Bubba and the Mysterious Murder Note

Bubba Snoddy #4

by C.L. Bevill

Just when you thought it was safe to go back to Pegramville…

Oh no! Bubba’s got problems…again! For months, Pegramville and Pegram County have been relatively peaceful. But then there’s the “attack” of the Pegramville Murder Mystery Festival, organized by none other than Miz Demetrice herself. Who knew people would make fun of the murders that happened in their own town? To add a spoonful of hot pepper to the mix, the local judge has just announced his run for the gubernatorial seat of Texas, and The Purple Singapore Sling has a new persona, causing all kinds of confusion, chaos, and commotion.

During the midst of the festival madness, Bubba’s truck has broken down, and he’s found a cache of original car parts. One of the boxes contains a lost soul’s plea that may be as old as the antique truck, “If someone finds this note, then I have been murdered. My name is M—.”

And you thought small towns were boring…

Genres: Mystery, Humor, Fiction, Cozy Mystery

340 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

C.L. Bevill has been in the U.S. Army, cleaned floors, a graphic illustrator, a therapist, and a stay at home mother. She lives in the Alabama area with her husband and daughter and keeps plugging away at the next great American novel.

Reviews

[Margitte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you thought it was safe to go back to Pegramville…

Oh no! Bubba’s got problems…again! For months, Pegramville and Pegram County have been relatively peaceful. But then there’s the “attack” of the Pegramville Murder Mystery Festival, organized by none other than Miz Demetrice herself. Who knew people would make fun of the murders that happened in their own town? To add a spoonful of hot pepper to the mix, the local judge has just announced his run for the gubernatorial seat of Texas, and The Purple Singapore Sling has a new persona, causing all kinds of confusion, chaos, and commotion.

During the midst of the Murder Mystery Festival madness, Bubba’s truck has broken down, and he’s found a cache of original car parts. One of the boxes contains a lost soul’s plea that may be as old as the antique truck, “If someone finds this note, then I have been murdered. My name is M—.”

And you thought small towns were boring…

Yep, you've got that right, I did two in a row. Because I needed this confusion, chaos, and commotion right now.

In this instance, we fall right into Miz Snoddy's Murder Mystery Festival, and run along with our minds a few grains short of a silo. While Miz Demitrice Snoddy has people killed all over town-she even has to chop off someone's head- Bubba has his hands full getting his old jalopy, Old Green, back on the road with a roar. But it gets complicated. My word, as complicated as a break-down during a murder festival can get.

Did I mention there are corpses everywhere? Even Bubba encounters them wherever he goes, and he prayed to miss out one all of them, the real ones too. He attracts them. His stars surely are unfabulously mal-aligned, so to speak.

Bubba passed the corpse, who was lying in front of Wok This Way. The owner of the restaurant was standing in the open door, shaking his fist at the group of people(festival sleuths).

"No bodies here! No dead people here in front of my restaurant! Call police! Call Coroner! Call Department of Sanitation!" Sam Jones yelled.

He saw Bubba and clap his hands.
"Bubba! You big boy! You carry body to that place!" He pointed to the coffee shop two doors down. Apparently business was booming at the Brew Ha-Ha and in Sam's estimation, could better take the hit that a "dead body" would bring.

For a while it looked like Bubba was not going to jail again. Alas, Big Joe Kimple, Pregramville's Chief of Police, had other plans. Whenever he looks at Bubba, it is with anger and annoyance. Something bad happened during a previous incident when Bubba's fist infamously familiarized itself with Big Joe's jaw. Now, some of the nerve endings in Big Joe's jaw are still complaining about that introduction. The worst part is: he couldn't throw Bubba in the pokey for it at the time...

Short of being real, like a murder or two during the carnage of catchup and sausages adorning the murder victims of the festival, coincidence came knocking big time for Big Joe.

Even Einstein had a role to play: Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous he allegedly uttered (Duh, not at the festival, Joe!). Perfect. Big Joe, with his khaki uniform poured onto him, and his big badge sparkling like a tin can in a cotton field, finally had Opportunity on his side. Finally!

Aha! Wait, Miz Demetrice Snoddy did not agree. By golly, Big Joe has it coming. Even his baby pictures on his mother's bedroom wall burst out in tears (my impression, as I trudge along wherever the action is taking us). You just don't mess with Miz Demitrice, Joe, and better yet, not with her son by a long shot either!

I had a roaring time with Bubba, Miz Demetrice, and The Murder Mystery Festival. Blatant humor dished up like bean burritos, with no thought of the consequences afterwards. Especially for Precious, Bubba's ever-hungry Bassett hound. She loves these highly combustible food stuffs, in big quantities. And then she lies legs in the air on the front seat of Old Green, snoring her way back home on a three hour road trip home. In this circumstances, they always make it home in record time. Well, Precious provides additional lift off, if you know what I mean. Everyone is in a hurry when Precious had her bean burritos.

