Rating: 
Summary: A satirical but compelling character rich debut mystery
Review: Sometimes testimonials and covers can backfire. Unless the reader is a fan of the author writing the testimonial, they might be inclined to turn down reading the book thinking it is similar to the style of the testimonial writer. For example, Tim Dorsey wrote the front cover testimonial of this Edgar nominated debut effort of Ben Rehder. Dorsey compares Rehder to Hiaasen. Personally I don't like Tim Dorsey's books and Hiaasen is all right in limited doses. The only reason I picked up Buck Fever is the fact that it is a nominated book. Somewhat surprisingly, it is an edgy, crime novel that would be considered mildly comic at best-- nothing like Dorsey or Hiaason. It is a very good debut effort.
In Blanco County, Texas-- near Austin, it is a week before the start of deer hunting season. Things are gearing up at the Circle S ranch where they are about to let loose the high-paying hunters on their stock of deer. A couple of poachers trying to get a jump on the hunters shoot a deer and are surprised to see it is a man dressed up in a deer costume. Trey Sweeney, the man in the deer costume, is biologist doing field work and is a personal friend of Game Warden John Marlin. Marlin looks into the matter and notices a buck exhibiting odd behavior. He subdues the buck and brings it to the local vet to be examined. However, the buck is stolen after the vet is assaulted. Marlin wants to find out why. His investigation places him directly into the sights of some highly unsavory characters who certainly will kill without hesitating.
Ben Rehder is being billed as "the funniest crime writer in Texas". Let me state emphatically, this book is not that funny. The characters are a bit over the top but really no more so than many other debut writers. Rehder might have been trying to write a somewhat satirical novel about the deer hunting industry. Instead he wrote a compelling character rich atmospheric crime novel that is deserving of the Edgar nomination.
Rating:
Summary: Light, but fun
Review: There's not much depth to the characters, and the plot goes along fairly predictable lines...but you just can't help enjoying the book. I read it in one sitting and had a good time.
Rating: 
Summary: wonderful game warden mystery
Review: Usually the opening week of dear hunting season in Blanco County, Texas is a bit wild but this year things get really crazy the week before the season opens. Red O'Brien and Billy Don Craddock are poaching on the tail end of the Circle S Ranch when they spot some big dear. They shoot but one of the deer they are aiming at is a human in disguise and the other is jumping around like a kangaroo.Game Warden John Marlin is called onto the scene and recognizes the bouncing deer as Buck who his best friend Phil Colby raised as an infant. John gives Buck back to Phil even though the deer technically belongs to the owner of the Circle S, retired but still powerful lobbyist Roy Swank. For some reason, Swank wants the deer back and will go to any length to achieve that goal no matter who gets hurt in the process. This first installment in this new mystery series is both serious and funny, sometimes at the same time. The protagonist plays straight man to all the eccentric characters that make up the support cast, giving BUCK FEVER an almost slapstick feel at times. The story line is well developed with all the sub-plots tying seamlessly into the main tale. Ben Rehder has a distinctively refreshing and original voice, a bright new star in the mystery genre. Harriet Klausner
Rating: 
Summary: Good Book, but Not My Thing
Review: With deer season only a week away, Game Warden John Marlin has his hands full trying to ride heard on poachers who just can't wait to start hunting. The last thing he needs is someone shot in a field. Especially someone wearing a deer suit. While investigating, he finds a buck that is acting just plain loopy. Meanwhile, a body is found in a nearby dam. As Deputy Bobby Garza begins to investigate this mysterious death, other strange things start to happen. Can the two law men piece the puzzle together? I was amazed at the plotting in this book. The author is able to keep several balls in the air at the same time and bring everything together for a nice conclusion at the end. The characters were interesting as well, and it was easy to root for the good guys. Characterization is also where a problem lies. The author spends a little too much time on needless character history, sometimes stopping the story to do it. Also, while billed as a humorous story, I didn't find myself laughing. I was certainly engaged and anxious to keep reading, however. On a personal level, I didn't enjoy a few of the characters and situations. Then again, I generally stick with "cozies" and I knew this wasn't one before I started reading. Readers who enjoy a "caper" storyline will enjoy this book. It's a well plotted first effort that will win the author many well deserved fans. I'm glad I gave it a try, but I think I'll head back to my normal selections now.
Rating:
Summary: Good Book, but Not My Thing
Review: With deer season only a week away, Game Warden John Marlin has his hands full trying to ride heard on poachers who just can't wait to start hunting. The last thing he needs is someone shot in a field. Especially someone wearing a deer suit. While investigating, he finds a buck that is acting just plain loopy. Meanwhile, a body is found in a nearby dam. As Deputy Bobby Garza begins to investigate this mysterious death, other strange things start to happen. Can the two law men piece the puzzle together? I was amazed at the plotting in this book. The author is able to keep several balls in the air at the same time and bring everything together for a nice conclusion at the end. The characters were interesting as well, and it was easy to root for the good guys. Characterization is also where a problem lies. The author spends a little too much time on needless character history, sometimes stopping the story to do it. Also, while billed as a humorous story, I didn't find myself laughing. I was certainly engaged and anxious to keep reading, however. On a personal level, I didn't enjoy a few of the characters and situations. Then again, I generally stick with "cozies" and I knew this wasn't one before I started reading. Readers who enjoy a "caper" storyline will enjoy this book. It's a well plotted first effort that will win the author many well deserved fans. I'm glad I gave it a try, but I think I'll head back to my normal selections now.
| 
