Step into the wild, hilarious world of the Blanco County Mysteries, where Texas game warden John Marlin tackles crimes as bizarre as a chupacabra on the loose! This Edgar-nominated series by Ben Rehder blends laugh-out-loud humor, quirky characters, and sharp mysteries, offering a satirical romp through the heart of Texas Hill Country.
With its unique mix of small-town charm and outrageous plot twists, Blanco County Mysteries captures the essence of rural Texas while poking fun at its hunting culture and eccentric locals. If you’re craving a mystery series that’s equal parts witty and wild, buckle up for a ride through Blanco County!
How Blanco County Mysteries Began
Ben Rehder, an Austin native and University of Texas graduate, kicked off the Blanco County Mysteries with his debut novel, Buck Fever, in 2002. Inspired by the zany comic crime novels of Carl Hiaasen, Rehder swapped Florida’s swamps for Texas’s deer trails, infusing his stories with a distinctly Texan flair. His background in advertising sharpened his knack for clever dialogue and satirical humor, earning Buck Fever an Edgar Award nomination for Best First Novel.
Rehder’s love for Texas culture and his keen eye for absurdity shaped the series’ unique voice. He crafted John Marlin as a grounded hero navigating a world of oddballs, from scheming rednecks to out-of-place mobsters, setting the stage for a series that’s as entertaining as it is unpredictable.
The Heart of Blanco County Mysteries
The series follows John Marlin, a Blanco County game warden who’d rather protect wildlife than solve murders—but trouble always finds him. In Buck Fever, the series opener, Marlin investigates a poaching scheme gone wrong, unraveling a web of greed and hilarity during deer season. Bone Dry, the second book, amps up the chaos with a seductive blonde disarming hunters and a dead body in the woods, alongside a loud-mouthed ex-New Yorker stirring up trouble.
Flat Crazy introduces a mythical chupacabra and a murder with a fang-like wound, blending tabloid frenzy with small-town shenanigans. Guilt Trip sees Marlin tackling a missing Rotary Club treasurer, a stolen Corvette, and a drug-fueled explosion, all while navigating Texas’s high-fence hunting debates. Themes of greed, environmentalism, and small-town politics weave through the series, delivered with Rehder’s irreverent humor and fast-paced plots.
Set in the fictional Blanco County, the series paints a vivid picture of Texas Hill Country, where deer blinds, cold beers, and colorful locals define the landscape. Rehder’s satirical take on hunting culture and human folly, paired with his knack for intertwining subplots, keeps readers hooked. Fans compare his style to Hiaasen and Tim Dorsey, but the Texan twang makes Blanco County Mysteries a standout in comic crime fiction.
Why Blanco County Mysteries Resonates
Blanco County Mysteries has carved a niche in the mystery genre, earning praise from outlets like Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews for its sharp wit and relentless humor. The series’ ability to balance satire with suspense has won over fans who relish its over-the-top characters, like redneck duo Red O’Brien and Billy Don Craddock, whose get-rich-quick schemes never fail to amuse.
Rehder’s series also shines a light on Texas’s hunting culture and environmental issues, making it both a love letter to the state and a playful critique. Its enduring appeal lies in its escapist fun—readers can dive into a world where the stakes are high, but the laughs are higher. With over a dozen books and a loyal fanbase, Blanco County Mysteries remains a gem for those seeking a fresh, funny take on crime fiction.
- First Book Published: Buck Fever (2002)
- Total Books: 10+ in the series
- Awards: Edgar Award nominee for Buck Fever; praised by Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews
- Setting: Blanco County, Texas
Grab Buck Fever and dive into the Blanco County Mysteries for a hilarious, heart-pounding adventure in Texas’s wildest corner!