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Sheriff Dan Rhodes #18
The Wild Hog Murders
Like most of the rest of Texas, Blacklin County is being overrun with feral hogs that destroy farmland and crops. There's hardly any defense against these pests, but they haven't been the cause of murder. Until now. A mother and son have opened an animal shelter in the county and they welcome even feral hogs. Someone's threatened them by slaughtering one of their animals and leaving it on their doorstep. Then Sheriff Dan Rhodes and Deputy Ruth Grady stumble across a dead man while searching the woods for a convenience store robber.
The investigation into the man's death is complicated by angry hog hunters, a crusading talk-show host, a bounty hunter named Hoss, conflicts with the county commissioners, and the reappearance of Rapper and Nellie, the inept two-man motorcycle gang that's caused Rhodes considerable trouble in the past. By the time he's sorted through all the clues, Rhodes discovers that quite a few people aren't who they seemed to be, including those he's known for a long time. And some of them are killers.
Award-winning author Bill Crider has written an endearing and consistently entertaining series, and The Wild Hog Murders offers a fresh new chance to get in on the fun.
The investigation into the man's death is complicated by angry hog hunters, a crusading talk-show host, a bounty hunter named Hoss, conflicts with the county commissioners, and the reappearance of Rapper and Nellie, the inept two-man motorcycle gang that's caused Rhodes considerable trouble in the past. By the time he's sorted through all the clues, Rhodes discovers that quite a few people aren't who they seemed to be, including those he's known for a long time. And some of them are killers.
Award-winning author Bill Crider has written an endearing and consistently entertaining series, and The Wild Hog Murders offers a fresh new chance to get in on the fun.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2011
2 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Bill Crider
241 books235 followersTaught English at Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Tex., and went on to become the chair of the Division of English and Fine Arts at Alvin Community College in Alvin, Tex.; prolific writer of mystery, science fiction, western, horror, and children's books, not to mention short stories, articles, reviews, and blog posts; perhaps best known for his Sheriff Dan Rhodes mystery series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 19, 2016
"The Wild Hog Murders" is book number 18 in the Sheriff Dan Rhodes series by Bill Crider. As far as I recall I have read the previous 17 earlier this year. I hope from that one can glean that I enjoy the series. The books could perhaps be read out of sequence, then however, many of the refer-backs and the humor prone to the secondary characters would be missed.
Sheriff Rhodes is the head lawman in a small Texas town inhabited by a load of idiosyncratic characters. Throughout the series Rhodes has inherited two dogs and a cat and a wife who all participate in recurring roles.
Each book in the series has from one to three murders that Rhodes must solve not using CSI techniques as much as brain power, also I find it humorous that the small Texas town has been plagued by:
Wild Hogs
Chickens
Emu's
Motorcyclists
All to the enjoyment of the reader. The books are not a thrill a minute high powered though not world shaking novels, but nicely paced, thought provoking installments of humor and mystery combined to stimulate some easy going escapism.
Thank You Mr. Crider.
Sheriff Rhodes is the head lawman in a small Texas town inhabited by a load of idiosyncratic characters. Throughout the series Rhodes has inherited two dogs and a cat and a wife who all participate in recurring roles.
Each book in the series has from one to three murders that Rhodes must solve not using CSI techniques as much as brain power, also I find it humorous that the small Texas town has been plagued by:
Wild Hogs
Chickens
Emu's
Motorcyclists
All to the enjoyment of the reader. The books are not a thrill a minute high powered though not world shaking novels, but nicely paced, thought provoking installments of humor and mystery combined to stimulate some easy going escapism.
Thank You Mr. Crider.
August 7, 2011
Sheriff Dan Rhodes of Blacklin County, Texas, is a low-keyed, self-effacing peace officer who gets tough whenever he's in a jam. In this unusual and colorful yarn, Rhodes has to deal with the abundant feral hog (I think they're also called javelinas, peccaries, or possibly razorbacks)population while solving a couple homicides as well as a bank robbery. Sheriff Rhodes (how can you not like a guy who's a Dr. Pepper fan?) and the cast of small town characters are a lot of fun. Hack and Lawton's ribbing banter is classic Abbott and Costello. I grew up in a rural hamlet, so I get an extra kick out of reading this series. Plus I learned a lot more about feral boars that I recall seeing in the Great Smoky Mountains. Great stuff here.