Nobody in town, apparently, knows that Bubba has a degree in history. He's just the mechanic at Culpepper's Garage, with a knack for accidental sleuthing, which always lands him in trouble. This time around it is the note in a vintage box with Old Greene's engine parts which he bought at a First Monday Trade Day in Canton, Texas, eight months ago. Bubba was one step ahead of the police, and everyone else, in finding the writer of that note...

While the Murder Points Committee, with Miz Demetrice ruling it with an iron fist, and tankers full of ketchup, were killing of a few victims for the thousands of visiting amateur sleuths to feast on, Bubba is honorably busy to follow the cries of a possible real murder victim, running circles around the crazy town and the occupied police force with a possible historic note in his breast pocket. This time around, David Beathard, a resident of the Dogley Institute of Well-Being, has a new alter ego: a Johnny Depp caricature acting as Bad Black Dog McGee, the scurviest pirate ever to plunder the Spanish Main. And now, ta dahhhh! the new graphologist in Pregrimville as well.

For crying out loud, I was exhausted! But writing this review made me laugh out loud, giggle and titter all over again. And yes, Bubba is still the man! I need to move to this town. Pronto.

HIGHLY ENTERTAINING!

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love these books. Lite entertaining reads with an unusual cast of characters.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up

Bubba should have expected life in Pegramville, Texas, to get crazy -- it's been quiet for far too long. He somehow missed hearing about the Murder Mystery Festival, organized by none other than his mother!, so he's more than surprised when what appear to be murder victims turn out to be town residents playing roles in the festival. One body, though, isn't part of the play-acting, and by the time the police arrive, the body has gone missing.

On top of that, Bubba finds a note tucked into the box of an old part for his truck. When he was a child, he promised his mama that he would never let a lady down, and he is determined to find out who wrote the note and what happened to the author.

I know this series isn't for everyone and that it can be more than a little over the top, but I really like it. Bubba is more than just a good ol' boy from small-town Texas, and he has a good supporting cast of recurring characters. The mysteries are usually quite good, and this book was no exception. I had my eye on the right person relatively early in the book, although the motive was a surprise. I look forward to reading the next book in the series, if for no other reason than to see what's next for Bubba, Miz Demetrice, Willowdean and the rest.

[Susan Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Bubba Snoddy - so it continues. Trouble with his truck and trouble with dead bodies....not to mention his mother Miz Demetrice. The brakes fail on his truck because he is so busy paying hospital bills, for the parking bolt that was stolen in Dallas and other costs associated with his last few adventures, that he hasn't had time to maintain his old '54 Chevy. Driving through Pegramville in a hurry to get home because the truck is making funny noises. He finds a traffic jam and a vehicle unexpectedly stopped in front of him. To avoid hitting the small car, he hits a power pole. When he gets out to sit on a bench, he discovers Loyd Goshorn on the other end of the bench - dead! He leaps up and is immediately surrounded by a crew of people checking Lloyd over and claiming dibs - he is totally confused until someone explains to him that Miz Demetrice has come up with a mystery celebration. There will be several murders a day and people are to pay to enter the competition - wearing skull and bones t-shirts, carrying skull and bones notebooks and pens. This will continue for a week and points are awarded for each step in the deduction. The town is awash in murdered people covered with ketchup and swarming with "detectives". Then, when he gets his truck towed home and gets a ride, he goes to his stash of old truck parts and finds a note which says "If you are reading this, I have been murdered" signed only with a hurried M. Bubba is sure this is not a joke and finds a plastic bag to put it in.
He returns to town and shows it to Sheriff John and Willodean who don't think there's much they can do right now. They are swamped with all the groups in town 'solving murders'. Willodean promises to help after the festival. But, Bubba is worried and wants to look into it anyway. Miz Demetrice is standing next to a microphone when he shows her and announces it to all the crowd, most of whom decide it's a special prize for the festival. But someone apparently knows what it's about, because Bubba finds a real dead body which disappears in the confusion.
Bubba is not sure when the note was put in the box or what happened. But he feels that he must find out what happened. After all, he can't let a lady down...
His bassett hound, Precious, is not as involved in the goings on as she would like to be. But tries her best to keep him under her eye when she can.

[Su Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Bubba and the Mysterious Murder Note by C. L. Bevill. Will Pegramville ever be the same again? Will Bubba Snoddy get through one month without finding a dead body? Will sheriff's deputy Willodean Gray finally go on a first date with Bubba? Come along as we rejoin the quirky residents of Pegram County and learn the answers to all these questions. Come back and visit with Miz Demetrice, Bubba, Willodean, Big Joe and Sheriff John and all your favorite storybook denizens.
I love it when things are mentioned in books that actually exist in the real world. I've been to a few First Monday Trade Days in Canton and the other aspect mentioned in this book, that tickled me pink, was the Fouke Monster of Arkansas. Bodcaw is nestled just north of Stamps, of which my Great Aunt was the Postmistress for umpteen years. I grew up listening to my Daddy tell hair-raising stories about this atrocious monster. We would drive all through Bodcaw Bottoms praying for a glimpse of this foul smelling Bigfoot. Alas, we were never blessed with a sighting. But, I know he was there!
Pegramville's First Annual Murder Mystery Festival. Boy howdy! Ifin you want to join in on all the fun, just crack open this book and start reading. The hilarity starts on page one. Seemed to be the next logical step after all the real murders that have been taking place in Pegram a County.
In this outing, Bubba finds a mysterious murder note, written by a woman, hidden in the box of a car part while he is working on his pickup truck Ol' Green. Being the gentleman that he is, he will stop at nothing to find a way to help this unfortunate soul. Along the way he gets blown up, kidnapped and arrested for murder. But none of that deters him from his quest. Aided in his sleuthing by Daniel Lewis Gollihugh (sent by Willodean as a bodyguard), he and Bubba set out to solve the mystery. Follow these two as they make their way around Pegram County following clues. Will they solve the crime or does it turn out to be part of Pegramville's First Annual Murder Mystery Festival? Pick up this book and start reading to find out. I guarantee you will be laughing all the way to the very last page.

[Gordon Howard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bubba finds himself in the middle of the Pegramville Murder Mystery Festival. Unfortunately for him, in the midst of a bunch of simulated murders, Bubba stumbles on a real one. It hinges on a note that he found in a box containing a part for his truck. Will Bubba be able to convince the police that this is a real crime? Then, to make matters worse, Bubba finds a body in the middle of a public park. After reporting the crime, the body disappears. Poor Bubba.

I found this book enjoyable but I felt it was somewhat lacking in the transition between the previous book and this book. As an example, early in the book we learn that the sheriff speaks in a gravely voice. It isn't until late in the book that we find out why. If you hadn't read the previous book, you wouldn't have a clue as to what was going on. There are also references to women in prison and I remember their names but it has been long enough since I read the previous books that I don't remember why they are there and it is never explained in this book.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bubba Snoddy books thus far have been a romp and this is no exception. There's a murder mystery festival and bodies are dropping left and right. Fortunately all but one (maybe, unless he was playing dead) are for the visitors all to solve (check out the terrible punny names the "dead" people have). But this book's focus is on an old note that Bubba finds in a truck part box. Of course, a gentleman must heed this cry for help, even if the unfortunate soul is probably long ago dead.

I laughed throughout this silliness. The mystery is good, but the characters are why I read this series. I think the series can be summed up by Willodean's words in this novel: “Things happen to Bubba. We should put that on the sign into the county. Things happen to Bubba, the county’s motto. ‘Visit Pegram County Where Stuff Happens to Bubba.’”

If you like your mysteries with a dose of humor, this series is for you.

[moxieBK · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bubba's back...and this time, he's got a couple of different mysteries he's solving. This is Book #4 in the series.

I like Bubba. Ms. Bevill has really drawn this character well. She has dialed him in a way that he's consistent in every book I've read with him in it. There is no movement, growth or otherwise to this character...and that's A-OK in my book.

However, starting with book with this book, the series is starting to feel different to me. I can't say if it's me, (more than likely;) or the characters (well, Willodean isn't in this one as much;) or just the author is starting to grasp at plots. Maybe a combo of the three.

I still like the series; this book isn't as strong as the preceding ones.

Three stars.

[Terri Weitze · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read a few of the Bubba Snoddy books and I just find them to be brain candy. Not much nutritive value, but they are tasty. These books are fine for any age that has the vocabulary. Each is a stand alone mystery, full of reappearing characters and you can jump in where ever. The mystery plots are pretty good, but it's the characters that keep me coming back. Bubba somehow finds himself mixed up in the inordinate number of murders that occur in this small Southern town; and somehow he always figures it out - with the help of his dog Precious, his girlfriend a deputy sheriff Willowdean, and assorted other characters. If your brain is feeling squeezed - this is a great way to unsqueeze it.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goofy and fun - this installment follows Bubba as he finds a note in some old auto parts and tries to find out if, in fact, someone was murdered/missing. The story has its quirky characters and Ms. Demetrice runs a Murder Mystery Festival as well as starts up a gubernatorial campaign for the local judge. Willodean's there...in small part....and no Brownie (except in mention). Kiki, David the Purple Singapore Sling and Jesus are there too. But it's mostly about Bubba figuring out the mystery in the end. About the only thing I can do without in these books is the carp/crap thing. Other than that, fun and engaging!

[Michele bookloverforever · Rating 3 out of 5]

bubba, the simple and hardworking car mechanic, turns out to have a degree in history with experience in research for that degree! not what he appears to be at all. he solves another mystery with a few laughs along the way and a story full of eccentric characters, bubba included. he finds a note in a box of old car parts indicating a woman about to be murdered. it is signed "M"....in the meantime, his rural village is holding a mystery festival full of pretend murders with ridiculous names and a local dignitary announces his candidacy for governor of texas...mayhem ensues and a few laughs along the way to season the mystery.

[Michele A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bubba is always so entertaining. He finds himself smack dab in the middle of his own murder mystery during a murder festival being chaired by his mother, Miz Demetrice. When no one believes him at first, Bubba starts investigating on his own. A threatening phone call, a bomb placed where he could have gotten hurt and then some disturbing finds let him know he is hot on the trail of a murderer. The question is, will Bubba be able to survive to find justice for the woman who authored the note he found? You will have to read it to see. It was nice catching up with everyone connected to the Snoody household again.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Bubba, his mother has organized a murder mystery festival in their small town to raise money for one of her charities, and guess who finds the first body that really is dead... So of course Bubba is being accused of being a murderer yet again, and in addition he´s found a note in the box of an old auto part he bought to repair his ancient pickup truck. And somehow, he feels he must investigate this possible murder, even though it probably happened decades ago. So, as usual he has his hands full, but in the end it´s sorted out with an unexpected conclusion.

[Nadine · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say. Another great Bubba book!! These books get better and funnier, I especially was very, very surprised at the end of the book. It also would be great to go to a real Murder Mystery Festival, how fun would that be. Great writing and great story line. KUDOS to you CL Bevill. I can't wait for the next one and I hope many more after that!!! Happy Reading :) ps should make a book teaming up Bubba & Wiilo and Brownie & Janie to solve a mystery.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I love Bubba. He is so funny. A well-educated (but self-deprecating) good ol' boy from Texas who is constantly finding dead bodies.
Bubba is stepping over bodies all over town when his mother is the sponsor of the town's Murder Festival. But, wait, is Justin Thyme really dead, really really dead?
Very funny and well-written. Can't wait for more Bubba.

[Tracey Chananie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miz Demetrice, Bubba's mother, has organised the 1st ever Pegramville Murder Mystery Festival and Bubba finds another dead body, which disappears! Then he finds an old note in box of spares that he had bought from some gypsies - he drives an original 50's era truck - which simply says “If someone finds this note, then I have been murdered. My name is M—.” Downhill is where it goes from there!

[Wanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another Bubba murder mystery. Nice light reading. Bubba, the red neck Texas man finds a note in an old box of car parts he bought at a "flea market" type sale for his old truck. It indicates that someone has been murdered and he can't leave it alone. This leads him into a number of humorous situations with some of the regular eccentric characters in his town helping him along the way.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great set of books! Fabulous characters ... I love that Dan Gollihugh is a vegan pacifist Buddhist (almost!) and David is no longer a psychologist, nor purple superhero, but a full on Jack Sparrow pirate! So brilliant! Off to The Ransom of Brownie now!

[Beverly Farr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute read

Another wild Bubba tale. Bubba has family and friends that you can laugh out loud at while at the same time say a prayer that they're his family and friends and not yours.

[Candice Luk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funniest book I've read in a long time!

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good Bubba story. This man just cannot stay away from dead bodies, whether he's trying to or not. This has been an excellent series to read. Can't wait till the next one.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

More fun with Bubba and his family...cute cozy mystery series.

[Pat Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Bubba. A thunderstorm and a news van blowing up climax this next chapter in the saga of one of the most forlorn heroes I know.

[Janis Dygert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always a fun read.

I enjoy the family and their exploits, the crazy friends, and the mystery. Along with the clues along the way.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love all the Bubba books! The first one is free on Amazon!

[Mike Naden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great one!

I love it your bubba books Caren.i think they are GREAT!! Looking forward to the next one.
Thanks,
Mike Naden.

[DEBBIE SMITH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great writer!

Easy reading and a complete joy to read. I have read all her Bubba books. For light reading, her series of books pure delight.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

These "Bubba" books make me laugh at the silliness, and groan at all the puns sprinkled here and there. They're so silly - and I enjoy them!

[K. Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Bubba and his family and all the qu

I hope Mz Bevill keeps writing about Bubba and his family and all the quirky people in Pegram. The stories are funny, yet indearing.

[Bren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light, fun reading. The mystery wasn't complicated, and neither are the characters. I think that is what makes Bubba and entire cast of quirky, colorful characters so wonderful. My lunch hour will not be the same once I finish this series.