Thanks to the kindness and generosity of Angela Crider Neary, I enjoyed what is likely to be Bill Crider’s last Dan Rhodes novel, That Old Scoundrel Death. Sheriff Rhodes investigates the puzzling murder of a man who calls himself “Bruce Wayne” and “John Watson” but is actually an investigative reporter for a local news web site. The body is found in a run-down school which half the community wants preserved and the other half wants torn down. Rhodes conducts his interviews with suspects while the cloud of his upcoming Election weighs on him. Should he run for Sheriff again?
That Old Scoundrel Death is the 24th book in the Dan Rhodes series. The delight I experienced while reading it was tempered by the realization that each page I turned brought me closer to the final chapter of Bill’s writing career. I don’t know if Bill had decided whether Dan Rhodes would have run for Sheriff again. But if he did, he’d get my vote. GRADE: A
A loving review and a moving tribute — thanks, George.
Dan, Bill’s wonderful daughter, Angela Crider Neary, provided a moving Dedication to all Bill Crider/Dan Rhodes fans. I got a little misty reading it.
My library has this in processing, and I should have it by the end of the week. When I discovered Bill’s blog 5-6 years ago I started reading the series, the new ones as they were published and the earlier ones in order as I could work them in. Reading this last one will be sad, but I still have a dozen or so of the earlier ones to read. It’s unusual for me to give much thought to the authors of the books I read, but I always wished I could have known Bill, and reading his blog almost made it seem that I DID know him. Those of you who really did know him are very lucky.
Michael, well said! Bill Crider reflected his personality and humor on his blog. It was the first stop for me each day when I fired up my computer. I treasure the times I got together with Bill and his lovely wife, Judy, at BOUCHERCONs over the years.
So true. I have held off reading it until now, because (like you) I didn’t want to have to admit it was really all over. I will read it as soon as I finish my current book. Yes, Angela’s dedication was moving. Every once in a while I go back and reread the dedication Bill gave me in a previous book in this series (RED, WHITE & BLUE MURDER). To say he is (and will be) missed is a gross understatement.
RIP Bill
Jeff, Bill and Judy Crider lit up every BOUCHERCON I attended. What a wonderful couple! Bill was always generous. That Dedication in READ, WHITE & BLUE murder was very heart-felt. We all miss Bill and Judy.
I bought it from a book store yesterday and posted on it yesterday. I’ll start on it soon.
Rick, you’re in for a treat!
Thanks to George for the lovely review and to everyone for their kind and heartfelt comments.
Angela, we all loved your father and his work. I’m grateful you gave me a chance to read Bill’s last novel and review it.
I still sometimes find it hard to believe that Bill is no longer with us. How many times do we share a link to a news story and say “Bill would have loved this” or “Bill would have been all over this”? I just can’t see any story about gators, 9-1-1 calls that are only “emergencies” in the caller’s mind, or some Texas “accomplishment” without thinking of Bill.
Deb, same here. Bill and I used to exchange email messages every day for years. A lot of fun and frivolity left the world when Bill departed.
Bill’s blog also was my first go-to when I turned on my computer. While I never met him in person, I felt like I knew him htorugh his interesting posts and his willingnees to answer my questions about old paperbacks. I will have to track down this new Dan Rhodes. Next week I’m off to Florida to watch some ball games and do some book scouting. I have promised myself not to buy so many books that will force me to buy an extra bag to bring them home. It’s happened before.
Kent, Bill Crider knew plenty about old paperbacks. Plus he had a house full…and two storage lockers stuffed with books, too! Yes, I’ve faced that “extra bag for books” dilemma a few times myself. Have fun in Florida!
I sometimes wonder what’s happened to all of Bill’s paperback collection.
Rick, Bill was in negotiations with Texas A&M to donate his book collection.