Murder On The Angelina

A Fen Maguire Mystery #2

by Bruce Hammack

There’s more to this game than dodging paintballs… a killer is on the loose.

Newly licensed private investigator Fen Maguire gets his next case — to investigate an extortion ring putting the squeeze on loggers in the piney woods of East Texas. Working undercover at a local university, Fen traces the clues to a neighboring county's championship paintball team. To prove it, he must first gain the trust of the tight-lipped community.

Before he can make his case and expose the extortionists, the leader of the paintball team is found dead mid match. With the stakes even higher now, Fen is forced to break cover and start digging deep. It’s a toss-up who hated the team more—the loggers or the team’s competitors.

If he can’t break through the wall of resistance, his career will be over before it’s begun…and a killer will get away with murder.


A clean read, whodunit mystery, Murder On The Angelina is the second book of The Fen Maguire Mystery series. No foul language, gore, sex or violence!

Genres: Mystery, Mystery Thriller

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 12, 2023

About the author

Drawing 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...

Reviews

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clean, suspense that is a great read. I love this series and author.

[Sunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a great mystery and this was another book in the Fen Maquire Mysteries. And another great read for all you mystery readers. I love the setting in woods in East Texas and the undercover work of private investigator Fen Maquire. The paintball episodes were quite interesting to say the least! This was a very engaging mystery and I am sure you will enjoy every minute! When the murder takes place, Fen is put to the test. The characters are great and I enjoyed the twists and turns.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t believe I’ve ever read a book about a paintball team. Well, that’s not true…I just finished one.

One of my favorite male leads in Bruce Hammack's repertoire of characters is Fen McGuire, so I was happy to be able to read another book in which he stars. He's fascinating! He still loves his wife, though she died years ago. He talks with her every morning. It’s more of a, "Hi honey. Here's what I’m up to today…What do you think about this or that sort of conversation with her. It’s not creepy at all, more endearing than anything.

He used to be in law enforcement (a sheriff) until his knee was severely damaged by a bullet. Now he’s a pretty famous painter and owns a Texas ranch. In this episode he’s investigating a murder involving an unbeatable paintball team…well… there's a reason for that. Anyway, one of his colleagues is kidnapped and his ward seems to be super interested in men all of a sudden.

Lots going on, and of course, it’s marvelous.

[Myra Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another riveting installment in this series featuring retired sheriff and talented artist Fen Maquire! With a cast of fascinating (and sometimes quirky) heroes and villains, description that draws the reader right into each scene, and a page-turning plot that never fails to keep you guessing, Bruce Hammack has definitely earned his reputation as a skilled author of clean detective fiction.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second in the Fen Maguire series. Clean cozy mystery set in Texas.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great that, as an ARC reader, I was able to get a free advance copy of Murder on the Angelina. Once again, Bruce Hammack has produced a really good murder mystery loaded with humor, interpersonal relationships between "broken" people-all done in a clean decent story. Fen, in this second book of the series, again uses his past experiences and expertise to solve a murder while also helping teenage Bailey get her feet underneath her as she matures. A great story with touches of romance thrown in-don't miss it! Note that my ARC copy didn't mean I had to leave a review, but I certainly want to, so that YOU don't miss this one!

[Readingis MyJam · Rating 5 out of 5]

WORTH THE READ! "Murder on the Angelina" is the second book in the Fen Maguire Mystery Series written by Bruce Hammack and is definitely worth the read. The author is able to draw you into the lives of each character and leave you wanting to know them even better. It is a clean, well written, small town mystery with plot twists that engage the reader throughout each chapter. I found it easy to envision the people and places that the characters visited and enjoyed the ride! I am looking forward to the next in the series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Alice Hazelbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in a new series by Bruce Hammock, a favorite author of mine! Fen is a retired sheriff and now an artist and a PI, with a budding 18-year-old artist, Bailey, under his guidance. The story revolves around a winning paintball team accused of cheating and dirty maneuvers. When his friend and newspaper reporter Lou goes to investigate and writes an unflattering article, someone kidnaps her, strips her down to panties and bra and leaves her in the forest on a chilly night to find her way home! So Fen takes Bailey to Lufkin in east Texas to investigate. A fun and somewhat gritty but very exciting story about the dangers of taking a game too seriously! I’m on Bruce’s ARC team, received a free copy of this book and write this review voluntarily.

