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Posadas County Mystery #10
Red, Green, or Murder
Former Posadas County Sheriff Bill Gastner, now a New Mexico Livestock Inspector, is enjoying a day on Herb Torrance's ranch - soaking in the sun, counting a small herd of cattle, and thinking about meeting an old friend back in town for lunch. But suddenly a light breeze stirs the dust, a horse spooks, and Bill finds himself ferrying a broken cowpuncher in the back of his SUV, headed out to meet an ambulance. Moments later, Bill's day goes from bad to worse. He is summoned by undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman to investigate an unattended death. Too impatient to wait for Bill, his friend George Payton decided to eat lunch on his own. A couple of bites later, he collapsed - dead of an apparent heart attack. But something isn't right. Then the small herd of cattle Bill had just counted is found wandering down a county highway. But there's no sign of cowpuncher Pat Gabaldon or his boss' $40,000 truck and livestock trailer. Forced into two tangled investigations, Bill faces one of the most complex cases in his 35-year career.
275 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
151 people are currently reading
402 people want to read
About the author
Steven F. Havill
38 books261 followersSteven F. Havill is an American author of mysteries and westerns.
Havill lives in Raton, New Mexico, with his wife Kathleen. He has written two series of police procedurals set in the fictional Posadas County, New Mexico; along with other works.
Havill lives in Raton, New Mexico, with his wife Kathleen. He has written two series of police procedurals set in the fictional Posadas County, New Mexico; along with other works.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
July 25, 2012
It's a crime that I got this book for free. The author should be paid handsomely for this effort with every sale. If you like police procedurals, and mysteries in general, this is an outstanding novel for you to read. While some mystery readers might like a faster paced story with harder punches, this one moseys along just right for the pace of life in Posadas County, New Mexico until the squeeze is put on the bad guys. There are so many pretenders out there with five-star ratings that the truly deserving books get lost like a voice of reason in a crowd. This novel is right at the top of the heap and needs to be read.
Steven F. Havill has written a thinking person's mystery that makes you follow along as former Posadas County Sheriff Bill Gaster gets roped and hog-tide (but without too much cajoling) into two investigations that really challenge his and undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman's powers of observations. The clues are so minute in the murder case that only McCloud might have been up to the task aside from these two to follow their common sense when things just don't add up. Some of the excruciating details might be tough on some readers, but that is marrow in the text for readers of police procedurals.
Simultaneously, they tackle a second case, which again shows the patience of the author and Gaster to keep looking at the clues and trying to out duel the thinking process of the bad guys. One of the nicest things about Havill's writing, is the attention given to the minor characters. Their ticks and daily goings-on are so well drawn, it is easy to believe Gaster's 30+ years as a Sheriff in this county and his knowledge of the people he served and protected. He knows the people, knows the place, and understands that investigations and justice sometimes gets accomplished in unconventional ways. And never discount the providence of luck built on the patience of experience to help find the villains. This story is top-notch in its genre and kept me reading long after the wife said, "Shut that light." This book earns its 5-star rating.
Steven F. Havill has written a thinking person's mystery that makes you follow along as former Posadas County Sheriff Bill Gaster gets roped and hog-tide (but without too much cajoling) into two investigations that really challenge his and undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman's powers of observations. The clues are so minute in the murder case that only McCloud might have been up to the task aside from these two to follow their common sense when things just don't add up. Some of the excruciating details might be tough on some readers, but that is marrow in the text for readers of police procedurals.
Simultaneously, they tackle a second case, which again shows the patience of the author and Gaster to keep looking at the clues and trying to out duel the thinking process of the bad guys. One of the nicest things about Havill's writing, is the attention given to the minor characters. Their ticks and daily goings-on are so well drawn, it is easy to believe Gaster's 30+ years as a Sheriff in this county and his knowledge of the people he served and protected. He knows the people, knows the place, and understands that investigations and justice sometimes gets accomplished in unconventional ways. And never discount the providence of luck built on the patience of experience to help find the villains. This story is top-notch in its genre and kept me reading long after the wife said, "Shut that light." This book earns its 5-star rating.
