Sheriff Dan Rhodes spends as much time dealing with local politics and unhappy citizens as he does working on actual crime, and maybe that is the reality in a rural county which doesn't seem to have any towns of any size. He also shares his meandering thoughts, which might deal with what he did (or didn't) learn in grade school. Not exactly bumpling, but he's not necessarily in good condition for chasing down suspects--times when he hopes one of his deputies will make it on time.
I'd have to read other books in the series to get an explanation for why he hardly speaks with his wife Ivy.
Good enough book to pass the time, not likely to be remembered long. ( )

We listened to two mystery audiobooks, one on the way to West Texas, and one on the way home, both by my favorite mystery writer, Bill Crider. That's what a 9 1/2 hour drive to the other side of the state will do for you. Oh my, did we love hearing the story of guitar-playing Dr. C. P. "Seepy" Benton in Of All Sad Words. And does Bigfoot live in Texas? That's what Sheriff Dan Rhodes has to find out in A Mammoth Murder. We were entranced for nineteen hours and that's no small feat. ( )

This book was my introduction to Sheriff Dan Rhodes of Blacklin County, TX, and, I must say, I wish it had occurred much sooner. In Sheriff Rhodes, Mr. Crider has created a near-perfect example of a rural sheriff. Not only does he have murders to solve, Sheriff Rhodes must deal with officious comissioners, lonely little old ladies, imaginary animals, and a citizen whose electricity has been stolen by UFOs. All in a day's work, though, and alongside the dry humor with which Rhodes deals with these details is a real mystery, and real danger.

This was an excellent book, and I'll be looking for more in this series. ( )

This bok was okay. Not the best read in the world but it was good. i was glad to read his wok and may read others bt not at the top of my things to buy list. ( )

The latest in Criders' wonderful Sheriff Dan Rhodes series includes exploding manufactured homes, moonshine, and a return appearance by a motorcycle gang of two, one of whom gets a little maimed - again. ( )