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Mapleton Mystery #7
Deadly Relations
Nothing Ever Happens in Mapleton ... Until it Does
A small town police procedural-cozy mystery blend. In the eleventh offering in Terry Odell’s Mapleton Mystery series, Deadly Relations brings back familiar faces and introduces new ones. (Not to mention a couple of dogs and cats!)
Gordon Hepler, Mapleton, Colorado’s Police Chief, is called away from a quiet Sunday with his wife to an emergency situation at the home he’s planning to sell. A man has chained himself to the front porch, threatening to set off an explosive.
When Gordon discovers he knows the arsonist—his brother-in-law from his previous failed marriage—he’s sent down an unexpected road to find his ex-wife, who, along with his brother-in-law, has disappeared. Does Gordon need to worry that his brother-in-law will put in another appearance to finish what he’s started?
Meanwhile, he has to find a balance between his Chief Stuff and his Cop Stuff. Is Mapleton facing a homeless problem? Then there’s the town council, the budget, the upcoming election, plus finding a way to keep his officers up to speed with all the changes in crime. Adding the thorn-in-his-side reporter who seems to want to undermine everything Gordon’s trying to do for his town, creates more headaches.
Although it’s part of the series, this—and all the Mapleton books—can be read as small-town police procedural stand alones.
A small town police procedural-cozy mystery blend. In the eleventh offering in Terry Odell’s Mapleton Mystery series, Deadly Relations brings back familiar faces and introduces new ones. (Not to mention a couple of dogs and cats!)
Gordon Hepler, Mapleton, Colorado’s Police Chief, is called away from a quiet Sunday with his wife to an emergency situation at the home he’s planning to sell. A man has chained himself to the front porch, threatening to set off an explosive.
When Gordon discovers he knows the arsonist—his brother-in-law from his previous failed marriage—he’s sent down an unexpected road to find his ex-wife, who, along with his brother-in-law, has disappeared. Does Gordon need to worry that his brother-in-law will put in another appearance to finish what he’s started?
Meanwhile, he has to find a balance between his Chief Stuff and his Cop Stuff. Is Mapleton facing a homeless problem? Then there’s the town council, the budget, the upcoming election, plus finding a way to keep his officers up to speed with all the changes in crime. Adding the thorn-in-his-side reporter who seems to want to undermine everything Gordon’s trying to do for his town, creates more headaches.
Although it’s part of the series, this—and all the Mapleton books—can be read as small-town police procedural stand alones.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 7, 2023
4 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Terry Odell
64 books224 followersTerry Odell was born in Los Angeles and after living several decades in Florida now makes her home in Colorado. An avid reader (her parents tell everyone they had to move from their first home because she finished the local library), she always wanted to "fix" stories so the characters did what she wanted, in books, television, and the movies. Once she began writing, she found this wasn't always possible, as evidenced when the mystery she intended to write rapidly became a romance.
However, her entry into the world of writing can be attributed to a "mistake" when her son mentioned the Highlander television series on a visit home. Being the "good mother" she began watching the show and soon connected with the world of fanfiction, first as a reader, then as a critique giver, and then, one brave weekend, she wrote her first short story.
Things snowballed (if one can use that analogy in central Florida!) and soon she was writing her first original novel. Much later, she mentioned something about a recent Highlander episode to her son, and he said, "Oh, I've never actually watched the show, I just thought the concept was cool." Little did he know what he'd started.
"
However, her entry into the world of writing can be attributed to a "mistake" when her son mentioned the Highlander television series on a visit home. Being the "good mother" she began watching the show and soon connected with the world of fanfiction, first as a reader, then as a critique giver, and then, one brave weekend, she wrote her first short story.
Things snowballed (if one can use that analogy in central Florida!) and soon she was writing her first original novel. Much later, she mentioned something about a recent Highlander episode to her son, and he said, "Oh, I've never actually watched the show, I just thought the concept was cool." Little did he know what he'd started.
"
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 7, 2023
Deadly Relations: A Police Procedural Cozy Blend (Mapleton Mystery Book 11) is my favorite book so far by Terry Odell. A criminal mystery for sure but not a murder mystery. It is a small town police procedural. Because there is no gore or graphic violence, bad language or open bedroom door, it could also be considered a cozy mystery. What ever you call Deadly Relations it is good, very good.
