One Vote for Murder

Dr. Maxwell Thornton Murder Mysteries #7

by S.C. Wynne

Frenemies and psychopaths keep life interesting. If they don't kill you, that is.

Maxwell foolishly hoped things might settle down once he found the perfect new location for his medical practice.

Not. So. Much.

After a shocking revelation, Maxwell finally knows why River Martin hates him with a passion. And River isn't willing to let bygones be bygones. To put it mildly.

In addition to protecting Maxwell, Royce is dealing with a rich, powerful, and very vindictive family in town who have organized a special election to recall him as Sheriff of Rainy Dale.

As if that isn't enough for the duo to handle, someone is knocking off potential candidates for sheriff. Will Royce be accused of murdering the competition, or will he become the murderer's next victim?

Genres: M M Romance, Mystery, Romance, Crime, Fiction, LGBT, Contemporary

399 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 17, 2022

About the author

S.C. Wynne is a Lambda Award-winning author for Gay Romance. S.C. started writing m/m romance and mystery in 2013. Her characters are usually a little jaded, funny, and ultimately redeemed through love.

If you’d like to contact S.C. Wynne she'd love to hear from you. You can contact her at scwynne@scwynne.com

Reviews

[Saimi Vasquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Por fin Maxwell sabe porque River lo odia tanto, pero nunca hubiera imaginado lo que era capaz de hacer para "vengarse" de él. Pero Royce siempre ha estado a su lado, y sabe que en este momento también será así, solo espera que llegue antes de que pase algo peor.
Por otro lado, Royce no solo esta preocupado por Maxwell, sino también por su trabajo como Sheriff, después de la amenaza del Sr. Michael Raiden de que iba a usar todo su poder para que lo despidieran. Y si eso no fuera poco, comienzan a aparecer cadáveres sin relación alguna entre ellos.
Así que nuestra pareja tendrá que enfrentarse no a un psicópata, sino tal vez a dos!!. Podrán atraparlos antes de que algo peor les ocurra? Podrán tener la vida junto que tanto desea Maxwell?

Este libro comienza emocionante, con una narración rápida y trepidante con Maxwell y River, pero toda la emoción y la tensión se desvanece apenas en el primer 30% del libro, dejándonos un misterio sin pies ni cabeza y con una solución aún mas descabellada. Nuestros protas son lo principal en toda la historia, mas que cualquier otra cosa, el autor logra que nos conectemos con ambos en un momento u otro. Pero el desenlace de la tensión con River que nos mantuvo durante 5 o 6 libros fue tan soso, tan plano, que uno queda con la pregunta "¿Eso es todo?".
Esperaba otra cosa del final de la serie, y no solo el final feliz. Quedaron bastantes preguntas en el aire, sobre todo en lo que respecta a los secundarios y como sería la vida de la pareja sin que ocurra ningún asesinato, ¿quizás una historia corta o un epílogo para cerrar?
En fin, la serie fue muy entretenida, casi todos los libros me mantuvieron atrapada desde el comienzo, y es seguro que voy a volver a leer otra serie de este autor mas adelante.

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maxwell and Royce find out why River dislikes him so much and everyone in town finds out why Maxwell left LA. This book is romantic, sweet, and action-pack, with some angst, and funny, and we get to see a softer and more vulnerable Maxwell. These two get happily ever after after a near-death experience and we find out how the town feels about both gentlemen. The book had my attention from start to finish and once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed this series from the first to the last book and I'm looking forward to the next book.

[Claudia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, this series went down with a tired sigh ~sighs~

Seriously, Max's characterization went out of the window, he become a non-entity, desperate to fit in and nothing remains of the prickly, arrogant but utterly competent character that I loved in the first book; nothing of what made him, him is still lingering. And that is supposed to be a good thing. Because now he is a normal, adjusted, cookie-cut perfect human being *bangs head against wall*

Sorry, but this book was such a disappointment. The mystery's solution was obvious from the very beginning, the whole River situation led to nowhere and... Max and Royce's HEA felt fake because it come not from accepting each other's quirks but from one of them becoming a different person (which is always a bad thing in my book).