[Sharon S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bruce Hammack does it again with this second book in the series.

Fen and Bailey continue to travel the state and sell their artwork. Fen investigates corruption as they travel and work on their artwork. Something is definitely going on in Angelina county and not just with the paintball group.

Lou has agreed to do research and write a story for the local paper about the group that is vandalizing and causing injury to local truckers in the area.

They need to go undercover to help get some of the answers.

Good mystery with several twists.

*I received this book as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most interesting thing about "Murder on the Angelina" is the setting. Just last week, I read "On Juneteenth" by Annette Gordon-Reed. In that book, the author explains that East Texas is nothing like the stereotype of Texas that most non-natives associate with Texas: desert and oil wells. In "Murder on the Angelina," the described setting near the Angelina River paints (along with painting and paint balls) a totally new view of Texas and the people who live in the area. The characters are well-developed and are unique and authentic. Mr. Hammock uses his talent of using the characters’ dialogue to tell the story. In this book, especially, it seems as though the reader is right there listening to everyone talk, sometimes I would begin imagining what I’d like to say in conversation with the characters and distract myself from the reading! The book is a police procedural, which seems very close to the way real crimes are solved. I have never been to Texas, but it seems to me, that natives and those who have lived there would enjoy this book. There is an ending with all of the loose ends are wrapped up. This is a very well-written book. I received an ARC (advanced reader copy). This review was submitted voluntarily. I would give the book a 4.5 and rounded it to a 5, comparing it to other books of the same genre. Locations: [Texas: Newman County (fictional), Fen’s farm (fictional) near the Brazos River, College Station, Lufkin, Angelina County, Angelina River, Texas A & M Forest Service, Nacogdoches, Centerville, Crockett, Davy Crockett National Forest, Carthage] The most amusing line in the book: “It’s amazing how you can drive two or three hours in Texas, and it seems like you’re in another world.”

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a ARC free from Book Sirens and this is my voluntary honest review.
Cleverly well written!
Well developed, interesting characters!
Easy to read!
Hard to put down!
Don't miss!

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great addition to this series. I can’t decide what I like more. The underlying storyline of a retired sheriff turned private investigator who is a talented artist, or the characters who are all amazingly likable but quirky. The dialogue is a winner also with periodic bursts of dry humor and conversations held with a deceased spouse. Pick one or all three but you won’t be disappointed when you read this book.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.

[Karen L. Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paint ball teams, cheating, and a mail box bomb send Fen to SFA University undercover as an art professor. Fen had it figured out, and then a murder occurs. Bruce Hammack's characters are so well defined, and the mystery is not easy to solve. A terrific story. I was an ARC reader and given this book free for an honest review.

[Sharron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book look forward to reading more of this authors books

[Beth Helm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. This book kept me on my toes trying to guess who did it. It sent me on a roller coaster from start to finish.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I became a fan of Bruce Hammack with the Smiley and McBlythe series, and am enjoying this new Fen McGuire series as well. This is the second book in the series, and we are still getting to know the characters. The characters are interesting, each with their own flaws to work on. They interact well together, while learning how to get along. This is an easy, but interesting read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder on the Angelina is Book 2 of A Fen Maguire Mystery by Bruce Hammack. Paintball is a fun new game that many people play, but, the Angelina Avengers takes the game to a sinister level. Bruce Hammack always writes outstanding mysteries with great characters and interesting stories. I like that his books are around 200 pages and can be read in an afternoon of reading. I really enjoy this series. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Julie Burnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, read it in one sitting. The characters just keep getting better.

[KerryO]

Fen Maguire is a great character. His reluctance to use a gun and rely more on his thought process through art is refreshing. Love Bailey! Excellent follow-up to book #1 in the series. I received an ARC from Book Sirens and the opinions expressed are my own.

[Lee Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in awe of the talents of this author. Every single book I have read has been so good!!! And all I wanna do is read more wishing that the book would never end. This story line was different and I wondered if I would like it as much as the others. It is so darn good! I love it that Fen is traveling around Texas and we get to visit and have insights into the beautiful places in Texas!!

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC through "Booksirens" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This story with Lou participating in a paintball match. This is in preparation for doing an article on a paintball tournament which will happen in a short time. It seems that she was convinced by Fen to do this. Fen and Bailey are watching the action where Lou gets pelted and has paint all over her. Lou comes out and is not happy. Lou stays in the area to get ready for her article.

Fen is asked by Chuck, a lawyer, to look into a situation happening in the area of the Angelina River. Fen convinces Bailey to assist in his investigation. Fen is acting as a professor and Bailey is going undercover as a college student. Fen begins his assignment and, in the meantime, Lou has been kidnapped and released walking around only in her underwear. The time of the tournament arrives and during the match, one of the members of the local team is killed. Fen working along with Angie, a Lt. in the Highway Patrol, begins the hunt for the killer. Fen eventually comes up with a list of suspects.

Evidence is discovered shortly and one of the people on Fen's suspect is arrested. Fen is not sure this person is responsible so he looks into visiting with his list of other suspects. Fen as he thinks while painting has discovered who he believed was responsible. He sets up a meeting where intends to name the killer.

To discover who the killer was, how Bailey did in her undercover role and who else helped Fen with searches, then you need to read this book.

The story continues the great stories that Bruce does and will definitely want to read more of Fen's adventures as well as his other stories.

[Daryl P Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book with great cast of characters.

For me, the main pleasure of this book was deepening my acquaintance with Fen Maguire and his band of helpers and allies. We also learn more about painting and his thinking techniques when solving cases. It was interesting to see how our hero copes with the attention of the mainly female allies and assistants whilst being assertive and inventive in encounters with male adversaries. I urge anyone thinking of reading this book to go for "Murder on the Brazos" first to get a better grounding in this Texan tale and cast. It would work as a standalone, but does reveal some of the previous book's plot.

Fen's relationship with the orphan, teenage delinquent, talented girl he has taken in also develops and adds interest to the potentially already explosive mix of mother-hen housekeeper, determined journalist and deceased wife along with female law enforcement officers in each location.

I have deducted a star because some of the plot lines seemed a bit too incredible and although our merry band has four sets of crimes to solve, I could see several of the developments a long way off. There was one final twist I didn't see, however, so Bruce Hammack hasn't lost his sleight of hand. There were a few, minor editing errors remaining. I'll look forward to reading about the cast and events along the next river.

I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ruth Coulson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some fictional detectives do their best thinking while playing the violin, taking long walks, sleeping, knitting, communing with their little grey cells, and so on. Fen Maguire comes up with the answers while painting. He is an accomplished artist, a private investigator and an ex-sheriff of a Texas county. With his protégé Bailey, and in company with a reporter called Lou, he now investigates some unusual happenings with a paint-ball team. Of course, murder is naturally eventually part of the package, as the title tells us.

This is the second in a series of books featuring Fen Maguire, but is absolutely stand-alone. And the sub-title "a clean private investigator mystery" describes it exactly what it is. With no shoot-outs, no blood spattered on the ceiling, no sex scenes with a sultry gun-moll, etc it is slightly more relaxing to read. The puzzle is still there, and it is easy to concentrate on trying to guess what is going on. And, in my case, I hadn't a clue. And that is how I like my mysteries.

For me, there is also the attraction of the setting, and paint-ball competitions. I didn't even know such a thing existed.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Texas · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fen Maguire Mystery Series:
Murder On Shinbone Creek, prequel - My first read by this author and I enjoyed it. I like what the Sheriff did for the Sheriff-elect. Interesting story lines with good characters combined with a good writing style made this a one sitting read. 4*

Murder On The Brazos, #1 - Takes place about nine months after MOSC ends. Enjoyable story that held my interest and attention until I finished the last page, in one sitting. One person I missed because I did not pay attention; yes, I was snookered by the smoke. Love that the author knows a bit about Texas and Texans. Source: BookSirens. 4*

Murder On The Angelina, #2 - Picks up where MOTB ends. Interesting with good story lines and believable characters. Chicken Oil Co. closed April, 2022 due to a fire; now it looks like the author described, an aged, worn building; before the fire, a well taken care of rustic, not a dump. Source: BookSirens. 4*

Murder On The Guadalupe, #3 - Starts at the end of the Spring semester. I did not care for this story too much, yet I cannot say why. The writing style or maybe the story lines weren't as good as the previous books. Just an average read. Source: BookSirens. 3*
The Fen Maguire Mystery Series end.

[John Presler · Rating 5 out of 5]

East Texas truckers are having a hard time getting their loads delivered and Fen Maguire agrees to look into the situation. As a cover for his time in the area, he takes a position as a substitute Art Teacher from Newman County. Initial evidence points toward a championship Paintball Team from a neighboring county. the Angelina Avengers. The Avengers have a winning record, but are often accused of cheating in order to win. Before Fen can build any kind of a case, the leader of the Avengers, Chet Lowe, is killed during a paintball match! With angry truckers, angry paintball competitors, and even members of the Avengers with a bone to pick, Fen will have his work cut out trying to unravel this mystery.

Who killed Chet Lowe? Why was he killed? Can Fen sort through the secrets and lies to uncover the truth and expose the culprit?

Bruce Hammack has another wonderful mystery for Fen Maguire to solve with great characters, not to mention plenty of twists and turns. This series is guaranteed to keep readers engaged throughout and eager for more!

[Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ex-Sheriff Fen Maguire is back, with his newly gained PIs licence, and is persuaded to look into an extortion ring, especially after his friend Lou, a reporter, is attacked while looking into the story. Add the other characters, Thelma and Sam, and Bailey, and we’re well into this new series.

As always with this author it’s well researched and written, a story that keeps the reader wanting more, and on the best side of plausible. The characters are well developed and likeable. I love the relationship between husband and wife, Sam and Thelma, and also the one that’s developing so well between Fen and Bailey. Fen is a really likeable character, someone with good values and morals, and does the right thing, wherever the evidence leads him in his investigations, but also in his own life. Someone you’d definitely like to meet. Here’s hoping we don’t have to wait too long for the next in this series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Zella Bunch · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book Murder on the Brazos by Bruce Hammack was recommended to me, in part because I was familiar with the area in and around the Brazos River. When I ordered that book, I saw the next book in the series was Murder on the Angelina. Since I'm a native of Lufkin and Angelina County, I knew that I had to have this book. I was not disappointed. The plot moved along well and knowing the area, including the Davy Crocket National Forest where some of the paint ball tournaments occurred,
made the book more interesting to me. Fen Maguire was an interesting character and one talented not only artistically but was a near genius of solving mysteries. He tried to think the way a murderer might think giving him a perspective that other law enforcement may not use. I highly recommend this book and the prequel to this series as well as the first book in the series.

[DJ McCready · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The author is now a familiar read for me. I first read his series on surfing and this is the second book in this series I have enjoyed.

The plot is extremely well-developed with twists and turns and a surprise in learning who the murderer is. The characters are all developed in the previous book in the series but there is enough infomration , new and old to make this a book one can read without having to read the prior book.

I like the fact there is little gruesome, there is a great deal of detction in finding the murdere - it is an excellent procedural.

[Adpa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I get so engrossed in reading Mr. Hammack's books that time just flies by.
I love Fen and his "crew" of friends that help each other and police professionals as they investigate crimes while pursuing painting as a way to let the mind freelance thoughts to determine the guilty party.
It is difficult to come up with a probable guilty suspect until the end of the book. This, along with the ease of reading style, and a story devoid of vulgarity , makes Mr. Hammack's books a pleasure to read.
I have received an advance review of the book, and this review is my honest opinion.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

It started as a story about a group of paintballers, then it turned serious when she is kidnapped and left in the woods in the cold. Fen and Baily are going to college to help Lou find out who is behind the violence in this small college town. When Fen's prime suspect is killed, things need another look at...especially those that knew the deceased. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.