Mad Dog & Englishman: A Mystery Novel by J.M. Hayes | Paperback Crime Fiction Book | Perfect for Mystery Lovers & Book Club Discussions

A slight, enjoyable mystery that takes itself exactly as seriously as it should, and doesn't outstay its welcome, Mad Dog and Englishman was a good read, especially given its current price on the Kindle (free).Sheriff English has a Deputy he can't fire, an ex-wife that won't quit, and half-brother whose senses are on a leave-of-absence. But these small-town tribulations pale into nothingness when the local priest's mutilated corpse shows up. Who killed him, and why?Hayes' writing is what really sets this book apart from other, more pedestrian mysteries, with similarly preposterous plots. He captures the rural setting with great accuracy and affection. Anyone from a small town will recognise the types and the way they react, but I was really impressed by how he refused to turn his characters into superheros when the plot demanded it. Instead, when a very unusual violence sweeps into town, the characters are at a loss, and make several bad decisions - exactly as ordinary people would do.But whatever the danger, the tone remains light, and the narrative bustles along. In this respect, Mad Dog and Englishman felt very "television" to me - lovable characters, light tone, dastardly deeds. This isn't a knock on the book, but anyone looking for adamantine logic and emotional (or otherwise) realism should best look elsewhere.They would be missing out though. Hayes has written an enjoyable romp, almost a perfect holiday read.