What do you think?
Rate this book
Sheriff Bo Tully #6
Circles in the Snow
Bo Tully, sheriff of Blight County, Idaho, has dealt with small-town crime throughout his long, storied career. Now, contemplating retirement after years on the job, Tully is faced with perhaps his most perplexing case yet. When area bald eagles start getting picked off by a ghost-like killer, and when a prominent local rancher is murdered by an arrow with eagle fletching, things gets complicated fast. In this fast-paced whodunit, Tully has a vast array of suspects to chose from—including the rancher’s gorgeous, bird-loving wife who mysteriously leaves for a ranch in Mexico the day of the murder; the beautiful chef at the local house of ill repute, who is well-known as a budding ornithologist; and the ranch foreman, who is rumored to be having an affair with his boss’s widow.
Will Tully put the pieces of the puzzle together, yet again? Will sending his dad, the former sheriff of Blight County, along with his number two man, down to Mexico help solve the mystery? And what about the mysterious large circles in the snow that Tully finds around the ranch—with no footprints leading in or out of the area?
It all adds up to another engrossing series of twists and turns. And in the end, Tully gets his man . . . or woman . . . or does he?
Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Arcade, Yucca, and Good Books imprints, are proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in fiction—novels, novellas, political and medical thrillers, comedy, satire, historical fiction, romance, erotic and love stories, mystery, classic literature, folklore and mythology, literary classics including Shakespeare, Dumas, Wilde, Cather, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.
Will Tully put the pieces of the puzzle together, yet again? Will sending his dad, the former sheriff of Blight County, along with his number two man, down to Mexico help solve the mystery? And what about the mysterious large circles in the snow that Tully finds around the ranch—with no footprints leading in or out of the area?
It all adds up to another engrossing series of twists and turns. And in the end, Tully gets his man . . . or woman . . . or does he?
Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Arcade, Yucca, and Good Books imprints, are proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in fiction—novels, novellas, political and medical thrillers, comedy, satire, historical fiction, romance, erotic and love stories, mystery, classic literature, folklore and mythology, literary classics including Shakespeare, Dumas, Wilde, Cather, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published June 3, 2014
180 people are currently reading
338 people want to read
About the author
Patrick F. McManus
56 books416 followersPatrick F. McManus is an American outdoor humor writer. A humor columnist for Outdoor Life and other magazines, his columns have been collected in several books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
April 7, 2015
This book is the worst experience I have had in the 14 months I've had a Kindle. My rule is to only score books I finish but this one got a well-deserved exception to the rule. I did last about 2/3 of the way but it just kept getting worse: There were FREQUENT errors in continuity and/or editing. There'd be a scene and then an e-page or 2 later would be the same scene in a different version. At first, I thought I'd just lost my place or was having a memory lapse, but after the third time it happened, I went back to verify my level of sanity. Each and every time I was able to find the original scene. I still kept reading, assuming those 3 were just little flukes…no, they went on. Confident that Bo Tully is not into time travel and alternate universes, I believe this edition of the book is absolutely the worse edited or worse formatted ebook I've ever even heard of.
October 26, 2017
Ever finish a book and just think, wtf did I just read... Up to the last few pages I would have at least said the book was ok - the dialogue in particular was very stilted and used phrases I just can't see being used by real people - gosh, goodness, and several others I've tried to forget. And every word is complete - no contractions in any conversations. As others have pointed out there are sections that seem like complete repetitions almost like and editing mistake, but it's apparently the author's style - and it gets very old. The final "solution" to the mysterious snow circles is simply stupid - it comes out of nowhere and doesn't make any sense - not impressed.
August 2, 2018
This is a tough one for me. Patrick McManus has been my favorite author since I started reading his pieces in the back of Outdoor Life magazines. I have enjoyed the Bo Tully series up until this one. It seemed a little scattered and rushed. Very uncharacteristic of his work. After telling another fan of his work of my disappointment, he told me that he had recently passed away. I felt like a complete heel. If his health was failing during working on this book, I can see where he may have been distracted. I am going to miss his writing style and definitely his books.
August 2, 2023
2023 bk 234. The last of the Bo Tully mystery novels. At last there is a happy ending for someone, well several someones, and not the someone who broke out of prison. Bo and his father investigate a mysterious circle in the snow - only to find a local rancher nearby by the arrow sticking out of the snow. The arrow was fletched by illegal eagle feathers which pinpoint several suspects. Of course, the man's reputation pinpoints and ever widening circle of people. What is Bo to do when the murder victim is a man that even Bo cannot stand. The series does an excellent job of tracing Bo's growth as a Sheriff, from a good/bad mindset to grey around the edges, to does he want to make judgements. It is also a series that keeps us interested in his romantic life, his involvement with his second career, and his relationships with those he worked with. The ending was a tiny bit contrived, but managed to satisfy the wrapping up of all details. Rest in Peace, Patrick F. McManus.