Gordon Hepler, Mapleton, Colorado’s Police Chief, takes this crime very serious since it is his house that is set afire. The case proves to be a twisty one with another case coming into play too. TI am reminded of the Andy Griffith show only down updated and a change in setting. Gordon believes in working the case, not jumping to conclusions, and not letting the big city boys rag on him. He knows and protects his hometown of Mapleton, CO. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I have missed a few in this series now wanting to go back and reread and catch up on all of the Mapleton books. Also I am hoping that Titch gets his own story such an intriguing character.
Deadly Relations is the eleventh book in the series but reads well on its own. Meet Gordon Helper and his team today.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Gordon Hepler, Mapleton, Colorado’s Police Chief, takes this crime very serious since it is his house that is set afire. The case proves to be a twisty one with another case coming into play too. TI am reminded of the Andy Griffith show only down updated and a change in setting. Gordon believes in working the case, not jumping to conclusions, and not letting the big city boys rag on him. He knows and protects his hometown of Mapleton, CO. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I have missed a few in this series now wanting to go back and reread and catch up on all of the Mapleton books. Also I am hoping that Titch gets his own story such an intriguing character.
Deadly Relations is the eleventh book in the series but reads well on its own. Meet Gordon Helper and his team today.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 20, 2023
For fans of Terry’s Mapleton series, this latest installment is a return to the inner workings of a small-town police department. In Deadly Relations, the crime gets personal when Gordon’s former brother-in-law shows up at his house—the house Gordon is selling—and sets off a bomb. Why? They don’t have time to find out before the suspect is in the wind.
As the investigation unfolds, Gordon has to deal with the small-town reporter who thinks the crime should be solved in a matter of hours, despite the suspect disappearing without a trace. In addition, Gordon is concerned about his police officers when one of the most stoic of the bunch seems to be going off the rails. Gordon is determined to keep his officers engaged, and in the process, ends up on patrol in a situation he isn’t prepared to handle. When the situation resolves, Gordon refocuses on the reason for the call-out and uncovers an unexpected crime. Add to that the political ramifications of being police chief. The story comes full circle as the bomber returns to finish the job and is thwarted in a satisfying conclusion. All in a day’s work along with the underlying theme, Nothing ever happens in Mapleton. Until it does.
As the investigation unfolds, Gordon has to deal with the small-town reporter who thinks the crime should be solved in a matter of hours, despite the suspect disappearing without a trace. In addition, Gordon is concerned about his police officers when one of the most stoic of the bunch seems to be going off the rails. Gordon is determined to keep his officers engaged, and in the process, ends up on patrol in a situation he isn’t prepared to handle. When the situation resolves, Gordon refocuses on the reason for the call-out and uncovers an unexpected crime. Add to that the political ramifications of being police chief. The story comes full circle as the bomber returns to finish the job and is thwarted in a satisfying conclusion. All in a day’s work along with the underlying theme, Nothing ever happens in Mapleton. Until it does.
February 20, 2023
I received an ARC version of Deadly Relations in exchange for my honest review. The characters are described so that I have a vivid picture of each one - personalities, looks etc. Th interactions between the characters is fun and at times nerve wracking. It is a mystery! This book in the series gives me a better understanding of Gordon’s past relationship with his wife was like. I like the insights that he gives and then he gets after himself for some of them. Personally I think this trait is because he is a policeman at heart and is part of their nature. There are a couple of storylines and they are easy to follow and keep separate - although one kind of crosses and explains needs for another storyline. It is easy to pick the characters you like and which ones rub you the wrong way - same as the ones in the book. One thing I don’t understand is how quickly Angie gets mad at what seem like innocent or non-confrontational statements made by Gordon. Maybe because of the stress going on in their lives right now? or.... I would recommend this book and hope that you can figure out how they get the bad guy/guys?
March 6, 2023
Gordon Hepler and his wife Angie are looking forward to moving out of her small apartment, over the diner, and into “their” home, but first they have to find a home and sell his. When Gordon receives a call that someone has chained himself to his home, he has no idea how his life and Angie’s will be disrupted. His home is set on fire and due to arson, insurance will not pay for repairs. They find the home they want to purchase, but now have to rework their finances. Angie is trying to hire a new employee while Gordon is working on the budget to hire a new officer and trying to track down the man who set his house on fire…who appears to be the brother of his ex-wife. As a small-town police chief, he is concerned about the upcoming mayoral election and continued training for his officers to keep them relevant. A well written, enjoyable and continuing small-town police procedural with men and women who truly care about the future of their town. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation, from the author, for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
February 18, 2023
Deadly Relations starts off literally with a bang. Mapleton Chief of Police Gordon Hepler finds his ex-brother-in-law chained to the front porch of the house Gordon plans to sell, threatening to ignite the jerry can filled with gasoline that he has with him. Then the ex sets off a bomb in the house, causing a fire while he escapes.
