Sheriff Rhodes is a good, decent man with a small operation and limited resources. The people he works with are fun characters as is his wife. The story was a good mystery with lots of fun included. Very enjoyable read. ( )

Sheriff Rhodes is a good, decent man with a small operation and limited resources. The people he works with are fun characters as is his wife. The story was a good mystery with lots of fun included. Very enjoyable read. ( )

Synopsis: Lynn Ashton, a beautician, is found dead. Rhodes investigates and finds that she was dallying with several of the prominent men in Blacklin County. Suspects range from the men, themselves, to their wives, to vagrants who are involved in theft of car batteries. Throughout, Hack and his buddy continue to give Rhodes fits.
Review: This wasn't one of Crider's best, but still worth the time to read it. ( )

They may not make Saturday afternoon westerns on the big screen anymore, but those familiar with Bill Crider's Sheriff Dan Rhodes series know reading the latest mystery is a close second, and Murder of a Beauty Shop Queen continues in that same tradition.

When the body of young, pretty, and blond Lynn Ashton is discovered lying on the floor of The Beauty Shack next to her hair dryer, the rumor mill spins into high gear leaving the Sheriff of Blacklin County with plenty of suspects, lots of accusations, and not enough solid leads. And if one case wasn't enough to concentrate on, there is an increase in thefts of car batteries and copper being reported around town. Toss in the ever present and reliable cast of supporting characters, just like the movie serials, add a touch of homespun humor, dogged persistence, then kick back and watch as the good guys win the day.

This is one of the few times where the Sheriff escapes with only a few minor bumps and bruises, although having to live up to his alter ego's newest literary adventure provides plenty of light-hearted comparisons.

If you're looking for an enjoyable afternoon read, you won't go wrong in the small community of down-to-earth characters that exemplify the qualities of honesty, integrity, and chivalry, once witnessed on the silver screen. ( )