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The Rock Hole Audiobook
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(3.14) - 76 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
It’s a whole other country out there.
In 1964, when Ned Parker, farmer and part-time constable, is summoned to a cornfield one hot morning to examine the remains of a tortured bird dog, he discovers that there is a dark presence in their quiet community of Center Springs, Texas. Ned is usually confident handling moonshiners, drunks, and instances of domestic dispute. But when it comes to animal atrocities—which then turn to murder—the investigation spins beyond his abilities.
Ned combines forces with John Washington, a well-known black deputy sheriff from nearby Paris, Texas, to track down a disturbed individual who has become a threat to their small community.
As the case takes a dizzying series of twists and brings forth eccentric characters as well as several dead ends, Ned’s cranky friend, Judge O. C. Rains, is forced to contact the FBI. Then, sinister warnings that his family has been targeted by the killer lead Ned to the startling discovery that he knows the murderer very well. After the failed abduction of his precocious grandchildren, Top and Pepper, the old lawman becomes judge and jury to end what has become a murder spree in the Red River bottomlands. And it signals the end of an era in Center Springs.
In bald-headed, pot-bellied Ned Parker, Wortham has created an authentic American hero reminiscent of the best heroes and antiheroes in a story that blends country humor with heart-pounding suspense and ends with a stunning climax that may well shock our civilized sensibilities.
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"The Poisoned Pen Press got a great Author here in Reavis Z.Wortham! This book was fantastic! A western mystery taken place in Texas in the 60's.Great writing with fun characters that will stick with the reader.If you are a fan of mystery novels, don't pass this one up!"
— Brian (4 out of 5 stars)
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“A sensitive, suspenseful debut crime novel. Full of twists, wry and earthy humor...The novel proceeds at a racing pace through event after event as suspicion grows and plot twist after twist keeps readers off-balance until the stunning climax is reached.”
— Marilyn Meredith, author of the Deputy Tempe Crabtree and the Rocky Bluff P.D. mystery series -
“I was hooked after listening to the sample excerpt—this narrator, Burns, has some serious talent…[His] outstanding skill at capturing the horror and humor in the story kept me glued to my headphones. He also expertly distinguishes the characters’ voices without resorting to stereotypical accents or falsetto voices.” Unshelved.com
— Unshelved.com -
“Solid characters and a vivid depiction of a vanishing period make this a series to watch.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“Wortham does a great job of creating a foreboding atmosphere from the get-go. His assured debut is multilayered and shows his love of storytelling. The juxtaposition of the old ways with the new era—the civil-rights movement and the Vietnam War—provides just the kindling needed for a crackling good mystery in a Western setting.”
— Library Journal -
“Not just scary but funny, too, as Wortham nails time and place in a sure-handed, captivating way. There’s a lot of good stuff in this unpretentious gem. Don’t miss it.”
— Kirkus Reviews (starred review) -
“What a gem of a book! Poisoned Pen Press has discovered a new author whose writing is a delight...fully captivating.”
— Mysteries Etc.
Awards
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One of Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books: Mysteries
The Rock Hole Listener Reviews
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" Set in the 1960s on the Red River between Oklahoma and Texas--shades of "To Kill a Mockingbird" with kids and a constable grandfather and not-glossed-over crimes. "
— Debra, 6/23/2013 -
" Excellent mystery which looks at life in Texas in 1960s. While a constable searches for a serial killer, we see the world through the eyes of his 10 year-old grandson which is hilarious. It reminds me a bit of To Kill a Mockingbird. "
— Hopeton, 5/9/2013 -
" enjoyable, old time justice prevails. "
— Barb, 3/9/2013 -
" Set in a small community in Texas in 1964, the details about life ring true. The pacing was just right, the characters were believable, and the mystery was gruesomely good. I really enjoyed this one. "
— Tia, 8/19/2012 -
" A well written coming of age in the mid 60's story built around an intriguing murder mystery. The author gives great flavor of West Texas Border town in 1964. The characters are very believable. "
— Michael, 6/29/2012 -
" I loved the writing and the story was excellent. I want to read another one. "
— Michelle, 3/21/2012 -
" Chilling small-town Texas mystery set in the 60s. A stay-up-late read. "
— Thecowman32, 12/17/2011 -
" I really liked this book....surprisingly so. "
— Christina, 8/15/2011
About Reavis Z. Wortham
Reavis Z. Wortham, as a boy, hunted and fished the river bottoms near Chicota, Texas, the inspiration for his fictional Center Springs. He is the author of Doreen’s 24 HR Eat Gas Now Café and the acclaimed Red River mysteries. Novels in his Red River Mystery series have been named a Best Book of the Year by the Dallas Morning News, Strand Magazine, and Kirkus Reviews. He is the humor editor for and frequent contributor to Texas Fish and Game Magazine. His work has also appeared in American Cowboy, Texas Sporting Journal, and several other magazines. He is retired after spending thirty-five years as an educator.
About Traber Burns
Traber Burns worked for thirty-five years in regional theater, including the New York, Oregon, and Alabama Shakespeare festivals. He also spent five years in Los Angeles appearing in many television productions and commercials, including Lost, Close to Home, Without a Trace, Boston Legal, Grey’s Anatomy, Cold Case, Gilmore Girls, and others.