Oh, well, at least I have Kip O'Connor Mysteris to look forward :P

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow ... there was so much action in there. Poor Max ...
I really hope the next book comes out soon.
Can't wait to read more about Max and Royce

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars - A real page turner.

One Vote for Murder, the seventh and possibly final volume in S.C. Wynne’s excellent ‘Dr. Maxwell Thornton Murder Mysteries’ series, brings the story of the developing romance between Maxwell Thornton and Sheriff Royce Callum in Rainy Dale, TX to a near perfect conclusion.

There are more than enough clues to make it possible to easily identify the evil perpetrators of crime and even the individual responsible for the multiple murders occurring in just a few weeks time. But even with all those clues, and the fairly improbable life-threatening adventure that Max endures, the entire book is a just a riveting good read.

While there are no cliff hangers, Wynne’s final chapter and the epilogue leaves room for her to bring back the many incredible characters she has created in Rainy Dale for yet another story if she chooses to do so.

I, for one, hope that she will.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, the feud between Maxwell and River finally reaches a head and we find out why River dislikes Max so much. Also Royce is forced into a special election all the while he is investigating 3 murders. This book was long but read really quickly. I love these 2 together and I am hoping there might be another book after this. I want to see the wedding.

[Rachelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO MUCH EXCITEMENT!!!

This book is so completely full of action, angst and mystery all the way through that it will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat and flipping those pages and force you to stay up (instead of going to bed...like you should be doing...sheesh) because you HAVE to see what happens next.

You will experience Max blossom (so so beautiful to see/read). I do pray that we can experience Max and Royce getting married, maybe having kids. I'm feeling very invested in their relationship (lol).

This series has been OFF THE CHARTS! Each book just kept getting better and better, which I did not think was possible, but Mrs. Wynne made it happen. Beautifully written, flows great and the characters are excellent (well...maybe not River...Ya, I don't like him much).

I've received an ARC of this book and voluntarily leave my honest review.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Maxwell has been kidnapped by River! He escapes when River threatens to kill him. So begins the seventh book in the series of Maxell and his boyfriend, Sheriff Royce. The last book ended on a cliffhanger and we eagerly awaited this book to continue the saga with some intense moments. I love these mysteries and the continuing battle of Max to be respected and liked by the town. Their sexy times, though few, show such love and desire. I enjoy their deepening relationship and friends as they slowly take steps to become more. The crimes/ mysteries are well thought out and challenging to solve. These books are always a pleasure for me. I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary opinion.

[Anja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. The last book in the series and I can't believe, it's over - no more Royce and Maxwell against all odds. I very much hope, that there will be another one some day - with the both of them getting married and having kids...
Anyway, nit halfway through the story, the River-madness is over and I started to wonder, WTF will be the other half of the story about?!? But, don't you worry, the author has got you covered.
Great conclusion to an very sweet small town romance.

[Katie Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

being along for another ride with maxwell and Royce was such a fantastic feeling I loved being back with them

I was on the edge of my seat for most of this book it was absolutely incredible I was so hooked and it completely held my interest

we get mystery romance action and some answers it was so good

I felt like I was coming home to visit family with max and royce

[Eugenio · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one less than the previous ones. It was just too many plots one after the other. Max and Royce relationship felt stalled. After all that had happened to the two of them, and to max specifically, you would expect them to be over all the “i’m sure if you are sure” or “i’m scared of talking about our relationship so let’s just stay on the surface of things”. I also thought the motive for the murders was absolutely unrealistic and the assassin didn’t even try to put up a facade of innocence. But overall I find that the main problem rests with the number of completely separate plots the author tried to fit in one book. Idk in a way i find that what happened with River could have been the end of the series rather than this very explosive episode in the middle.
That said… the characters are just so beautifully sketched out that ultimately the story still works. I find myself feeling their emotions and rooting for them.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read every book in this series and always eagerly await the next one and as much I have loved them all I think this one was my favourite. The last book ended on such a cliffhanger I couldn’t wait to see how Maxwell dealt with this latest drama in his life. This book starts exactly where the last book left off and had me gripped from the first chapter, poor Max was really put through the ringer and his gorgeous boyfriend Sheriff Royce Callum was going out of his mind with worry.

There was suspense, plot twists, madmen and sink holes and money and power bringing out the worst in people and amid all the chaos and murders Max and Royce were setting up home together, along with the adorable pup Grumpy, and were falling deeper for one another.

I know Dr Maxwell Thornton is ornery as hell, his upbringing meant that he was not a people person, his bluntness came over as rude and he would never win a popularity contest, but I have a real soft spot for Max and with each book he has tried so hard to fit in, to be more amenable and try to engage a filter before speaking and in this book he finally discovers how being in love and more open to people that matter to him really does produce results, Max is happy, for the first time in his life he is happy and loved and I was so pleased for him.

I don’t know whether this is the last book in the series as Max definitely got his HEA but with all the murders that take place in the small town of Rainy Dale there is always scope for more!

[Mari Cardenas · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars!!!

As always, this is a reminder that One Vote for Murder picks up right where Kiss Marry Kill ends, evil cliffhanger and all, so keep that in mind. 

Poor, poor Max was left in a very dire position in the last installment, not that that's very strange since he got to Rainy Dale. And then Royce has to deal with not only the recall election but someone who is killing potential Sheriff candidates. 

I won't expand much on the plot this time around, because I don't want to give anything away, but let me just say that I really despise River, and what he did here didn't help matters any with that. 

Max has really changed a lot since he first arrived in Rainy Dale, he's much more open, and he thinks things through before saying them. I love how his relationship with Royce keeps deepening, and how the two of them are willing to do to make it work. 

The case was very interesting, I was completely invested in finding out who was behind the murders and how everything would play out. This was definitely one of my favorite books in the series, and not just because of the ending, which was amazing! Highly recommendable!

*** Copy provided by the author for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

All was going well until the end

I’ve really enjoyed this series and I partly liked Max’s character. This book begins, picking up where the last book ended, with Max suffering a major trauma. It really has an impact on him emotionally and makes him begin to see things differently. This is the catalyst for a number of changes in Max.

Meanwhile, Royce is desperate to find Max while he’s missing and then he finds out the recall election is going forward. The dilemmas presented for Royce weigh on Max and tie in to what we see him going through. Then there are suddenly more murders for Royce to deal with. It’s pretty obvious where the story is going and most readers will figure out what’s happening before Royce does.

But as I got near the end I was astounded with how disappointed I was in the ending. As things should be reaching a suspenseful climax it’s like author just decided to throw in the towel. There’s a rush to end both the criminal case and the personal story elements. It’s as if the author has just decided she’s had it with this place and these characters and she’s going to do a quick windup completely out of the blue.

If this is the end for this series it’s a pretty disappointing finale.

[Emilyrose · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the way the last book ended, I immediately picked up this one and didn't even take a break from it until about 50%. I was hooked and, even after this point, the story remained very engaging. There's a lot more murder, mystery and plenty of sweetness between Royce and Maxwell too. I felt like this book, more than some of the others, allowed me to better guess who was behind the crimes but I didn't manage to work out exactly how until nearer the end. Royce and Maxwell continued to have strong chemistry together and I enjoyed their HEA. I hope that (at some point in the future) we get to hear snippets from these two and how things move forward for them. There's a small part of me that misses some of Maxwell's snippiness and blunt commentary to people because it was hilarious to read and seemed to be so integral to him as a character. However, I can get over this because it's better to see him and Royce so strong by the end of the book and to see some good friendships blossom for Maxwell too. Overall, this is another good book in the series and, if you like this genre, then I'd definitely recommend it.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story begins where the last one left off, so you need to have read the previous book (Kiss Marry Kill) to fully understand what was going on. And even at that, I couldn't remember what lease River and Maxwell had been talking about. A little reminder would have been helpful. Anywho, the first part of the book deals with River kidnapping Maxwell and the consequences. Then, the second part of the book is about Royce, his recall election, and the murders surrounding that—it's almost two different books. Not that I'm complaining. Both storylines were captivating.

The book ends on an HEA where everything is tied up, so it sounds like this is the last book in the series. That makes me sad. I've really enjoyed the whole series. Start from the beginning and read straight through, as each ends on a cliffhanger. You won't be sorry.

[Alannah Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series gets better and better!

I have been waiting for months for this installment of the Dr. Maxwell Thornton series. Not only does it not disappoint...this series gets better and better. It is one of my favorite m/m series, and one of the very few in which I am so invested that I actually remember the details of what has happened in previous episodes of the series.

The reason for River's simmering animosity for Max has reached a boiling point. There is much that can be discussed? about River's state of mind, but suffice to say that I did not find it unrealistic. I'm absolutely positive that Max will be dealing with River in the future. I can see it going to places that the reader doesn't expect, given their history.

My only real criticism is the editing/proofreading. For instance, towards the end, something strikes a "cord" (should be "chord"). Other than that, this series is one that makes me look forward with the utmost anticipation! Bring on the next Dr. Max story!

[Val Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say that I’m happy not to be living in Rainy Dale. Whenever I read one of the books, I think I’m back in Jessica Fletcher’s territory, what with the number of murders that occur.
S. C. Wynne’s latest novel in the series will not disappoint those who enjoyed the earlier books.
Once again, the story centers around Maxwell and Royce. Maxwell appears to be mellowing, and the Rainy Dale people are getting used to his funny ways. But there are troubles ahead for them both. Maxwell is confronted by a life-threatening situation, while Royce is faced with a special recall election for his position as the town’s Sheriff.
‘One Vote for Murder,’ the latest in the series by S.C.Wynne, is as enjoyable as its predecessors. The author has allowed the two men to develop and keep the plots and characters as fresh as ever.
The latest in the Dr. Thornton Murder Mysteries series delivers a fun, easy read mystery, ideal for putting your feet up and relaxing. I can recommend it wholeheartedly.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing !! . . .

The suspense and from Book 6 continues as the tension is established and mounts with River Martin ready to kill Dr. Maxwell Thornton. He tells him why he hates him so much. He had drugged Max who was barely able to talk. He dragged Max to a garage, and Max realized if he took him away elsewhere, Royce may never find him. But the drug was too strong and he slid to the floor, unable to open his eyes. The sound of the garage door opening made him realize only escape could save him. But he could hardly move and passed out. Would he wake in time to resist? Or was it too late? Royce has his troubles too, but Max’s fate is the more pressing situation!

There are many loose ends tied up in this story line, and I don’t want to spoil any of it for the reader. It’s a thrill-a-minute as the reader never stops hoping for some kind of happy ending. Grab your copy and enjoy every breath-taking moment!

[Liz Stanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was absolutely amazing! Between the storyline to the characters everything about this had me shouting from the rooftop with mixed emotions.
The first thing was River. You could feel the constant struggle with him. When he was first introduced, I thought he was cocky and somewhat arrogant, but when we find out about him being unable to accept his sisters death , my heart broke for him. I wanted to dislike River so bad, but now I feel for the guy. I truly hope he finds peace.
Next was Max and holy crap, talk about a huge character developmental journey. When we were first introduced to Max, he was this cold hearted closed off snob, who looked down at everyone and didn't really care about anything or anyone. Now...he is opening up more, expressing his feelings, and just learning that its ok to show the people around you, love.
Whether this is the end of Max or if there is more in the future, which I hope there will be, this was a truly wonderful story and I can't wait to read more

[Sharon Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished One Vote for Murder and it was a satisfying ending to this part of the story. On her FB page, the author has stated that she has finished this series for now but that Max and Royce will return sometime in the future. I'm really looking forward to this. I have really enjoyed each and every book and SC Wynne is now an automatic buy for me.
All books are well written and the characters are firm favourites for me. This final book has left both Max and Royce in a great position. They have fought for their happiness and now they deserve to be able to enjoy it.
Definitely recommended.
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Mir Jak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts straight on from that cliffhanger in # 6 (why oh why did you end a book like that - I couldn't calm down for ages !!!). Anyhoo, brilliant book !! Those first few chapters were nail-biting ..... and the story kept ramping up. It's soooo good - the suspense, mystery and plot twists galore certainly kept me enthralled but it was also the story between Maxwell & Royce and how their relationship goes from strength to strength...... with a few hiccups along the way. Our guy Maxwell is "growing up" ....(sniff sniff).....so proud of him ..... sometimes adorkably cringey to read but it's oh so beautiful as well. This series is da'bommb !!

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've had an up and down history with this series. This book started off with Max being a jerk again and I just knew that something would break these guys up this time. But, by the end, I think this book was close to being the best of the bunch.

Lots of murders for Royce to work on, a potential recall election for sheriff, a harrowing ordeal for Max (really scary!) and finally the two of them talking about things that are really important. Overall I enjoyed this #7 and read it in one evening. I don't know that this book can be read as a stand alone. Lots of characters running round whose relevance are contained in prior stories.

I hope that there is a #8.

[Jennifer Follwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The epitome of character growth

This books starts with a kidnapping and death threats. Will Maxwell escape? As usual, a great mystery and lots of action. Multiple murders occur in the midst of a recall election for Royce. Does Rainy Dale have the highest Murder rate of any small town in the country?
The best thing about the series is the tremendous character growth that Maxwell has undergone. To see him grow from a self centered and often times cold personality to being in love but also realizing the many important people in his life along with a new ability to empathize with his patient.
I look forward to more adventures with these two wonderful men.

[Genevieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow wow wow. I can't believe I have to wait to see if any more books are coming . I hope this isn't how the series will end not that I didn't love the ending in this book but please I need more.
I love Maxwell and Royce and want to see so much more of them. In this story line there has been a special recall election to try and kick Royce out of his job. There were two parts to the book it seemed the first was dealing with the aftermath of the previous book and the second part was with the new murderers. It was fantastic story line and please please let there be a couple more books coming.

[Suze · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max and Royce are evolving as a couple and Max especially is starting to thaw out and engage with people!!

We start with the cliff hanger from the previous book and it looks dire for Max.
River has been the fly in the ointment for a while and we now know why, and he is tipping over the edge.
However, it is Royce that really is in professional danger once the Raiden's have him in their sights.
Yet another person with unsound sense of reality taking action into their own hands, but this one has murderous outcomes.

Enjoying this series

[PaperMoon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starting as a direct continuation from the previous book, Max gets plunged into a dire life -threatening event whereby I didn't think there would be more murderous crimes for the MCs to deal with; I was wrong. After an initial lull - the plot veers into campaigning territory and an escalating body count towards the end. However, I wasn't 100% convinced with the killing method for one and the motivation for another. Perhaps it's best the series to end with these final pages but I have a suspicion another book may be forthcoming.

[JOELLE SAMYN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maxwell a enfin trouvé le cabinet/logement de ses rêves.
Seulement voilà, River a décidé de briser son bonheur.
Maintenant, Maxwell sait la vérité sur la haïne ressentie par River vis-à-vis de lui.
Si Royce ne se dépêche pas, Maxwell risque le pire.
Royce doit faire face aussi à une puissante famille de Rainy Dale.
Il risque de perdre son travail.
Maxwell va faire tout pour que Royce garde le moral.
Et bien sûr, que serait des élections sans meurtres, n'est-ce pas ?
Royce va devoir être sur tous les fronts.
Action, Amour, Humour, Fausses pistes, Secrets et Méchanceté gratuite.
Pas de temps mort.
Est-ce que c'était la dernière aventure de Maxwell et de Royce ?

[kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Vote for Murder is a great addition to the Dr. Maxwell Thornton Murder Mysteries series.
I can't get enough of Royce and Maxwell.
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat, but really do we expect anything less from these two?
I love how the romance is just as prominent as the mystery. Seeing these two grow together and become even closer is wonderful.
This was such a pleasure to read!

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Principles beat emotions. River, believes Max killed his sister. She is Max's only patient death and he's regretted it all his life.The hospital exonerated him. This story has everything, mystery adventure, civic unrest/support, emotional angst and blind ambition. Royce and Max face challengec and crisis and come out stronger on the other end. Does River find his closure? Good story. Conflicts grab you and don't let go. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.