Death by Accident (Sheriff Dan Rhodes Mysteries, No. 9) - Softcover

Bill Crider serves as chair of the Division of English and Fine Arts at Alvin Community College.

This is the ninth novel featuring Texan Dan Rhodes, a small-town sheriff faced with big-city problems--in this case, two suspicious "accidental" deaths within two weeks, not to mention a squabble between two local historical societies that threatens to get nasty (and violent) at any moment. This is a gentle mystery more concerned with character and story than gunplay and tough-guy cliches. Rhodes is an appealing character, a quiet man surrounded by supporting cast members who are (unlike many supporting characters) as vivid as any real-life next-door neighbors. And it's a pleasure to watch him solve this case through intelligence, wit, and just a little bit of luck. Fans will definitely be satisfied, while readers new to the series will find this an excellent way to make Sheriff Rhodes' acquaintance. David Pitt