The Double-Jack Murders by Patrick F. McManus

I was enticed by Patrick F. McManus' first Sheriff Bo Tully mystery because I knew his reputation for humorous writing about the outdoors. These mysteries successfully combine the outdoors, humor, and a little bit of mystery. The Double-Jack Murders is the latest enjoyable story, filled with innuendo, and good-hearted verbal sparring between the characters.

Meet Sheriff Bo Tully, the latest in a string of Tullys who have been sheriff in Blight County, Idaho. He's a successful politician, as evidenced by the fourth annual Sheriff Bo Tully Empty the Freezer Day, when he and his deputies bring out all the meat still in the freezer, and provide a free picnic to the county citizens. Even Tully's father, Pap, the former sheriff, is jealous that he never thought of that political ploy.

But, Tully has problems this year. Everyone in the county knows Lucas Kincaid, a murderer, has escaped from prison after only two months, and he's out to get Sheriff Tully, the man who arrested him. Tully has a plan, though. He and Pap, and their friend, Dave, will go camping, setting themselves up as targets, while Deputy Brian Pugh sets himself up to take out Kincaid.

And, while they're camping, Tully just might look into the disappearance of two men eighty-two years earlier. So, even while he's out camping, he can charge his expenses to the county. It's "The Blight Way." And, if his plan gets Kincaid at the same time, all the better.

McManus' latest mystery is filled with funny comments and situations. Only McManus gives readers Clarence, the dog who is a criminal, arrested a couple times for hiding under cars and biting at ankles. Or Pap, the dirty old man who can sleep between two coffins, scaring someone to death when he suddenly sits up. I was half-way through this book before I realized I enjoy the books because there is no foul language, no sex scenes, but plenty of eyebrow-wiggling innuendo. It's fun to meet the eccentric characters of Blight County, Idaho. You can't go wrong with Patrick F. McManus for a fun story of a sheriff who continues to run the county in "The Blight Way." McManus doesn't disappoint readers with the third book in the series, The Double-Jack Murders.

Patrick F. McManus' website is www.patrickfmcmanus.com

The Double-Jack Murders by Patrick F. McManus. Simon & Schuster, ©2009. ISBN 9781439131350 (hardcover), 228p.