NEWEST RELEASE
NEWEST RELEASE
THE TROUBLING DEATH OF MADDY BENSON
The 11th book in the Samuel Craddock mystery series
Everyone knows everyone in a small town like Jarrett Creek. So Chief of Police Samuel Craddock is perplexed when he receives a call from a woman asking the police to rescue her sister. Who is Maddy Benson?
Maddy said she had to get away, but she didn't get far. When Craddock finds her just off the highway, she's already dead, shot in the head. And as he learns more about the mysterious Maddy and the real reason behind her recent move to Jarrett Creek, his career is plunged into jeopardy. Can he unravel a terrible knot of lies, threats, dangerous politics and shocking secrets to reveal the truth behind the troubling death of Maddy Benson?
BOOK 1
A KILLING AT COTTON HILL
Winner of Macavity Award for Best First Novel
In the series debut former police chief Samuel Craddock is forced to investigate the murder of his friend Dora Lee Parjeter because the current chief doubles as the town drunk.
REVIEWS
"Readers will want to see more of the likable main character, who compassionately but relentlessly sifts the evidence. Convincing small town atmosphere and a vivid supporting cast are a plus."
Publisher's Weekly (July 2013)
"Shames' novel is an amazing read. The poetic, literary quality of the writing draws you into a small town and its interesting, secret-carrying residents
RT Book Reviews (August 2013) - 4 Stars
BOOK 2
THE LAST DEATH OF JACK HARBIN
Finalist for the Macavity Award for Best Novel
Finalist for Left Coast Crime Best Novel
The friendship between two former football stars is irrevocably damaged by war, and they have not spoken in years. When one is brutally murdered, former Chief of Police Craddock unravels the betrayals and secrets that led to his death.
REVIEWS
"A methodical thinker with his own dark side, Craddock once again wins the reader over en route to a satisfying conclusion."
Publisher's Weekly
"…with the new book, Shames clinches Craddock’s status as the most engaging new American sleuth in crime fiction."
Toronto Star
BOOK 3
DEAD BROKE IN JARRETT CREEK
When Jarrett Creek goes broke and a local banker is murdered, Samuel Craddock is pressed back into service as Chief of Police to investigate.
REVIEWS
“….Shames’s solid third mystery. Craddock is forced to rely more on his insight…than on forensics. But like a good shade tree mechanic, he gets the job done."
Publisher's Weekly
BOOK 4
A DEADLY AFFAIR AT BOBTAIL RIDGE
Both external and internal threats to Craddock’s friend Jenny Sandstone lead to an investigation of crimes from the past.
REVIEWS
“You can feel the Texas wind blow and the dirt dust up beneath your feet as Shames delivers another solid installment in the Samuel Craddock series. The mystery flows seamlessly in Craddock’s capable hands as each new clue leads to more shocking revelations. The characters add authenticity and texture as decent, hard-working citizens intermingle with those who skirt the edges of the law"
RT Book Reviews (April 2015) - 4.5 Stars
BOOK 5
THE NECESSARY MURDER OF NONIE BLAKE
Finalist for the RT Reviews Reviewer’s Choice Award
Finalist for Left Coast Crime Best Novel
After twenty years in a mental institution, Nonie Blake comes home is soon murdered. To solve the murder, Craddock has to unravel layers of deception and family secrets, aided by a new deputy, Maria Trevino.
REVIEWS
“Shames once again enchants with her portrayal of life in rural Texas. Each character has a unique personality that remains in the mind of the reader long after the book is closed. The stunning conclusion will surprise most as Shames deftly weaves her tale.”
RT Book Reviews
“Once again Shames's mystery engages the reader with well-developed characters and an ingenious plot.”
Library Journal
BOOK 6
AN UNSETTLING CRIME FOR SAMUEL CRADDOCK
Finalist for Left Coast Crime Best Novel Award
The prequel follows Craddock as he becomes chief for the first time and is confronted with systemic brutality and corruption in Texas state law enforcement.
REVIEWS
“A favorite of fans who like their police procedurals with a strong ethical center, Shames provides the back story of a Southern cop caught between his job and his culture.”
Kirkus Reviews
“Shames’s superior sixth Samuel Craddock mystery...a prequel set possibly during the early 1970s, explores a significant case at the start of the retired police chief’s career. Skilled depictions of the lawman’s formative choices and emotions enhance a timely story with resonance in the era of Black Lives Matter.”
Publishers Weekly
From "The Very Best Crime Fiction Set in the Lone Star State - “In her sixth novel, she provides readers with a special treat: an outstanding origin story for her likable hero."
CrimeFictionLover.com
BOOK 7
A RECKONING IN THE BACK COUNTRY
Winner for Left Coast Crime Best Novel Award
A brutal death of a stranger leads Craddock to investigate the underbelly of the region, which includes dogfighting and gambling. Meanwhile, his life is complicated by a new woman and a surprise houseguest.
REVIEWS
"Terry Shames deserves every award she has earned for this deftly-plotted, always thoughtful mystery series. Craddock has the dry wit and sardonic outlook of an experienced lawman, yet he is never so jaded as to be unmoved by tragedy or sacrifice. Every character comes to life within these novels, with their witty dialogue humorous not because of outright jokes but because of life’s absurdities. This is a series that should always be at the top of one’s To Be Read list."
Kings River Life, August 2018
BOOK 8
A RISKY UNDERTAKING FOR LORETTA SINGLETARY
A favorite series character finds herself in harm’s way. After using an online dating site for senior citizens, town favorite Loretta Singletary--maker of cinnamon rolls and arbiter of town gossip--goes missing.
REVIEWS
As often happens in Shames’ work, the evil is found to originate in the bitterness of blighted lives, and here the finale is as touching as it is violent. Craddock is a slightly more cerebral version of the late Bill Crider’s rural sheriff Dan Rhodes, but they share a bloodline.
Booklist, 2018
A surprise ending makes this entry one of Shames' best in an enjoyable series that raises small-town problems and their solutions to an art form.
