Lawmen are seldom fortunate enough to have a single crime to occupy their time.

This fact is readily apparent in the latest in the Samuel Craddock mystery series. Sam, who is the police chief in the small Texas town of Jarrett Creek, is dealing with a multitude of crimes of varying complexity as well as a few private concerns as the story opens.

The wayward daughter of his lady friend Wendy has got herself in trouble in Mexico, and hiring a local lawyer doesn't appear to be an easy fix.

Mark Granger, who plans to renovate and modernize the offerings at his father's popular feed store, is beset with threats that soon elevate to physical violence. Then, arson strikes the store and a body is found on the premises. The victim died of a gunshot wound and is from a community 30 minutes away from Jarrett Creek. Both Mark and his sister Chelsea, who has been steadfastly opposed to the renovation project, claim they don't recognize the man.

Sgt. Leland Reagan, the new head of the Department of Public Safety, shows up and isn't happy about Craddock meddling in a homicide in his jurisdiction. Reagan's predecessor has always been happy with the assistance of the Jarrett Creek officers with their knowledge of local people and conditions. Reagan's attitude rankles Sam and his team.

As if this isn't enough to deal with, a few days later a repair crew discovers the mummified body of a man who died 30 years before beneath the scorched floorboards of the feed store.

Mark's father, Melvin, has recently suffered a stroke and is unable to provide any insight as to the identity of the body or how it came to be concealed in the establishment. Despite Reagan's warnings, Sam continues to investigate both cases.

Usually Craddock can rely on the assistance of his deputy Maria Trevino, but she has volunteered to go to Mexico to help sort out Wendy's daughter's situation. His friend and neighbor Loretta Singletary is normally available with cookies and advice. Oddly, though the baked goods are still forthcoming, Loretta is reluctant to talk about the current cases, especially the one involving the mummified body.

Samuel Craddock is an engaging character, a widower, beloved by his neighbors (especially the females who dote on him) and familiar with their behavior. I recommend the series to all who enjoy a good mystery in a small-town setting.

[ visit Terry Shames online ]