I love this series and the way Odell creates unique characters that add to the story. There is plenty of tension, and the reader is right there with Gordon as he tries to understand why his ex-brother-in-law has a grudge against him.
Odell is a master at layering in the clues and then letting Gordon peel away the layers to solve the mystery. Can’t wait for the next book in the series!
I love this series and the way Odell creates unique characters that add to the story. There is plenty of tension, and the reader is right there with Gordon as he tries to understand why his ex-brother-in-law has a grudge against him.
Odell is a master at layering in the clues and then letting Gordon peel away the layers to solve the mystery. Can’t wait for the next book in the series!
February 28, 2023
Deadly Relations is a good addition to the Mapleton Mystery series. Chief Gordon is the object of his ex-brother-in-law's rage, but no one, least of all him, can figure out why. He had given his ex, everything she asked for, including leaving her alone after the divorce. Where did BIL Rowan go after damaging his old home? What did he blame Gordon for? All these questions and more are plaguing the Mapleton police department. As the town searches for answers, we learn more about the workings of small town police and their larger counterpart agencies as well as the previous marriage of Chief Gordon. It was a fun mystery, one that keeps you guessing.
I received an advance reader's copy of Deadly Relations but am voluntarily leaving this review.
I received an advance reader's copy of Deadly Relations but am voluntarily leaving this review.
March 12, 2023
Wow! What a page turner! I was pulled in on the first page and stayed there until the end. Police Chief Gordon and his wife, Angie, have finally found a house that works for them. They will be using their apartment above her business to expand her business. A big part of the money for the new house goes up in smoke when his house is damaged by his ex brother-in- law. Odell has such great main characters and adds in some wonderful minor characters to keep you reading. A story you won’t want to miss!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
May 16, 2023
Nothing ever happens until ...
Plenty happens in Terry Odell's Deadly Relations as Chief Hepler deals with professional, political, and personal issues. This police procedural tends toward a cozy, giving us enough procedure without turning her story into a handbook. We also receive insight into the workplace difficulties of a chef. As the chief said, "Just another day in Mapleton. Where nothing ever happens. Until it does." This is my first experience with Ms Odell's mystery writing. I look forward to catching up in this ongoing series. I highly recommend Deadly Relations to readers of both procedural and cozy mysteries.
Plenty happens in Terry Odell's Deadly Relations as Chief Hepler deals with professional, political, and personal issues. This police procedural tends toward a cozy, giving us enough procedure without turning her story into a handbook. We also receive insight into the workplace difficulties of a chef. As the chief said, "Just another day in Mapleton. Where nothing ever happens. Until it does." This is my first experience with Ms Odell's mystery writing. I look forward to catching up in this ongoing series. I highly recommend Deadly Relations to readers of both procedural and cozy mysteries.
March 7, 2023
Deadly Relations, the next installment of the Mapleton Mystery series, finds us learning more about Police Chief Gordon Hepler and a case that is personal to him to solve. After he receives a call that a man is chained to his house, he rushes to the scene only to discover that the mystery man is his ex-brother-in -law, Rowan Benedict. Rowan sets off a bomb, causing a fire to partially destroy the Chief’s house, and he manages to escape! Can the small-town police department find their suspect and keep Mapleton a safe place to live? This fast paced book is filled with mystery, politics and excitement. This book has great characters and makes me want to find the backlist to read!
February 26, 2023
Terry Odell writes great characters, but she doesn't give them an easy time. This book is no exception. We have the continuing story of Police Chief Gordon Hepler, his personal life, his lovely wife, plus the politics of a small town. No shortage of excitement, thrills and suspense. Brilliant read either as part of the series or stand-alone.
February 26, 2023
I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review. You can never say nothing ever happens in a small town because it can and will. This was a page turner and I really enjoyed reading it and recommend it. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews