No Murder Before Its Time

Rating:
Summary: What Wonderful Characters!
Review: I have read all of Russ Hall's books. They are all fabulous, and this one is just as good as the others. In all of his books, Mr. Hall is able not only to deliver a plot that entertains and keeps you turning the page--certainly a must in this genre!--but also unique and quirky characters rendered with the skill and care of a mainstream novelist. Mr. Hall's sense of place is spectacular as well. If you love the beauty of the Texas Hill country, you will smell the mesquite coming off the pages of this book. Esbeth Walters, the 72 year old sleuth of this novel and other Russ Hall novels, is one of the joys of this genre. Look, there are more famous mystery novelists that you can read, but Mr. Hall is as good as any of them. Try this novel, or another of his, and get an unexpected treat.

Rating:
Summary: interesting thriller
Review: In The Texas Hill Country ruthless rancher Win Castle feels his mortality after suffering a heart attack. He worries about his legacy as he feels both of his sons are wimps. He decides to host a contest between Chaz and Kyle. Though the siblings are in their thirties, they react differently. Chaz welcomes with glee the chance to inherit the estate while Kyle believes this is stupid.

Chaz wins the competition risking his life with the boar and bringing in the shark. When they land on a deserted isle, Kyle saves the lives of the trio. In Texas, Win informs Chaz and Kyle that they will replace long time loyal managers. However, not long afterward someone murders Chaz followed by his mother. Sheriff Watkins and Ranger Macrory gain the help of septuagenarian Esbeth Walters as they struggle to solve the homicides.

NO MURDER BEFORE ITS TIME is an interesting thriller in which the better person loses the competition because he lacks the zealousness of his sibling. Ironically when they are in trouble Kyle steps to the plate and delivers. The tale ultimately spins into an interesting police procedural amateur sleuth story line that is cleverly designed. Although quite good, that subplot is not quite at the quality level of the Castle championship competition.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: interesting thriller
Review: In The Texas Hill Country ruthless rancher Win Castle feels his mortality after suffering a heart attack. He worries about his legacy as he feels both of his sons are wimps. He decides to host a contest between Chaz and Kyle. Though the siblings are in their thirties, they react differently. Chaz welcomes with glee the chance to inherit the estate while Kyle believes this is stupid.

Chaz wins the competition risking his life with the boar and bringing in the shark. When they land on a deserted isle, Kyle saves the lives of the trio. In Texas, Win informs Chaz and Kyle that they will replace long time loyal managers. However, not long afterward someone murders Chaz followed by his mother. Sheriff Watkins and Ranger Macrory gain the help of septuagenarian Esbeth Walters as they struggle to solve the homicides.

NO MURDER BEFORE ITS TIME is an interesting thriller in which the better person loses the competition because he lacks the zealousness of his sibling. Ironically when they are in trouble Kyle steps to the plate and delivers. The tale ultimately spins into an interesting police procedural amateur sleuth story line that is cleverly designed. Although quite good, that subplot is not quite at the quality level of the Castle championship competition.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: Terrifically Texan
Review: Win Castle has pitted his sons against each other to determine who will take over management of the family's Texas wine business and ranch. Whether it's hunting boar with only a knife or catching sharks, Win pushs them to go further, to take risks. But when his trials are over and he's decided on his successor, he never expects that the winner will be murdered. Nobody much regrets the death of Chaz Castle--the man was a menace to himself and everyone around him. But that only means more suspects for the Texas Rangers and for spunky retired school teacher, winery tour guide, and amateur detective Esbeth Walters. Making things tougher, Win does his best to confuse the case.

Texas Ranger Tillis Macrory has the best conviction record in the Rangers, but he's not too proud to take help where he can get it--and he suspects that Esbeth can help him if she wants. She knows the Castle family, the dynamics within the winery, and the romances that spring up among the Castles and the employees. Even if Esbeth does insist on treating him like a student rather than a law enforcement professional, Tillis sticks it out. Because Esbeth's insights just might be the only thing that will let him cut through the smokescreen that Win is laying and discover the truth.

Author Russ Hall has a terrific ear for the language and manerisms of rural Texas. Expressions like 'meaner than turkey turd beer,' and loonier than the Saturday morning cartoons' are sure to bring a smile--and a nod of recognition. Another nod of recognition goes to Esbeth herself--a carefully drawn character who would be at home anywhere in Texas, sorting things out, protecting her pride, and knowing just a bit more than anyone else. Wine buffs will also enjoy the detailed look at Texas winemaking--and the antics involved in winery tours.

Most of the first half of the novel set the stage for the first murder--but events happen quickly after the Castle family returns from a wedding trip to Belize--with the succession decided and tempers hot. NO MURDER BEFORE ITS TIME is an enjoyable read.

Rating:
Summary: What Wonderful Characters!
Review: Wow, what great characters! That pure country Boose and, of course, Esbeth, the reluctant detective, are alive in my head yet. I felt I was on the grounds of a vineyard. I toast this ripping yarn with a glass of the best red wine.