March 16, 2016
It has been a long time since I’ve read a Bill Crider mystery. According to the reading log I keep at Goodreads, it has been since 2003. That's too long.
It should be noted that I am not a good mystery reader. A good mystery reader carefully follows the plot of a mystery, especially the small twists and loops. While reading mysteries, I often miss parts of the plot that turn out to have great ultimate significance.
And I, a natural skeptic, am always annoyed when small towns (mysteries---who knows why?---often take place in small towns) experience frequent casual murders.
That said, I loved this mystery. No, I didn’t follow the plot very well and, yes, two wild-hog-related-murders took place back-to-back in this little town, but, for me, the ultimate test of a good book is the characters and the characters in this story were fabulous. The character of Soppy Benton, in particular, seemed so real that I almost feel like he is someone I know personally.
Delightful story.
It should be noted that I am not a good mystery reader. A good mystery reader carefully follows the plot of a mystery, especially the small twists and loops. While reading mysteries, I often miss parts of the plot that turn out to have great ultimate significance.
And I, a natural skeptic, am always annoyed when small towns (mysteries---who knows why?---often take place in small towns) experience frequent casual murders.
That said, I loved this mystery. No, I didn’t follow the plot very well and, yes, two wild-hog-related-murders took place back-to-back in this little town, but, for me, the ultimate test of a good book is the characters and the characters in this story were fabulous. The character of Soppy Benton, in particular, seemed so real that I almost feel like he is someone I know personally.
Delightful story.
October 9, 2016
Sheriff Dan Rhodes & his deputies in action in Backlin County Texas dealing with murders occurring during wild hog hunts and capturing bank robbers. I enjoyed how Crider incorporated the wild hog problems in the story that is rampant in TX. Another great addition to the long running Sheriff Rhodes series.
August 30, 2011
Feral hogs have been running wild in Texas for years. As the problem has worsened and moved into urban areas, news reports started airing more and more frequently on the issue. If something gets reported on the news enough and there is any way possible to make a reality show on the subject, some network does. Two televisions shows on the Texas feral hog problem are in production now with no doubt more planned. Especially now since Texas has granted permission for hog hunts to be conducted from the air using helicopters. The feral hog issue is the backdrop in the latest Sheriff Dan Rhodes mystery, “The Wild Hog Murders.”
As readers of this long running series well know, Blacklin County in East Texas certainly has its crime problem as well as environmental issues. Rampaging wild hogs are the latest threat to county residents. There are some in the county that want the hogs hunted down until the very last one is dead. There are others who save every critter possible and that includes the feral or wild hogs. That contingent would be led by the Chandlers, mother and son, who recently opened a wildlife rescue center that takes in everything. Apparently somebody decided to send a message to the Chandlers because the person keeps dumping what is left of their favorite pig at the shelter.
Understandably, the Chandlers are more than a little upset and they want the culprit or culprits found and severely punished. That investigation has to take a backseat to an ongoing murder investigation. Hunters and wild hogs messed up the foot pursuit of two convenience store robbery suspects who had crashed their car during the chase and fled into the nearby woods. When the hogs and the hunters chasing them were gone, Rhodes discovered that one suspect had been killed and the other one was missing. Rhodes has tangled with feral hogs before and knows what they can do to kill. But, in this case, the hogs are innocent unless the hogs have figured out how to shoot guns.
With a murder on his hands and the local hog hunters refusing to talk, Sheriff Rhodes has a problem. A problem that is going to rapidly get worse thanks to a lot of differing agendas and a lack of cooperation from a number of folks. If that wasn’t bad enough, he also has to deal with the return of the notorious Rapper and Nellie and their signature motorcycles. Rhodes really does not like hogs, living or machine, and for very good reason.
The 18th in this series written by legendary Texas Author Bill Crider is another confortable cozy style read set in the woods of East Texas. All the major and minor characters are back in their comfortable routines doing what it seems like they always have each and every day. No new ground is broken here nor is it expected in this well established series. The focus, as always, is on the current case, personal relationships, and daily life in this small Texas county.
The result is another very good read with fictional friends that are as real to readers as you and I. One knows Sheriff Rhodes always wins out in the end and will so again in this case. The only real question is how and who he will catch this time with his folksy ways.
The Wild Hog Murders: A Dan Rhodes Mystery
Bill Crider
http://www.billcrider.com
A Thomas Dunne Book (Minotaur Books)
http://www.thomasdunnebooks.com
2011
ISBN# 978-0-312-64149-8
Hardback
264 Pages
$24.99
Material supplied by the good folks of the Plano, Texas Public Library System.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2011
More reviews at http://kevintipplescorner.blogspot.com/
As readers of this long running series well know, Blacklin County in East Texas certainly has its crime problem as well as environmental issues. Rampaging wild hogs are the latest threat to county residents. There are some in the county that want the hogs hunted down until the very last one is dead. There are others who save every critter possible and that includes the feral or wild hogs. That contingent would be led by the Chandlers, mother and son, who recently opened a wildlife rescue center that takes in everything. Apparently somebody decided to send a message to the Chandlers because the person keeps dumping what is left of their favorite pig at the shelter.
Understandably, the Chandlers are more than a little upset and they want the culprit or culprits found and severely punished. That investigation has to take a backseat to an ongoing murder investigation. Hunters and wild hogs messed up the foot pursuit of two convenience store robbery suspects who had crashed their car during the chase and fled into the nearby woods. When the hogs and the hunters chasing them were gone, Rhodes discovered that one suspect had been killed and the other one was missing. Rhodes has tangled with feral hogs before and knows what they can do to kill. But, in this case, the hogs are innocent unless the hogs have figured out how to shoot guns.
With a murder on his hands and the local hog hunters refusing to talk, Sheriff Rhodes has a problem. A problem that is going to rapidly get worse thanks to a lot of differing agendas and a lack of cooperation from a number of folks. If that wasn’t bad enough, he also has to deal with the return of the notorious Rapper and Nellie and their signature motorcycles. Rhodes really does not like hogs, living or machine, and for very good reason.
The 18th in this series written by legendary Texas Author Bill Crider is another confortable cozy style read set in the woods of East Texas. All the major and minor characters are back in their comfortable routines doing what it seems like they always have each and every day. No new ground is broken here nor is it expected in this well established series. The focus, as always, is on the current case, personal relationships, and daily life in this small Texas county.
The result is another very good read with fictional friends that are as real to readers as you and I. One knows Sheriff Rhodes always wins out in the end and will so again in this case. The only real question is how and who he will catch this time with his folksy ways.
The Wild Hog Murders: A Dan Rhodes Mystery
Bill Crider
http://www.billcrider.com
A Thomas Dunne Book (Minotaur Books)
http://www.thomasdunnebooks.com
2011
ISBN# 978-0-312-64149-8
Hardback
264 Pages
$24.99
Material supplied by the good folks of the Plano, Texas Public Library System.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2011
More reviews at http://kevintipplescorner.blogspot.com/
October 8, 2014
This was a fun mystery to read, with lots of local color, and dangerous wild hogs crashing through the scenes at regular intervals. I enjoyed the character of Dan Rhodes, who is a classic small-town sheriff--shrewd, plays by the book, smarter than the people around him, but in ways that are hidden from them. The writing was very cinematic--the plot rolled by in a way that was like watching a tv show, and the climactic scene at the animal sanctuary was great physical comedy in prose. The supporting characters and assorted suspects were a good ensemble cast--no noir, no dastardly evil, no far-fetched, convoluted plot twists, just a bunch of people--good guys, bad guys, in between-- you might also run into in a small town.
March 23, 2013
#18 in the Sheriff Dan Rhodes series. In the 2011 installment of this series, prolific author Bill Crider brings back the laconic lawman of rural Blacklin County, TX and his enjoyable supporting cast. There are two bodies found and each is connected by time and location to a wild hog hunt. The connection, if any, will eventually be discovered; but this series is about the journey, not the result. Rhodes banters with his dispatcher and his jailer; he is fussed over by his wife; he's harassed by the county commissioner; threatened by outlaw bikers; and, preached to about the depredations of over a million feral hogs on the Texas countryside. Eventually the mystery is solved, the book is finished, and we'll wait another year to visit with Sheriff Rhodes again (unless, like me, you came to this series late and are still working through the backlist.).
Dan Rhodes series - When an infestation of feral pigs culminates in a murder in Blacklin County, Sheriff Dan Rhodes finds the ensuing investigation complicated by angry hog hunters, a crusading talk-show host, a bounty hunter, and the reappearance of a troublemaking motorcycle duo.
Dan Rhodes series - When an infestation of feral pigs culminates in a murder in Blacklin County, Sheriff Dan Rhodes finds the ensuing investigation complicated by angry hog hunters, a crusading talk-show host, a bounty hunter, and the reappearance of a troublemaking motorcycle duo.
October 10, 2011
Bill Crider's books never let me down and I truly enjoyed this latest effort in the Sheriff Dan Rhodes series.
We have Hogs. We have feral hogs, which for anyone that has ever lived in a state with the over-population of Javelinas know is a nightmare in itself. Then there are Hogs which are a fond name for some fantastic motorcycle adventures. Then there is Barbecue and are we ready for some delightful foods.
All the above and more is found in this easy reading, fast-paced adventure set in Texas.
I really do not wish to say to much more as I want you to enjoy reading this novel. I will say, I'm so ready for the next book to come out!
We have Hogs. We have feral hogs, which for anyone that has ever lived in a state with the over-population of Javelinas know is a nightmare in itself. Then there are Hogs which are a fond name for some fantastic motorcycle adventures. Then there is Barbecue and are we ready for some delightful foods.
All the above and more is found in this easy reading, fast-paced adventure set in Texas.
I really do not wish to say to much more as I want you to enjoy reading this novel. I will say, I'm so ready for the next book to come out!
July 25, 2011
Sheriff Dan Rhodes is tracking a stolen car when it runs into a feral hog. Before he can arrest the driver and passenger, they get mixed up with a wild hog hunt, and one of them is killed. Rhodes, plagued by an ambitious county commissioner and an alarmist talk-show host, has to identify a strange body with no papers, and figure out who wanted to kill him. After a second death, he also must deal with his old nemesis, the motorcyclist Rapper.
September 20, 2013
Another good book, but it seems offstride.
In the other novels Rhodes doesn't seem this tough. Plus, in the other novels Blacklin County is more of a character, with a great many recurring characters. Usually, after meeting someone, they're either killed or killer in four or five books. This book, most of the supporting cast is barely seen. Unlike most of the other books, nostalgia is not a factor. I wonder if this series is going in a bit of a new direction.
In the other novels Rhodes doesn't seem this tough. Plus, in the other novels Blacklin County is more of a character, with a great many recurring characters. Usually, after meeting someone, they're either killed or killer in four or five books. This book, most of the supporting cast is barely seen. Unlike most of the other books, nostalgia is not a factor. I wonder if this series is going in a bit of a new direction.
November 25, 2016
Fun, 'clean' read with a few really funny scenes, but no suspense to the mystery, and very slow pace.
December 23, 2025
“The Wild Hog Murders”, 18th in the 'Sheriff Dan Rhodes Mystery' series, is a bit like getting a long letter from an old friend about the goings-on in their small town (with a murder or three thrown in for effect).
Blacklin County, Texas, probably has a murder count to rival that of a big city but nobody ever seems to mention it.
Then again, seeing as gossip is the preferred pastime locally they've probably talked it to death long ago!
This time around Dan is investigating a couple of murders where wild hogs have been present (they are not considered suspects!)
There's a bank robber loose in the area and a hotshot bounty hunter is on his trail.
Rapper and Nellie, the incompetent motorcycle criminals, make a brief but notable return.
And a new talk show radio presenter seems to have Dan in his sights.
It's not a police procedural, it's more of a journey from a start to a showdown.
3 Stars.
Blacklin County, Texas, probably has a murder count to rival that of a big city but nobody ever seems to mention it.
Then again, seeing as gossip is the preferred pastime locally they've probably talked it to death long ago!
This time around Dan is investigating a couple of murders where wild hogs have been present (they are not considered suspects!)
There's a bank robber loose in the area and a hotshot bounty hunter is on his trail.
Rapper and Nellie, the incompetent motorcycle criminals, make a brief but notable return.
And a new talk show radio presenter seems to have Dan in his sights.
It's not a police procedural, it's more of a journey from a start to a showdown.
3 Stars.
January 22, 2018
From stupid chickens to feral pigs with mean tusks. AND...kamikaze motorcycles. Good reasons to avoid Blacklin County, Texas!! The denouement took place on a radio program--not exactly the kind of theater best suited to those air waves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2020
I'm a huge fan of the Sheriff Dan Rhodes series.
Though this one is not one of my favorites.
Feral hogs are running wild in Blacklin County and soon Rhodes also has a murder to solve, as well.
This one didn't grab me like the other books in the series have.
Though this one is not one of my favorites.
Feral hogs are running wild in Blacklin County and soon Rhodes also has a murder to solve, as well.
This one didn't grab me like the other books in the series have.
October 16, 2017
Wild hogs are truly a problem in Texas and this shows that along with a fun mystery.
May 4, 2019
I love how patient Sheriff Rhodes seems, yet drives others crazily impatient.
May 20, 2022
Hogs go wild........
July 2, 2023
Another great Sheriff Dan Rhodes mystery.
May 27, 2024
An 'good ole country boy' sheriff. What's not to like?
Read
July 6, 2025A quick summer read, follows the formula of most Dan Rhodes mysteries.
March 3, 2012
Bill Crider is always a good read, and I love sheriff Dan Rhodes. His Texas small town and county have never been what you would call thriving, but they hang in there. And the humor of Dan's wife and deputies and office crew will never grow old.
This time, bodies turn up in the middle of night-time hunts for feral hogs that are ruining crop land and making life harder for the local farmers. No one even knows who the victim is, at first, but Dan Rhodes always figures things out in the end.
These would be great airplane reads, because they are just long enough for a trip, and small enough to carry because they don't have that thousand page padding that so many authors seem to think every book needs these days. Most enjoyable.
This time, bodies turn up in the middle of night-time hunts for feral hogs that are ruining crop land and making life harder for the local farmers. No one even knows who the victim is, at first, but Dan Rhodes always figures things out in the end.
These would be great airplane reads, because they are just long enough for a trip, and small enough to carry because they don't have that thousand page padding that so many authors seem to think every book needs these days. Most enjoyable.
October 7, 2011
This book was "eh". I picked it up at the library from the New Fiction shelf after finding that all of the other books I wanted to read were already checked out.
I wasn't captured by the storyline or the characters. His writing style is not for me either.
Not a book I would likely recommend to someone.
I wasn't captured by the storyline or the characters. His writing style is not for me either.
Not a book I would likely recommend to someone.
Read
December 30, 2011This book did have a very interesting premise, but for some reason I couldn't get into it and then I wandered away to some other books. Maybe another time for this one.
December 1, 2011
Pretty standard Bill Crider stuff. Too much Hack and Lawton - boring after book after book.
August 12, 2016
I'm a little embarrassed to admit that this is my first Bill Crider novel, but I'm sure I'll be back for more.
February 4, 2016
There are wild hogs in the county, and now Sheriff Rhodes has a murder to solve. Rhodes is my ideal of a small town lawman. He is calm, reasonable, and gets his criminals.
May 16, 2012
Not my favorite !!
August 27, 2012
Another book that I neglected to log on GoodReads. Always like peeking in on Dan Rhodes' life though.
October 17, 2013
Great little cozy about a small-town sheriff in Texas. I really like the Dan Rhodes character and the books don't really have to be read in order.
Read
December 31, 2013It's always fun to hang out with Sheriff Rhodes and the citizens of Blacklin County.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews