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Member Since: Nov. 09, 2009

Linda Brandau

Smashwords book reviews by Linda Brandau

Two Bits Four Bits on March 12, 2011

The main character is a likeable and interesting former homicide detective not quite sure what he wants for his future. He returns to his hometown for a reunion and to tie up some family matters. When the husband of a classmate is murdered, Buddy finds himself in the middle of the investigation. I enjoyed the detail of some of the detective work that Mark Cotton provided in this mystery. Most mysteries overlook those details and just go for action, but I enjoyed getting immersed in the creative work of a detective. There are many characters in Two Bits Four Bits that I see in regularly in small town America. I especially enjoyed the addition of the three older guys that met at the local restaurant every morning for coffee and gossip. This is a good mystery with several suspects that reaches a satisfying conclusion. Buddy is a character that you look forward to seeing in a book series and I hope more are in the works.
Shooting Crows At Dawn on May 06, 2012

ubal Dark has been a tough common-sense sheriff for 20 years and is facing down a re-election that is not going well. In fact, he full expects to lose. Although Dark has caught his share of criminals, there is a hostile attitude in town concerning three escaped killers and an unsolved murder cold case of a young girl. The characters are all believable. Dark is a very likeable character as a widower and father of an adult daughter. Holly Sharps is a crime scene tech working for Texas Ranger Buck Nevis. Buck allows her to make coffee, file, and pick up his dry cleaning. Holly offers to help Dark solve his cold case and work for free if he will just give her a chance. This is a pretty gritty tale and although it had a little more violence than I like, I was impressed with the quality writing and suspenseful plot. This is a great crime drama!