May 17, 2015
I just love Bill Gastner
This series actually extends over the careers of two law officers who hold a position called Undersheriff in the fictional Posadas County, New Mexico. An undersheriff is the person right below the elected position of Sheriff and is appointed by the Sheriff. Generally, the Undersheriff would be the expert in the law that is there to advise the elected Sheriff. The first half of the series covers Undersheriff Bill Gastner, an experienced law officer. Bill would laugh at that at just say that he is old. Bill is sort of grumpy, a little creeky in the knees, moves slowly but makes up for it with a lot of experience and really knowing the people of Posadas County, New Mexico. He is especially good at thinking while eating very spicy burritos at all hours of the day or night.
The second half of the series covers the career of Undersheriff Estelle Guzman. She is quite talented and, for me, simply not as interesting as Bill. She is admirable and I would hire her to be my Undersheriff because she really knows what she is doing but...she is really boring.
Unfortunately, this book is Bill Gastner's last hurrah as a main character. In this story Bill is no longer the Undersheriff. Instead, he is a state livestock inspector. But, he still gets caught up in the events of the book. In it, everything that makes you love Bill is on display - his knowledge and connections, his bravery and his late night ruminating. His beloved burritos are even part of a mystery.
There are actually two mysteries in this story. One involves...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2015/...
This series actually extends over the careers of two law officers who hold a position called Undersheriff in the fictional Posadas County, New Mexico. An undersheriff is the person right below the elected position of Sheriff and is appointed by the Sheriff. Generally, the Undersheriff would be the expert in the law that is there to advise the elected Sheriff. The first half of the series covers Undersheriff Bill Gastner, an experienced law officer. Bill would laugh at that at just say that he is old. Bill is sort of grumpy, a little creeky in the knees, moves slowly but makes up for it with a lot of experience and really knowing the people of Posadas County, New Mexico. He is especially good at thinking while eating very spicy burritos at all hours of the day or night.
The second half of the series covers the career of Undersheriff Estelle Guzman. She is quite talented and, for me, simply not as interesting as Bill. She is admirable and I would hire her to be my Undersheriff because she really knows what she is doing but...she is really boring.
Unfortunately, this book is Bill Gastner's last hurrah as a main character. In this story Bill is no longer the Undersheriff. Instead, he is a state livestock inspector. But, he still gets caught up in the events of the book. In it, everything that makes you love Bill is on display - his knowledge and connections, his bravery and his late night ruminating. His beloved burritos are even part of a mystery.
There are actually two mysteries in this story. One involves...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2015/...
December 8, 2009
If you have ever been in New Mexico, you are familiar with the eternal question, "Red or Green?".
In this case, it's the green that's the killer.
Former Posadas County sheriff Bill Gastner is supposedly retired but finds himself up to his Livestock Inspector badge in solving the murder of his good friend.
This book will resonate with everyone familiar with small town practices, rural living or New Mexico. It covers all three.
It's a very satisfying read as Mr. Havill hits all the right notes in his 16th novel in the Posadas County Mystery series.
The constant flow of comments about aging, seeing the familiar little kids stepping into positions of adult responsibility, finding all the hints of "progress" make for a comforting story.
In this case, it's the green that's the killer.
Former Posadas County sheriff Bill Gastner is supposedly retired but finds himself up to his Livestock Inspector badge in solving the murder of his good friend.
This book will resonate with everyone familiar with small town practices, rural living or New Mexico. It covers all three.
It's a very satisfying read as Mr. Havill hits all the right notes in his 16th novel in the Posadas County Mystery series.
The constant flow of comments about aging, seeing the familiar little kids stepping into positions of adult responsibility, finding all the hints of "progress" make for a comforting story.
January 8, 2017
This series is so fun, and I enjoy listening to it on audiobook while working out, cooking, or doing chores. However, I have a severe reservation about the series, which distracts me every time I read one of these books: each time Bill goes to his favorite restaurant for a green chili burrito, I get the urge to eat Mexican food. This is a very dangerous consequence and a frequent one, as anyone who has read the series knows. Nonetheless, because of the great characters, setting, and interesting plots, I struggle on in spite of the detriment to a healthy diet!
November 30, 2022
An excellent story. I really enjoyed it.
June 29, 2019
June 2019 While currently reading, I've felt compelled to comment on this book. Having just turned 73, I am of a similar age to Gastner and to the retired gun dealer. I see many of my friends in the personality of the retired gun dealer. I don't remember other police procedurals and mysteries addressing the aging process, medical complications and death of friends in such a poignant manner.
Just finished the story! Still a *****. The dealing with death continued throughout but the two separate murder lines overtook the aging topic. Wonderful ending!!!!
Just finished the story! Still a *****. The dealing with death continued throughout but the two separate murder lines overtook the aging topic. Wonderful ending!!!!
October 28, 2018
Good Book
Excellent story as usual from this author. This one seems out of sequence since Leona isn’t county administrator and little Francis isn’t playing the piano. Also the pharmacist was arrested in another story,
Excellent story as usual from this author. This one seems out of sequence since Leona isn’t county administrator and little Francis isn’t playing the piano. Also the pharmacist was arrested in another story,
May 25, 2018
A great read. Should be read after Bag Limit, #9 in the Bill Gastner group. Red, Green, or Murder is really #10 in Gastner more so then #7 in the Posadas County group.
May 26, 2020
~Good series
~I believe this is book ten in the series. Over the span of books and the years in the little town of Posadas we are witness to the growth of the characters in this very engaging crime series. I enjoy a book that gives the reader some of the back story of the main characters. Explains why it is that they act as they do. What motivates them to solve the crime and bring the “bad” guy to justice. The book…the series…does just that.
~Like the slow moving life style of a dust little New Mexico cattle town, Bill Gastner, former Sheriff, now Livestock Inspector is slow and methodical in his unofficial investigation of a questionable heart attack of an old friend.
~The story weaves its way through several lives who have something directly or indirectly with the deceased rancher. Definitely a good read. I’d recommend it to anyone interested in a well written murder story.
~I believe this is book ten in the series. Over the span of books and the years in the little town of Posadas we are witness to the growth of the characters in this very engaging crime series. I enjoy a book that gives the reader some of the back story of the main characters. Explains why it is that they act as they do. What motivates them to solve the crime and bring the “bad” guy to justice. The book…the series…does just that.
~Like the slow moving life style of a dust little New Mexico cattle town, Bill Gastner, former Sheriff, now Livestock Inspector is slow and methodical in his unofficial investigation of a questionable heart attack of an old friend.
~The story weaves its way through several lives who have something directly or indirectly with the deceased rancher. Definitely a good read. I’d recommend it to anyone interested in a well written murder story.
February 24, 2022
This story takes place in southern New Mexico near the Mexican border. Bill Gastner's good friend dies suddenly of a heart attack; however, it is not what it seems. Bill is a retired county sheriff who gets involved in trying to solve his friend's death. At the same time he assists his former undersheriff with tracking down a local rancher's truck and cattle trailer; the ranch hand driving it has disappeared as well. The author paints a wonderful picture of the characters and the setting in which this novel takes place. A quick read.
December 6, 2020
Estelle Reyes-Guzman, the undersheriff of Posadas County, notices some small anomalies in the apparent heart attack death of elderly George Payton. She is happy to rely on the experience of Bill Gastner even though he is no longer sheriff. An excellent procedural, meticulously plotted with a lot of action in the short time span of only a couple days. A terrific reader for the audio version.
January 8, 2021
It was a nice surprise to find Bill Gastner in the lead, though perhaps it would be more reasonable to list this book as #7 in the Posadas County series than after "Bag Limit" in the Bill Gastner list. Lead characters of a certain age are few and far between--it is a pleasure to follow Bill as he retains his faculties, sense of humor, and friendships.
September 9, 2024
I've read most of these books until now, in order. Twice I have had to listen to an audiobook.
I HATE the narration. If you can't do a proper accent, don't do it. Don't make all women sound like they're about to cry. Why all the deep south accents? Why do the Mexicans all sound like Cheech Marin in character.
This dude all mispronounces many words.
I HATE the narration. If you can't do a proper accent, don't do it. Don't make all women sound like they're about to cry. Why all the deep south accents? Why do the Mexicans all sound like Cheech Marin in character.
This dude all mispronounces many words.
July 24, 2025
Bill Gastner and Posadas County do it again
The Posadas County mysteries are as always a solidly reliable, believable and absorbing read. Even retired, former Sheriff Bill Gastner uses his intimate understanding of how his county works, and who the people are, to pull all the threads together and tie up a most satisfactory knot.
The Posadas County mysteries are as always a solidly reliable, believable and absorbing read. Even retired, former Sheriff Bill Gastner uses his intimate understanding of how his county works, and who the people are, to pull all the threads together and tie up a most satisfactory knot.
July 22, 2019
While I prefer the books in which Bill Gastner is still the sheriff, I still enjoy his character and influence in solving murders in the county (and beyond.) The "new" sheriff and under sheriff are great characters in their own right.
April 7, 2021
Good read. As the whole series is. Clean fun. This series is up there with Bruno Chief of Police in "my book."
As one commenter mentioned there is something wrong with the sequencing. I agree totally. The pharmacist? He is long gone.
As one commenter mentioned there is something wrong with the sequencing. I agree totally. The pharmacist? He is long gone.
January 11, 2022
Unusually, this installment is told in the first person by Gastner, recounting two crimes he and Estelle are both involved with. It is well done as always and completely held my attention. Nice to have Gastner back center stage.
February 8, 2024
Liked the characters though I felt there were a couple plot points left unexplained after it was suggested they might be significant. It would have been better if the two investigations had been tied together. Also had some of the worst proof reading I've come across in a while.
July 16, 2025
Good, Tight Story
The story was more like a police procedural than than most in this series. Bill Heather did provide some comic relief. The chemistry between Heather and Estelle provided the foundation for this story. Highly recommended.
The story was more like a police procedural than than most in this series. Bill Heather did provide some comic relief. The chemistry between Heather and Estelle provided the foundation for this story. Highly recommended.
October 14, 2025
These Havill books have both me and my husband hooked. While some are better than others, they all so far have made for good reading.
The fact that we’ve lived in both southern AZ and El Paso, TX, make this especially good for us.
The fact that we’ve lived in both southern AZ and El Paso, TX, make this especially good for us.
January 20, 2018
Three and a half stars--to be discussed in Feb.
February 12, 2018
page turner as always
February 14, 2018
The characters were interesting. It was a fairly easy read, but I'm not intrigued enough to want to read the rest of the series
March 29, 2018
Great Read!
July 18, 2019
I love this series & the great characters. Aa suspicious death & truck thrives are the basis of he mysteries.
March 17, 2020
A bit of a sardonic narrative. 🤨
April 18, 2020
Thoroughly good read. I love mysteries. Now I am itching to read the rest of the series.
Read
April 1, 2023Red, Green, or Murder
I liked the story, but didn't like all the errors. I'm beginning to wonder if anyone bothers to proofread/edit their manuscripts before getting published.
I liked the story, but didn't like all the errors. I'm beginning to wonder if anyone bothers to proofread/edit their manuscripts before getting published.
July 12, 2023
love the way former sheriff Bill Gastner rides around at all hours, ruminating on problems.
August 26, 2023
As always, a great read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews