Lefty Loosey

Blanco County Mysteries #12

by Ben Rehder

Deke Gilbert was a legend on the central Texas demolition derby circuit, until a suspicious late-night crash ended his life. Unfortunately, Deke left behind a teenage daughter, Christie, who now has nowhere to go. That’s when good ol’ boys Red O’Brien and Billy Don Craddock step up and, in a rare moment, do the right thing. They give Christie a place to stay until her 18th birthday, just a few months away. But things get complicated when Christie brings home gossip that draws Red and Billy Don into an investigation of Deke’s death. Soon, they are on a collision course with one of the baddest men in the county, and it quickly becomes a wild ride that none of them will forget.

Genres: Fiction

300 pages, Paperback

Published November 29, 2018

About the author

Ben Rehder wanted to become a writer ever since he was dropped on his head as a toddler. As he grew into a young adult and the vertigo gradually dissipated, his passion for literature grew. Ben longed to craft the type of soul-stirring prose that would touch people’s lives and help them explore new emotional horizons. But he went to work at an ad agency instead.

Throughout his rewarding and fruitful career in the ad business, Ben has been known to write such imaginative and compelling phrases as “Act now!,” “Limited-time offer,” and “Compatible with today’s rapidly changing network environment.”

However, there eventually came a time when, as unbelievable as it sounds, writing brochures and spec sheets simply wasn’t enough to satisfy Ben’s creative urges. Ben knew: It was time to write a novel.

“But what kind of novel?” Ben asked himself, drawing stares from passersby.

A mystery? A thriller? A work of suspense? Ben had read hundreds of books in these genres and loved them all. But nothing had sparked his creative juices enough to try it himself.

Fate played a hand one day when Ben’s father-in-law tossed him a copy of a Carl Hiaasen novel. And then it hit him. It literally hit him, right in the forehead. When the swelling went down and Ben had a chance to read the book, he discovered a type of fiction he had never experienced before—the comic crime novel! He loved the wacky characters, the zany plots, the interesting writing that threw a good deal of humor into the mix.

So Ben set out to write his own novel. After many grueling minutes in front of a computer, Ben was proud to present Buck Fever. Like many best-selling classics, Buck Fever has lots and lots of verbs, prepositions, adjectives, and the occasional gerund. It was even nominated for the Edgar Award for Best First Novel!

Next came Bone Dry, Flat Crazy, Guilt Trip, Gun Shy, and Holy Moly. Best of all, Ben is now releasing the earlier novels in ebook format at the low low price of just $2.99. What a deal!

Reviews

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
This is book 12 in in the Blanco County series, but it can be read as a stand alone as John Marlin is not featured in the book. It is about the death of Deke Gilbert, a stock car racer, and who killed him. The killer is caught, by a weird assortment of characters, including two rednecks, Red O'Brien, and Billy Don, who take in Deke's daughter Christie. Another character in the mix is Gavin McIntosh, who believes that his wife, Caroline, is an imposter.
One quote: Red on dealing with Christie; "But figuring out a 17 year old girl? Might as well try to do a jigsaw puzzle blindfolded."
I acquired this book from kindle unlimited.

[Pam Walrath · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book at the recommendation of my brother, who is a big fan of Ben Rehder books, and it didn't disappoint. Who could resist a mystery set in Hill Country featuring a couple of rednecks and even an investigator named Glen Tuggle! ( That's my brother!!) Truly, the writing is great, story is solid, and characters are humorously realistic. I too recommend it...and I'm not even mentioned in the book!

[Julie Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very different book from what I have come to expect from this author, mainly because John Marlin who I think of as the main character in the series didn't even put in an appearance. I still enjoyed the adventure because Red and Billy Don played much bigger parts and there softer side has been showing for a while now but with this book it really comes out that they aren't the goofball/ bad guys they like to pretend. The story did jump around as it is told by multiple characters, one of which was on the whacky side, so it took some time getting use to his particular ticks. The mystery turned out interesting in the end but was a bit slow to begin as it sets up the plot. This is book twelve in the series but it shows no signs of coming to an end or of losing it's spark and quirky humour.
When a demolition derby drive does in a car crash the last thing Red expected to do was take in his teenage daughter. It turns out he is related to Billy Don by marriage or something or other (who pays attention) and now Red gets saddled with her when she has no where else to turn. It also turns out that there might just be a little bit more behind the accident than everyone thought. With Reds dislike of faith in the police he and Billy Don has no choice but to start there own investigation into the death. Can they tap into there more maternal side and help the teenager in there care of will there redneck ways prove to much?
I liked the deep voice for the characters of Billy Don and Red so thought Johnny Peppers was perfect as the narrator.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Doug Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red O'Brien and Billy Don Craddock are not exactly the most upstanding citizens of Blanco County, Texas, but when Billy Don's 17-year-old niece Christie loses her father and needs a place to stay, they step up and provide a bedroom for her in their trailer. Red had faced a similar situation as a teenager.

Christie's father, demolition derby champion Deke Gilbert, had died suddenly when his car malfunctioned at high speed. It turns out that his car was sabotaged; some lug nuts had been removed while he stopped at a bar on the last night of his life.

News of this crime travels fast, and Billy Don and Red decide they would like to help solve it. They soon deduce the identity of the saboteur, a dangerous character who will not hesitate to attack anyone he sees as a threat. But they don't back down in their efforts to help capture him.

Unlike the previous books in the series, this one does not include game warden John Marlin or Blanco County Sheriff Garza. (Most of the action takes place in neighboring Burnet County.) But like the previous books, it features plenty of action, chaos, and humor, including a man afflicted by Capgras Syndrome.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great redneck romp with Red and Billy Don

This is a unique series, fun and lighthearted and completely improbable, which lets the reader just relax and enjoy as the adventures unfold. As in the previous books, there are additional characters and subplots that unfold throughout, and some unexpected resolutions.
Mr. Rehder has created two laughable-but-lovable, bumbling, good-hearted protagonists. Red and Billy Don even manage to evolve and gain a little insight as the series progresses, without giving up any of their unique...ummm...charm. Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

To date, I have read all of Rehder’s Blanco County series books. This was the best. It has a marvelous blend of mystery, humor, love, and action that make it the complete satisfying book that it is. You can pick it up and read it as a stand-alone or as a next-read in the series. Rehder is careful to weave in necessary prior material to help you understand his characters or their relationships in the series. I couldn’t put it down. I laughed and I found myself even tearing up in parts. You won’t be disappointed.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Format: audiobook
Narrator: Johnny Peppers
I like this narrators voice and he does a good job with the characters.
I am a fan of this series and as with the others this story is highly enjoyable, we get to see a new side to Red O’Brien and how much his friendship with Billy Don Craddock means to him.
I did miss game warden Marlon and the usual deputies tho.
Overall it was another great visit to Blanco County.

[Jon Koebrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reader’s Blanco County mysteries are Texas redneck cousins to Carl Hiaasen’s Florida based books. This one differs in that John Marlin does not appear and it is all based on Red and Billy Don. Good humor with likable characters and one of the Kindle Unlimited series that keep me subscribing. 3.75 stars.

[Leigh Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I swear to heaven and on a good slice of brisket— I think I’ve read this book before AND I think Ben Rehder recycled half of this plot from one of his Roy Ballard series books. Nonetheless, it was (again?) most enjoyable, even if some of the main characters from the Blanco County series seem to be MIA this go’round.

[Marla Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always Entertaining and A Pleasure To Read

I've read almost all of Ben Rehder's books and I really enjoy them. They are fun and I really look forward to them. Give his books a try and you'll be glad you did.

[Wesley Norris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific

Red and Billy Don are two of the greatest literary characters ever. I always look forward to their shenanigans and this book was a great treat since it was all about them.

[Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything Ben Rehder writes. This was a delightful book, focused on two unique characters. Red and Billy Don evolved over the Blanco County series, so that finding out they are warm hearted and heroic feels earned. Great book.

[Claire Barfell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deke Gilbert, a demolition derby star, is killed in a suspicious late night crash. Red and Billy Don agree to let his daughter Christie live with them for a few months, until she turns 18. They end up investigating her father's death. Never a dull moment from there.

[Wpayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lefty Loosey

Have read so many of his books and have enjoyed every one. This one made me laugh a lot and the story was so crazy and exciting. Red and Billy Don are pretty darned entertaining!

[Giselle · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourites of the whole series!
I’m reading them all in order (so some of them for a second time.) I’ve enjoyed every single one, but this one really touched me!

Looking forward to the next one already!

[Karen greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, what a fun read! This book was full of laughs, great cast of characters and some mystery thrown in. I so enjoyed this book!

[Dava · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hurray for Red and Billy Don!

One of Rehder's best. I've been wanting more of Red and Billy Don and this book delivers. If you love the Blanco County series, you'll love this book!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another super read about Blanco County!

[Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.8

[Lorlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks, only this time it’s just the two rednecks

[Robbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast-paced and plenty of bad guys. I rate it 4.5 stars.

[Kim A. Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent story

Really good book. Excellent writing and I gotta admit-I'm a big Red and Billy Don fan. Adding Mandy and Christie into the mix made iT even better

[KennyO · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to agree with my wife, who read this before I did: where’d the main characters (Marlin and Sheriff Garza) go? This outing is sure different from the previous eleven in that it features Red and Billy Don as (more or less) responsible citizens rather than as comic relief.

No gripes about the story, though. It’s Ben Rehder throughout. He writes well.

[Jeff Benham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red and Billy Don are the kind of guys you would like to have a beer with and definitely on your side if you are in trouble. Deke was a demolition derby driver who had won 6 competitions in a row. So people were surprised when he was killed when one of the wheels fell of of the car he was going to drive in the next race. Nobody is more surprised than his 17 year old daughter, Christie, who is convinced the lug nuts on one of his tires were loosened on purpose. Billy Don has offered her the spare room in Red's trailer and they quickly get caught up in investigating the death. Having these two rednecks be the focus of the book is pure entertainment!