Picture a Texas storyteller who blends mystery with a hearty dose of humor—meet Ben Rehder! Born in Austin, this acclaimed author swapped the fast-paced world of advertising for the wild, witty landscapes of comic crime fiction. Best known for his Blanco County mystery series, Rehder’s debut novel, Buck Fever, snagged an Edgar Award nomination and set the stage for a career that’s as entertaining as a Texas tall tale.
The Making of Ben Rehder
Ben Rehder grew up in Austin, Texas, soaking in the vibrant culture of the Lone Star State. A 1986 graduate of the University of Texas, he initially carved out a successful career in advertising, crafting clever campaigns before a serendipitous moment changed his path. Legend has it that his father-in-law tossed him a Carl Hiaasen novel—quite literally, hitting him square in the forehead! Once the swelling subsided, Rehder discovered comic crime fiction, a genre that sparked his creative fire and led him to pen his own novels.
Ben Rehder’s Unforgettable Stories
Rehder’s Blanco County series, set in the quirky heart of Texas Hill Country, follows game warden John Marlin as he tackles poachers, murderers, and a parade of eccentric locals. His debut, Buck Fever (2002), kicks off with a bizarre tale of a man in a deer costume and a lovesick buck, earning praise for its relentless humor and sharp satire. Bone Dry (2003) keeps the laughs coming with a seductive blonde disarming hunters, while Flat Crazy (2004) dives into chupacabra-fueled chaos. Rehder’s style, often compared to Carl Hiaasen and Tim Dorsey, blends zany plots with vivid characters and a quintessentially Texan wit that pokes fun at hunting culture and small-town life.
Beyond Blanco County, Rehder launched the Roy Ballard Mysteries, starting with Gone the Next (2012), where a videographer stumbles into a kidnapping case. With 14 novels to his name, Rehder’s knack for weaving suspense, humor, and heart has made his books best-of-the-year picks by Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Kirkus Reviews. His prose is packed with clever metaphors and a playful tone that keeps readers hooked.
Why Ben Rehder Matters
Ben Rehder has carved a unique niche in crime fiction, bringing Texas to life with a humor that’s as big as the state itself. His ability to balance murder mysteries with laugh-out-loud satire has earned him a loyal following and critical acclaim, including Edgar, Shamus, and Barry Award nominations. By spotlighting the quirks of rural life, Rehder offers a fresh take on the genre, proving that crime stories can be as hilarious as they are thrilling.
- Born: Austin, Texas
- Key Works: Buck Fever, Bone Dry, Flat Crazy, Gone the Next
- Awards: Edgar Award finalist, Shamus Award finalist, Barry Award finalist, Texas Philosophical Society Award of Merit (2013)
Ready for a wild ride through Texas Hill Country? Snag Buck Fever and dive into Ben Rehder’s hilarious world of mystery and mayhem!