Magic City Murder by Bruce Hammack

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Magic City Murder by Bruce Hammack, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Magic City Murder 
Series: Smiley and McBlythe Mystery Series #16 
Author: Bruce Hammack 
Publisher: Jubilee Publishing 
Release Date: August 6, 2026 
Genre: Mystery / Private Detective

A missing husband. A murdered journalist. A city where everyone has something to hide. 

Blind former Houston homicide detective Steve Smiley and his partner Heather McBlythe take on what looks like a straightforward case: track down a missing husband so his estranged wife can finally file for divorce. 

The simple case turns deadly when the body of the woman the husband has been living with is found in a Miami canal. She wasn't just the missing man's companion — she was an investigative journalist silenced before her story could see the light of day. 

As Smiley and McBlythe dig deeper, they uncover a trail of political corruption and cartel money that someone powerful is determined to keep hidden. With a growing list of suspects, a city full of secrets, and a killer working in the shadows, Smiley must sort through the tangle of lies before whoever is cleaning up loose ends decides Smiley's next.  

Pick up your copy of Magic City Murder today and follow Smiley and McBlythe from Houston to Miami as they chase down a missing husband and a killer who's running out of places to hide. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie-style whodunits who love clever plots, professional detective work, and clean reads without the gore, violence, or explicit content.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | BruceHammack.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More in This Series

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About the Author

Bruce Hammack, a native Texan, began his professional writing career in the tenth grade when the local Rotary Club sponsored a writing contest for students in civics class. To the amazement of students and teachers alike, he won the prize of a twenty-five-dollar savings bond.

After retiring from a career in criminal justice, Bruce picked up the proverbial pen again. He now draws on his extensive background with law enforcement (and criminals) to write contemporary, clean read detective and crime mysteries. 

An avid Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes fan, Bruce firmly believes the world can’t have enough whodunits. When not writing, he enjoys travel, classic whodunits and a quiver full of children and grandchildren. Having lived in eighteen cities around the US and the world, he now makes his home in the Texas Hill Country with his wife of thirty-plus years. 

Connect with Bruce by visiting brucehammack.com to follow him on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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My Thoughts

Miami’s shadows have never looked so irresistible. Magic City Murder by Bruce Hammack is a fast-paced, well-crafted suspense novel packed with sharp twists, engaging dialogue, and memorable investigators. Hammack brings Miami vividly to life, blending the city’s glamour, danger, and gritty underbelly into a mystery that feels both authentic and exciting. From missing persons and murder to organized crime, red herrings, and hidden motives, the plot keeps the pages turning and the suspects shifting. I especially enjoyed how the story balances traditional detective work with emotional depth, giving it heart without ever slowing the suspense. The surprise ending is satisfying, clever, and well earned. Although Magic City Murder is the sixteenth installment in the A Smiley & McBlythe Mystery series, it works equally well as a standalone. Magic City Murder is the kind of mystery that grabs you early and keeps you guessing to the very last page.

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Excerpt

It wasn’t long before the police detective returned and spoke in a firm, somber tone. “A car registered to Daniella Cutter is in a canal on the north side of the city. There’s a body in it.” Kate let out a gasp, her knees buckled, and she eased herself down to the floor. 

Steve turned his attention to Detective Ruiz. “No mention of a second body in the car?”

“Only one, believed to be a woman. I asked.”

“We’ll stay with Kate until we hear from you.”

“Thanks. You know the drill. I’ll need to talk to Ms. Bridges if it’s Daniella Cutter in the car.”

After seeing Manny to the door, Heather returned to the living room in time to see Rasheed helping

Kate off the floor. Steve wrestled a chair from the kitchen table. “Heather, help Rasheed. Put Kate next to the recliner and bring a chair over for you.” Kate took a long drink of water and seemed to rally. “Is this when the questions start?”

“We’ll ease into it,” said Steve. “By your reaction, I think you’ve heard the name Daniella Cutter

before.”

“Peter left me for her. End of story.”

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Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each receive a signed paperback copy of Magic City Murder, a Smiley And McBlythe bookmark, a Reading Log, and book lover stickers!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 23, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 30, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Ready for a mystery packed with suspense, secrets, and plenty of twists? Magic City Murder is available now on Amazon! While you’re there, explore the other novels in the A Smiley & McBlythe Mystery series, along with more thrilling reads from Bruce Hammack. I’ll be back on Tuesday, September 29, with Defending the Innocent Target by Carol J. Post. Until then, have a fantastic weekend—and don’t leave the mystery unsolved: enter the giveaway before you go!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Framed in Amish Country by Mary Alford

 Framed in Amish Country

Book Summary

To prove her innocence

she’ll have to expose a lethal conspiracy.

A frantic call from her best friend sends district attorney Paige Grayson running right into a trap—and now she’s being framed for her friend’s murder. With the police after her and evidence against her stacking up, she seeks refuge in Amish country—and the help of her first love, Elijah King, to clear her name. To expose the drug dealer setting Paige up, they must work together while evading a ruthless criminal and the police. With threats closing in and time running out, one wrong move could be their last.

My Thoughts

Framed in Amish Country by Mary Alford captured my attention from the very first page.  I liked the main characters, Elijah and Paige.  The characters are developed, and I found myself cheering them on (I wanted them to survive).  I loved Gunner, Paige’s dog, who is protective of her, and Elijah’s dogs.  I enjoyed the suspense, action, and mystery.  I could feel the danger and the characters’ emotions.  With Paige and Elijah being near each other and in peril, it arouses old feelings.  Of course, there is still the problem of one being Amish and the other an Englisher. I delight in a good second chance romance. Faith is nicely woven throughout the story.  Forgiveness and grace are two of the themes.  I finished Framed in Amish Country with a smile on my face.  Framed in Amish Country is a captivating tale with a tricked attorney, a dead friend, battling bullets, guard dogs, Amish friends, a cruel criminal, and a second chance romance. 

Framed in Amish Country is available from Amazon* as well as other major retailers.  You can find Mary Alford's other books here.  Mary Alford has Shattered Amish Identity coming out October 28 (you can preorder it now).  Thank you for dropping by today.  I will return on Wednesday, July 2 with Murder, She Wrote:  A Body in Boston by Jessica Fletcher with Terrie Farley Moran. Other books that came out today are Hunting for a Husband by Mindy Steele, Fire Mountain by Dana Mentink, Wyoming Wilderness Survival by Jill Elizabeth Nelson, and Wayward Girls by Susan Wiggs (I will feature on July 3). I recommend all four books.  I am off to hunt for rocking chairs for our new screened porch.  My mother wants them to be red and she would like them to have Ohio State cushions (I have a feeling that I will need to get those made).  I hope that you have a joyful day (we need more happiness in our lives).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

The Shop Down the Lane by Leslie Gould

 The Shop Down the Lane

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Shop Down the Lane by Leslie Gould, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Shop Down the Lane
Series: Letters from Lancaster County
Author: Leslie Gould
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Genre: Amish Romance

Leslie Gould delights in this sweet and humorous Amish romance reminiscent of The Shop Around the Corner and You've Got Mail. 

Lois Yoder has always found solace in the quiet life of Paradise, Pennsylvania, where she manages a gift shop that reflects her Amish community's simple values. Her tranquil world is upended when Moses Lantz, a former Amishman turned Mennonite and the man who broke her heart, buys the shop with ambitious plans to transform it into a tourist hub--a move that Lois fiercely opposes. 

Seeking a distraction, Lois joins a bird watchers' circle letter under an alias. But unknown to her, Moses does the same at the urging of a friend. While their correspondence blossoms into a tender romance, the enmity between Lois and Moses in real life only intensifies. Can they overcome their animosity and embrace the love they've found through their letters, or will their stubborn hearts keep them apart forever? 

This heartwarming Amish romance includes themes of bird watching, correspondence by letters, enemies to lovers, and family secrets for readers of Beverly Lewis, Wanda E. Brunstetter, and Shelley Shepard Gray.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Bethany House | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available:

   

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About the Author

Leslie Gould is a Christy Award-winning and #1 bestselling author of more than 48 novels, including four Lancaster County Amish series. She holds a bachelor's degree in history and an MFA in creative writing. She enjoys church history, research trips, and hiking in the Pacific Northwest. She and her husband live in Portland, Oregon, and have four adult children and two grandchildren.

Connect with Leslie by visiting lesliegould.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

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My Thoughts

The Shop Down the Lane by Leslie Gould is a charming story.  I thought the book was well written with developed main characters. The characters are complex, realistic, and likeable.  I enjoyed getting to know Lois Yoder and Moses Lantz.  Paradise Found, the gift shop where Lois worked, and that Moses purchased sounded like a delightful place thanks to Lois (a shop that I would love to visit).  I especially loved the special tree display with the crocheted birds and the birdhouses hanging from the branches. I liked the bird watching aspect.  I have bird feeders in my yard, and I enjoy seeing the different types of birds that visit (we also have a pond in our village, and we get some unique aquatic birds).  

The bird descriptions were striking which allowed me to visualize them.  It was interesting learning about circle letters. It made curious about how many different types of circle letters there are for the Amish.  I can tell that the author did her research for this book.  The Shop Down the Lane is a story full of emotion.  The author’s vivid descriptions allowed me to envision the scenes.  I could picture Lois zipping along on her scooter.  I am looking forward to the next book in the Letters from Lancaster County series.  The Shop Down the Lane is a special Amish story with a blast from the past, a sold shop, circle letters, a soaring scooter, observing birds, courting troubles, and a hopeful future.

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Excerpt

“How’s the birding going?”

“Gut.” She clasped her hands together. “How did you know I bird?”

“I saw you at the park last week with your bins.”

That was birding slang for binoculars. She tilted her head. “Do you bird?”

He laughed. “Oh no.”

“Oh.” She hadn’t taken John for a birder, although it was common among the Amish.

Personally, she tried not to be obvious about her bird obsession. In fact, she did her best to

hide it, not taking her binoculars from her backpack until she was at her birding destination.

Her brother didn’t think it an appealing look for someone who needed to find a husband.

Thankfully, the bird-themed items in the shop were top sellers. She ordered them not because

she liked them but because they brought in money, which ensured she had a job. “I don’t bird

much,” Lois said. At least not as much as she wished she could.

“That’s good to hear.”

Her heart fell. Not only did he not bird, but he wasn’t positive about it either.

John cleared his throat, wiped his palms on his pants, and asked, “Would you go to the

singing on Sunday at our place with me? Mark and a girl he’s dating plan to go too.” He

spoke quickly. “We can double date. We’ll pick you up at five after we pick up Evelyn.”

Lois tilted her head again. Was John Miller actually asking her out? She stepped to the

counter and repositioned a stack of gift bags. Jah, she was stalling. Just for a moment.

Lois raised her head and met John’s gaze. “Denki,” she said. “May I tell you Sunday at

church?”

He frowned. “I guess so.” Perhaps she should tell him no now, so he could invite someone

else. But what if he intended to court her? Could she be interested in John? She wasn’t sure.

She needed more time to decide before she went on a date with him.

He took a step backward, raised his hat a little, and waved with his free hand. “See you at

church.”

She nodded. “See you then.”

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card and a print copy of The Shop Down the Lane!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 13, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 20, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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The Shop Down the Lane is available from Amazon.  You can find Leslie Gould's other novels here.  If you follow Leslie Gould on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for joining me today.  On Wednesday, May 14, I will be sharing my thoughts on Shot Through the Book by Eva Gates.  It is the twelfth A Lighthouse Library Mystery.  Don't forget to enter the giveaway!  Good Luck!  I hope that you have a lovely spring day. I am off to take down my windchimes (and the inflatables, move the golf cart, etc.).  The roofers are coming on Saturday (hooray!) and the people rebuilding my carport will be here on Monday.  I am looking forward to the new screen porch. I bet my cat, Dickens will enjoy it as well.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Hidden Amish Target by Dana R. Lynn

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Hidden Amish Target by Dana R. Lynn, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Hidden Amish Target 
Series: Amish Country Justice #16
Author: Dana R. Lynn
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: July 25, 2023
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

She’s an accidental witness. 

Now she’s running for her life… 

Witnessing a murder puts a target on Molly Schultz’s back, and now she’s on the run from a gunman dead set on silencing her. She turns to family friend Zeke Bender for help, but when Molly’s identity and location are exposed, they’re left with a criminal among her Amish community. Can Zeke safeguard Molly long enough to catch the culprit—or will they fall prey to their merciless hunter?  

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

More Books in the Series

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About the Author

Dana R. Lynn is an award winning author of romantic suspense and Amish romance who believes in the power of God to touch people through stories. Although she grew up in Illinois, she met her husband at a wedding in Pennsylvania and told her parents she had met her future husband. Nineteen months later, they were married. Today, they live in rural Pennsylvania and are entering the world of empty nesters. She is a teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing by day and writes stories of romance and danger at night. She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray with the Steve Laube Agency. Dana is an avid reader, loves cats and thinks chocolate should be a food group.

Connect with Dana by visiting danarlynn.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Excerpt

There was a thud in the back of the haus, followed by loud footsteps tromping to the closed doorway of the den. Whoever had fired that shot might be heading her way. 

Now! 

Finally pulling the door open, Molly threw herself out of the haus and raced down the doorway, ignoring the pain in her weak leg. The door had barely clicked shut when it burst open again. 

“You!” the angry voice thundered behind her. It was the man who’d been shouting at Terry. Had he shot Terry or Nancy? How close was he? She didn’t take the time to look over her shoulder. A gun barked and a bullet thunked into a tree a foot away from her. She’d been right to leave. She had to find someone who could help.

On the Golden Cliffs by Christen Krumm with Tricia Goyer

On the Golden Cliffs

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for On the Golden Cliffs by Christen Krumm with Tricia Goyer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the book

Title: On the Golden Cliffs
Series: Big Sky Amish #2
Authors: Christen Krumm with Tricia Goyer
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: March 21, 2023
Genre: Christian Contemporary Amish Romance

One wrong post has sent influencer Lyla Taylor’s social media empire crashing to her feet. To save it, she’ll have to escape to rural Montana. Six weeks in a high-end spa won’t hurt…except, she’s not booked into a spa, but at a rustic Amish B&B. Suddenly, her roommates are racoons, and her daily activities include hanging laundry. Thanks, but no thanks. Lyla is ready to hit delete and head back to civilization.

Amishman Reuben Milner has a secret…one that could destroy his world. For now, however, he’s kept his life as a novelist under wraps, focusing on providing for his family after the tragic passing of his father. Renting the dawdi house seems the right move—until the wrong woman moves in. However, she comes with ideas to help improve their B&B, and that, along with her feisty personality, is something Reuben can’t ignore. Even if the elders want him to focus on joining the church and finding a wife. 

When going home isn’t an option, Lyla decides to help the Milners spruce up their rental. It does help distract her from her problems online. The more Lyla works on the rental with Reuben, the more she wonders if returning to her former life is worth it. However, is it the simple life that Lyla’s heart longs for—or a particular guarded Amishman with secrets of his own? And when those secrets are discovered, what will it cost them both?  

Book two in the delightful and sweet Big Sky Amish Collection.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | BookBub | IndieBound

More Books in the Series

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About the Authors

Tricia Goyer writes out of her passion for God and her love for family and others. The author of more than 70 books, she writes both historical fiction and nonfiction related to family and parenting.

This USA Today best-selling author has won a two Carol Awards and a Retailer’s Best Award. She was also an ECPA Gold-Medallion Nominee and a Christy Award Nominee and won Writer of the Year from the Mt. Hermon Christian Writers Conference. 

Tricia’s contemporary and historical novels feature strong women overcoming great challenges. She is a beloved author of Amish fiction, having written the Big Sky and Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series. 

Whether for fiction or nonfiction, Tricia’s writing style is vivid and heartwarming, allowing readers to take home more than engaging stories, but also messages that inspire faith and hope. Her goal is to write stories that matter. 

Connect with Tricia by visiting triciagoyer.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Christen Krumm is the author of the young adult romcom It Happened At Christmas. She lives with her husband and three barefoot wildings in the middle of the world, Oklahoma. She drinks way too much coffee and reads too many books, but creating stories with her Creator is her favorite.

Connect with Christen by visiting christenkrumm.com to follow her on social media, subscribe to email newsletter updates, or listen to her podcast, Exploring the Blank Page.

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My Thoughts

On the Golden Cliffs by Christen Krumm with Tricia Goyer is an entertaining tale.  I like the author’s writing style.   It is friendly and welcoming.  I found myself drawn into this unusual Amish story.    I like the characters the author created for this book.  Lyla Taylor was certainly out of her element when she arrived.  Reuben Milner is one busy man.  I do not believe that Reuben could ever get through his endless to do list.  I like that the author included Reuben’s to do list showing the new additions and what he crossed off (for every item he crossed off, it seemed three were added).  I was not a fan of the excerpts from Rueben’s book.  They took me out of the story and I would have to refocus when I started the next chapter.  There was humor sprinkled throughout the story.  Some of the scenes had me laughing out loud.  Lyla’s adventures on the farm are amusing.  I liked the references to the Betsy-Tacy series which is one of my childhood favorites (I own the whole collection).  There are good life lessons in the story.  My favorite is that when we mess up, God is there for us.  He can give us hope.  I do not believe that God holds our mistakes against us either.  We are meant to learn from them, so that we do better in the future.  This phrase from On the Golden Cliffs is my favorite, “I realized that God gives us gifts and passions and it’s right to pursue them.”  On the Golden Cliffs is the second A Big Sky Amish Novel.  It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series.   I am looking forward to reading Under the Blue Skies which is the third A Big Sky Amish Novel.   On the Golden Cliffs is a unique story with a social media misstep, nocturnal callers, a hidden hidey hole, a lengthy to-do list, a persistent preacher, a precious paperback, and a life lesson learned.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of On the Golden Cliffs and a $10 voucher to the Sunrise Shop!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 20, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 27, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics. Click HERE to enter.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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On the Golden Cliffs is available from Amazon*.  The first A Big Sky Amish Novel is Beyond the Gray Mountains.  The third A Big Sky Amish Novel is Under the Blue Skies which comes out August 8.  You can find Tricia Goyer's other novels here and Christen Krumm's here.  Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour for A Flicker of Doubt by Daryl Wood Gerber.  It is the fourth A Fairy Garden Mystery.  There is a giveaway!  I hope that you have a day filled with smiles.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.