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Jocelyn Shore #3
Death Rides Again
Texas high school teacher Jocelyn Shore had been looking forward to spending Thanksgiving at her Uncle Kel's ranch, but her visit takes an unexpected turn when she discovers Uncle Kel threatening his son-in-law Eddy with a shotgun. It seems that Kel, who is hosting the whole Shore clan, is none too happy about how Eddy has been treating his daughter Ruby June, and tensions are about to boil over.
Thanks to Jocelyn's quick thinking, Eddy makes it out alive, and it looks like Ruby June is going to toss him out for good. Yet no one knows for sure because that is the last anyone saw of Ruby June. The family pins the disappearance on Eddy and files a missing-persons report. Still, it isn't until Jocelyn and her sometime-boyfriend, Austin homicide detective Colin Gallagher, find Eddy's body at the bottom of a caliche pit that the police really take notice. Unfortunately, all eyes---including Colin's---are on Jocelyn's family as the most likely suspects. While Colin assists the local police, Jocelyn and her cousin Kyla decide to investigate on their own. Their hunt turns up a shady ranch manager, a mysterious racehorse owner, and an overly persistent goat, but no sign of Ruby June . . . or a killer who is poised to strike again.
With a family reunion that is getting smaller by the minute and more romance and humor than can be fenced in on any ranch, Janice Hamrick's Death Rides Again is another outstanding addition to her award-winning mystery series.
Thanks to Jocelyn's quick thinking, Eddy makes it out alive, and it looks like Ruby June is going to toss him out for good. Yet no one knows for sure because that is the last anyone saw of Ruby June. The family pins the disappearance on Eddy and files a missing-persons report. Still, it isn't until Jocelyn and her sometime-boyfriend, Austin homicide detective Colin Gallagher, find Eddy's body at the bottom of a caliche pit that the police really take notice. Unfortunately, all eyes---including Colin's---are on Jocelyn's family as the most likely suspects. While Colin assists the local police, Jocelyn and her cousin Kyla decide to investigate on their own. Their hunt turns up a shady ranch manager, a mysterious racehorse owner, and an overly persistent goat, but no sign of Ruby June . . . or a killer who is poised to strike again.
With a family reunion that is getting smaller by the minute and more romance and humor than can be fenced in on any ranch, Janice Hamrick's Death Rides Again is another outstanding addition to her award-winning mystery series.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published June 18, 2013
8 people are currently reading
428 people want to read
About the author
Janice Hamrick
5 books145 followersJanice Hamrick is the award-winning author of DEATH MAKES THE CUT (2012) and DEATH ON TOUR (2011), which won the Mystery Writers of America/Minotaur Books First Crime Novel competition and was nominated for the Mary Higgins Clark Award. Janice lives in Austin, Texas, with three dogs and cat, and when she is not writing, she spends her time traveling, planning to travel, or plotting murders (usually fictional).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 8, 2013
*Won this on Goodreads Giveaways*
This was my first book by this author. I would definitely read another one by her. It's a nice little mystery with some romance thrown in, but not enough to make it sappy. The characters are easy to relate to, particularly as part of a large Southern family. It was a quick easy read.
I know it's an ARC copy and mistakes are to be expected somewhat, but PLEASE learn the correct usage of "passed" and "past". That got very annoying to an OCD person such as me.
This was my first book by this author. I would definitely read another one by her. It's a nice little mystery with some romance thrown in, but not enough to make it sappy. The characters are easy to relate to, particularly as part of a large Southern family. It was a quick easy read.
I know it's an ARC copy and mistakes are to be expected somewhat, but PLEASE learn the correct usage of "passed" and "past". That got very annoying to an OCD person such as me.
October 30, 2021
I am truly sorry this author only wrote 3 books in this series.
July 19, 2013
MY THOUGHTS
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT
Jocelyn is still teaching high school in Austin, on the fence about the hunky detective, Colin, she recently met and long distance dating, Alan, who now lives in Dallas full time. Thanksgiving at Uncle Kel's ranch is a family reunion that comes with a lot of baggage. The biggest of course is her two boyfriends that Kyla invites without Jocelyn's knowledge. Her cousin, Ruby June, is found to have been abused by her husband, Eddy, who turns up dead and Ruby has now disappeared. Jocelyn witnesses Eddy meeting with someone who might be his murderer. As Jocelyn's jumps to more than conclusions in this latest installment, you wonder if she will make it out alive.
Told with a lot of humor, a touch of romance, Hamrick brings life to this Texan mystery. All of the characters are memorable and you will be wondering who Jocelyn picks as her one boyfriend. Parts of Jocelyn's escapes remind me of an I Love Lucy episode and had me really laughing out loud. There is just enough tension and suspense that will make you want to finish in one night. I always have a great time reading Hamrick's stories and just wish that these were released more than once a year.
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT
Jocelyn is still teaching high school in Austin, on the fence about the hunky detective, Colin, she recently met and long distance dating, Alan, who now lives in Dallas full time. Thanksgiving at Uncle Kel's ranch is a family reunion that comes with a lot of baggage. The biggest of course is her two boyfriends that Kyla invites without Jocelyn's knowledge. Her cousin, Ruby June, is found to have been abused by her husband, Eddy, who turns up dead and Ruby has now disappeared. Jocelyn witnesses Eddy meeting with someone who might be his murderer. As Jocelyn's jumps to more than conclusions in this latest installment, you wonder if she will make it out alive.
Told with a lot of humor, a touch of romance, Hamrick brings life to this Texan mystery. All of the characters are memorable and you will be wondering who Jocelyn picks as her one boyfriend. Parts of Jocelyn's escapes remind me of an I Love Lucy episode and had me really laughing out loud. There is just enough tension and suspense that will make you want to finish in one night. I always have a great time reading Hamrick's stories and just wish that these were released more than once a year.
December 6, 2017
Everything a good book should be
Simply said, I really enjoyed this read from the beginning to the end. An easy, escape-from-the-Christmas-craziness Read. Enough complications to keep me interested, but not so outlandish as to be unbelievable.
Simply said, I really enjoyed this read from the beginning to the end. An easy, escape-from-the-Christmas-craziness Read. Enough complications to keep me interested, but not so outlandish as to be unbelievable.
October 7, 2025
Lots of murders happen during a family thanksgiving. Not a very well thought out story. The family is all involved with each murder in some way. Bit all comes together in the end with being part of a drug dealer.
February 23, 2018
Nice murder mystery set in Texas, with great humor!
August 31, 2013
This series is getting better as it goes on - full of wit and humor, and straightforward - it's fun and relatively light reading. The mystery part of the story has also been improving. While I figured out part of this mystery I have to say I was a bit surprised when the whole thing came out at the end - when one of the bad guys actually tried to help Jocelyn and Kyla (of course this was after he'd already threatened them, holding them at gunpoint). So the mystery was definitely more complicated with so many people a part of it. There were a few unresolved issues - Ruby Jane - how big was her part in all of this, what happens to the winnings and Big Bender, why beat up Colin? Small things I suppose.
I was glad that Jocelyn did finally get her relationship situation straightened out - well for now anyway. Jocelyn and Kyla are really entertaining, especially when they're together. Jocelyn still has those moments when I'm wondering what the heck she's doing, but I've put it down as part of her character - she wouldn't be who she is without being as stubbornly (and perhaps stupidly) brave as she is - I especially didn't understand why she didn't hide at the end with Kyla but then again she wouldn't have been able to pull that nifty move with the lion. I like her with her use of the 'teacher look' and her honest, relatable charm - despite the fact I occasionally question her common sense.
I look forward to seeing more of Jocelyn, Colin and Kyla in future installments. 4 stars!
I was glad that Jocelyn did finally get her relationship situation straightened out - well for now anyway. Jocelyn and Kyla are really entertaining, especially when they're together. Jocelyn still has those moments when I'm wondering what the heck she's doing, but I've put it down as part of her character - she wouldn't be who she is without being as stubbornly (and perhaps stupidly) brave as she is - I especially didn't understand why she didn't hide at the end with Kyla but then again she wouldn't have been able to pull that nifty move with the lion. I like her with her use of the 'teacher look' and her honest, relatable charm - despite the fact I occasionally question her common sense.
I look forward to seeing more of Jocelyn, Colin and Kyla in future installments. 4 stars!
September 9, 2013
This mystery is set in ranching country in Texas, close to Austin. The Shore family is having a reunion to celebrate Thanksgiving. Jocelyn Shore walks into her Aunt and Uncle's kitchen to find her uncle holding a shotgun on his daughter's husband. Ruby June had just been slapped and Uncle Kel didn't like the way his daughter was treated. The situation was brought under control, the husband thrown out and Ruby June taken home where she implies she's ready to end the marriage.
When Ruby June turns up missing and her husband's body is found in a trash pit on the ranch, the police start to investigate helped by Jocelyn's new love interest, Colin who is an Austin homicide detective. When Jocelyn and her cousin Kyla start investigating on their own they discover that their efforts have put them in danger as well. This book is humorous and well written. I plan on reading the first book in this series to get all the background that sets up this story. However, this book can stand on its own. It was an enjoyable read with an interesting location.
When Ruby June turns up missing and her husband's body is found in a trash pit on the ranch, the police start to investigate helped by Jocelyn's new love interest, Colin who is an Austin homicide detective. When Jocelyn and her cousin Kyla start investigating on their own they discover that their efforts have put them in danger as well. This book is humorous and well written. I plan on reading the first book in this series to get all the background that sets up this story. However, this book can stand on its own. It was an enjoyable read with an interesting location.
July 7, 2013
A series that just gets better with each book. Death Rides Again was great. I love the witty, dry, tell-it-like-it-is dialogue that doesn't hold back. I love the sarcasm used judiciously by the main character Jocelyn. I'm loving the new love interest. The only thing I didn't love was the overall theme of hunting - I hate hunting animals with a fervent passion. Luckily, most of it was talk and no animals were overtly harmed in the story.
This one takes place at the family's ranch over the Thanksgiving holidays and while I usually don't care for mysteries that take place "away from home" none of the mysteries in this series have taken place in the same place, so no real sense of a permanent setting has ever really been established.
The plot was complicated, twisted, and well done. While I suspected I knew who the villain was, I was only a tiny bit right in the end.
I fun, fast-paced, hard-to-put-down mystery and I'm really looking forward to more books.
This one takes place at the family's ranch over the Thanksgiving holidays and while I usually don't care for mysteries that take place "away from home" none of the mysteries in this series have taken place in the same place, so no real sense of a permanent setting has ever really been established.
The plot was complicated, twisted, and well done. While I suspected I knew who the villain was, I was only a tiny bit right in the end.
I fun, fast-paced, hard-to-put-down mystery and I'm really looking forward to more books.
September 25, 2014
3 1/2 stars. Jocelyn and her cousin, Kyra are joining their family for Thanksgiving on the family ranch. They have barely settled in when the no-good husband of a cousin turns up on the ranch, dead of course. Now all eyes turn to their uncle Kel who recently threatened the deadbeat. And the deceased wife is missing. What kind of holiday is this going to be? Jocelyn wants to find her missing cousin and find the real killer. She is also juggling to suitors. Not to mention having to put up with Kyra.
This series is a lot of fun. I love Jocelyn. She is so nice and smart. Kyra is not my favorite and I sometimes wish Jocelyn would just slap her. But they have a real bond so I have to put up with her too. There is a lot going on and it is a pretty good mystery but I took 1/2 star away because they had to do a major wrap up at the end to explain everything that had happened. But for me it is the characters and the setting that make the cozy and this series has both in spades.
This series is a lot of fun. I love Jocelyn. She is so nice and smart. Kyra is not my favorite and I sometimes wish Jocelyn would just slap her. But they have a real bond so I have to put up with her too. There is a lot going on and it is a pretty good mystery but I took 1/2 star away because they had to do a major wrap up at the end to explain everything that had happened. But for me it is the characters and the setting that make the cozy and this series has both in spades.
July 25, 2013
It's Thanksgiving in Texas and Jocelyn Shore is at her Uncle Kel's ranch for a family reunion. The book starts out with Jocelyn waking to find her Uncle pointing a shotgun at his daughter's husband. It seems the cad has hit her and he's had enough. Once the standoff ends, the guy takes off and her cousin goes home, only to disappear soon after. The action picks up from there, with people looking for the missing girl and her husband turning up dead. Will her uncle be arrested or did the man have other enemies?
There are several stories going on at once, each one expertly tied together at the end. There's also romance, but it doesn't interfere with the plot. Too many times that's not the case.
Jocelyn is a strong and interesting character, one I plan to follow. This is the first book I've read in this series, but I do plan to go back and read the rest.
There are several stories going on at once, each one expertly tied together at the end. There's also romance, but it doesn't interfere with the plot. Too many times that's not the case.
Jocelyn is a strong and interesting character, one I plan to follow. This is the first book I've read in this series, but I do plan to go back and read the rest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2013
Jocelyn and cousin Kyla join the entire Shore clan for a family reunion at her Uncle Kel's ranch. When cousin Ruby Jane goes missing and later her black-sheep husband is found murdered, Kyla and Jocelyn investigate on their own when her uncle turns out to be the prime suspect. Jocelyn's wanna-be boyfriend Austin detective Colin Gallagher offers aid to the local sheriff, but ends up injured when he gets too close to finding answers. Jocelyn and Kyla come face to face with death and stare into the hungry face of a lion. The mystery weaves an exotic animal hunting ranch, a horse betting rivalry, a lawsuit disputing land ownership, and Mexican cartel and drug deals into an exciting but fun story.
July 12, 2013
In Hamrick's new mystery, we are introduced to many of Jocelyn Shore's family members, as they all descend on the family ranch for Thanksgiving. This is only fitting, as part of the allure of these mysteries is the relationship between Jocelyn and her cousin, Kyla. When another cousin's husband, Eddy, is found shot to death, it's unfortunate that their Uncle Kel is the first suspect. The local sheriff seems in over his head, and local cartels seem to be smuggling drugs and other contraband. The small town of Jocelyn's youth has undergone some big city changes. Jocelyn and Kyla's investigations lead them into another dangerous situation, but it kept me guessing as I reached the conclusion.
July 28, 2015
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
July 11, 2013
High school teacher Jocelyn is back on the family ranch for a Thanksgiving day reunion, and so are her two suitors, thanks to her beloved and annoying cousin Kyla. But distracted as she is by her emotional problems, Jocelyn still notices the dead body of her cousin's husband, a man many in and out of the family have threatened. The handsome neighbor Kyla is flirting with is also suing the family over a land dispute; their uncle's long-time partner is even more crooked; and even the local sheriff is acting oddly. Okay, the plot is convoluted, but you gotta love Jocelyn, in her third appearance. I really love these books!
October 7, 2013
Won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Interesting story. The Shore family is having a family reunion. Cousin Eddy ends up getting killed and Uncle Kel is accused of his murder because they previously had a run in and Uncle Kel threatened Eddy with a shotgun. Local slimeball Carl Cress also ends up dead and Uncle Kel is arrested, cousin Kyla's new beau is not what he seems and everyone is in a turmoil. Good story with many twists and turns. My first read in this series. Would like to read more.
July 31, 2013
This is the third book featuring high school teacher,Jocelyn Shore,solving murders. This time Jocelyn is visiting family over Thanksgiving when a crime wave hits. A cousin goes missing, the cousin's husband gets murdered, Jocelyn's uncle is accused of murder and lots more. It is a fast paced easy read.
July 27, 2013
This is a fun series. The characters are quarky yet so true to life. The mystery aspect is usually involved and complex with many plot twists and hilarious moments along the way. Highly enjoyable series.
August 27, 2013
At first, I was afraid this would be a Dick Francis copy cat, but no, it is set in Texas at Uncle Kel's ranch. Everyone is gathering for Thanksgiving, but trouble is afoot! Hope to read her other books.
October 25, 2013
Third in a series that seems to change focus with every book---but they're all funny and clever. This time Jocelyn and her cousin Kyla journey to their uncle's ranch in the Texas Hill Country for Thanksgiving. Naturally murder and mayhem ensue. A fun, fast read.
October 10, 2014
Another setting for Jocelyn and Kyla duet - actually was really good. It was fast-paced, all the time something was happening and it had slightly darker mood about it, than two previous installments. I was very satisfied with all plots and sub-plots explained and closed :)
February 17, 2017
Love this author, the wacky characters & the whole series. Waiting ever so patiently for the next one.
August 12, 2016
I don't often give four stars to cozies, but I like this series, the writing is very good, and I appreciate the humor and fun of the series, along with the distinct Texas setting.
October 22, 2013
Loved this one too! Great writing style & characters. I did NOT see that ending coming! Very original & clever.
July 30, 2013
I wish Janice would write faster. I am loving this series so much! Great characters, and great plots and subplots.
August 10, 2013
A fun lazy summer afternoon read. A family reunion on a ranch with quirky characters and several curves. I'll read her next.
August 13, 2013
Very enjoyable entry in the series!
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August 15, 2013the third book in this delightful series. i enjoyed it tremendously. can't wait for the next installment. murder with a sense of humor and an insane family.
September 14, 2013
Enjoyed book 3 in this series - along with books 1 & 2. Love Janice's wit! Looking forward to reading future books!
October 18, 2013
o.k. book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews