AN UNSETTLING CRIME

to be released January 3, 2017

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AN UNSETTLING CRIME FOR SAMUEL CRADDOCK
A Samuel Craddock Mystery Prequel
Book Six
by Terry Shames

      . Number: 9781633882096

• 
• Release: January 3, 2017
• Author: Terry Shames
• Availability: Print-Book
• Genre: Suspense
• Tags: * Susp: Action / Thriller, * Susp: Mystery
• Publisher: Seventh Street Books

When the Jarrett Creek Fire Department is called to douse a blaze on the outskirts of town, they discover a grisly scene: five black young people have been murdered. Newly elected Chief of Police Samuel Craddock, just back from a stint in the Air Force, finds himself an outsider in the investigation headed by the Texas Highway Patrol. He takes an immediate dislike to John Sutherland, a racist trooper Craddock’s fears are realized when Sutherland arrests Truly Bennett, a young black man whom Craddock knows and respects. Sutherland cites dubious evidence that points to Bennett, and Craddock uncovers facts leading in another direction. When Sutherland refuses to relent, Craddock is faced with a choice that will define him as a lawman—either let the highway patrol have its way, or take on a separate investigation himself. Although his choice to investigate puts both Craddock and his family in danger, he perseveres. In the process, he learns something about himself and the limits of law enforcement in Jarrett Creek. (from Night Owl Reviews)

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THE AUTHOR
 From an early age, Terry Shames wrote stories based on the small town in Texas where her grandparents lived. Her Samuel Craddock mysteries are set in Jarrett Creek, a fictional version of the town that sparked her imagination. Terry lives in Berkeley, CA with her husband, two rowdy terriers.

Her first book A Killing at Cotton Hill, was a best seller and a finalist for numerous awards. It won the Macavity for Best First Mystery, 2013. The Last Death of Jack Harbin was a Macavity finalist for Best Mystery, 2014 and was named one of the top ten mysteries of 2014 by Library Journal and top five of 2014 by MysteryPeople. Her fifth Craddock mystery, The Necessary Murder of Nonie Blake launches January 2016. Terry lives in Berkeley, CA. Visit her at www.terryshames.com to see photos and to find out about upcoming events.

MY THOUGHTS
 The author deals with some real life issues, some real hard issues, drugs. murder and racism.   A mystery of a small town that has corruption spewing all over.   It even spills over into the police department. Samuel Craddock, takes on the job of Police Chief, not knowing a lot about what it takes to do the job, but he soon starts to learn.    I would strongly suggest you read the other books 1-5 first.  I felt like I missed out on a lot by not doing that.  The book can be read as a stand-alone.  The author gives the reader this young Craddock who you can't help but love.  The author shows how he grows through the story.   He starts out fairly naive but matures throughout the story.   There are many characters in this book.   Each has their own personality, flaws, things you can like or dislike about each. I love true crime and the author based this series on true crime.  He wasn't only a lawman, but a husband, son, brother and uncle.   He had a wife he loved dearly, a nephew that he adored, a brother that was on the wrong side of the law and a mother  that was far from loving.  What a mix in one family but the author gave us what is truly a mix in a lot of real families. Craddock finds corruption in his own police force, drugs in the high school, high drug dealers throughout the town, murder of five young black people and the arrest of a young black man who was innocent.   You're given a mystery that a young police chief has in his lap to solve.  He has full intention on doing that.  But will his investigation lead to harm to him and the ones he loves?  He will protect them at all costs.  He will also try to put his town back where it belongs.  A peaceful law abiding town.   Don't miss out on Samuel Craddock and his stand that took the corruption in his small town, DOWN!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Night Owl Reviews and voluntarily decided to review it.

I would give this book a solid 5 STARS.

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