“The answer’s trying to come to the surface, but I can’t grab it yet.” It takes perseverance but the facts are there to be pulled from those who lie.
Can Kate help close the case? For Steve: “I was thinking about how to close the case without Heather. I’ve grown accustomed to relying on her to catch last-minute surprises.”
“The answer’s trying to come to the surface, but I can’t grab it yet.” It takes perseverance but the facts are there to be pulled from those who lie.
Can Kate help close the case? For Steve: “I was thinking about how to close the case without Heather. I’ve grown accustomed to relying on her to catch last-minute surprises.”
August 19, 2022
Another enjoyable addition to this series about a blind former homicide detective turned private investigator and a former cop turned lawyer turned p.i. If that’s not enough to catch your interest then perhaps their unconventional approach to solving cases will. In any event the book is well written and fun to read. The characters interactions cause an occasional chuckle and the case interesting enough to keep me turning pages trying to figure out who the killer was.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
September 21, 2022
Book 10 in the series is my favourite so far. The characters are so distinct and continue to develop and evolve as the series goes on. This book could be read as a stand-alone although I feel there is some backstory readers would benefit from knowing.
The story itself was another page-turner, I couldn't put it down. Action, drama, suspense… it has it all. Strap in and prepare for a thrilling adventure!
I received a free copy of this story through BookSirens and am leaving an honest, voluntary review.
The story itself was another page-turner, I couldn't put it down. Action, drama, suspense… it has it all. Strap in and prepare for a thrilling adventure!
I received a free copy of this story through BookSirens and am leaving an honest, voluntary review.
October 16, 2022
Absolutely outstandingly well written characters and storyline! A blind ex-cop turned private eye with a multi billionaire ex-cop/lawyer/business woman murder solving partner, what more could you ask for in lead characters!?! These books will grab you from page one and keep you wrapped and intrigued right until the end! They can be read as standalones, BUT I highly recommend just starting at the beginning to follow along how their friendship and relationships grow and change. You won't be disappointed!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 13, 2022
Bruce Hammock has another winner!
I really enjoy the Smiley and McBlythe Mysteries, and Vision of Murder didn’t disappoint! Full of the clean twists, turns, surprises, and random humor that we love about Steve, this book also has moments of tugging on the heartstrings. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it difficult to put aside when other responsibilities beckoned! I highly recommend this book.
I really enjoy the Smiley and McBlythe Mysteries, and Vision of Murder didn’t disappoint! Full of the clean twists, turns, surprises, and random humor that we love about Steve, this book also has moments of tugging on the heartstrings. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it difficult to put aside when other responsibilities beckoned! I highly recommend this book.
August 26, 2022
Another great book in this series.
Great characters and plot, with plenty of twists and turns.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and look forward to reading the next one.
Recommended to all.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Great characters and plot, with plenty of twists and turns.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and look forward to reading the next one.
Recommended to all.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews