Book Review

[Happydog]

SMOKE AND MURDERS -A REVIEW
DOUGLAS CHANDLER GRAHAM
Blain Hodges, Teresa Hodges, and their two young daughters were
brutally murdered in their
home in Vinton, Virginia in August 1994. Earl Bramblett was arrested,
tried, convicted and executed
for the crime. Author Douglas Chandler Graham is convinced Bramblett
was framed and
is on a mission to find justice for Bramblett.
Smoke And Murders is a fictionalized account of the crime. Many of the
characters are
sketches of people close to the case. Except for the murders, much of
the story is made up.
Graham has included all the ingredients of a first rate, hard boiled
mystery. From the crime
scene on we meet corrupt cops, drug dealers, a careless medical
examiner and a long list of
intriguing, believable characters.
It is set in rural Virginia in a small town where the haves avoid the
have-nots and gossip and
speculation is the favorite pastime. The town elite demand a
conviction and for the problem to
go away. A State Police investigator has hand picked his suspect and
quickly brings the mayor
and local cops onside.
Graham draws on his considerable research of the evidence and
knowledge of the case to
form a plausible theory as to what he believes really happened. His
hypothesis is played out in
this fast paced, enjoyable read. He brings together all the players
and cleverly sets the tone for
the sequel, leaving the reader wanting more.
I highly recommend Smoke And Murders to fans of True Crime and Murder
Mysteries and I
look forward to the sequel, “Three Trailers Down” (November 2009).
Reviewed by WR Potter for Reader’s Choice Reviews.