January 21, 2025
Meh. This was the worst one in the series. And, where was Dave the Indian?
December 24, 2017
While investigating the murder of a man whole is killing eagles, Sheriff Bo Tully starts to think about retirement as he imposes the Blight Way in regards to several crimes.
November 15, 2017
Is this the end of Sheriff Bo Tully?
He's been going on and on about quitting and becoming a full time artist and there's always someone out to kill him, this time an escaped prisoner. I suppose I should read these things in order.
Pap and Bo find a body in the snow that's been done in by an arrow through the back. And what are these mysterious circles in the snow?
The victim is someone no one likes, least of all his farmhands and his wife. His wife, though, has gone off to their ranch in Mexico for the winter. No one knew her husband was dead until his body was found. No one that is other than the bowhunter who shot him.
Tully's investigations take him to an archery store, a biker bar, and a high class brothel. All the evidence seems to point in one direction - and he doesn't like it.
Always good fun, if not the laugh-out-loud and tears-in-the-eyes funny some of his essays can be.
He's been going on and on about quitting and becoming a full time artist and there's always someone out to kill him, this time an escaped prisoner. I suppose I should read these things in order.
Pap and Bo find a body in the snow that's been done in by an arrow through the back. And what are these mysterious circles in the snow?
The victim is someone no one likes, least of all his farmhands and his wife. His wife, though, has gone off to their ranch in Mexico for the winter. No one knew her husband was dead until his body was found. No one that is other than the bowhunter who shot him.
Tully's investigations take him to an archery store, a biker bar, and a high class brothel. All the evidence seems to point in one direction - and he doesn't like it.
Always good fun, if not the laugh-out-loud and tears-in-the-eyes funny some of his essays can be.
January 12, 2018
Really average writing - not used to this low quality from McManus. It seems PM was tired or bored when writing this one.
Yeah, I know the denizens of Blight County are ignorant, or stupid, or both - incessant repetition of this info seems like PM thinks the same of the readers. The judges and lawyers and bankers are corrupt - repetitively... Phrases, descriptions, or dialogue pieces seem to copied/pasted too often. How many times do we need to know Bo’s $3000 cowboy boots make “klocking” sound on the marble floor? Bo is supposedly more honest than his father, the former sheriff, as we’re told often.
And by the way, the title has nothing to do with the story., which is a moderately interesting mystery involving one of the most unliked persons in Blight County - and no one really cares if the murder is solved.
If you want a good mysteries set in a mountainous western county, read a “Longmire” novel by Craig Johnson. This one isn’t.
Yeah, I know the denizens of Blight County are ignorant, or stupid, or both - incessant repetition of this info seems like PM thinks the same of the readers. The judges and lawyers and bankers are corrupt - repetitively... Phrases, descriptions, or dialogue pieces seem to copied/pasted too often. How many times do we need to know Bo’s $3000 cowboy boots make “klocking” sound on the marble floor? Bo is supposedly more honest than his father, the former sheriff, as we’re told often.
And by the way, the title has nothing to do with the story., which is a moderately interesting mystery involving one of the most unliked persons in Blight County - and no one really cares if the murder is solved.
If you want a good mysteries set in a mountainous western county, read a “Longmire” novel by Craig Johnson. This one isn’t.
August 9, 2016
I always know I can depend on Patrick McManus for a well-crafted mystery with a fine cast of characters and plenty of humor, and Circles in the Snow is no exception. McManus has a gift for dialogue, and his humor always stems from his characters and the situations they find themselves in; there's no clever word play or comedic set-ups.
The baffling part of the death of rancher Morgan Fester isn't who done it, but how it was done, and I often find that type of mystery more fun to solve. From the author's splendid descriptions of eagles roosting in trees to his theme of intelligence (or lack thereof) and on to the solution to the circles in the snow, McManus's latest Bo Tully mystery is just plain fun to read. I sincerely hope the sheriff doesn't retire any time soon!
The baffling part of the death of rancher Morgan Fester isn't who done it, but how it was done, and I often find that type of mystery more fun to solve. From the author's splendid descriptions of eagles roosting in trees to his theme of intelligence (or lack thereof) and on to the solution to the circles in the snow, McManus's latest Bo Tully mystery is just plain fun to read. I sincerely hope the sheriff doesn't retire any time soon!
July 1, 2014
Sheriff Bo Tully finds a body in the snow with an arrow sticking out of its back. The problem with this one is that there are way too many people who would have loved to kill the man. He's going to have to use all his cunning and the Blight Way to solve this mystery and bring justice.
Why I started this book: I love McManus's sly sense of humor.
Why I finished it: Quick and easy read.
Why I started this book: I love McManus's sly sense of humor.
Why I finished it: Quick and easy read.
August 8, 2017
Charmingly fun
Take a sheriff who cuts corners as an act of compassion, set him in Idaho where individualism and guns are king, add a bit of mystery and natural wonders, throw in a few witticisms and lots of irony and you have a book that feels totally tongue in cheek. It's a great way to spend a rainy afternoon.
Take a sheriff who cuts corners as an act of compassion, set him in Idaho where individualism and guns are king, add a bit of mystery and natural wonders, throw in a few witticisms and lots of irony and you have a book that feels totally tongue in cheek. It's a great way to spend a rainy afternoon.
July 12, 2017
A very good series of Sheriff Bo, Blight Co., Idaho. This appears final of series, but I have read all. Many do not appear to be in ebook format, found only 3 or 4. Recommend finding books and reading, hope publishers put out as ebook.
May 5, 2025
“Circles in the Snow” is the sixth and final novel in the 'Sheriff Bo Tully' series.
While out investigating the killing of bald eagles Bo stumbles across the body of an unpopular local rancher, Morgan Fester, in the snow.
Cause of death? An arrow!
Not far away is a perfectly formed circle in the snow.
His wife, an archer, has been in Mexico at their other ranch for three weeks (the same as the time of death).
Bo sends Pap and a deputy down to Mexico to check her alibi - it's a trip that doesn't go quite as planned.
Overall, it is not quite up to the standard of the earlier books. It was the last book published by Patrick F. McManus and, particularly towards the end, there is a not quite believable out of the blue revelation about Bo's love life.
The finale, however, does leave it open for another author to continue the series (but he or she will have big shoes to fill).
I'll miss Bo, Pap, Indian Dave and several other characters.
I'll give it 4 Stars but really it marks my love for the series (I only give 5 Stars for books that have stayed with me down the decades).
4 Stars.
While out investigating the killing of bald eagles Bo stumbles across the body of an unpopular local rancher, Morgan Fester, in the snow.
Cause of death? An arrow!
Not far away is a perfectly formed circle in the snow.
His wife, an archer, has been in Mexico at their other ranch for three weeks (the same as the time of death).
Bo sends Pap and a deputy down to Mexico to check her alibi - it's a trip that doesn't go quite as planned.
Overall, it is not quite up to the standard of the earlier books. It was the last book published by Patrick F. McManus and, particularly towards the end, there is a not quite believable out of the blue revelation about Bo's love life.
The finale, however, does leave it open for another author to continue the series (but he or she will have big shoes to fill).
I'll miss Bo, Pap, Indian Dave and several other characters.
I'll give it 4 Stars but really it marks my love for the series (I only give 5 Stars for books that have stayed with me down the decades).
4 Stars.
January 9, 2025
I have really enjoyed this series and, knowing this is the last book in the series, have been putting it off for a while now. Sheriff Bo Tully reminds me in some ways of Craig Johnson’s Walt Longmire, but Tully’s sidekicks are a more eclectic bunch than Longmire’s group is. They’re (mostly) all good at their jobs and they work well together, even though those outside the office may think otherwise.
The mystery here is done well, with plenty of suspects once the victim was identified. The way the victim was killed was unique but didn’t do much to narrow the pool. Once again, the person at the top of my list of suspects was not the culprit, although the responsible party at least was on said list. The motive was what I guessed for that character, so at least I got *something right :)
Although I would love to read more about Bo, Lurch, Pap and the rest, the author apparently intended this to end the series, and I like the way everything was wrapped up at the end. That’s a rarity, which makes me like the series even more.
The mystery here is done well, with plenty of suspects once the victim was identified. The way the victim was killed was unique but didn’t do much to narrow the pool. Once again, the person at the top of my list of suspects was not the culprit, although the responsible party at least was on said list. The motive was what I guessed for that character, so at least I got *something right :)
Although I would love to read more about Bo, Lurch, Pap and the rest, the author apparently intended this to end the series, and I like the way everything was wrapped up at the end. That’s a rarity, which makes me like the series even more.
March 18, 2021
This the last of McManus's six volumes of fiction starring Blight County, Idaho sheriff Bo Tully. Bo is a much more complex man than most of the citizens of Blight County realize. Blight County could represent many rural counties in the Rocky Mountains -- favorite interests and conversations revolve around hunting, fishing, guns, small ranches, the lumber industry and all things outdoors. Although one could criticize McManus for the somewhat sexist and stereotypical conversations between characters, these are exaggerated and humorous representations of this way of life. If one were to read the majority of McManus's writings, which are humorous accounts of his adventures on the above listed topics, the connection would be obvious. My son and I spent many hours laughing over the likes of McManus's "They Shoot Canoes, Don't They" and " The Night the Bear Ate Goombaw" among many others.
June 10, 2017
As a huge fan of Patrick F. McManus's short humor stories, I was quite disappointed with this book. It doesn't contain much of the author's signature wit. As a mystery, you knew who had committed it early on, and I found the plot rambling and the conclusion unsatisfying.
Admittedly I haven't read all of the Bo Tully mysteries, and could see how for some the character contains some charm, and people who like him might have enjoyed the book more. But for me this book did little more than occupy a little time.
I think for someone aspiring to be an author this book might be a great book to read, in that they could gain encouragement by feeling that they could write better than that.
Admittedly I haven't read all of the Bo Tully mysteries, and could see how for some the character contains some charm, and people who like him might have enjoyed the book more. But for me this book did little more than occupy a little time.
I think for someone aspiring to be an author this book might be a great book to read, in that they could gain encouragement by feeling that they could write better than that.
March 18, 2018
Americana erosion of Justice
I review very few books here because most are not worthy of review. Sheriff Bo Tully certainly is. This character is one we would like to believe exists in rural America, but probably doesn’t. Nevertheless, his idea of justice and law enforcement fits in with origins of this country. His values are uniquely American and dispensing of Justice certainly is. He embodies a unique form of Americana I learned 50 plus years ago. It goes “If you do what’s right you can never be wrong.” Perfectly enjoyable reading with characters you can believe really exist.
I review very few books here because most are not worthy of review. Sheriff Bo Tully certainly is. This character is one we would like to believe exists in rural America, but probably doesn’t. Nevertheless, his idea of justice and law enforcement fits in with origins of this country. His values are uniquely American and dispensing of Justice certainly is. He embodies a unique form of Americana I learned 50 plus years ago. It goes “If you do what’s right you can never be wrong.” Perfectly enjoyable reading with characters you can believe really exist.
September 12, 2024
The more I read, the worse it got.
Bo Tilly is a redneck sheriff in Idaho. One might think he is like Barney Fife: not the brightest crayon in the box. Then I thought he was playing dumb to catch suspects off guard. But, now I’m not sure how the author ever found a publisher.
The dialog was horrendous: “Hi, Bo, how are you?” “Oh, pretty good Jake, how are you?” “I’m fine, Bo, thanks for asking.”
“Gee, sheriff, would you like a glass of water?”
“Yes, I think I would like a glass of water, please.”
He brought him a glass of water.
“This really hits the spot. Thanks for the glass of water.”
And the ending. This book is not worth reading.
Bo Tilly is a redneck sheriff in Idaho. One might think he is like Barney Fife: not the brightest crayon in the box. Then I thought he was playing dumb to catch suspects off guard. But, now I’m not sure how the author ever found a publisher.
The dialog was horrendous: “Hi, Bo, how are you?” “Oh, pretty good Jake, how are you?” “I’m fine, Bo, thanks for asking.”
“Gee, sheriff, would you like a glass of water?”
“Yes, I think I would like a glass of water, please.”
He brought him a glass of water.
“This really hits the spot. Thanks for the glass of water.”
And the ending. This book is not worth reading.
December 4, 2018
Amazing
Mr. I do not know whose writing style you are emulating or if it is truly your own, it is very comfortable to read. Great story line interesting twists. The character speak is hilarious. Just a great book!! Mark Twain is mentioned, and I enjoy the humor in his stories. This has encouraged me to try and discover more writing styles like yours. For that I am grateful. I will of course look forward to reading another of your books!! Thank you so much again. It's been awhile since reading brought me as much fun as this story did. Best Always, Snafumaster.
Mr. I do not know whose writing style you are emulating or if it is truly your own, it is very comfortable to read. Great story line interesting twists. The character speak is hilarious. Just a great book!! Mark Twain is mentioned, and I enjoy the humor in his stories. This has encouraged me to try and discover more writing styles like yours. For that I am grateful. I will of course look forward to reading another of your books!! Thank you so much again. It's been awhile since reading brought me as much fun as this story did. Best Always, Snafumaster.
July 22, 2019
I loved this book. Bo Tully is a sheriff/artist in Blight County, Utah. After several eagles are killed, a prosperous landowner is found dead with an arrow in his back. Having said that, the book is quite funny. Bo is the first sheriff in the county not subject to corruption. That includes his dad, a former sheriff, who along with a wacky cast of characters attempt to solve this mystery. Bo can’t quite control this group. All he wants to do is retire and paint.
November 26, 2019
That was just ... bad. Not even fancy bad. Just boringly bad. I read a lot of mysteries; they are my popcorn. And I am perfectly content with popcorn - I don't ask much of most mystery series. This was not even average. Flat, empty-headed characters. A non-mystery. A superficial and condescending, but supposedly wryly affectionate, stab at the corruption and jadedness of law enforcement in rural Idado. It missed the mark in every way possible.
December 14, 2020
A great finale to a fun series. Definitely not a series with deep, fun plots but great books to read after something heavy. Sort of a slightly more adult version of the Hardy boys...and as such is interesting. Also for anyone who knows something of the rural Idaho culture (which like everything else, sadly, is dying out) will recognize characters in the stories who are very much like people they know. Really enjoyed these books!
January 20, 2021
After being a bit disappointed with #5, this last volume in the series redeemed it. It was more of a good mystery with some funny things added in. Dave from Dave's House of Fry was absent in this volume and I missed him. The circles in the snow are a side note to the main story but then "circle" in at the end. The series ends on a good note and overall, this Idaho sheriff provided some light entertainment.
August 10, 2022
Well, Bo Tully retired, just a few years after McManus set off on his fishing trip. I must say that I’m going to miss the anticipation and reward of another Bo Tully mystery.
McManus must have tickled himself pink writing this one! I admire that he saw fit to leave open ends for us to chew on after closing the book and ending the series. If you want serious literature keep looking. This series simply made me smile repeatedly.
Thank you, PFM!
McManus must have tickled himself pink writing this one! I admire that he saw fit to leave open ends for us to chew on after closing the book and ending the series. If you want serious literature keep looking. This series simply made me smile repeatedly.
Thank you, PFM!
December 31, 2024
I have enjoyed Patrick McManus's stories and books. This book seem disjointed at times but Mr. McManus was not well at the time of writing this book. Patrick still showered his humor throughout the book which had me picture him as Sheriff Tully. It is a fun read or could be used as a pallet cleanser. It is a book to be entertained with and I think that was Patrick McManus's goal with all his books...put humor in our lives.
August 15, 2019
I won’t argue that it’s a great book yet I still enjoyed it immensely. McManus was one favorite authors growing up and his humor essays are masterpieces. These Tully mysteries were a nice coda to the end of his long and fruitful career. Reading this novel caused me, sadly, to learn of his passing, but has also prompted to go back and reread his humor works.
December 19, 2019
This is what you expect from a Bo Tully "mystery", not much mystery but it is fun, fast read when you need something light. The characters are certainly colorful but I do wish the author would take to time to flesh some of the story out. For instance, the re-apprehension of the escaped convict Fletch. It could have been a little more exciting.
October 28, 2020
the sixth and last Bo Tully mystery- ties up a lot of loose ends. Good storyline -wish there were more books coming. 3½***
Note --- Goodreads seems to have missed the second book Avalanche this is also a fun lark
From a hunting, fishing, two fisted man's perspective this whole six book series is a lot of fun a complete distraction from the COVID-a9 and election cycle stressors.
Note --- Goodreads seems to have missed the second book Avalanche this is also a fun lark
From a hunting, fishing, two fisted man's perspective this whole six book series is a lot of fun a complete distraction from the COVID-a9 and election cycle stressors.
April 18, 2024
For some reason the author left out one of the main characters and let Pap take over on the tracking in the story. I may of not thought much of it if I had read them over the years but just read all of them in the last 2 months so it seemed glaring to me. Still a good story but rapped up the series a little quickly.
August 6, 2017
Tiresome ...
Didn't much care for this book ... perhaps too much character analysis and not enough action or simply the author's approach to storytelling ... not anything I would recommend to others.
Didn't much care for this book ... perhaps too much character analysis and not enough action or simply the author's approach to storytelling ... not anything I would recommend to others.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews