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Library | Call Number | Status |
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Searching... Oakdale Library | MYSTERY BEL | Searching... Unknown |
Searching... Stillwater Public Library | MYSTERY BEL | Searching... Unknown |
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Summary
Summary
Mystery writer Nancy Bell, author of the highly acclaimed Biggie Weatherford series, introduced a new series with Restored to Death: A Judge Jackson Crain Mystery . The reviewers were delighted. Now Judge Crain is back. In the second Judge Jackson Crain Mystery, Joe Junior McBride, beloved barber of Post Oak, Texas, has been murdered. At first glance, the homicide appears to be the work of a prowler, but as the investigation progresses, Joe Junior's second wife, Marlene Ashburn, becomes the prime suspect. A stranger turns up at the funeral, and something about him reminds everyone of Joe Junior. But Joe's brother, Gerald, claims never to have seen him, and mounting evidence points to Marlene as the murderer. Meanwhile, Judge Crain and his adolescent daughter, Patty, try to combine her social activities as a teenager with some careful snooping into the secret lives of their friends and neighbors. And as they come closer to the solution, Jackson and Patty each find a touch of romance . . . .
Author Notes
Nancy Bell is a fifth-generation Texan. She spends her time between Austin and her hometown of Pittsburg, Texas, where she draws inspiration for her novels. She is currently working on the third Jackson Crain novel.
Reviews (2)
Publisher's Weekly Review
In Nancy Bell's charming Death Splits a Hair: A Judge Jackson Crain Mystery, the second in a new regional series from the author of the Biggie mysteries (after 2003's Restored to Death), the judge looks into the murder of the beloved barber of Post Oak, Tex. Credible characters, convincing dialogue, vivid local color and a surprising conclusion all make this a superior cozy. Agent, Vicky Bijur. (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Booklist Review
Author of the popular Biggie series, Bell recently introduced another lovable Texan: Judge Jackson Crain of small-town Post Oak. Like any good country cozy protagonist, Judge Crain spends little time working and a lot of time chatting with the townsfolk in the barbershop and diner. In his second adventure, the judge investigates the murder of popular barber Joe Junior McBride. Joe's teenage daughter, Ashley, is best friends with Judge Crain's daughter, Patty, giving him even more impetus to solve the crime. For a seemingly innocuous town, Post Oak is rife with suspects, including Joe's troubled son, unhappy wife, pretty new barbershop assistant, and adoptive brother. As Judge Crain sorts through the evidence, he tries to stay one step ahead of his sharp-tongued assistant, Edna, while trying to win back his girlfriend, Mandy deAlejandro. When young Ashley is kidnapped, the search for the truth becomes even more pressing. Bell's vivid portrayal of small-town Texas life will make readers feel as though they're drinkin' coffee with Post Oak denizens in the Wagon Wheel Cafe. --Jenny McLarin Copyright 2005 Booklist